M.W. William Wallace Lee 1874-1875

William Wallace Lee

Brother Lee was born in the town of Barkhamsted July 20, 1828. He received his education in its district school with the scanty privileges which in that day it afforded. By patient study and much. reading he was enabled to acquire a liberal share of practical knowledge. His sound judgment and fondness for reading kept him well informed on the intellectual topics of the day.

At the age of 17 he commenced his apprenticeship and served four years, learning the machinist trade, which was his vocation through life. In the fall of 1862 he located in the city of Meriden, and soon became deeply interested in the affairs of his town -and state. He served four years as Alderman in the city government, and in 1886 he represented his city in the State Legislature.

In "Odd Fellowship" he also spent part of his time and in 1877 and 1878 was Grand Master of the State Grand Lodge of Odd Fellows.

Historically inclined, he was a charter member in Connecticut of the "Sons of the American Revolution." He held the highest state office in the "Sons of Temperance" and in the Church was a Unitarian.

He was made a Mason in Morning Star Lodge, No. 47, Seymour, August 28, 1854; was a charter member of Olive Branch Lodge, No. 84, in 1857, serving as its first Senior Deacon. On his removal to Meriden, he affiliated with Meridian Lodge, No. 77, and was its Master in 1867. He was exalted in Solomon Chapter, No.3, at Ansonia, May 4, 1860; was a charter member of Union Council, No. 27, in the same year; was its Master in 1861. He was Knighted in St. Elmo Commandery, No.9, in 1875. The Grand Chapter, O. E. S., honored him as Grand Patron in 1876 and 1877.

His first appearance in the Grand Lodge was in 1856 and he was elected Grand Junior Deacon in 1869. He was Grand Master in 1874 and 1875, Grand High Priest in 1872 and 1873, and Grand Master of the Grand Council in 1867. He was President of the Order of High Priesthood for three years, and for twenty-six years President of the Connecticut Masonic Veteran Association, which position he held at his death. He was also, for about ten years, Chairman of the Committee on Correspondence of the Grand Council of Connecticut. He was deeply interested in the history of the Craft in his native state, and spent much time in searching the records and writing the history of many of its lodges. He will ever be remembered as a genial, earnest, every-day Mason. .

He died at his residence in the city of Meriden September 14, 1903. His picture appears in the 1904 Proceedings.