M.W. Israel M. Bullock 1879

Israel M. Bullock

A number of Presidents of the United States have died in office but Brother Israel M. Bullock is the only Grand Master of Connecticut among our eighty-six to so do. He was born in Thompson May 21, 1844, and besides the schools of his native town and Suffield Academy, he enjoyed the advantages of Brown University. From the latter he graduated with honors in 1865. During his college course he served a three-months' enlistment with Rhode Island volunteers in the Civil War.

Returning to Putnam he studied law with George W. Phillips and was admitted to the bar in Windham County. Starting his practice in Norwalk he was so highly regarded that he was chosen to represent that city in the General Assembly in 1869. Soon he removed to Bridgeport and formed partnerships, first with Amos E. Treat and later with R. E. DeForest. He served Bridgeport as prosecuting attorney and corporation counsel and for three years sat as Judge of the City Court. In the Connecticut National Guard he was Brigade Quartermaster with the rank of Captain in 1871. His death occurred October 20, 1879.

In Masonry he started his career in St. John's Lodge, No.6, being made a Master Mason July 25, 1867. When he moved to Bridgeport he affiliated with the new lodge, Corinthian Lodge, No. 104, December 7, 1869. What his brethren thought of him is shown by the fact that he was Master in 1872 and 1873 as well as 1876 and 1877. He was exalted in Washington Chapter, No. 24, R. A. M., on March 10, 1869; received his degree in Cryptic Masonry March 23 of the same year in Washington Council, No. 17; Knighted in Clinton Commandery, No.3, on March 26, 1869. He dimitted to Jerusalem Chapter, No. 13, and Hamilton Commandery, No.5, when he removed to Bridgeport. In the latter place he also received his Scottish Rite degrees. In Hamilton Commandery and the Grand Commandery he held many offices. In the Grand Lodge his first office was Grand Junior Steward to which he was appointed in 1872. January 16, 1879, saw him elected to the Grand East to serve as Grand Master for nine months. He was buried in Putnam with Masonic honors in the presence of the Grand Lodge officers. Members of Hamilton Commandery, No. 5, K. T., of which Brother Bullock was a member, served as bearers.

On January 21, 1880, there was held at Masonic Hall in Hartford a Memorial Session of the Grand Lodge at which was delivered by Brother Gilbert W. Phillips the touching Address on the Life and Character of Brother Bullock. This can be found in the little volume issued by Grand Secretary Wheeler and entitled "In Memoriam."

Because of his earnest and convincing eloquence, his strict integrity and spotless honor, together with a depth of kindness, firm fidelity and devotion to duty, Masonry and the world without suffered a great loss in his death. His picture appears in the Proceedings of 1880.