M.W. Anders Jacobsen 1937
Anders Jacobsen
Although born in Hartford on January 22, 1874, he, in early childhood moved to Tolland County where he spent the remainder of his long and active life.
Brought up on the farm he early turned to a business career, first in the grocery business from 1896 to 1904, then in the drug business from 1904 to 1910. He then bought and managed a garage and service station in Stafford Springs until 1925, when he received the appointment as Postmaster, in which office he served under several Presidential appointments until 1936. He then entered the insurance business which he conducted for the remainder of his life, at the same time being Secretary of the Building and Loan Association.
"Andy", as he was known to his friends, was a staunch Republican.
Any other political party was, to him, "Clandestine". Although he shook the hand of President Franklin D. Roosevelt at a reception to the Grand Masters in Washington, he was particular to make it clear that he had not voted for him. He served his Town as First Selectman and in other political offices; and his Church, the Grace Episcopal, long and faithfully as Vestryman.
Raised in Ionic Lodge No. 110, in Stafford Springs, on December 18, 1895, he immediately took an active part in Lodge activities and became its Master in 1903, filling that Office for two terms. In later life he served his Lodge for many years as its Secretary. He also held membership in Orient Chapter No. 42, R. A. M. and was elected its High Priest in the years 1910, 1911 and 1912. He was a member of Adoniram Council No. 14, R. & S. M.; St. John's Commandery No. 11, K. T.; and Sphinx Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. He also took an active part in the Order of the Eastern Star and was Worthy Patron of Baker Chapter No. 74 in 1917.
He received his first appointment from the Grand Lodge in 1924, that of District Deputy of the Ninth Masonic District, and served in the Office for two terms. Starting with his appointment as Grand Junior Steward in 1931, he progressed through the Grand Lodge Offices and was elected Grand Master in February 1937.
His career came to its close on July 3, 1947, when he died after a brief illness in his home town of Stafford Springs. His many friends and brethren gathered to pay their final respects and the Masonic Burial Service was conducted by the officers of the Grand Lodge. Burial was in the Stafford Springs Cemetery.
His sincerity and earnestness in all that he set his hand to do will ever be an inspiration to his brethren, and his humanity and interest in the welfare of his friends and his Fraternity will not be soon forgotten.
