M.W. Henry K. Plumb 1945

Henry K. Plumb

Henry K. Plumb was born in Terryville, Conn. on June 16, 1888, the son of the late Henry Brooks Plumb and Myra Love Plumb.

Receiving his early schooling in Brooklyn, New York, he graduated from Erasmus High School, Brooklyn, New York in 1906. He was graduated from Sheffield Scientific School, Yale University, with the class of 1910.

On July 9, 1910 he married Miss Frances Louise Bush, better known as "Louise", of Branford, Conn. Of this marriage five daughters were born: Mrs. George Gamble, Mrs. Howard Andrade, Mrs. Dwight Rutledge, Mrs. William Atkinson of Connecticut and Mrs. Richard Knowlton of New Jersey, all of whom survive. Also surviving are two brothers, a sister, eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Mrs. Plumb died on February 28, 1965 after a long illness.

Brother Plumb's Masonic record dates back to May 10, 1917 when he was raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason in Hiram Lodge No.1 of New Haven, Conn. Demitting from Hiram Lodge in 1921, Brother Plumb affiliated with King Hiram Lodge No. 12 after moving to Derby, serving as Worshipful Master of King Hiram in 1931. In 1933 and 1934 he was District Deputy of the Third Masonic District. In 1937, M.W. Anders Jacobsen appointed Bro. Plumb as Grand Junior Steward. From here the advancement was steady until 1945 when he was elected the 99th Grand Master of Masons in Connecticut. He also was active in other bodies and orders, serving as High Priest of Solomon Chapter No.3, R.A.M. in 1932; Thrice Illustrious Master of Union Council No. 27 R. & S.M. in 1940; Past President of New Haven County Actual Past Masters' Association; Patron of Queen Esther Chapter No. 31, O.E.S. in 1928. He was Knighted in Hamilton Commandery No.5, affiliating with New Haven Commandery No. 2 after moving to Branford, Conn. in 1948. He was a member of all the Scottish Rite Bodies in the Valley of New Haven and of Lafayette Consistory. He became a member of Pyramid Temple A.A.O.N.M.S. in 1945, and was active on the "Shrine Degree Team" for many years. He served as a Grand Representative of the Grand Lodge of Louisiana near the Grand Lodge of Conn. He also held a dual membership in Widow's Son Lodge No. 66 of Branford. Active in Masonry until his death he was named as a Charter Member of Masonic Lodge of Research, whose Charter was voted by the Grand Lodge on April 8, 1966. During his term as Grand Master, the development and practice of presenting 25 year pins was brought to light. Brother Plumb's long and distinguished service did not go unnoticed, for at the Grand Lodge in 1950 he was awarded the Pierpont Edwards Medal in Bronze for Distinguished Masonic Service.

In the business world he was employed by the railroad for a short time, after which he became connected with the Winchester Repeating Arms Company, in 1914, and worked there during the First World War. In 1919 he started with the Graham Manufacturing Co. of Derby and was with the firm for 25 years, serving as Secretary Treasurer. From 1944 to 1948 he was with the firm of G. R. Angrave and Company, Industrial Engineers of Waterbury. He later opened and operated his own wholesale hardware business in Branford until his full retirement in 1953. He also served Branford as a member on the Board of Finance.

He was a member of Troop "A" Cavalry of New Haven, and saw duty with this unit on the Mexican Border as a Corporal in 1916. Later, when the unit became part of the State Guard in World War I, Brother Plumb became a Second Lieutenant.

Always an ardent church member he served as an officer in the Church of the Good Shepherd of Derby. Later, as a member of Trinity Episcopal Church of Branford, he was a vestryman.

Brother Plumb was called to his reward on May 1, 1966. He was 77 years old. Masonic Services were held by King Hiram Lodge No. 12, with Widow's Son Lodge No. 66 in attendance at the Curtis Funeral Home on May 4th. Church Services were held at 11:00 A.M. on May 5th at the Trinity Episcopal Church" in Branford, with the Rev. James F. Martin officiating. Burial was in the Bush family plot in East Lawn Cemetery, East Haven, Conn. A large attendance of Grand Lodge members were present.

"His working tools have been laid down - but his work will be remembered. Brother Plumb will be missed by all who knew him."