M.W. Ernest R. Dayton 1962
Ernest R. Dayton
Ernest R. Dayton, the 116th Grand Master of Masons in Connecticut, was called to the Lodge above on August 4, 1972.
A native of Marlboro, New York, he was the oldest of five children born to Eldorous and Katherine Lyons Dayton. He received his education at Newburgh Academy, Newburgh, New York, and Pace College in New York City, after graduating he became a certified public accountant in New York and later in Connecticut. In this capacity he served with Lybrand, Ross Bros. & Montgomery in New York City. He served as comptroller of Everly M. Davis Chemical Corporation and assistant comptroller of the American Agriculture Chemical Company in New York. Russell Manufacturing Company lured him to Middletown, Connecticut in 1936. Retiring from this company as Vice-President and Treasurer in 1956, he formed the public accounting firm of Dayton and Piercey in Middletown, Connecticut. He was active in this firm until the day before his death.
In 1918 he married Beatrice S. Fitzgibbons of Yonkers, New York, who died in 1958. To them were born four children, two sons, David S. Dayton of Acton, Mass. and Major Jonathan Dayton of Castle A.F.B., California, and two daughters, Mrs. Thomas T. (Virginia) Adams of Barrington, Illinois, and Miss Audrey Dayton at home, who with ten grandchildren and four great-grandchildren survive him. He subsequently married in 1962 Claire Hedges, who died in 1969.
1LW. Dayton was made a Master Mason in St. John's Lodge No.2 in Middletown on June 18, 1937 and served as its Worshipful Master in 1945. He was exalted in Washington Chapter No.6, R.A.M. in 1942, Excellent High Priest in 1961; received and greeted in Columbia Council No.9, R. & S.M. in 1943, Thrice Illustrious Master in 1957; knighted in Cyrene Commandery No.8, K.T. in 1943, Eminent Commander in 1948. He served as Associate Prelate from 1949 to 1956 and as Prelate from 1957 to 1961. He joined Sphinx Temple, A.A.O.N.M.S., in June of 1943 and Connecticut Consistory, S.P.R.S., 32nd Degree, in December of 1945. He was also a member of Charter Oak Lodge of Perfection; Hartford Council, Princes of Jerusalem; and Cyrus Goodell Chapter, Rose Croix. His first Grand Lodge appointment was as District Deputy of the Seventh Masonic District in 1951. He was appointed Grand Junior Steward of the Grand Lodge in 1954.
He was also a member of Connecticut Priory No. 28, Knights of the York Cross of Honour; Lady Washington Chapter No. 45, Order of Eastern Star; Masonic Veterans' Association; Order of High Priesthood of Connecticut. From 1940 to 1959 he was treasurer and director of the Masonic Building Association of Middletown.
He gave unstintingly of his time in civic affairs as well as Masonry. He was vice-president and chairman of the Budget Committee of the United Fund of Middletown, served as president of the Middletown Chamber of Commerce, from 1956-1962 was chairman of the Town of Portland's School' Building Committee and as member of the Portland Board of Finance.
He was a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Connecticut Society of Certified Accountants, the National Association of Accountants (past resident of the Hartford Chapter). He was a member of the First Church 0 Christ Scientist in Middletown and of the Mother Church, the First Church of Christ Scientist in Boston, Mass. He has served as first reader and chairman of the Executive Board of the local church.
Ernest Ransley Dayton leaves thousands of friends who are richer for having known him. He practiced the teachings of Masonry every day in every way.
He was laid to rest August 7, 1972 in the Swedish Cemetery, Portland, Connecticut.
