BIOGRAPHY.

P. PROV. G. M. JOHN ELSOM

WAS born December 24th, 1801, at Aslackby, a village in Lincolnshire, of which parish his father was, for three-and-twenty years, the respected clerk. Being thus, from his earliest years, led to attend the services of religion, he learned from childhood to be "not slothful in business," and is a living instance of the wise Solomon's injunction," Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it."

The completion of his seventeenth year found him an orphan. Death, armed with more than usual terror, deprived him, in nine short months, of both father and mother; and, as the former died intestate, Mr. Elsom, by the advice of the Rev. S. Barwis, the clergyman, procured Mr. T. Casswell, an opulent farmer, to become administrator of his affairs-an office which he fulfilled with the utmost punctuality and satisfaction to himself and sister. The four following years he passed at Boston with his uncle, (now P. Prov. G. M. Tunstall, of the Nottingham District) and if anything could compensate for the loss of a father, it were the uniform kind-heartedness, the inflexible integrity, the sound judgment, and excellent example of such an uncle.

Mr. Elsom removed to Nottingham in January, 1823, and in March, 1824, was initiated a member of the Mount Gilead Lodge. He was appointed Secretary of the Lodge in October following, and in the same month was appointed first C. S. of the newly-formed Nottingham District, by the Grand Committee, at which he brougnt forward a motion for instituting a Funeral Fund, which was the origin of the present flourishing Institution. Having been elected V. G. April 5th, 1825, he was appointed Deputy to the Huddersfield A. M. C., and sat on the Sub-committee for adopting the Patriarchal Degree; he was elected N. G. of his Lodge, October 12, 1825, and was shortly after re-elected C. S. of the District, and was presented with a silver medal for his services.

About this period upon receiving the unfortunate circular of the Leeds District, inculpating the Manchester District, and inviting the whole Unity to resist their authority, the January Committee of the Nottingham District appointed their Secretary (Elsom) to reply to it, and also to convey to Manchester an expression of their attachment and loyalty; and at the following Manchester Grand Committee,-It was resolved, "That the thanks of this Committee are eminently due and hereby given to C. S. Elsom, of the Nottingham District, and to P. Prov. G. M. Renie, of the Monmouth District, for their friendly and able letters in No. 8 of the Magazine.* That the said letters be recommended to be read and duly considered at lectures through the respective Lodges; and that brothers Renie and Elsom would confer a benefit on the Order, by attending at the next Annual Committee, to assist in the great work of improvement."

In April, 1826, he was appointed Deputy for the District to the A. M. C. at Manchester, where he acted as assistant Secretary to the C. S. of the Order, and was one of the Sub-committee appointed "to take into consideration the subject of Districts," the report of which was adopted and made law.

At the Annual Meeting of the Nottingham Grand Committee, October, 1826, he was a third time elected C. S., and being thus so long in uninterrupted communication with the Officers of the Order, became fully acquainted with their operations, and was the means of diffusing an amount of information, confidence, and friendly feeling, which, we trust, will always continue. At the A. M. C. of Nottingham, Mr. Elsom not having been appointed by his District, received the higher tribute to his indispensible services, by the appointment of Asssitant Secretary to the C. S.; and although he attended solely at his own expence, he felt, no doubt, amply recompensed by the proud reflection, that he then planned and saw executed, (what he was the first to

*Old Series.

suggest two years before at the Huddersfield A. M. C.) a General Fund for the Order, a source of confidence, and a bond of union incalculably advantageous. The Subcommittee in accordance with the resolutions of the preceding A. M. C., took the subject into consideration, but spent the whole of one day without being able to adopt a single proposition on the subject, so that almost all became assured that it was impossible to effect the intention. Mr. Elsom, however, convinced of its necessity, withdrew after business into a private room, and, after calm reflection in solitude, developed a code of propositions which were introduced the following day to the Committee, Mr. Elsom having been added to their number,-and agreed to, with a few slight alterations; and their report was received and honored with a vote of thanks from the general Committee.

In October, 1827, Mr. Elsom was again elected C. S., and the following month was chosen President of the Funeral Fund. At the October Committee, 1828, he was elected the fifth time C. S., and the following year Grand Master of the District. At the April Committee, 1831, was appointed to the A. M. C. at Liverpool, as sole Deputy for the District; was there chosen on the Sub-committee "for examining into the nature of the business to be brought before the A. M. C.," and was selected as their Secretary; was also chosen here, in conjunction with four other past and present District Officers, as a Sub-committee to examine the Accounts of the Board of Directors, on which he acted as Vice President; was also appointed here, by the A. M. C., as an Auditor for the I. O. in 1832, being amongst the first that were chosen to attend the Board Room prior to the holding of the A. M. C., to make up the accounts and examine the stock on the premises. This was the last A. M. C. he attended, and having concluded the office of Prov. G. M. in October, 1831, he has, since that time, been but comparatively little engaged in the affairs of Odd Fellowship beyond the interests of his own Lodge, or of giving his opinion when solicited on any question of importance.

It is but justice, however, to say, that whilst holding the high office of G. M. he displayed a spirit of conciliation to the mistaken and the erring-of fostering care to the weak, and of unflinching justice to the wilfully guilty-that speedily and obviously produced the natural results of increased attention to the true spirit of our Order, of confidence in its resources and support, and of rapid advancement in its utility and importance.

It would be in vain to particularize the numerous other services rendered by the subject of this Memoir to the Order. Appointed upon most Committees of importance, few transactions have occurred in the District without his assistance. Not, however, personally only has he fought the battles of Odd Fellowship: Mr. Elsom has "the pen of a ready writer," and many of the former numbers of the Magazine* contain his expositions of our system, and his views of its improvement. Nor should we neglect to refer to his Preface to the Laws of the Nottingham District, nor his masterly Pamphlet, intituled "ODD FELLOWSHIP DEFENDED," being a reply to those few insignificant individuals who, a few years ago, endeavoured to excite disaffection in the Nottingham District, in a manner only less contemptible than atrocious.

On December 26th, 1835, Mr. Elsom was presented with a handsome Medal, purchased by voluntary contribution, on which is engraved

"TO PAST PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTER
JOHN ELSOM,

AS AN ACKNOWLEDGMENT, BY THE NOTTINGHAM DISTRICT OF I. 0. 0. F., M. U., FOR HIS INVALUABLE SERVICES AND EXEMPLARY CONDUCT."

The Medal was presented by Grand Master Beck in an excellent Address, to which Mr. Elsom made the following reply:

"HONORED SIR AND BROTHERS-I receive this additional mark of your esteem with heartfelt gratitude, not only from the distinguished compliments that accompany its presentment, but also by the festive and important season selected for the occasion. I feel bound, however, from a due regard under such circumstances, to submit a few remarks relative thereto; sober-minded reflection teaches me that this matter (insig

*See Nos. 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 10, 13-No. 8, New Series, &c. &c.

nificant as it may appear to many) comprehends vast and instructive lessons, and evinces a superior cast of mind in those who appreciate and concur with such acts of mutual regard and good-fellowship. In reference, therefore, to your compliments this evening, I am fearful, lest they are in any degree unworthily bestowed; however, they shew that although my present sphere of usefulness amongst you is very limited, yet notwithstanding, for previous exertions, I am still worthy of a place in your recollections, that the lapse of time only succeeds to strengthen those grateful and exalted feelings, which inseparably unite us together as brethren, and which. may we long live to dedicate to the cause of friendship and benevolence, so eminently demonstrated by the present occasion. As respects the opportunity thus chosen for displaying your kindness, many impressive remarks might be deduced from it, and I should be insensible of my situation as a Christian and an Odd Fellow, were I not to advert to it. The great Founder of the Christian Dispensation was first introduced to mankind at this very season, "with tidings of great joy;" which important event, be it remembered, demands our supreme reverence, inasmuch as we know it is from that source alone, by which Odd Fellowship derives its pre-eminence,-that implants in the human bosom those lively emotions, those kindred feelings, and wonted sympathies, which constitutes our bond of union; that has given rise to numerous names, admirably adapted for many Lodges belonging our Institution, and whilst acknowledged and adhered to, we may confidently rely it will continue our system, unimpaired, through all the countless ages of futurity. I have, Sir, always considered the Mount Gilead Lodge, and the Nottingham District, as a faithful city, whose foundation is UNITY itself, supported by the strong arm of OMNIPOTENCE, and under such protection, therefore, can no unfriendly schism, nor unnatural events, prevail against our interests, or repudiate our worth; and he, whom I have seen beguiled by specious theory to desert our standard, strongly reminds me of the dog when crossing the stream with a piece of flesh in his mouth, and who fancied the reflection in the water promised a superior bounty, he therefore let fall into the water what he safely possessed, and sprang upon the shadow.* Alas, for man's distrust and avarice! for too often is this simple fable verified in the human character, and the consequences deplored as the canker-worm of society. In this respect, however, the Nottingham District has but little cause to murmur. have generally conducted our government upon such a principle as to insure a constant obedienee to the laws, and in cases wherein parties have resolutely bid defiance to our authorities, the injury sustained has been upon themselves; for the nature of our Institution is such, that men cannot openly triumph in their iniquity. But to concludefor I have too long trespassed upon your time and patience-I beg to be understood as receiving this token of your esteem on no other grounds than as a symbol of your good-will towards me. I did not desire it; but to have refused the gift, and thereby treated your generous wishes with disdain, would have manifested a more unsocial part than Odd Fellows are accustomed to, and therefore, my friends, I accept it with a feeling towards you of "gratitude immense," which I hope will terminate only with my existence."

We

Mr. Elsom was appointed a Deputy to the Derby A. M. C. recently held, but was prevented from attending by private business. The A. M. C., however, showed that they did not forget his services, by directing his portrait and biography to be published in the present number.

To conclude-few members of the Order have acted more up to the spirit of our Institution than P. Prov. G. M. Elsom. From his first initiation he has been laborionsly industrious, and perseveringly active, in fulfilling the duties of an Odd Fellow. In office whilst uniformly displaying the strictest impartiality with the most considerate attention; the sternest justice with invariable conciliation-no one could ever accuse him of the slightest neglect: and as a member of the Order, he has been excelled by none, in constant endeavours for its advancement, and the improvement of its management; and no one could have conceived a greater advantage than the establishment of the General Fund, a measure almost wholly due to the genius and sagacity of Mr. Elsom, In short, for thirteen years he has been one of our "shining lights," and has shone, and still shines, with undeviating lustre. The opinions of no one in the Nottingham District have more weight than his, nor can any one stand higher in all the attributes that belong to a man, a christian, and an Odd Fellow.

*In allusion to a few dissatisfied individuals who had recently bid defiance to the Resolutions of the Kendal A. M. C., and subsequently seceded from the District. VOL. 4-No. 6-2 N

ON THE PRESENT PROSPECTS OF THE INDEPENDENT ORDER.

Ir must be evident to every member, who is in anyway interested in the welfare of the Independent Order, that some unpleasantness has existed since the Derby A. M. C. The Board of Directors consider that the origin of those unpleasantnesses should be known by every member in the Unity.

The Derby A. M. C. having taken upon themselves to elect their own Officers to govern the Institution has frustrated the design of some ambitious members in the Manchester District, and who made the groundwork of their complaints-" That the A. M. C. were a packed and corrupt body."

There requires, on our part, no pains to be taken to prove that the A. M. C. (the highest tribunal of the Order) have, and should have, the power to direct how the Institution should be governed; and it must be evident to every impartial mind that none but unprincipled men could harbour the opinion, that upwards of 150 individuals-the majority of whom had never seen each other before-would act so corruptly as to shelter a few individuals to their own injury.

The Board of Directors knowing that it was their duty to protect the Laws as established by the A. M. C.s, and at the same time being satisfied of the base intentions of the disturbers of the public good, took all the means in their power to frustrate their designs. It must be satisfactory to the Order in general, as well as pleasing to the Board of Directors, that the twenty Districts in the immediate vicinity of Manchester, (who have an opportunity both of seeing and hearing what is going on) are one and all, in common with the more distant Districts, doing their utmost to support the Officers of the Order and the Directors in the performance of their duties.

Those virtuous characters have also, since the Derby A. M. C., discovered that the books were wrong. Now we think it very unfortunate, that the same parties who have made that discovery, should have been on the Board the year previous, and never have detected that error until they were out of office; and it is a matter of fact, and beyond the reach of contradiction, (even by individuals who do not stick at trifles) that a P. G. was, by a resolution of the Board, of which he was a member, allowed access to the books of the Board, in order to prepare a statement of their proceedings.

The Board have thought it necessary to give the above explanations, as an introduction to the following occurrences; the result we have no doubt, will be read with the greatest satisfaction, for whatever doubts some of the members might have had about the illegality of the Society, will now be removed, when they read Sir John Campbell's (his Majesty's Attorney General) opinion, That we are a very loyal, moral, useful, and praiseworthy Institution; and that there need no remodelling of the Independent Order-and that we have nothing else to do, but go on as quietly and harmoniously as hitherto."

On reference to the September and December Reports it will be found that charges were brought, by the Book-keeper of the Order, against various individuals for violations of the General Laws, customs, and usages of the Order, and which charges were tried before a SPECIAL COMMITTEE of the Manchester District, held on the 31st October, and 4th of November last. By this Committee P. G.s George Smith and James Royle, of the Rock of Hope Lodge; Joseph Shires, of the Sharon's Pride Lodge; and Edward Chew, of the Cumberland Lodge, were excluded the Order; and P. G. John Goulding, of the Nelson Lodge, was suspended until the next A. M. C. P. G. Samuel Higenbotham was exonerated from the charge; but, on appeal to the Board of Directors, he was suspended until the London A. M. C., and the whole of the matters were referred to such Committee, in order that the members of the Order generally might have an opportunity of finally deciding the matter.

Immediately after Shire's expulsion, the Sharon's Pride Lodge (of which he was a member) passed a Resolution to the following effect, and forwarded the same to the Officers of the Manchester District:

"That except P. G. Shires be reinstated in the said Sharon's Pride Lodge, they (the said Sharon's Pride Lodge) DO EXPEL THE INDEPENDENT ORDER," and followed up such Resolution by publishing a scurrilous Pamphlet, entitled, "THE ADDRESS OF THE SHARON'S PRIDE LODGE," and which-though purporting to come

from the Sharon's Lodge-we have undoubted authority for stating, was subjected to the corrections and amendments of Messrs. Chew and George Smith-the latter of whom was the wholesale publisher. So determined were the parties for the circulation of this document, that a copy was sent to most of the Lodges in the Unity through the medium of the Post Office, and we are given to understand that it cost one Dlstrict alone, in postages for this valuable exposé, the moderate sum of THREE POUNDS.

On reference to the September and December Magazine various Addresses will be found from numerous and respectable Districts, evincing their opinions of the expelled characters, and their firm determination "to stand forward and support the Officers of the Order in their arduous duty, so long as they continue to act for the general good," and "to maintain, in spite of any evil disposed party, the laws of our Institutions inviolable." Every Lodge and District, from which we have had any communication, state that the Sharon's Pride Address was burnt, and received the merited odium it so justly deserves.

It will be here necessary to state that P. G. Hignett, of the Rock of Horeb Lodge, for printing such Pamphlet, and P. G. Blore, of the Philanthropic Lodge, Liverpool, for circulating it, were excluded the Order.

Immediately after their expulsion, Royle, Smith, and Goulding applied to the Lodges, to which they had respectively belonged for the amount of moneys paid by them into their Lodges, and which were refused. Royle then thought proper to commence proceedings in a legal way, and put the Rock of Hope Lodge in the Manchester Court of Requests for five pounds. The cause came on for hearing on the 25th day of January, and the Book-keeper of the Order appeared on behalf of the Lodge, and proved that Royle had been regularly summoned, and had a copy of the charges, and that he had been legally expelled according to the Laws of Odd Fellowship; but not being able to prove that he had a copy of the summons delivered to him, the hearing was put off to the next Court, when the Chief Commissioner expressed an opinion that the Order was an illegal one; and although it was contended, on behalf of the Lodge, that if the Society was illegal, no party excluded could recover back moneys paid in, and which has been repeatedly decided by the higher Courts-both of Law and Equity-yet a decision was given in favour of Royle for five pounds. Mr. Hill, having some doubts on his mind as to the law of the case, suspended his judgment-requested to be furnished with a copy of our Rules-and desired the parties to attend at the next Court for his final decision. This request was complied with, and a copy of the new revised Minute Book was forwarded to him, and that without " any note or comment," the Directors being determined that they would not tamper with parties who had to decide. Accordingly, on the 25th January, all parties attended, and Mr. Hill delivered judgment for the plaintiff, in doing which he said, "he had with great care read over and considered the Act of Parliament relative to Secret Societies, and he was clearly of opinion that the Order of Odd Fellows was an illegal Associationthat the law upon which the party had been expelled was also illegal; for the Order could make no such law as would authorize it to expel any member, and consequently that the plaintiff was entitled either to recover the amount of his subscription, or otherwise to be fully reinstated in his membership in the Lodge-that the Laws of the Order were, in many respects, of a philanthropic character, and he should advise the Society to get them enrolled at the Quarter Sessions as directed by the Statute relating to Benefit Societies, in which case he did not doubt that every law would be allowed, except those relating to the secrets."

The Editor of the Manchester Guardian reported the case, and commented as follows:

ROYLE v. HEATON AND ANOTHER.-In this case the defendants, who are the "Noble Grand" and the Secretary, of the "Rock of Hope Lodge of Independent Odd Fellows," in this town, were summoned for the amount of subscriptions which the plaintiff, a member of the Lodge, had from time to time paid thereto, from the period of his entrance to that of his expulsion, for an alleged breach of one of the laws, in revealing or exposing the pass-word of a degree. The case had been heard at a former Court, and stood over to this day, to afford the Chief Commissioner time to give the matter due consideration. He now proceeded to give judgment thereon; in doing which the learned gentleman said he had with great care read over and considered