BIOGRAPHY: Hannibal C. MOLSON, 1837-1899, native of Lewistown, Mifflin County, PA

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Cleveland Gazette
December 27, 1884 

HANNIBAL C. MOLSON

March 7 1837 - February 4 1899

An Interesting Sketch of his Eventful Life - His Masonic History.  

A Short Biography.

  Hannibal C. Molson, Esq., the M.W. Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the 
State of New York, was born March 7th, 1837, at Lewistown, Mifflin County, Pa., 
where his early life was spent until the commencement of the War of the 
Rebellion.  When President Lincoln issued the first call for troops, a company 
was raised in two houses at Lewistown, and among the volunteers occurred the 
name of the subject of our sketch, the only colored man enrolled.  The company 
started for the seat of  war April 17th, 1861, going direct to the Capital of 
the State, where they were mustered into service for three months, as Co.. F, 
25th Pennsylvania Volunteers.  After serving his enlistment as a private in the 
regiment, he returned home and gave much of his time and aid in assisting 
committees of several counties in the State to fill up their quota of men.  
About this time he was appointed by Governor Andrews, of Massachusetts, to 
assist in filling the 5th and 55th Regiments of Massachusetts Colored 
Volunteers, which work he performed with deserving credit.  He removed to the 
State of New York in 1864, settling at Oxford, entering into a partnership in 
business with Merritt M. Thompson.  The business not being sufficient to 
warrant the continuance of the partnership, it was dissolved by mutual consent, 
Mr. Molson withdrawing.  During the same year he removed to Norwich, N.Y., 
where he still resides, having established and continued a lucrative business.  
In politics and all matters affecting the prosperity of his race he has been an 
indefatigable worker.  He attended the first State convention of colored men 
held at Albany, N.Y., October 14, 15 and 16, 1866, and was chosen as one of the 
secretaries, and so long as the necessities existed for such conventions was in 
attendance at each and every one.  For six years he was chairman of the Colored 
Men's State Committee, filling the position with credit and ability.  In 1874-5 
he was janitor and keeper of the Senate of the State of New York.  These few 
facts are sufficient to stamp him as a public spirited and patriotic citizen, 
who in the daily walks of life, not only has established himself, but as a 
defender of his native country and his race has given conclusive proof of his 
fidelity and devotion to the vital interests of both.

MASONIC HISTORY.

  Bro. Molson first received "Masonic Light" at Lewistown, Pa., in the year 
1858, within Fidelity Lodge No. 15, which lodge still exists and is in a 
flourishing condition.  For three years he was chosen as the W.M. of his lodge 
and for five years was D.D.G.M. under the State of Pennsylvania.  On removing 
to Norwich, N.Y., after forming acquaintances he called together the prominent 
colored men of the city, explained to them the principles of Free Masonry, 
which in due time bore fruit, by the permanent establishment of a lodge in 
1865.  For fourteen consecutive years he was chosen and served this lodge as 
its W.M., which is as high an encomium as can be pronounced upon a Mason by his 
brethren, and one very much desired.  This alone is, to a Mason, a 
recommendation testifying to honor, integrity and fidelity more than pages of 
fulsome flattery.  In 1870 he was first appointed D.D.G.M. for the Central 
District of New York, to which office he was annually appointed until 1881 when 
he was elected R.W.D.G.M. for the State of New York, occupying this position 
for one year, when he was elected M.W.G.M., serving this term with such marked 
ability that at the Annual Grand Communication in June 1884, he was re-elected, 
an event which has not occurred in the history of the Grand Lodge for a number 
of years.  Brother Molson is a devoted Mason, not for its emoluments, but 
knowing the beneficial advantages that accrue to those who come under her 
teachings he is indefatigable in promulgating the tenets of the order.  As the 
first Grand Master of the Grand Lodge who has been chosen west of Albany, his 
administration has been successful and satisfactory, demonstrating the 
abilities of the sturdy Westerner.  May he long continue to serve and enlighten 
his brethren, is the wish and prayer of every Mason.


Additional Comments:

Hannibal was foreman of the Rescue Hook and Ladder Company No.1 for the 
Norwich, New York Fire Department in 1879.  The total number of officers and 
men was 35. [Extracted from the 1880 History of Chenango County NY, p. 342]

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