Abram J. Dittenhoefer of City Lodge No. 408: Lincoln's Elector, the Stage's Lawyer and a Charter Brother
A charter member and past master of City Lodge No. 408, Abram J. Dittenhoefer cast an electoral vote for Lincoln, defended an extradited seaman before the Supreme Court and helped reshape American theater law. His long life joined Masonic fellowship to politics, public service and the stage.
At the Founding: Edward Chauncey Graham and Advance Lodge No. 635
Edward Chauncey Graham, a Manhattan-born insurance broker raised in Howard Lodge No. 35, helped found Advance Lodge No. 635 in Astoria. His story connects an old New York family with the lodge’s founding years.
From Forge to Council Table: John L. Morris, Charter Member of Advance Lodge No. 635
An Astoria blacksmith raised in Island City Lodge in 1866, John L. Morris helped found Advance Lodge No. 635. His story connects the lodge’s beginnings with the Odd Fellows’ hall and the Long Island City Board of Aldermen.
James D. Torrey of Advance Lodge No. 635: The Show Printer Who Became the Lodge’s First Treasurer
James D. Torrey printed circus posters, published Civil War histories, and became the first Treasurer of Advance Lodge No. 635 in Astoria. His story connects the lodge’s founding with Manhattan’s Spruce Street printing trade—and the unpaid circus debts that helped bring down his business.
Caleb G. Francis: The Connecticut Merchant Who Became Advance Lodge’s First Secretary
Caleb G. Francis, a Connecticut-born merchant raised a Mason in Williamsburgh in 1863, became a charter member and the first Secretary of Advance Lodge No. 635 in Astoria. His story follows the lodge’s founding records and newspaper notices that may trace his life from Broadway to the Connecticut shore.
A Founder Who Became Master: William M. Berger of Advance Lodge No. 635
William M. Berger was a young New York merchant when he was raised a Mason in 1866 and became a charter member of Advance Lodge No. 635 in Astoria. By 1878, he was its Master—one of seven charter members who went on to lead the lodge.
The Spruce Street Printer Behind Advance Lodge No. 635: James D. Torrey, Charter Treasurer
James D. Torrey printed circus posters and published Civil War histories before becoming the first Treasurer of Advance Lodge No. 635 in Astoria. His story connects the lodge’s founding in 1867 with Manhattan’s printing trade, the risks of circus credit, and a business undone after the Panic of 1873.
A Merchant Among the Founders: Caleb G. Francis of Advance Lodge No. 635
Caleb G. Francis, a Connecticut-born merchant raised a Mason in Williamsburgh in 1863, became the first Secretary of Advance Lodge No. 635 in Astoria. His story traces the lodge’s founding, a trade in sewing machine materials, and possible later connections to the Connecticut shore.
Fifty Years an Odd Fellow: James M. Whitcomb and the Founding of Advance Lodge No. 635
James M. Whitcomb helped found Advance Lodge No. 635 and served as its Treasurer, but his fraternal life began with the Odd Fellows in 1846. His story connects fifty years in that order with Astoria’s waterfront, volunteer fire service, and civic life.
From Hunters Point to Astoria: Charles Risdale and the Founding of Advance Lodge No. 635
English-born blacksmith Charles Risdale became a Mason at Hunters Point in 1866 and helped found Advance Lodge No. 635 in Astoria. His story connects Queens’ early lodges, Odd Fellows, and volunteer firemen—and traces a lodge lineage that survives today.
John E. Oloff of Astoria: Swedish-Born Ship Carpenter and Charter Member of Advance Lodge No. 635
Swedish-born ship carpenter John E. Oloff brought a decade of Masonic experience to the founding of Advance Lodge No. 635. Remembered as a Master, Treasurer, and patient teacher of ritual, he helped shape the Astoria lodge’s standards and traditions.
Charles Cranfield of Astoria: Painter, and Charter Member of Advance Lodge No. 635
English-born painter Charles Cranfield helped found Advance Lodge No. 635 and later served as its Master. From lodge suppers to jury selection in the Martin Thorn trial, his story offers a glimpse of Astoria’s fraternal and civic life in the nineteenth century.
Cornelius R. Morris of Astoria: Blacksmith, Fire Chief, and Charter Member of Advance Lodge No. 635
Blacksmith, fire chief, village collector, and Odd Fellows leader, Cornelius R. Morris helped found Advance Lodge No. 635. His story reveals the connections among Astoria’s trades, public service, and fraternal life in the years surrounding the Civil War.
Captain Martin Willis of Astoria: Civil War Prisoner and Advance Lodge No. 635
Captured at Williamsburg in 1862, Civil War captain Martin Willis endured imprisonment in Richmond before returning to Astoria. In 1866, he became a charter member of Advance Lodge No. 635, connecting the lodge’s beginnings to the wartime experience of its Queens neighbors.
Advance Lodge No. 635: Charter & Charter Members
Twenty-two brothers sought a Masonic home closer to their lives in Astoria. Meet the charter members of Advance Lodge No. 635 and discover how their shared purpose led to its dispensation and charter in 1867.