The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1892-09-21
JAMES P. SANDERS.

I've manner, he never fails to be interest
Ing. and an address by him has come to be
regarded as regular feature OF grand
lodge meetings. AS a friend of the younger
brothers and as q fearless champion Of
right against might. he has gained ma
tional reputation, and hs knows how to be
sociable and jolly in the genuine old
fashioned way.
The Grand Old Man" Yves born In the
city of New York on the 9Th OF April,
1919. After leaving school he entered the
office Of The Courier. and Enquirer, of
which paper James Watson Webb, James
Gordon Bennett. Mordecai NJ. Noah and
James Lawson were then the editors He
remained here until he accepted position
In the Office Of The Old Countryman. His
position was that of head bookkeeper and
his salary was five dollars week-a
munificent sum in those days. On the
death of his mother he removed to Dan
bury, Conn.,, where he learned the hstters'
trade While serving his apprenticeship
he began tho study Of law. He was initi-
ated in Samaritan lodge, No Z. Of Dan
bury, Sept. IL, 1913, where he served in
several appointed Offices and was elected
secretary, vice grand and noble grand suo-
cessively. He afterward removed to
Peekskill. N. T., and for eight years car
ried on the hating business. While SO
engaged he Joined Cortlandt lodge, No.
50, OF that town. Having sold out his
business ne began practicing law, In which
profession he has since gained marked dis.
tinction.
On moving TO Yonkers, his present resi-
dence, he Joined Yonkers lodge, No. $50,
serving successfully as conductor, vica
grand, noble grand and treasurer. He en-
tered the grand lodge Of Connecticut In
l6s7, and IN the game year, having removed
to New York, became q member and at
tended the sessions Of the grand lodge and
grand encampment of the state, in both of
which no became an active member. This
was the beginning Of his wonderful record
Of attendance at forty-siK consecutive an.
nual sessions of the grand lodge of his
state. In 1859 he was elected grand repre-.
sentative to the sovereign grand lodge Of
the world, and attended the session of that
body for that and the succeeding year. He
was again elected grand representative In
1851 and in 1858. In this sovereign body he,
took prominent place as a membos.
At the session of 1852 he was on the com.
mittee Of the state Of the order, and the
next two succeeding sessions was chair
man. AT the session of 1864 he was elected
deputy grand sire, and served in that office
until 1860, when he was elected the nine
tenth grand sire, serving with distin-
guished ability to the end Of his term, and
presiding over the sessions of 1857 and 1868
with dignity and impartiality twas dur
ing his administration that the lodges In
Australia were made into a distinct SOW.
ereignty.
Since retiring from the chair of the exec
utive of the order he has appeared as past
grand sire and representative at large at
every session of the sovereign grand lodge.
Though now a veteran in the order his
interest in it is undated. and he continues
to attend the annual sessions year after
year.
Two years ago he celebrated his golden
wedding, and many prominent Odd Eel
lows from all parts of the country were
present upon the occasion. His wife Is
still living and appears fully as young ms
he does, and both of them look forward
confidently to sixtieth celebration OF their
marriage. j. P. RITTER