The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1918-01-24
INDIAN WAS A
STAUNCH MASON
Tablet Erected Years Ago TO Memory
Of Louis Annance

WHO lrIeu 10 ulScdf0 the SnackleS OF
tribal influence which seemed to hold
him back and altho be graduated from
college and mingled with the White
Man, he never succeeded in becoming
wholly white.
In writing short sketch OF the life
OF the above named remarkable and
somewhat famous character, the writ
er is compelled to depend upon facts,
gained from histories and other old
books now in his possession and facts
related to him 40 odd years ago.
Louis Annance was a full-blooded
Indian, a member of the St Francis
tribe of Indians, once one of the most
vigorous and powerful of the early
tribes on this continent; although a
ranger of the Maine Wilderness, he
was man OF marked ability superior
intelligence, fine character, strict
morality He was born August 25th,
1894, where is now the town of ST
Francois du Lac. in the County,
Yamaska, Province OF Quebec. He
received his education under the d.
rection OF the Jesuits of that region;
their direction he went to Hanover,
N H. entering a school preparing for
college; he was about to enter col
lege the war of 1912 opened and he
was summoned home to serve with
his tribe under the British colors
against the U. S. In the year 1917
he publicly renowned the Roman
Catholic religion and severed his con-
nection with the Catholic church and
became member of the Congrega-
tional society at that time He should
by the laws and rules OF his tribe
succeeded his father as chief but hav-
ing become a devout protestant his
religious convictions subjected him to
persecution. In 1878 he removed to
Hanover, N. H, where he connected
himself with the Methodists. In 1884
he received the degrees within the
gift of North Star Lodge, Laconia, N.
II. In 1885 he came to the Moose
head Lake region, being charmed by
the scenery and the shadowy recesses
Of the vast forests that then surround
ed Moosehead Lake. 1t became his
home. He was member of the Con-
gregational Church at Greenville at
the time of his death He died Dec.
25th, 1875. Funeral services were
conducted by Doris Lodge of Monson.
His last days were made pleasant and
happy by the hand of the Mystic tie.
He lies in the cemetery at Greenville
beneath the shade of the forest and
cedar that he loved so we'll. On Oct
ober 4th, 1876, marble manument
tA Nv
Lodge, Monson, Mt Kineon Lodge,
Guilford, Penobscot Lodge, Dexter,
Cambridge Lodge. Cambridge. The
following was delivered by DR.. S. A.
Patten and was quoted by Albert
Moore of North Arson In his address
as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge
of Maine, 1877
ION the 9th dav Of December last,
we consigned to the silent grave the
remains of our friend and brother,
Louise Annance. Today we gather
around his resting place and erect
there a stone with suitable Inscription
"a testimonial of our esteem for him
as a man, and as a worthy brother of
our ancient and honorable institution.
Though belonging to a race. for
the most part, wanting in the grace
and polish of education, he availed
himself of some opportunities for
mental culture thrown in his way in
early life. and made no inconsiderable
progress in the arts and sciences
when asked by a friend a few
years since, why did you not continue
your studies and give yourself up to
intellectual pursuits?" he replied, at
the same time raising his hand and
pointing his finger to his head, too
much Indian here,
MANY of the characteristics OF his
race exhibited themselves in his life.
despite the influences Of the schools
and early associations with the
Whites even down to ripe old age. He
loved the communion and solitude of
the woods, and most Of his time, after
abandoning literary pursuits, till the
infirmities Of age pressed heavily up
on him, was spent roaming the forests
in pursuit of game
How plainly in his case is illust
rated the fact. that it Is difficult, IL not
impossible for a man to rid himself.
even II he will. of those mental and
moral peculiarities which mark and
distinguish his nation and race from
that of all others.
The Ethiopian canDot chance his
skin nor the leopard his spots, and
not less difficult is 1t for a man to OBJ
literate or conceal those tastes habits,
and modes Of thought which the Great
Creator has seen fit TO mike the d $
tinguishing features of that branch of
the human family TO which he be
longs.
ain the year 1896 he was made
Master Mason by North Star Lodge,
located at Lancaster in the state OF
New Hampshire. and from that time
to the day of his death he ceased not
to love our Institution. He often
spoke of it in warm terms of com
mendation. For his Bretheren he en-
tertained peculiar esteem, and he
seemed always kenly alive to the obli
cation of the Fraternity"
The above address was given by DR..
S. A. Patten at the dedication OF
marble tablet erected to the memory
OF Brother Louis Annance a full
blooded Indian at one time chief OF
ST. Francis tribe of Indians. a college
graduate. by Mt. Kineo, Doris and
Cambridge Lodges.
The lesson is plain.
To the Voters of Somarsef County