The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-01-20
AlgUARY RICH IN MASONIC BIRTHS
niversaries Of Notable Fig &res Will Be Celebrated This 4 Month By MasOns

January is very rich in Masonic an meus Scottish poet, who was recog- hiyed as the first poet laureate of Free ntasonary, was born January p, 1759. He was a member of St. David's lodge, No. 174, Tarbolton, Ayrshire, Scotland. He wrote many poems of Masonic 2 Character and he participated in i'm pcxtant Masonic gatherings in Scot land. A statue was unveiled to him in 1ST7 at Glasgow.
 The famous German composer, Wolf sang Mozart, who wrote the Masonic opera Zauberflote (the magic flute), Was born January 27, 1756. He was q member of Eur Gekronten Hoffnung sSAIasonic lodge at Vienna.
 Many of the figures conspicuous in the battle for liberty on both sides of the Atlantic in revolutionary days were ! active Masons. In England Edmund Burke, the great English statesman, whose speech of conciliation proved him the friend of America and won for him the undying love of the American people, was a member of Jerusalem lodge, No. A, Clerkenwell, London. He was born January 1. 1729.
 On the same day of the year, 1735, Paul Revere was born. He was made a Mason in St. Andrews lodge, Bos- ton, on September 4. 1760; served as its junior warden in 1761, and its master in 177O-71. 1777-9, 17S1-2. He joined Rising States lodge and became itssmaster in 17S4. He was grand mas ter of Masons of Massachusetts in 1704-7.
 Alexander Hamilton, who, as secre- tary of the treasury under President George Washington, organized the fls- cal system of the young nation, was born at Charles Town, in the pretty island of Nevis, West Indies, January II, 1757. While Hamilton's lodge membership is not known, his name IS recorded among the visitors to 'Amerl- can Union lodge at Morristown, on De < ccrnber 27. 1779, which indicates that he twas accepted as a brother in good standing by the Masons of that day.
 John Hancock, whose bold signature upon the Declaration of Independence has become the symbol of splendid cour- age, was born January 12, l731, He was made a Mason in Merchants lodge No. 227, Quebec, in 1762, afterwards affiliating with the lodge of St. An drew, Boston, Mass.
 The majority of the generals under Washington's command were Masons among whom might be especially men ,op Washington's appreciation by his lOy' alty and ability. He was a member of St. Andrews Masonic lodge, Boston having been complimented with the de grees without the usual fee.
 Major General John Sullivan, an other of General Washington's fla nous aides, of Irish ancestry and a lover of freedom, died January g 1795. General Sullivan was raised a Mason at St. Johns Masonic lodge Portsmouth, New Hampshire, in 17G7 He served as master of his lodge and in 1790 became first grand master of Ma sons of New Hampshire.
 During the revolutionary campaigns financial support was as necessary as ba}onets and guns, and Robert Morris one of the signers of the Declaration oi Independence, contributed of his for tune to the patriots cause and other wise helped to finance the war. Morris was born January 20, 1734, and wa' made a Mason in colonial days in [ -Hennsylvania lodge. q
 John Marshall. an officer in tho Continental army, was made chiei justice of the United States on Janu ary 20, 1901. He was a member of Richmond Masonic lodge, No. 10, Rich mond, Va, in 1793.
 Another interesting character whose birthday is recognized is Charles $ Stratton, familiarly known throughout the world as General Tom Thumb He was an ardent and sincere Mason and attained the eminent degree oi Knight Templar. Although Brother Stratton was less than forty inches tall he was perfect" man in every re spect, and his diminutive body held q mature mind and a generous soul. He never failed to visit Masonic lodge s when opportunity offered. His little wife was member of the Eastern Star He was born at Bridgeport, Conn. January 4, 1888.