ADMINISTRATION OF J. ADAMS ALLEN, M. D.

GRAND MASTER 1859.

J. Adams Allen was born in Middlebury, Vermont, January 16, 1825. His father was an eminent physician, and for some years filled the chair of a professorship in the Medical College at Castleton, and was subsequently a professor in Middlebury College.

Brother Allen's ancestry can be traced back to 1634 on his father's side, and on his mother's, to the Pilgrims who landed at Plymouth in 1620. In his boyhood he was distinguished for precocity of intellect, and he was prepared for college at the early age of nine years. His early and close application to study impaired his health and he was placed on a farm where he worked seven years and became strong and robust.

When twenty years of age he graduated from Middlebury College, and one year later received the degree of M. D. from the Castleton Medical College. He immediately left his New England home and sought his fortune in the then far west. He came to Michigan, and, locating in Kalamazoo, commenced the practice of his profession in 1846, being then twenty-one years old.

He married Miss Mary Marsh, daughter of John P. Marsh, who shared the joys and sorrows of his life until she entered into the celestial abode about two years before him.

At Kalamazoo he commenced the active practice of his chosen profession. He began his career with no other resources than a stout heart, an independent spirit and an hereditary love for his profession, a strong constitution, and studious habits. With this capital he rapidly

fought his way through the hardships of a pioneer practice and soon gained professional and social distinction.

Two years after he commenced the practice of his chosen profession, he was called to a new field of labor, being appointed, in 1848, Professor of Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Medical Jurisprudence. in the Indiana Medical College. In this new position he distinguished himself as a man of science and a physician of learning.

After two years of service in this institution, he was, in 1850, elected Professor of Materia Medica and Physiology in the University of Michigan, and took up his residence in Ann Arbor. He applied himself to the performance of the duties of his office with faithfulness and assiduty. His services were very valuable in the organization of the medical department. He was deservedly popular with the students, who looked up to him with feelings of respect and attachment. His lectures were of a high order, classic and elegant in their construction, and gave evidence of large scientific attainments, rendered practical and useful by experience, deep thought, and the exerci. of good common sense and large discretion. As a man and a professor ne as received the most favorable judgment of the medical profession and of his fellow

men.

In 1854 he resigned his professorship in Michigan University and returned to Kalamazoo and resumed the practice of his profession, with marked success.

During his residence in Ann Arbor he first became interested in Freemasonry. He was initiated in Oriental Lodge, No. 15, October 26, 1852, and raised November 24th of the same year, and one month later was elected Senior Warden of that lodge. On April 28, 1853, he was exalted a Royal Arch Mason in Washtenaw Chapter, No. 6.

At the organization of Anchor Lodge of Strict Observance, in January, 1857, he became a charter member and was its first Master, serving two years. His rise in Masonry was exceedingly rapid. He made his first appearance in the Grand Bodies in January, 1858, attending the Grand Chapter as proxy for other officers, and the Grand Lodge as Master of his Lodge. He was elected Deputy Grand Master at the first meeting of Grand Lodge he attended, and one year later, in 1859, he was elected M. W. Grand Master, and his administration

was a brilliant one and reflected great credit and honor upon him. Before the close of his year's service as Grand Master, he accepted a position in Rush Medical College in Chicago, and soon removed to that city. He was President of that college until his death.

Dr. Allen's ability as a writer and his eloquence and grace as public speaker forced upon him many engagements that he could not decline. He was in demand to deliver annual addresses before colleges, societies and masonic bodies.

For twenty years he was Surgeon in Chief of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad Co., and from time to time consulting surgeon upon the medical staff of various large hospitals of Chicago.

Soon after locating in Chicago he became editor of the Ashlar, and later, in 1862, he was associated with Rob. Morris as editor of the first volume of the VOICE OF MASONRY.

He also edited for about ten years the Chicago Medical Journal. He wrote and published a work on "Medical Examinations for Life Insurance," which at once became the standard work on that subject.

His multitude of duties connected with his profession did not cause him to lose his interest in Masonry, but he remained a faithful and earnest Freemason while he lived. At Chicago he united with Ashlar Lodge, No. 308, November 11th, 1862, and later was made a life member. He was also a life member of Apollo Commandery, No. 1, at Chicago. He received the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite grades and Orders from fourth to thirty-second, in Oriental Consistory, Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret, thirty-second, Chicago, between 1862 and 1870. He was crowned a Sovereign Grand Inspector General of the thirty-third degree, and made an honorary member of the Supreme Council for the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of the United States, at Philadelphia, September 16th, 1879.

He was admitted to the Royal Order of Scotland at Washington, May 4th, 1878, the degree being conferred by the veteran Albert Pike, and his associates.

He was a member of the Masonic Veteran Association of Illinois. He became President of the Knights Templars' and Masons' Life Indemnity Company of Chicago on its organization, and so continued until his death.