Address delivered by the M. W. Anson Jones, Esquire, Grand Master
Item #83354
(FREEMASONS). Address delivered by the M. W. Anson Jones, Esquire, Grand Master of Masons within the Republic of Texas, Before the W. Holland Lodge, No. 1., Held at the City of Houston, Under the Jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of the Republic of Texas, at the First Annual Visitation, on 18th May, A.D. 1838,--A.L. 5838. [n.p.]:[1838]. 8pp. Orig. wrappers. Blind stamp of the Grand Lodge of the Republic of Texas running throughout the bottom free end corner of the text block. Overall very good. Anson Jones (1798-1858) was a doctor, failed businessman, Congressman, and last President of the Republic of Texas. Jones began his life in Massachusetts and moved to New York where he went to medical school. After medical school he began a practice outside of Bainbridge, New York, and was met with underwhelming success. He then moved to Harper's Ferry and opened a drugstore but he defaulted on his loan to his creditors and was arrested in Philadelphia while trying to flee. Eventually Jones made his way to Venezuela where he spent two years. He returned to the states and landed in New Orleans, where he tried his hand at becoming a merchant another venue in which he failed. Later, a friend, Jeremiah Brown, suggested he move to Texas and begin a medical practice. Finally, Jones met with success. As tensions were rising between Texas and Mexico, he enlisted in Robert J. Calder's company during the San Jacinto campaign, becoming judge advocate and surgeon of the Second Regiment. After his brief service, Jones was elected to the Second Congress of Texas and was instrumental in advocating a withdrawal of the proposal for annexation. He was later given the title "Architect of Annexation" by the Union. This paved the way for Jones' continued success in Texas political affairs, later becoming in charge of many other committees and even President of the Republic of Texas. This work is of significant importance, as not only did Jones establish the first Grand Lodge in Texas but this is the first address given at the Lodge. Rare, with only one holding in WorldCat and no records of sale ever.
Price: $1,750.00