Page 277 - PGM Compendium

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of
M⸫W⸫ Thomas Amos

1891-1892

Most Worshipful Thomas Amos was born on November 3, 1847
in the land of loch and doon, of Scottish parents, he naturally
drew in with his early sustenance a vigor and love of freedom
which made him in after years a champion of the rights of man
and always placed him upon a positive side of every question. A
firm believer in the honorableness of labor, the end of his school
days found him learning the old and very select art of the
blacksmith.

He came to America in 1871, resided in Canada for two years.
He would emigrate to California where he would be made a
Mason in North Star Lodge No. 91 in 1875. In 1876, he would be wed to Mary McGrath at the
Russ House in San Francisco. They would make their way to Washington, making their home in
Colfax, where he would become a prominent figure in his trade and a leader in Masonic circles.

Most Worshipful Thomas Amos was elected Grand Master in 1891, and served in that capacity
with marked ability, doing himself honor and maintaining that of the Grand Lodge.

While serving as Grand Master, he was called upon to act in re of the Cerneau lodges that were
being organized in the jurisdiction. In this matter he showed much wisdom as he handled the
vexing question in a way to completely forestall criticism, and yet be effective. He took the stand
that the Grand Lodge had nothing to do with the so-called higher degrees, but merely contented
himself with uttering a word of warning to the brethren as to the effect of allying oneself to
illegitimate bodies. This stand resulted in quieting the uneasiness of all concerned.

His labors for the Grand Lodge subsequent to his tenure as Grand Master were confined to
committee work, and scarcely a year went by without his name being appended to some important
report.
Although he was not allowed to enjoy the years usually allotted to man, being called to rest on
April 27, 1906, his work was well done an we profit thereby as surely as though he remained with
us to the three score and ten. (Proceedings, Annual Communication 1906)