MASONIC BIOGRAPHIES FAMOUS FREEMASONS GRAND MASTERS

Simeon Duck MOST WORSHIPFUL GRAND MASTER, 1875 - 1876 Grand Lodge BC & Yukon photo. December 1, 1834 - February 5, 1905 Farmer’s son, of William and Mary Jackson Duck who came from England to Ontario in 1834. Born at St. Catherines, Ontario, Dec. 1, 1834. Arrived in British Columbia July 21, 1859, via Panama, and went direct to Fraser River mines. Worked a hill claim on Hill’s Bar but with little success. In autumn of that year he returned to Victoria where he established a carriage factory, but there was little demand for wagons at that time. Later the Cariboo Road was opened, and wagons were in demand, the most of which were supplied by him. He was an active supporter of Confederation, and was elected as a member of the first Legislative Assembly for the City of Victoria with three other Freemasons, Hon. J. F. McCreight, Dr. Trimble and Robert Beaven. He ran again at the next election but was defeated. In 1882 he was a candidate as an Independent and was elected, and became Finance Minister in the Smithe Government, a post which he held until 1886. In 1887 he was again a candidate but was defeated. However in 1887 Col. Prior resigned his seat in the Local House to be a candidate for the House of Commons at Ottawa, and Mr. Duck was elected to the Local House in his place. Married to Mrs. Sarah Miller of Victoria in 1865. He became a member of Vancouver Lodge, No. 421, S. R. in its early days and was W. Master of his Lodge in 1868, and S.G.W. of the Provincial Grand Lodge. His name appears in the list of members of Vancouver and Quadra Lodge, No. 2 for 1880 but not for 1881, so he must have taken his dimit about this time. He died on February 5, 1905; aged 70. Initiated Demitted : 1880 Vancouver Lodge, No. 421 S.R. Robie L. Reid, Historical Notes and Biographical Sketches 1848 - 1935. p. 131.

ANTI-MASONRY | FAMOUS FREEMASONS | HOME | ESSAYS & PAPERS | SITEMAP

© 1871-2021 Grand Lodge of British Columbia and Yukon A.F. & A. M. Updated: 2005/01/20 freemasonry.bcy.ca/grand_masters/duck_s/duck_s.html