MASONIC BIOGRAPHIES FAMOUS FREEMASONS

Giovanni Battista Belzoni November 15, 1778 - December 3, 1823 Giovanni Battista Belzoni was an Italian showman, engineer and explorer of Egyptian antiquities Due to his large physique, he earned a living in circuses in England, Spain and Portugal where he was billed as "The Great Belzoni." Belzoni was the first person to penetrate into the second pyramid of Giza in 1818, and the first European to visit the oasis of Siwah, and identify the ruined city of Berenice on the Red Sea. The Norfolk Remembrancer (England) in August 1821 reported, "Mr. Belzoni, the celebrated traveller and discoverer of Egyptian antiquities, visited Norwich; he stayed with Jeremiah Ives, Esquire, of St. Catherine's Hill; previous to his departure he received the high masonic degree of Knight Templar." He was referred to as "Bro. Belzoni" when his widow was helped by the Lodge of Emulation (London) in 1825. Bedford Lodge No. 183 (England) also contributed to his widow. Freemason Source: 10,000 Famous Freemasons, William R. Denslow. Missouri : 1957.

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