Harold John Arthur Passed Away

Today in Masonic History Harold John Arthur passed away in 1971.

Harold John Arthur was an American politician.

Arthur was born in Whitehall, New York on February 9th, 1904. He was raised in parts of Rutland and Addison counties in Vermont. After graduating from Albany Business College he worked for the Brandon National Bank.

In the 1920's Arthur joined the Vermont National guard and served during World War II. He rose to the rank of Major before retiring in 1964. Toward the end of the 1920's he worked as an assistant to then Governor of Vermont John E. Weeks. He also began working for Warren R. Austin.

Arthur worked for Austin for over a decade, learning the law from him. He eventually obtained a law degree from La Salle Extension University.

He worked for the Vermont House of Representatives. Starting in 1939, he became the chief clerk and parliamentarian. He served in the position until 1949.

Arthur was the Republican candidate for Lieutenant Governor in 1948. He won the and served only 2 years of his term. In 1950, the sitting Governor, Ernest W. Gibson Jr. resigned to take a federal judge appointment. Arthur finished Gibson's term and never sought reelection.

Arthur ran twice for United States Congressional seats and was unsuccessful both times.

He passed away July 19th, 1971.

Arthur was a member of Washington Lodge No. 3 in Burlington, Vermont (now South Burlington, Vermont). He was a member of the Order of Easter Star, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite and the Ancient Arabic Order of the Noble and Mystic Shrine (Shriner).

This article provided by Brother Eric C. Steele.