John Beatty Passed Away

Today in Masonic History John Beatty passed away in 1826.

John Beatty was an American physician, soldier and politician.

Beatty was born in Bucks Country, Pennsylvania on December 10th, 1749. He was the oldest of 10 children. He graduated from the College of New Jersey, later Princeton University, in 1769.

Beatty became a doctor and opened up his first practice in Hartsville, Pennsylvania prior to the American Revolution.

As the war approached Beatty joined the Continental Army in the 6th Pennsylvania Regiment, rising to the rank of Major. He was captured at the surrender of Fort Washington and was quickly released in an exchange of officers.

After Fort Washington, Beatty was promoted to Colonel and became Commissary General for Prisoners.

After the war Beatty moved into politics and established his residence in New Jersey. There he served in the New Jersey Legislative Council (now the New Jersey Senate) from 1781 to 1783. In 1784 and 1785 he was a delegate from New Jersey to the Continental Congress. He served in the New Jersey Grand Assembly and the Representative to the U.S. House of Representatives from New Jersey in the 3rd Congress. Finally he was Secretary of State of New Jersey for 10 years.

Beatty passed away on May 30th, 1826.

Beatty was initiated into Trenton Lodge Lodge No. 5 in Trenton New Jersey. In 1791 he was elected the Grand Master of New Jersey. In 1792 he transferred his membership to Solomon's Lodge No. 1.

This article provided by Brother Eric C. Steele.