Democratic Sentinel, Volume 20, Number 23, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 12 June 1896 — OLDEST LIVING MASON. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

OLDEST LIVING MASON.

Charles R. Deming, of Geneseo, 111., Said to Bear that' Distinction. Charles R. Deming, of Geneso, 111., is probably the oldest living mason in America. He was born on Oct 8, 1804, at Sandsfleld, Mass. When 12 years old he came west with his parents as far as Ohio. The trip was made with a yoke of oxen and the emigrants were six weeks making the journey. They stopped»at Brunswick, Medina County. Not long before the Demlngs passed through the county the British had burned Buffalo, and Cleveland was an insignificant town. The elder Deming bought a farm in Medina County and worked it until 1823. The younger

Deming left farming in that year and in 1825 he went into Ashland County, was married in 1830 and returned to the farrp near Brunswick. Two years later he removed to Ashland County and embarked in trade. • From 1852 until 1864 he traded in cattle and iu the last named year came to Illinois and settled in Henry County, where he has Jived ever since. He was twice sent to the Ohio Legislature. His initiation into masonry took place in Ohio in 1826. Notwithstanding h’s great age Mr. Deming keeps pace with the march of modern progress. He reads the daily papers, and takes a special interest in politics. His health is good, his eye clear, and his mind bright.

CHARLES R. DEMING.