SIGNERS OF OUR CONSTITUTION FROM DELAWARE

Of the thirty-nine signers of the Constitution of the United States, four were from Delaware. Several have proof of Masonic affiliation and one is rumored to be a Mason without sub-stantiation. A brief biography of each signer follows:

Gunning Bedford, Jr. A very familiar name in Freemasonry in Delaware. He was born in 1747 in the City of Brotherly Love (where else). He was a member of Lodge No. 14 at Christiana Ferry and received his degrees as follows: EA March 21, 1782; FC July 10, 1782; MM September 11, 1782. He was elected our first Grand Master on June 7, 1806 and served three terms. His political career was extensive both within the State and within the newborn Nation. He died March 30, 1812. He was originally buried in the Graveyard of Presbyterian Church in Wilmington and then re-interred on the grounds of our Masonic Home.



Jacob Broom. He was born in Wilmington in 1752. He was an “early member of Lodge No. 14 at Christiana Ferry under the Provincial Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.” It is recorded that at various times, he held several offices within the Lodge. He “held many offices of public honor and trust.” He died April 25, 1810 in Philadelphia where he is buried in Christ Churchyard.









John Dickinson. He was born on November 8, 1732 in Maryland. He was a member of Lodge No. 18, Dover although references conflict on whether he petitioned, was entered or was raised on January 11, 1780. Apparently, he did not attend Lodge very often, if at all. He was active militarily during the war for independence and politically active during his life. He died in Wilmington on February 14, 1808 and is buried in Friends Burial Ground, 4th and West Streets, Wilmington.







George Read. George Read was born on September 18, 1733 in North East, Maryland. There is doubt about his membership because there are several others with the name “George Read” so confusion abounds. However, one reference (Bro. M. E. Vandever) says, “Claimed to be member of St. John’s Lodge No. 3, New Castle, Del – also claimed a member of St. John’s Lodge No. 3, Philadelphia. However, the Brother of this lodge and the Secretary thereof, signed his name George Reid.” Another politically active “signer” although he originally refused to sign the Declaration of Independence (which he did sign later). He died September 21, 1798 in New Castle and is buried in the Immanuel Episcopal Churchyard.



Richard Bassett. He was born April 2, 1745 on his father’s plantation in Kent County, Maryland. There is no evidence that he was a Mason. He was an active public servant and also served in the military. He died at “Bohemia Manor”, Cecil County, Maryland and is buried in the Wilmington and Brandywine Cemetery, Wilmington.








Herb Atkinson, W.M.