Book dossier

The Freemason's monitor, or, Illustrations of Masonry

by Thomas Smith Webb

Masonic ritualist & lecturer, born Boston Oct 13,(or30), 1771, died in Cleveland Ohio July 6 1819. Printer & bookbinder, moved to Keen NH,working his trade. Became interested & was initiated in Freemasonry Dec 24,1790 in Rising Son Lodge. In 1792moved to Abany NY, charter member of Rising Son Lodge. Met Englishman, John Hammer & with him condensed & rearranged the work of Wm. Preston. The result was "Freemasons Monitor & Illustration of Freemasonry.", First published in 1797. Was re published almost annually for over 100 years with minor variations. Still the basic book for most American Freemasons, (a pocket sized volume). More importantly he is known as father of Royal Arch Masonry. Coils Masonic Encyclopedia has excellent summary of his life & works. Today any copy of "Webbs Monitor" is considered a collectors item by American Masons.