Source:Necrological-1894-03-29
"Necrological record." Pittsburgh Post, Mar. 29, 1894, p. 4. Newspapers.com 86418372.
Charles C. Baer.
Charles C. Baer, grand commander of the Knights Templar of Western Pennsylvania, died at his residence, 303 Western avenue, Allegheny, at 5:45 o'clock yesterday morning. Some time ago Mr. Baer became suddenly ill at his place of business on Wood street and was taken to his home in a serious condition. Spinal meningitis developed, but the friends began to hope for his recovery, when the patient took a relapse and became unconscious just a week ago. Since then he has rallied occasionally, but his condition grew rapidly worse until death took him to his rest.
Mr. Baer was born in Westmoreland county, near Mt. Pleasant, about 53 years ago. While still a boy his parents removed to Pittsburgh, and Charles was sent to the ward school on Penn avenue. He left school while yet a mere youth and entered the employ of Jacob McCallister as an errand boy. His employer became quite attached to the boy, and later took him into partnership. At Mr. McCallister's death Mr. Baer assumed entire charge of the business, which was then on Fifth avenue. He afterward removed to his present location on Wood street.
Mr. Baer was one of the most influential members of the Masonic order in the state. At the state encampment of the Knights Templar, held on May 24 last, he was unanimously elected eminent grand commander. He was knighted in Pittsburgh commandery February 12, 1867, becoming a charter member of Tancred commandery No. 48 in July, 1873. He was a division commander of the grand commandery, secretary of the Masonic consolidated charity fund, president of the Masonic veterans' association of Pennsylvania, sovereign grand master of Pennsylvania, grand council princes of Jerusalem; past grand master of the grand council royal, selected masters of this state, and a thirty-third degree Mason. He was a member and past officer of Dallas lodge No. 508, Zerubbabel chapter No. 162, Tancred commandery No. 48, Mt. Moriah council No. 1, Pennsylvania grand council, past master prince of Jerusalem, grand council royal and select masters of Pennsylvania.
About 30 years ago Mr. Baer was married to Miss Vandergrift, a relative of Captain J. J. Vandergrift, who survives him. He was a regular attendant at the North avenue M. E. church, a member of the board of managers of the free dispensary on Sixth avenue and a member and an ex-president of the Americus club.
The funeral services will be held at his late residence on Friday at 8 p. m. The funeral will be in charge of Tancred commandery No. 48, and the Masonic services will be held in the North avenue M. E. church on Saturday at 1:30 p. m. Sir Lee S. Smith, division commander, has issued an order calling out commanderies Nos. 1, 35, 48, 59 and 72.
Valentine Gast.
Alderman Valentine Gast, of the Thirteenth ward, Allegheny, died yesterday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock at his home on Lowrie street. Bright's disease was said to be the cause of his death.
Alderman Gast was born 53 years ago in Allegheny, and for many years has been prominently connected with Democratic politics. He learned the trade of lithographing, but finally drifted into the brewery business, operating the Willow Grove brewery at Millvale. He afterward became connected with the county commissioners' office. For eight years he served his party in both branches of Allegheny councils, and many important measures adopted by the city were the result of his enterprise.
When Andrew Carnegie suggested his library plans Councilman Gast was the man who offered the resolution that they be accepted, and he pushed forward the project. While chairman of the police committee he inaugurated the police patrol system now adopted by both cities. Several months ago he was appointed by Governor Pattison to fill the unexpired term of Alderman Welte, who committed suicide. At the last election he was chosen to continue in the office, which is a very lucrative one. The Gast estate is valued at $150,000. He was never married, but lived with his sister in the old Gast homestead. He will be buried from the Holy Name church on Saturday morning at 9 o'clock.
Mrs. H. B. Lockwood.
Washington, March 28.—Mrs. Horace H. Lockwood, sister of General H. V. Boynton, the correspondent, and Charles A. Boynton, agent of the Associated Press in this city, died suddenly here to-day of heart disease. She was the daughter of the late Rev. Charles B. Boynton, who preached many years in Cincinnati, O., and Washington. The deceased leaves a husband, son and daughter.
Lt. J. H. Alexander.
Washington, March 28.—The war department has been informed of the death from heart disease of Lieutenant John H. Alexander, Ninth cavalry, one of the very few colored officers of the army, at Wilberforce college, Ohio, where he was detailed.
Obituary Notes.
Captain W. B. Conway, a pioneer riverman, died yesterday morning at his residence, 5336 Fifth avenue, in his 58th year.
Miss Ida Frank McClarren, formerly a prominent Pittsburgh teacher, died very suddenly at the residence of her mother, 5808 Margaretta street, East End.