Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library

Masonic Funeral of Joseph Warren
1843
Ernest Seigneurgens (1820-1904)
France: Paris
Engraving on paper
overall: 9 3/4 in x 14 in
Loaned by the Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts
GL2004.0250

Engraving showing parade of Freemasons carrying the remains of Joseph Warren through the street for burial. Masons are wearing aprons over their clothing; many wear tricorn hats. One figure at left carries a drum; a second figure at right carries an open book. In background are buildings (English style). One of the men in the procession carries a sign with Masonic symbols - sun, moon, star with G, plumb and level. At top left, "Fanc-Maconnerie"; at right: "Pl. 11"; and at bottom: "Seigneurgens del." and "Compagnon Sculp."

Joseph Warren (1741-1775) was a general for the Americans in the Revolutionary War and Grand Master of the Massachusetts Provincial Grand Lodge. He was killed at the battle of Bunker Hill on June 17, 1775. Initially, his body was buried on the battlefield. In 1776, the body was found and identified. On April 8, 1776, the body was carried to the burying ground at King's Chapel in Boston and re-interred. According to a newspaper account at the time, this was done "with the honours and respect due to so illustrious a hero." This engraving depicts the procession through Boston's streets on April 8, 1776 when Warren was carried to be re-interred.