William F. Hurd

Willam Frederick Hurd

Early Life and Family

William Frederick Hurd was born on February 12, 1826, in Concord, Massachusetts, to Isaac Hurd Jr. and Mary Ann Heald. He was part of the influential Hurd family, one of the oldest in Concord, with his grandfather, Isaac Hurd Sr., being the first Master of Corinthian Lodge. Hurd married twice; his first wife was Sarah J. Rice, daughter of Reuben Rice, and his second wife was Mrs. M. Augusta Simonds. He had two children, William Frederick Jr. and Mrs. William H. Brown.

Hurd spent most of his life in Concord, amassing significant real estate through careful investments. His properties and contributions to the town highlighted his status as a successful and respected member of the community.

Masonic Involvement

Hurd joined Corinthian Lodge in 1854 and quickly became a central figure in its history. He served as Worshipful Master and, at the time of his death, was the oldest Mason in Concord, second only to Benjamin Tolman in seniority.

In 1873, Hurd took a pivotal role in founding Walden Royal Arch Chapter, alongside D. Goodwin Lang, Henry F. Smith, Edward C. Damon, and Henry J. Hosmer. He served as High Priest from 1873 to 1875, earning recognition as the Chapter’s oldest Past High Priest. Although he joined the Knights Templars, he did not actively participate in their activities.

Transforming the Lodge Building

Hurd’s most notable contribution to Concord Masonry was his acquisition and renovation of the Lodge building. Around 1878, he purchased the structure from the town and embarked on an extensive refurbishment project. He added 16 feet to the rear of the building, moved it 42 feet back from the sidewalk, and created a new foundation marked by a black line of bricks, which delineates the original structure from the addition.

The renovated building became a modern and dedicated space for Corinthian Lodge and Walden Chapter. After spending ten years in James Garty’s building, the Lodge returned to the remodeled structure in 1882, thanks to Hurd’s vision and financial commitment.

Later Life and Legacy

William Frederick Hurd passed away on May 3, 1899, at his residence on Lowell Road, after a month-long illness related to heart trouble. He was 73 years old. His funeral was held at his home, with special meetings of both Corinthian Lodge and Walden Chapter called to honor his memory.

Hurd’s contributions to Freemasonry and Concord’s community left an enduring legacy. His leadership, both as a Mason and a property owner, transformed the Lodge and Chapter’s operations, providing a lasting foundation for their activities. Hurd is interred at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in Concord.

References

- "William F. Hurd Obituary," *The Boston Globe*, May 4, 1899. - United States Federal Census, 1863. - Records from Corinthian Lodge and Walden Royal Arch Chapter. - Ancestry.com Family Records.