Dr. Fred J. Burkey

Fred J. Burkey was born on October 21, 1859, at Jonesboro, Illinois, the son of John B. and Elizabeth (Von Thierstein) Burkey, both natives of Switzerland. His father died in Cincinnati of wounds received at the Battle of Fort Donelson. Left fatherless, he grew up with many hardships and very little schooling, but by sheer effort he worked his way through the Chicago Veterinary College, graduating in 1890. That year he settled in Galveston and began practicing as a veterinarian, and he spent four years as a special student at the University of Texas Medical School, concentrating on microscopic work.

The Galveston Storm of 1900 ruined him financially; he was left with fifty cents in coin. He moved to Houston, rebuilt his practice, prospered, and became highly regarded for his skill as a veterinary surgeon. He married Miss Anna Grunert of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and they had three children: Emma (Mrs. F. M. Whitman), Fred H. Burkey and Frances. His son also became a veterinarian and joined his father’s practice.

Dr. Burkey received his degrees in Gray Lodge in 1907: the Entered Apprentice on May 21, the Fellowcraft on June 21, and the Master Mason degree on July 23. He was appointed Senior Steward in 1908 and Senior Deacon in 1909 and was elected Junior Warden in 1910. As Junior Warden he presented Past Master Jewels to Fritz Rohde and John S. Stewart “in a neat and appropriate speech.”

He became the 40th Master in 1911, installed by Past Master Andral Vann with District Deputy Grand Master O. M. Longnecker, as membership reached 301. His year showed careful attention to Masonic law: an Entered Apprentice’s proficiency examination was declared unsatisfactory, and a petition to form a new lodge in South Houston was returned because it did not conform to the law. The lodge helped the Order of the Eastern Star host its Grand Chapter in Houston in October 1911, joined Holland Lodge in buying a new organ, and in April 1912 conducted the rites for Past Master A. N. McRae before his body was carried to Franklin, Louisiana, for burial.

His greatest interest was Masonic relief. For many years he chaired the Board of Masonic Relief in Houston, and in 1913 he represented it at the Masonic National Relief Association convention in Buffalo, New York. In 1913 his son, Fred H. Burkey, followed him as Master of Gray Lodge.

He was High Priest of Washington Chapter No. 2, R.A.M., in 1910–1911 and Eminent Commander of Ruthven Commandery No. 2, K.T., in 1912. A 32° Scottish Rite Mason, he received the Rank and Decoration of Knight Commander of the Court of Honour on October 21, 1913. He was Venerable Master of San Jacinto Lodge of Perfection in 1912 and Wise Master of Houston Chapter of Rose Croix in 1915, and he was a Shriner of El Mina Temple. He died on November 16, 1935, and was buried in Brookside with Masonic honors by Gray Lodge and an escort from Ruthven Commandery.