W. T. McLean
The visit of W. T. McLean, of Sidney to Mansfield yesterday was a source of much pleasure to the older residents of the city. It was in this city that Mr. McLean started out in business life for himself 30 years ago; then a young married man, and, with his wife, still in his teens. He was then employed at the Mansfield Cracker company and sold the first bill of goods that was ever shipped from this city. His visit yesterday was the first that he has paid this city for a number of years, but he had not forgotten his acquaintances of former days. Old friendships were renewed and hearty greetings were exchanged.
While the visit of Mr. McLean was pleasing to the older residents of the city generally, yet the masonic bodies of the city were especially glad to have him present. He is a Mason who has been highly decorated with the honors of the great fraternity, the highest honors that the Masonic body of the state can bestow, yet through it all he showed last night in his genuine fraternal greeting to the brothers, that Masonic smiplicity still clings to him and the old principle that "no Mason is better than another" still clings to him. Mr. McLean has served as grand commander of the K. T. o fOhio, has served through the grand council as royal and select master, has served in the Grand Shrine of Ohio, is an officer of the Cincinnati Consistory of Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, is at present the grand king in the grand chapter of Royal Arch Masons, and is also lecturer in the third district of the grand lodge of Ohio, F. A. M. Mr. McLean is a 33-degree Mason. While in the city he was the guest of his son, Benjamin McLean, of Clairmont avenue. Masonry is dear to his heart and he is a firm believer in the ritual and advocates form in teh exemplification of the degrees. The tribute Mr. McLean paid the Mansfield lodges last night is a srong testimony of their efficiency.
From the Mansfield News, April 15, 1905, p. 6