ALTHOUGH the name of William Hickton, whose portrait graces the present number, may not be found in the roll of Britain's ancient and aristocratic houses, it has long held a prominent place in the annals of Oddfellowship, and ever been with the foremost in those struggles for advance and improvement which have distinguished our Order above all other bodies of men known as Friendly Societies.

Our present Grand Master was born in Liverpool, on the 24th of February, 1823; so that he is now thirty-seven years of age, and one of the most youthful members advanced to the highest post in the Manchester Unity. His father was a hat-maker in Liverpool at the time the subject of our notice opened his eyes upon the world; but, about the year 1830, he removed to Stockport; where he has continued to reside ever since. After passing a brief period at school, the youthful William was sent to reside with a farmer in the neighbourhood, and for three years passed his time in such occupations as are incident to a farm life; no doubt "whistling to the plough" occasionally, and being trusted now and then to "bring the kine home." It was, however, no part of the father's plan to make his son a farmer. Like other men acquainted with mechanics, he believed there was nothing like a trade; so, in his sixteenth year, the boy was apprenticed to a skep and basket maker. That he passed through his probation with credit, is evident from the fact that, when his "time was out," his master made him foreman of the workshop, and placed the management of the business almost entirely in his hands.

Here, then, it would seem, his lot in life was cast; but events proved in this, as in many other cases, too strong for human will, or human foresight. Scarcely had he held the post of foreman for twelve months, when one of those unfortunate disputes, too common between employer and employed, occurred; and Mr. Hickton taking part with the men against their master-the weak against the strong, as he believed-was obliged, after a brief struggle, to throw up his engagement.

VOL. II.

X

Thus, in his twenty-first year, he was thrown upon his own resources,"the world before him where to choose." His active mind and independent spirit soon, however, found a suitable field of action. In 1844, he commenced business as a manufacturer on his own account. Of course, he has been subjected to the usual crosses, losses, and disappointments attendant on every business of a speculative character; but so well has he fought the battle of life, that at this moment he may be said to have fairly established a large and remunerative business in Stockport and the surrounding district. Industry and perseverance seldom fail of obtaining in the end a suitable reward.

Soon after commencing business, he considered his prospects sufficiently fair to allow him to take a partner for life-the most important partnership which man or woman can contract. He married Mary, daughter of the late John Davenport, P.V. of the Queen Elizabeth Lodge, in the Stockport district. The marriage has been in every respect a happy one,

and four dear children have crowned it.

"Folded hands," says Goethe, "never yet have won a triumph;" and we may be sure that, with the extra motive to exertion a loving wife provides, our Grand Master did not allow the grass to grow under his feet. In the November of 1844, he had joined the Lodge to which his father-inlaw belonged; and, in the November following, he was elected to the post of Financial Secretary. From the day of his initiation, he took a deep interest in the working of friendly societies; and soon made himself master of the principle and practice of our Order. In May, 1846, he was elected to the office of V.G.; in May, 1847, he was chosen N.G. of his Lodge; and, in the November following, consented to act as N.G. for the second time. He soon became known as a good Odd-fellow; and, in 1849, was elected Corresponding Secretary of his district. The following year saw him filling the post of Deputy, and, in 1851, he attained the proud position of Provincial Grand Master of his district. His first appearance as Deputy at an Annual Moveable Committee was at Dublin; since which year he has successively been elected to the several meetings at Carlisle, Durham, Lincoln, Swansea, and Leicester. At the Carlisle meeting, the Stockport district was selected to appoint an auditor, to which responsible office Mr. Hickton was elected in 1852; at the same time he was appointed one of the trustees of his district, which post he holds at the present moment. He sat on the Sub-committee at Carlisle and Swansea; and on the Relief Committee at Dublin and Lincoln. These facts are proofs-if proofs were needed—of his active participation in everything connected with the Manchester Unity. But, as in his business, so in his Order, Excelsior has been his motto. At the Durham and Lincoln Committee, he was elected a member of the Board of Directors; and at the Swansea A.M.C. he was chosen as Deputy Grand Master of the Order. The crown and triumph of his labours as an Odd-fellow was obtained last year at Leicester, when the deputies assembled placed him in the highest post in our Order, by an unanimous vote.

A new Lodge, called the Good Intent, being opened at Stockport, the members requested our Grand Master to take the Chair. He consented, and for the third time he officiated as N.G. So entirely were the members satisfied with his conduct, that at the close of his term of office, they presented him with a handsome writing desk, and silver penholder.

What more is there to add? We have seen Mr. Hickton pursuing an honourable ambition in every position in which Providence has placed him; and we know the extent of the honours he has achieved in the Unity. But yet there is something more. In private life he is universally esteemed; and in his business capacity he is respected alike by employers and employed. He is one of the Board of Surveyors for the township of Stockport, and has passed through the various parochial offices with the highest degree of credit. Mr. Hickton is eminently a self-made man; and, as regards the Manchester Unity, there are few instances in which the highest position has been obtained in so short a time, or in which advancement has been so swift and continuous. At our annual meetings there may be men who seem to take a more active part in the proceedings, but it is not too much to say, that there are none who understand our laws, their constitution and requirements, better than Mr. Hickton. Firm in decision, urbane in manner, and manly in bearing, the members of the Unity may well be satisfied that their deputies at Leicester placed the highest power where it was well deserved; and that the honour and dignity of our great and prosperous association will lose nothing in the hands of Grand Master Hickton.

.DEMAIN.

TRADUIT DE G. F. PARDON, À LE CHEVALIER DE CHATELAIN.

L'Ange de la malévolence

Qui présidait à ma naissance.
Rit jaune sur mon berceau de chagrin ;

Mais l'Ange d'amour au doux charme,
D'en haut laissa choir une larme

Sur moi, disant: "Petiot, espère dans demain !"

L'âge viril avec sa force

Vint me présenter mainte amorce,
Qui redoubla mes ennuis, mon chagrin ;

Mais l'Ange d'amour au doux charme,
D'en haut me dit: "Sois sans alarme,
Ne désespère pas ;-mais espère en demain !'

Maintenant sous le poids de l'âge,
J'arrive à la dernière page

D'un livre, las! clos de peau de chagrin !
Mais de la mort le dernier souffle

Doucettement nous emmitoufle

Pour le beau ciel là haut-et j'espère en demain !

NOTE.-The above elegant translation of the little poem "To-morrow," which appeared in No. XII., was forwarded by the erudite editor of Beautés de la Poesie Anglaise.-Ed.