Past Imperial Potentate Jewel
Thomas W. Melham Imperial
Potentate of the Shrine, 1957-58. b. Jan. 19, 1902 in Brandt, S. Dak. Graduate
of U. of Wisconsin in 1923. He began with National Cash Register Co. at Dayton,
Ohio, and later in Philadelphia. Turning to insurance, he returned to Wis. as a
special agent and was the first person in that state to receive the professional
degree of Charter Life Underwriter. In 1937 he joined Prudential in Milwaukee,
and in 1952 transferred to N.Y.C. as manager of the Manhattan agency. Raised in
Silver Spring Lodge No. 337, Whitefish Bay, Wis. in 1928, he was master in 1952.
Member of Kenwood Chapter No. 90, R.A.M.; Ivanhoe Commandery No. 24, K.T.; and
Wisconsin Valley Scottish Rite, all of Milwaukee. Joined Tripoli Shrine Temple
in 1930 and was potentate in 1943; member of St. Quentin Conclave No. 75, Red
Cross of Constantine, and honorary member of National Sojourners.
