Obediah Kendall
Obediah Kendall (1782–1849) - Early Member of Corinthian Lodge
Early Life and Career
Obediah Kendall was born in Westmoreland, New Hampshire, in 1782. A pioneering figure in the transportation industry, Brother Kendall dedicated many years to the mail-coach line of stages operating between Boston, Burlington, and Montreal. From 1808 to 1814, during the height of the War of 1812, the demand for his services was particularly high. He transported large sums of specie (coin money) from Montreal to Boston to purchase cotton and provisions, returning with funds to buy government bills discounted at 20 percent. Tasked with the safe conveyance of this wealth, Kendall carried arms and displayed integrity and discretion in handling each high-stakes journey.
By the end of the war, Kendall had accumulated a significant fortune, estimated at $50,000—a large sum for the time—through his work in the staging business. However, his success drew competition. Rival companies attempted to challenge his well-established routes by reducing fares, leading to a fierce competition. While Kendall ultimately prevailed, the struggle left his business financially weakened.
The Rise and Decline of the Stagecoach Era
Kendall witnessed the stagecoach industry grow from humble beginnings to a dominant force in American transportation by 1834, when millions were invested in stagecoaches. However, with the advent of railroads, a new and unstoppable form of opposition arose. Stagecoach lines were eventually rendered obsolete by the rapid expansion of rail networks. Kendall, who viewed the stagecoach industry as vital to the nation’s success, watched with disappointment as railroads overtook his beloved business.
After the Fitchburg Railroad extended to Concord on June 17, 1844, Kendall adapted by operating a stagecoach line between the new train station and the village center. Yet, he regarded this position as a considerable step down from his former role, reflecting his nostalgia for the stagecoach era and his resistance to the new era of railroads.
Masonic Journey and Legacy
Obediah Kendall was initiated into Corinthian Lodge in 1819, bringing with him the values of integrity and reliability that defined both his business and personal life. He remained an active and respected member of the Lodge until his death on July 8, 1849, at the age of 67. He is buried in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in Concord, where he is remembered for his role as a dedicated Mason and a pioneering figure in New England's stagecoach industry.