Peter Ogden was born in New York City, NY in 1805. Around the age of 36, he became a Stewart on the steamship "Patrick Henry" plying between New York and Liverpool, England. He was initiated in Victoria Lodge # 448, Liverpool, England and also became a member of the Past Grand Master's Council in England. In 1842, his ship arrived in New York and learned of an effort of the members of Philomathean Institute (a literary and social organization) to be chartered as a lodge of Odd Fellows and how they had been denied that privilege by a certain Odd Fellows Organization then appearing in New York and Pottsville, PA. Learning of these facts, Peter Ogden offered to negotiate with the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows in England and particularly with his Lodge Victoria #448, Liverpool, England, and see what help could be given. As a result of the negotiations, Peter Ogden was given a Dispensation to Charter Philomathean Lodge #646, New York, by the committee of management in England. Philomathean Lodge #646, New York, was chartered on March 1, 1843. On that day the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows was born in America. Philomathean Lodge is still in existence today.
Patrick Reason, the founder of the Household of Ruth, James Fields, and others whom belong to the Philomathean Institute, must also be given credit in fostering the idea and assisting Peter Ogden. Under the direction of Peter Ogden, the first Subcommittee in America under a Warrant dated December 22, 1843.
On September 30, 1844, Ogden presented the Warrant of authority for the first A.M.C. (now B.M.C.) in America. The first A.M.C. convened in the Lodge room of Philomathean in New York, with Peter Ogden in attendance.
It was through the instrumentality of Peter Ogden that the first Past Masters Council was organized in New York, October 12, 1844. It's said that Council #1 is still in existence.
Peter Ogden was the trusted advisor of the English authorities in matters concerning the Order in America and of course was highly respected by them. He did all that could be done to foster the Order in America. Before his death, he had seen it grow to many Lodges and Members. He was active in the affairs of the Order from 1843 to 1848.
Peter Ogden died in New York City in 1852.
The Grand United Order of Odd Fellows in America now has branches in various states in the U.S., Canada, Liberia, Africa, Cuba, Haiti, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic , Bermuda, Bahamas. Jamaica, Netherlands, West Indies, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Virgin Islands, British Honduras, Trinidad, St. Kitts, B.W.I., Barbados, as well as several other islands in the West Indies.
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