William Lincoln Garver

William Lincoln Garver was an American architect, author, and political candidate from Missouri. He was primarily an architect by trade, and learned while working under architect Morris Frederick Bell. Garver is probably best known for his work of occult fiction, Brother of the Third Degree. He was also a prolific political activist, authoring numerous pamphlets and articles on socialism.^[1] His papers are held at Duke University.

Early life

Garver was born in West Virginia, and grew up in Fulton, Missouri. He attended Westminster College, and later attended the University of Missouri. In 1891, he became associated with the Blavatskian school of Theosophy.^[2] He spent several years in a utopian commune near Sinola, Mexico. He was also a Freemason.

Architecture

In Fulton, he met and came to work for architect Morris Frederick Bell. He was the assistant architect and superintendent of construction for David R. Francis Quadrangle and Jesse Hall on the University of Missouri campus.^[3] Garver designed schools, civil buildings, homes, and business buildings around Missouri, eventually moving to Chillicothe.

Written works

His longest and most popular work, Brother of the Third Degree, was first published in 1894, and later translated and published in several languages. His advocacy of socialism included articles such as "Free Socialism", "Socialism in Brief", and "Abolish Rent".^[4] He was also an advocate of free public higher education.

References