George F. DeSilver was born at Cincinnati, Ohio, January 29, 1903 the son of George Clifford DeSilver. He attended the Cincinnati public schools and the University of Cincinnati College of Engineering and Commerce evening classes. In 1915 he became associated with the Pickering Hardware Company, advancing to the presidency, a position he holds today. He is also president of the Pickering Realty Company.
He married to the former Emily Rouse of Cincinnati, Ohio, to this union three daughters were born. They were members of Christ Episcopal Church of Cincinnati.
He has been active in civic clubs serving in a number of official capacities. He is presently a senior active member of the Cincinnati Rotary Club; past president of the Cincinnati Association of Purchasing Agents; member of the Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce and member of the Ohio Chamber of commerce.
M. W. Brother DeSilver was raised in Mc Millan Lodge No. 141, Cincinnati, April 28, 1937. Served as Worshipful Master 1942-43.
In York Rite Masonry he was exalted a Royal arch Mason in Cincinnati Chapter No.2 Royal Arch Masons, April 27, 1945. Received into Cincinnati Council No.1 Royal And Select Masons, October 19, 1945. Knighted in Cincinnati Commandery No.3 Knights Templar, May 28, 1945.
He became a member of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Cincinnati in 1937. Crowned an Honorary Member of the Supreme Council 33rd Degree Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, September 27, 1950. He is a member of the 33rd Degree Club of Cincinnati, now serving as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Valley of Cincinnati.
He was a charter member of St. Columba Chapter Red Cross of Constantine, served as Sovereign in 1957, member of Syrian Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., served as Illustrious Potentate in 1954. A member of Royal Order of Jesters; Oola Kahn Grotto and member of the Board of Governors of the Shriner’s Crippled Children’s Hospital Burns Unit, Cincinnati. He holds the Legion of Honor Degree in the Order of DeMolay, member of the Board of Trustees of the DeMo1ay Foundation. He is president of the Cincinnati Masonic Temple Co., and past president of the Society of Past Masters of Cincinnati and vicinity.
Appointed District Deputy Grand Master for the First Masonic District of the Grand Lodge F. & A. M. of Ohio, in 1951, 1952, 1953.
Appointed Junior Grand Deacon, Grand Lodge F. & A. M. of Ohio, in 1958; Senior Grand Deacon in 1959; Grand Marshal in 1960; Grand Orator in 1961.
Elected Junior Grand Warden, Grand Lodge F. & A. M. of Ohio, in 1962; Senior Grand Warden in 1963; Deputy Grand Master in 1964; Grand Master on October 15, 1965.
M. W. Brother DeSilver departed this life on October 1, 1988 in Florida. Funeral services were held on Wednesday October 5, 1988 at the Cincinnati Masonic Temple, followed by the Masonic Services. Interment was on Thursday October 6, 1988 at Arlington Cemetery.