M.W. Brother Guitteau, the eldest son of Elijah Backus Guitteau and Elizabeth Ellen Geren, was born in Marietta, Ohio, December 29, 1855. In 1864 he went with his parents to Toledo, Ohio, where he spent the rest of his life. He attended the public schools of Toledo, completing his education with a course in business, in which he qualified as an expert.
He was for years auditor of the Toledo Gas Light and Coke Company, and occupied a similar position with the Toledo Gas, Electric, and Heating Company from the time of its organization. On January 6, 1906, he resigned, to become Secretary of the Scottish Rite Bodies of the Val1ey of Toledo. In that capacity he rendered a most valuable service until the time of his death.
He was confirmed in Calvary Episcopal Church of Toledo many years ago. He later became identified with Trinity Episcopal Church, and continued active until his final summons.
Of generous and kindly impulse, genial and lovable in disposition, loyal in friendship, possessed of al1 the attributes of a splendid personality, his life wil1leave an enduring monument in the hearts of those who knew him.
Brother Guitteau was initiated an Entered Apprentice July 15, 1896, passed to the degree of Fellow Craft October 7, 1896, and was made a Master Mason November 1, 1896, in Toledo Lodge, No. 144, at Toledo. He served as Master in the year 1903.
He received his Capitular Degree in Toledo Chapter, No. 161, R. A. M., and served as High Priest, and Toledo Council, No. 33, R. & S. M., serving as its Master in 1908. He was made a Knight Templar in Toledo Commandery, No.7, Knights Templar, and served as its Eminent Commander in 1906-1907.
He received the Scottish Rite Degrees in Mi-A-Mi Lodge of Perfection and in Northern Light Council Princes of Jerusalem, and in Fort Industry Chapter of Rose Croix, Valley of Toledo, in June, 1901, and in Lake Erie Consistory, Valley of Cleveland, in 1901. He became a charter member of Toledo Consistory, Valley of Toledo, when it was organized in 1905. He received the Honorary 33rd Degree in the Supreme Council A. & A. S. R., Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, in 1912.
In the Grand Lodge of Ohio he served as District Lecturer in 1903 to 1905. He was appointed Junior Grand Deacon in 1906 and Senior Grand Deacon in 1907. He was elected Junior Grand Warden in 1908, Senior Grand Warden in 1909, Deputy Grand Master in 1910 and Most Worshipful Grand Master in 1911.
M. W. Brother Guitteau departed this life on September 11, 1927. His body was interred in the Woodlawn Cemetery, Section 4, Lot 93, Toledo, Ohio.