M. W. Brother Joel Cave Clore was born at Hebron, Kentucky, August 28, 1859, and resided on a farm near there until he was nineteen years of age, receiving his education at a public country school in that locality and afterwards at Wittenberg College, near Springfield, Ohio, from which he graduated in the class of 1884. He entered the Cincinnati Law School and was graduated from it in the class of 1886 with such prominent men as General Charles S. Dawes and Hon. Atlee Pomerene.
For thirty years he practiced law in Cincinnati. He was for many years identified with the law firm of Clore, Dickerson, and Clayton, and at the time of his death was interested in the firm of Clore, Schwab, and Mc Caslin.
His keen insight and rare business judgment brought him preferment in civic and national affairs. He was elected a member of the Charter Commission of Cincinnati and served as its President. He was appointed Postmaster of Cincinnati by President Wilson in 1916 and during his incumbency won the approval of the Department for his wise conduct of its affairs, and the good will and admiration of its employees.
In 1917 he was made President of The Cincinnati Finance Company and The Washington Bank and Savings Company. He resigned the Postmastership in 1918 to devote himself to the development of these newly established enterprises. Their rapid growth is a tribute to his unusual business ability.
In 1911 he was married to Mrs., Ella Mendenhall, A great sorrow, and one that saddened all his remaining days, came into his life when death claimed their only child. His striking personality, his genial disposition, his kind and sympathetic heart will ever remain with us as constant reminders of his thoughtfulness for others and his splendid fellowship.
He was initiated in Lafayette Lodge, No. 81, Cincinnati, on March 15, 1887; passed April 26, 1887; and raised May 24, 1887. In his Lodge he held the following offices: Junior Deacon, Senior Deacon, Junior Warden, Senior Warden, and in December 1891, was elected Worshipful Master.
He was made a Mark Master January 16, 1889; Past Master January 16,1889; Most Excellent Master January 25, 1889; and Royal Arch Mason February 4, 1889, all in Cincinnati Chapter, No.2, R, A. M. He held the offices of Grand Master of the Third Veil, Royal Arch Captain, Captain of the Host, Scribe, King, and in December, 1907, was elected High Priest, Received the Order of High Priesthood October 7, 1908.
He was made a Royal Master October 24,1900, Select Master October 24, 1900, and Super-Excellent Master January 28, 1903 -all in Cincinnati Council, No.1, Royal and Select Masters.
He was made a Knight of the Red Cross September 17, 1891, and Knight Templar and Knight of Malta on that date, in Cincinnati Commandery, No.3, K. T. In that Commandery he held the offices of Warder, Junior Warden, Senior Warden, Captain-General: Generalissimo, and in November, 1897, became Eminent Commander.
In the Scottish Rite he received the degrees in Gibulum Lodge of Perfection April 23, 1896; in Dalcho Council, Princes of Jerusalem, May 7, 1896; in Cincinnati Chapter of Rose Croix on May 14, 1896, in which Body he was Most Wise and Potent Master from May, 1899, to May, 1910; and became a Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret in Ohio Consistory October 11, 1909, and Illustrious Commander-in-Chief of that Body in May, 1910, resigning the latter position November 2, 1916, because of his added duties as Grand Master. On September 19, 1905, he was created a Sovereign Grand Inspector General, Honorary Member 33°, in the Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite.
On June 3, 1893, he was received, admitted, and created a Noble of the Mystic Shrine in Syrian Temple, Cincinnati, and was Illustrious Potentate from December 1905, to December 1906.
In the Grand Lodge F. & A. M. of Ohio he was appointed Grand Marshal October, 1911, and Grand Orator October, 1912; in October, 1913, he was elected Junior Grand Warden; in 1914 Senior Grand Warden; in 1915 Deputy Grand Master, and in October, 1916, was elected Grand Master, serving until October, 1917.
M. W. Brother Clore departed this life at Cincinnati, Ohio on Friday, March 5, 1926 and was interred in Spring Grove Cemetery, Section 113, Lot 438, Cincinnati, Ohio.