Question
Was James Boswell really a freemason?
Answer
James Boswell was admitted a Freemason in the Canongate Kilwinning Lodge in Edinburgh on August 14, 1759, probably on a recommendation from his uncle John Boswell. Later on, he became Master of his lodge for two terms, and Depute Grand Master of Scotland from 1776 to 1778. Incidentally, the Grand Master of Scotland during Boswell's terms as Depute was his close personal friend Sir William Forbes.