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This is an original 1922 handwritten letter on official Knights of Pythias letterhead from the Old Colony Lodge No. 118 in Rockland, Massachusetts. Written by Lodge official Benjamin Alden to a Mrs. Bryant, the correspondence seeks genealogical and estate information regarding a deceased lodge member, George Stetson.
The letter features an exceptional historical crossover, noting that a G.A.R. (Grand Army of the Republic) marker was placed on Stetson's grave in Bryantville, indicating he was a Civil War veteran. A fascinating piece of Massachusetts fraternal order, social history, and post-Civil War veteran history.
Item Specifications
Type: Fraternal Order Official Correspondence / Handwritten Letter
Date: May 29, 1922
Organization: Knights of Pythias, Old Colony Lodge No. 118 (Rockland, Mass.)
Author: Benjamin Alden (Keeper of Records and Seal)
Recipient: Mrs. Bryant (Sister of the deceased)
Key Subjects: George Stetson death, Bryantville Cemetery burial, Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) grave marker placement, estate heirs inquiry
Transcription
Mrs. Bryant. Dear Madam.
Will you please give me what information you can in regard to the death of Geo Stetson as he was a member of Old Colony Lodge.
I heard in a round about way that he was buried in Abington but on inquiring I found he had been buried in Bryantville and placed a G.A.R. marker on his grave yesterday. I was told by the Care taker at the cemetery that you was his sister and I would like to know who he left for heirs and I understand his wife died first and would like to know if this is the case.
Will you please let me know as early as possible and oblige yours truly
Benj. Alden K of R & SRockland Mass
