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Author Topic: Was gt-grandpa a Freemason?  (Read 1603 times)

Offline nudge67

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Was gt-grandpa a Freemason?
« on: Tuesday 12 January 10 00:21 GMT (UK) »
I am currently researching the history of the EDWARDS family of South Australia. They were prominent farmers & graziers in the Onkaparinga Valley and the district of Grey (Mt Gambier/Millicent areas). They are featured in the 1909 Cyclopedia of South Australia,  and Kenyon’s 1937 Founders of Australia. My great-grandfather was Thomas Henry EDWARDS, JP. (1833-1914) who arrived in the colony in 1850, was an active member of district councils, the Liberal Union, agricultural societies, and school boards. In later years he was an investor and property developer.

I noticed a Funeral Notice placed in The Advertiser on Tuesday 21 May 1907 by Thos. H. EDWARDS, W.M., under the heading LODGE OF TRUTH, requesting that members attend the funeral to be held that day at 3.15 pm at the Freemasons’ Hall, of Brother William James BOWMAN, member of the Stock Exchange.

Could Thomas. H. EDWARDS, Worshipful Master of the Lodge of Truth, be my great grandfather? While unaware that any family members were Freemasons, I certainly think it a possibility. I would appreciate any information you could share with me regarding the gentleman in question.

Cheers
Nudge
NSW Convict 1836: Peter WIFFIN (alias VIVIAN)
VDL Convict 1841: Richard REES
SA Pioneers (<1847): Hornsby, Wallis, Willoughby, Floate, Mills, Chesson, Degenhardt.
SA Old Colonists (<1857): Messenger, Tyler, McFeat, Ladner, Edwards, Cassidy, Rhodes, Shaw, Waye, Sibly.
SA Colonists (<1901): Jones, Pike, Bowyer, Davey.

Offline krisesjoint

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Re: Was gt-grandpa a Freemason?
« Reply #1 on: Tuesday 12 January 10 00:47 GMT (UK) »
Hi Nudge,

As you know Edwards is an extremely common name. Was there a lodge funeral announcement for your Thomas? Do you have a photo of Thomas' gravestone? If he was a Lodgeman I would expect an entry in the newspapers and I would expect to see the Freemason's Symbol on the gravestone.

Cheers Kris  :)
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Offline kristy_mac8

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Re: Was gt-grandpa a Freemason?
« Reply #2 on: Tuesday 12 January 10 11:36 GMT (UK) »
You could try contacting the Adelaide branch of the Freemason's directly and ask. I found a Freemason in the family of friend (and they had no idea he had been one either), and Brisbane holds the records for him (he was Townsville-based).

Also, I cound some information on another Freemason for another friend, who had been the leader of the Brisbane branch at one point, and it mentioned him, it was some kind of anniversary edition.

Good luck with your search.

Cheers,
Kristy
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