Page 234 - PGM Compendium

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of
M⸫W⸫ Robert L. Sebastian

1915-1916

Little is known about the general life history of our brother who
would serve as our 53rd Grand Master. Most Worshipful Robert
Lee Sebastian was born in Virginia on December 5, 1861. It has
been said that he did not seem to think of his life of interest to
others, though he always took a lively interest in the joys and
sorrows of his friends and brothers.

We do know that he came to Tatoosh Island in the U.S. Signal
Service in 1883. Robert Lee Sebastian was a Deputy Collector
of Customs for the Port of Grays Harbor. In that capacity he
would make many decisions that invoked the ire of the lawless, and many threats were made
against his life. In one particular situation, he arrested a ship laden with rifles and ammunition
which had been designated for Mexico, and held it against all comers.

He petitioned Centralia Lodge No. 63 in 1902. Later in 1910, he affiliated with then Aberdeen
Lodge No. 52 which became Grays Harbor Lodge No. 52, serving as Worshipful Master in 1912.
Three years later the Craft thought enough of his abilities to advance him to the rank and station
of Grand Master.

Most Worshipful Brother Robert Lee Sebastian departed this mortal coil on December 14, 1918.