Page 225 - 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.

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