CHAPTEE XI. 



THE ORIGIN OF THE ORDER. 



HOW IT CAME ABOUT. 



In January, 1866, Mr. 0. H. Kelley, a native of Boston, 

 but owning a farm in Minnesota, and at the time employed 

 in the Department of Agriculture at Washington, was com 

 missioned by President Johnson to make a tour of the South, 

 to collect data as to its agricultural and mineral resources. 

 He found the country struggling to recuperate from the 

 effects of the war; the planters and farmers, few in num 

 ber and widely scattered, with but little means for success 

 fully carrying on their avocation. 



Southern born planters have always been noted for their 

 generous hospitality, and geniality, but it was not expected 

 they would take kindly to a stranger and a government 

 officer, whom they might naturally regard as an enemy. 

 One reason, perhaps, for the generous spirit displayed by 

 this people is that Freemasonry is largely established 

 among them. The &quot; mystic tie of brotherhood &quot; saved many 

 a poor soldier s life during the war, alleviated the sufferings 

 of many wounded, and created countless friendships between 

 individuals of the contending parties that will never be 

 sundered while life lasts. Mr. Kelley, himself a Masonic 

 brother, and of straightforward and pleasing address, made 



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