William Schley 1786-1858
Governor of Georgia 1835- 1837
Grand Master of Georgia 1828- 1831
In this family cemetery rest the remains of William Schley, Governor and Grand Master of Georgia. Brother Schley was born in Frederick, Maryland December 10, 1786 and acquired his education in the academies at Louisville and Augusta, Georgia. He was admitted to the Bar in 1813 and continued the practice of law until 1825, when he was elected judge of the Superior Court of the Middle Division of Georgia.
Brother Schley was a member of St. Patrick Lodge No. 6, Louisville, Georgia an served as Worshipful Master in 1819. He served four terms as Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Georgia, Free and Accepted Masons and was the presiding officer and principal speaker at the ceremony of laying the cornerstone of the first Masonic Hall erected in the City of Augusta on June 2,1828.
Our brother was a public-spirited citizen in every relation; exemplified that noblest work of God "An Honest Man", one of advanced ideas, believing in the strictest adherence to the United States Constitution and withholding of all powers from Congress which were not expressly delegated to it.
Marker Placed by the Educational
and Historical Commission of the
Grand Lodge of Georgia F & A. M.
A.D. 1967
Plaque courtesy Lat34North.com.
Original page, with additional info, here.
Photo credit: David Seibert.