Four items signed by Truman: an ALS signed “Harry,” one page, 8.5 x 11, Grand Lodge of Missouri letterhead, November 27, 1940. Letter to John W. Snyder reads, in full: “Just had a telegram from Bess saying that the experts have decided not to operate on Momma. It sure took a load of bricks off my head. I had another leg & foot specialist look at her and he said ‘not now.’ I am wiring you today asking you to see Lou Holland. He’s a real big man and my friend. You can trust him and he really wants to do something for Missouri. No ax to grind himself. I’m doing a little ‘high hatting’ down here. Hope to see you soon.” Also included is an ornate partly printed document, signed “John Wesley Snyder,” countersigned by the Sovereign Grand Commander 33° and Grand Secretary General 33° of the Supreme Council Sovereign Grand Inspectors General of the Thirty Third and Last Degree of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite for the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of the United States of America, 16 x 20.75, September 28, 1966. Signed in the upper left “Harry S. Truman 33° P G-M, 8-25-67 Mo.” Lastly, a pair of TLSs to Snyder, both signed by Truman, regarding Snyder’s Masonic situation. In overall very good to fine condition, with punch holes and staple holes to top edge of letter, as well as an office stamp; and central horizontal fold to document, as well as some scattered light toning and soiling, and adhesive remnants to reverse.
These pieces originate from John W. Snyder, a businessman and close friend of Truman, who was later appointed Secretary of the Treasury in his administration. Truman was an active Mason, and of the fourteen U.S. Presidents who were Masons, President Truman is the only one to have been given the 33° of the Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite. ‘Freemasonry,’ Truman wrote, ‘is a system of morals which makes it easier to live with your fellow man, whether he understands it or not.’ In the first letter, Truman praises Lou Holland, a Kansas City businessman who worked with Truman to finance road construction in Jackson County. A fine set of items related to the president’s Missouri connections and his Masonic ties.
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