From Richmond To Buckingham
Photos by National Park Service: Washington Monument
George Chambers’ grave marker (posted 12/26/12) was cut by J.T. Rogers of Richmond. In 1846, importing a marker from Richmond to Buckingham was a pretty big deal and it’s a reminder that many Buckingham planters had influence and contacts beyond the confines of the county. J. T. Rogers was a prominent “marble dealer” in Richmond, located at Main and 8th.
In the mid-1850s, Rogers contributed not one but two Masonic stones to the Washington Monument.
From “Masonic Stones of the Washington Monument:”
At the 200-foot level, eighteenth landing, Virginia presented two Masonic stones. The first is presented by St. John’s Lodge No. 36, F. & A.M., Richmond. The stone is granite with a raised marble Bible carved with a compass and square. The stone is signed J.T. Rogers, Richmond. The stone from the Grand Lodge of Virginia is granite with a raised border and also contains a carved Bible with compass and square. It bears the inscription: “By the Grand Lodge of Accepted, Ancient and Free Masons of Virginia. Lo’ She gave to this Republic, the Chief Corner Stone. Aug. 4 A.L. 5854.” J.T. Rodgers, Richmond, has signed the lower border.
slate river ramblings . . . . 
so this stone was cut 166 years ago ?
These stones by Rogers are not dated, though many stones were delivered in the mid-1850s. In 1851 and 1853, the Washington National Monument Society solicited members of the Masonic Order to make contributions to a fund that was used for the construction of the Washington Monument. There is at least one stone dated 1850.
For more information visit: http://www.calodges.org/scrl/monthly/stones.htm and http://www.nps.gov/wamo/photosmultimedia/Washington-Monument-Stones.htm