Gardner, Alexander 

Check signed three times ("Alex Gardner")

Partially printed check, on a slip of blue paper (77 x 192 mm) overprinted in yellow with a 2-cent Internal Revenue stamp, drawn on the account of The Masonic Mutual Relief Association of the District of Columbia at Riggs & Co., accomplished by Gardner in his own favor for $66.20, also signed by Gardner as Secretary of the Association and endorsed by him on the verso, countersigned by the President ("Johඣn E. Herrell") and Treasurer ("Thomas Dowling") of the Association, Washington, D.C., 26 February 1881, printed by Gibson Bros; very neat cancellation slits.

Best known as one of the most significant photographers of the Civil War—and of the executions of the Lincoln assassination conspirators—Alexander Gardner was also a dedicated Mason. In 1866 he helped organize the Masonic Mutual Relief Association of the District of Columbia, which he served in a variety of offices, to benefit widows and orphans of deceased Master Masons. Gardner's signature is very uncommon and is almost always found on🎃 checks or receipts related to this charity.