Executive Historic Walnut Pen — Walker–Benson Series

Hand-Turned from the Masonic Cemetery of Fredericksburg Lodge No. 4

This limited-edition pen is crafted from historic black walnut wood reclaimed from the Masonic Cemetery of Fredericksburg Lodge No. 4, Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons—a site established in 1784 and resting place to generations of early Freemasons, their families, and founders of the Fredericksburg community.

The walnut tree from which this pen was made stood for generations in the Walker–Benson family section of the cemetery. Over decades of growth, the living tree gradually enveloped the gravestones of Catherine Walker (1820–1821) and Mary Jane (Walker) Lewis Benson (1776–1857) until their markers became visibly embedded within the trunk. When the tree died of natural causes and was respectfully removed, a portion of its wood was preserved so its remarkable history could continue.

Each pen in this series carries that story forward—transforming a natural memorial into a lasting heirloom.

A Cemetery with National Significance

Fredericksburg Lodge No. 4 organized in 1752 and established its cemetery in 1784. Today, approximately 270 graves rest within its sandstone walls. Those interred represent early Fredericksburg families from England, Scotland, Ireland, Switzerland, and American towns such as Boston and Williamsburg. Many brethren buried here also served in the Continental Army during the American Revolution, reflecting the Lodge’s role in helping to shape both a community and a nation.

Along the back wall lie the reinterred remains of members of American Masonic Lodge No. 63, a Lodge formed in 1799 that ceased to exist after the Civil War.

Craftsmanship & Heritage

The Walker family was closely tied to early Fredericksburg craftsmanship. Alexander Walker (1771–1830) was a respected cabinetmaker and town councilman, traditionally credited with furniture associated with Mary Ball Washington. In that same spirit of artisan skill, each pen is individually hand-turned, allowing the natural grain of the walnut—and its history—to guide the final form.

No two pens are alike.

Product Details

Material: Historic black walnut from the Masonic Cemetery

Craft: Individually hand-turned

Finish: Hand-polished for durability and natural beauty

Hardware:  Upgraded metal hardware - Premium shaping and finish

Uniqueness: Each pen varies in grain, tone, and character

What’s Included

Executive Hand-turned Historic Walnut Pen

Certificate of Authenticity detailing the wood’s provenance

Heritage Story Insert (Walker–Benson history)

Black Pen Box

Optional engraved Walnut presentation box (Purchase Separately)

Why This Pen Is Different

Made from a finite, historically documented source

Directly connected to early American and Masonic history

Crafted to honor remembrance, legacy, and continuity

Ideal for Masons, historians, collectors, and meaningful gifts

Once the preserved walnut supply is exhausted, no additional pens can be produced.

A Legacy You Can Hold

This pen is more than a writing instrument.
It is a tangible connection to Fredericksburg’s past, to the families interred within the Masonic Cemetery, and to the craftsmen who helped shape an early American community.

Preserving the past, one pen at a time.