Robert Erwin Peary (1856-
An Arctic explorer, usually credited with leading the first expedition to reach the North Pole at his third attempt. He and Matthew Henson, an American Negro reached their goal on 6th April, 1909. These two were the only members of the expedition to achieve this final stage of their journey. He was also the first person to prove that Greenland is an island.
Both men were Freemasons Peary having been initiated on 4th February, passed on 18th
February and raised on 3rd March, 1896, in Kane Lodge No.454, New York City.. This
Lodge is named after another explorer -
Matthew Henson was a member of Celestial Lodge No. 3 of Prince Hall jurisdiction in New York City