Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1895-02-07
THOMAS DAVIDSON DEAD. .

Death Occurred Early ON "Wednesday
After an Illness OF Only One Week - 4
ProIninent Business Man and Lead
in. alember of tho Masonic Fraternity.
Thomas Davidson, proprietor of the
Delaware steam marble aud granite WORKS,
Fifth aud King streets, died ut lis home
SQS Adams street, ut g o'clock Wednesday
morning, of congestion of tho kidneys,
after an illness OF one week. Mr.. David
son had been complaining for some time,
but he was not confined to the house until
last Wednesday. Since that time he sank
rapidly until death relieved his sulferings
Thomas Davidson was born In Philadel-
phia, August 9th, 1916 of English parent.
age. He learned the trade of marble
cutter In Philadelphia with Thomas Har-
grave aud Van Gunden g. Young. and
came TO this city in 1867, when he asso-
ciated himself with his brother. William,
and under the firm maine OF Davidson Il
Brother the marble cutting business was
conducted at the southwest corner Of Fifth
and King streets, directly opposite the
present location of his plant. In 1858
William Davidson retired from tine firm
and since that time Thomas had been the
sole owner Of the business. Mr.. Davidson's
reputation as u marble cutter was known
beyond the limits Of the State. lie erected
many handsome monuments aud tOmbs
in this and other States.
MIR. Davidson WAS d member of Trinity
L. r.. Church and at one time was one Of
the vestrymen and also librarian of the
Sunday He was also d member of
Hope Lodge, ]. o. o. +.
MIR. Davidson was prominent member
OF the Masonic order, and was for years
one of the most intelligent and active
members Of the fraternity in this jurislic-
ton. lie was connected with Lafayette
Lodge, No. II, a, +. IL A. NJ, st. Johns
Chapter, No. 4. II. A. NJ, and st. Jonn's
Commandery, No. /, X, 4. In all OF these
bodies he was assldu0us in his attention to
routine and official business, and regular
in his attendance Naturally, he passed
through all the official stages i'll each body
and was not only master OF the lodge,
high priest of the chapter and eminent
commander of the commandery, but en-
joyed the probably unparalleled Masonic
distinction Of holding all three OF these
positions at one and the same time.
Members of the order alone know what
an amount OF intelligent application and
close study were necessary to enable him
to creditably perform. as he did, the ex-
acting duties, and exemplify the work of
these three exalted Masonic offices at the
same time.
Mr.. Davidson also served in various
official capacities in the Grand Lodge of
Delaware, and was Grand Master for two
terms. In the Grand Chapter he enjoyed
the same distinction, and served two terms
as Grand High Priest, in addition to hold
ing various other official positions. In all
the subordinate bodies he retained his
active interest after passing through the
administrative offices and was conspicuous
rs trustee and member of committees, and
All active participant in all affairs affecting
the material interests of lodge, chapter
and conmandery.
Mr.. Davidson was also q member of the
Scottish Rite branch of the order, though
not so actively identified with this as with
the others mentioned.
Personally Mr.. Davidson was man
who naturally attracted friends by his
cheerful demeanor and kindly disposition.
He was large.hearted and charitable and
possessed Of a sympathetic nature that
ever impelled him to extend aid and
kindly consideration to those in distress.
1t is doubtful if he had single enemy in
this community, where he was SO we'll
known.
Five daughters survive the deceased.
They are Mrs. Martha Butterworth of
Newark, N. j., Leah NJ, Bella, Eva |. and
Helen, the last four being unmarried. Two
sisters and one brother arc also living.
The brother, William. conducts "A marble
yard at Ninth and King streets, and the
sisters are Mrs. John Hughes and Mrs.
Iamor Charuleigb, both of whom live in
Philadelphia.
The funeral will take place on Saturday
afternoon next. at $50 O'Clock, from his
late residence, No. SOS Adams street. Ser
vices will be held at Trinity l.. Il. Church,
at . o'clock, and interment made at Will
mingtOn and Brandywine cemetery. The
Masonic bodies of which he was m EN- Dor
will attend