The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1896-06-06
Col. Edwin Parsons.

When the Grand Lodge of Knights of
Pythias of the Grand Domain OF Maine
recently held it's annual session in the
city of Portland, it elected as its Grand
Chancellor without a shadow OF oppos1-
tioD, without even the suggestion OF an
other name and with much enthusiasm,
Col. Edwin Parsons of kennebunk.
Such an unusual performance OF SO large
and influential a body IS the Grand
Lodge OF Knights of Pythias naturally
makes d few words in relation to the re-
cipient of this distinguished honor par
tlcularly apropos at this time.
Col Parsons comes of good old York
county stock, having been born and
raised in the ancient town of Kennebunk.
He was educated in the common schools
OF that town, supplemented by a study
OF mechanics in New York city. Mr..
Parsons natural tendency toward me-
chanioS which he had manifested when
small boy. led him to work very hard at
his fayorite theme and, as was natural,
as soon as his studies were completed. he
Immediately sought out employment
which would give him opportunity to
advance himself in the cline OF WORK
| which he loved SO we'll. The best testi-
mony which can be offered of how well
be worked along his chosen line Is 10
state the fact that from humble begin
ming In the car shops of the Old Eastern
| railroad of Boston, he continued the Gu
ergetio and intelligent pursuit. OF Tbs
mechanical branch of railroading until
he eventually became assistant superln-
| tendent of motive power and machinery
of the great New York and New England
railroad system. He was in the employ
OF that road continuously for ten years,
when he resigned to become the general
agent of one of the largest concerns IL
their line of manufacture and Construc-
| ton In the country, the Cook Locomo-
| i've & Machine Co., of Paterson, N. j..
with which he remained for long time
until the love of his native Pine Tres
State which, once born in a man, grows
deeper and stronger as the years roll on
compelled him to return to his native
heath at kennebunk in 1891 to settle
once more and. as Col. Parsons has him
self expressed it, fTo do and to die"
When MIR. Parsons returned to kenne-
bunk, he Of course found himself among
old friends, and in very short time he
! found himself once more busily engaged
in all sorts of enterprises, and he is today
on OF the busiest men of whom the
State of Maine can boast.
Mr.. Parsons always had love for the
fraternity generated secret orders, and
| there are but few men who can surpass
his record of mem bership in the various
orders, and the high offices in them
which he has held. He is a member
and Worsbipful Master Of York lodge of
Masons: a member of Murray chapter,
Maine Council, Maine Censistory, and
Eminent Commander of the famous
Bradford Commandery of Biddefoid,
which won SO many encomiums from
| the press and public at the recent CON-
clave in Boston. He is a member of the
| Squando Tribe of Red Men, Junior
| Order Of United American Mechanics, of
which he is a leading officer; Past Chan
| Co tot two
and Deputy Grand Chancellor Of the
knights of Pythias, Myrtle lodge claim
ing him as a member, and, as has al
ready been alluded to. has received the
unusual honor of unanimous election as
Grand Chancellor of the Grand Domain
of Knights of Pyrhias of Maine. He is
also Exalted Ruler of Portland Lodge of
Elks, one Of the largest and most lnf1u-
entail lodges of Elks in the country,
whore he is very popular, and to be very
| popular as an Elk means great deal be-
ca Csc the Elks have the reputation Of be-
ing composed of the most royal good fell
| lows on earth.
In politics, Mr.. Parsons has always
been staunch and Woodworking Repub-
lioan and Is an ardent admirer Of Speak
or Reed. In York county he has often
been rendered nomination to political
office, and has refused the honor, but has
served his party most efficiently as
lu0m D0I VI uAc SehI1uub UOWAls COuAuS hl0
campaign committees. At the recent
State convention of the Republicans at
Portland, Col. Parsons received the es-
pecial bencr of a unanimous nomination
as presidential elector of the First Dis
triot of Maine, and will participate in
the election Of the next President of the
United Sattes.
Mr.. Parsons has always been identified
with every solid enterprise which tends
towards the advancement of his native
county and his home State. Socially he
Is man of the most delightful attain
ments, with all the attributes of royal
good fellow. Among the secret orders he
has the reputation of being one Of the
best ritualists in New England.
Col. Parsons is an ardent believer in
the future growth and prosperity Of the
State of Maine, especially as summer
playground for the American people,
and Is ever ready to assist by voice or
pooketbook all legitimate enterprises
which tend to her profit.