The Portland daily press., 1899-10-23

MIR. Dsvis was torn In Limington, York
county, Me, September 20 1884, and was
the son OF Mr.. and Mrs William Davis
When but 10 years of age he left his
country home and coming tossPortland,
entered the employ of q baker. Mr.
Davis received only a common school
education, but like many another gradu-
ate from the "little red schoolhouse," by
home reading and close application be-
oams educated In those practical duties
which have before placed the country
youth on par with the more privileged
Glasses and has enabled him 60 win sue
cess by superior force of character.
| When II he met with a severe accident,
which for a time arrested his progress.
In falling from coach his right leg
was SO badly crushed that am putation
was resorted TO in order to save his life.
He did not fully recover until he had
gained his major ity, when he entered up
ON the active duties of life by conduct
ing fancy goods business in Portland,
which business he Successfully continued
until 1860 In the latter year he engaged
In livery and hack stable business In
connection with the Prsble house, and
remained there until 1878. Since the lat
ter date his business has been entirely
devoted to the office of Grand Secretary
of the Grand Lodge of Odd Fellows. In
politics MIR. Davis was Democrat. but
was most liberal in his political Views
In religion he inclined to the Universal
list faith.
| In 1861 Mr.. Davis married Miss Julia
g. Littletield Of Portland, who survives
him. They had no children. He was a
model husband being strongly attached
to his home. It can be trnthfully said
of him that he was a most exempt airy
man, and In his death Portland mourns
the loss of one of its very best citizens.
1t was in Odd Fellowship that Mr..
Davis became best known and beloved.
He was to the Grand Lodge of Maine
whit the immortal Ridgely was to the
Sovereign Grand Lodge-its architect
and builder. MIR. Davis was initiated
into Odd Fellowship in March, 1865, when
ne became a m ember of Ancient Brothers
Lodge. No. 4. Subsequently he became a
charter member of Unity Lodge, No. g.
In 1878 MIR. Davis was siectei Grand
Secretary OF the Grand Lodge of Maine,
and has held the Office continuously until
the day OF his death. When he assumed
the duties of the oifios there were but 20
lodges in the state, and only 8 s67 mem
bers. He has seen the order In this Juris-
diotion grow from that small number TO
| its present magnitude of 40 subordinate
lodges. with nearly q, 200 mem bsrs. and
81 Rebekah lodges, with nearly $4,000
members. A large part of this great
prosperity Is due to HIS constant labor
and watohfulness. His long term In
Office made him thoroughly conversant
with the needs Of the order, and no Odd
Fellow In Maine was so well acquainted
with its history as he. His mature judg
msnt and knowledge of the order have
been of great benefit to many Grand
Matter, who has sought his advice.
4 Tine love and esteem in which Mr.. Davis
was held by the members OF the Grand
Lodge of Maine wac fully illustrated at
the annual session of 1896. Through con.
tinued i'll health the Grand Secretary
made up his mind to decline a re. nomi-
nation, but took no one into his conf
dence. When he arose In the Grand
Lodge to. decline. the body was taken by
surprise. 1t is safe to say that never be.
fore WAS such scene enacted in the
Grand Lodge of Maine, az took place on
that day. AS MIR. Davis reviewed his
long connection with the order, and elo-
quently spoke of bis relations with tbs
members, strong men were seen to Tow
their heads and weep. When he sat down
half dozsn members were on their feet,
each protesting against his declinatien.
The sentiment expressed was that be
should have this Office as long as he lived
and II hs was unable to perform the active
duties of the office. his salary would be
raised sufficiently to hire an assistant.
This, embodied In motion. was unsni-
mously carried without references to q
committee.
| MIR. Davis became a member of the En-
campment branch by joining Eastern
Star Encampment. Portland, in 1869. In
lS56-T he was Grand Patriarch OF the
Grand Eneampment of Maine. In 1677.7s
he was Grand Representative to the Sow
ereign Grand Lodge, and was reelected
to that body in 1Ssl-Sa In Ias3-sz he
was Grand Guardian of the Sovereign
Grand Lodge. Mir. Davis was mem Der
Of Weodbine Rsbskah lodgs, Canton
Ridgsly and Pine Tree Lodge K. OF P.
he was this originator and the first pres
ident Of the Past Grand Representatives
4 AT