Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-12-31
JAMES B. EDMONDS DEAD
FORMER COMMISSIONERS of DISTRICT
PASSES AWAY.
Had Been Resident of washington
for Twenty Years-Tribute to
His Memory.

James B. Edmonds died Saturday night
at his residence. 1925 X street. He
had been in failing health for some time,
and the end was not unexpected. Funeral
services will be held Wednesday at 9
clock. He was in the sixty ninth year of
his age. and for the past twenty years had
been resident of this District
In the year 1883 Mr.. Edmonds was mace
Commissioner Of the District and served a
term OF three years. He was born N !
10, 1882, in Saratoga county, N. Y When
young man, hardly of age he was ad-
m1tted to practice at the bar in Eimira
u. Y, and in the same year. 1853, he formed
a partnership with John L. Taylor. at that
time representative In Congress of the
OWego district Subsequently he became
associated in law partnership with Cen
eIai B. p Tracy, late Secretary of the
Navy. Like good many other enterpris-
Ing young men, Mr.. Edmonds, in the course
OF few years. went west and located in
Iowa City, then the capital of Iowa He
formed business connection with Charles
T. Ransom and the firm had a large and
lucrative practice. In the year 1875 Mr.
Edmonds found, on account Of his health,
that It would be necessary to give up at
least in part active practice. He devoted
his time to travel and finally be came to
this city. where he made his permanent
home. He built the house on K street
where he died, and became interested in
several local enterprises.
Mr.. Edmonds' first wife was a sister of
his law partner, Mr.. Ransom She died
several years before he removed to this
city. His second wife, to whom he was
married In 1855, and who survives him,
was Miss Lydia Myers. daughter of a
no children.
Tribute of Respect.
Upon motion Of Commissioner Mcfarland
the board of District Commissioners today
issued the following order:
THAT the Commissioners of the District
of Columbia learn with deep regret of the
decease the evening OF the 10Th instant In
this city of James Barker Edmonds, who
was Commissioner of the said District
from March 3. 1883. to April /, 1886: that
as mark of respect to his memory the
flags of all District buildings be placed at
half-mast until after his ebsequies. and that
all officers and employees of the District
government intending to be present at the
funeral, which will take place at 2 o'clock
pm. Wednesday, the I'd proxfmo, be ex-
cused from duty for that purpose"
Speaking Of Mr.. Edmonds, Mr.. Mcfarland
said:
"Mr. Edmonds was man of unusual abil-
fty and attainments. He was so modest
that his powers were not generally appre-
ciated. He fully met the high standard
maintained by successive Presidents in ap-
pointments to the District Commissioner
ship, and performed its exacting duties so
successfully that there was general regret
at his unwfllingness to accept a reappoint-
ment. In public Office, as In private life
he showed fidelity. conscientiousness and
industry. III health of late years prevented
his constant participation in the activities
of the District. but he took a keen and
urselfish interest in its affairs. The last
time / saw him was when he called to
speak Of matter Of public interest"