Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-05-16

from active business life. His condition
was not regarded alarming except at in
tervals when sever attacks seized him. In
one of these he died yesterday. Sunday he
worse than usual, but the end was not
anticipated so soon. Five minutes before
death Mr. Saunders was conscious and able
to take the medicine which nurse admin
istered to him.
His Early Life.
Mr.. Saunders early life was spent in the
country. where he could freely commune
with nature. as he often afterw I'd explain
ed. He was born on farm in Cattaraugus
county, n. Y, in 1S41, and obtained his
early education in the common schools and
academy of his native county. After teach
ing school for short period he became
mbued with an ambition to go out into the
world and earn for himself place and for
tune among men. From his early youth
he was accustomed to rely upon his own
judgment as to what course was best for
his personal interests. and when he mad
formulated his plans he set to work to
carry them into execution With $50 in his
pocket he left his humble home in western
New York to seek his fortune in the city of
Washington. He obtained employment In
the Treasury Department. This was near
the close of the civil war, In the winter of
1S64-'65. He soon thereafter entered upon
the study of law, and took full course of
legal studies in the Columbia University,
graduating with honors.
Entered Law Practice.
Having resigned from the government
service in 1870 he entered upon the prac-
tice of law, practicing in the District and
United States courts. After ten years
successful practice, Mr.. Saunders, believing
in the future development and prosperity
OF Washington and the increase in real es-
tate values here, abandoned the practice or
law in 1881 and opened a real estate office
at 18th and F streets northwest. He soon
built up large business, but as his ambl-
ton led him to still higher pursuits he
gave up very largely the real estate bust
ness and became interested in establishing
the Ohio National Bank, at 18th and u
streets northwest, becoming director and
for large part of the time its acting
president. He retired from its management
in 1895. Mr. Saunders was one of the first
directors and treasurer of the Washington
National Building and Loan Association Of
Washington, but retired from all connec-
ton Herewith in 1898 He was also d.
rector OF the Business Mems Association of
the District, and always took a prominent
interest in all things that pertain to the
growth and best interests of the capital
In 1899 Mr.. Saunders was elected president
of the Washington Savings Bank, now at
18th and G streets. He retired from the
bank about a year ago.
Popular Mason.
Mr.. Saunders was popular and esteemed
member of Harmony Lodge, No. H. F. A A
M, having a one time been master of that
lodge. He was member of the Society of
the Sons of the American Revolution being
descended from a distinguished officer OF
the war Of independence.
He was a republican and early advo-
cate for the nomination and election OF
William Mckinley for the presidency. He
was married twice, his first wife, Miss
Greene, dying several years ago. and Mr.
Saunders marrying some time later her
sister.