The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1913-05-15
DEATH OF ORIN A. PRIEST
A Lifelong Resident Of Somerset
County and a Man Of Prominence

Grin A. Priest, a prominent citizen
and lifelong resident of this county
died May 9Th at the home of his
daughter, Mrs. J. H. Lancaster on
Water street. While for a few
months in failing health, he has been
able to be about and out Of doors un-
til about ten days before his death.
The end came naturally terminating
his declining years, rather than as a
result of any particular disease.
The deceased was born in Athens,
March 81, 1888, the son of Jefferson
and Susan (Rollins) Priest. There
were seven children other than the
subject of this sketch Five died
when young in Athens, brother
died in the Union army during the
Civil War, and sister, Miss Frances
Priest of Gardiner, Maine, survives.
The family lived in Athens where the
father conducted a general store until
1857 and in that year came to Show
hogan where the same business was
carried on by the father and son.
They were first located on the Bloom
field side Of the river on East Front
street, opposite the present location
of the Anderson mill. Some years
later they came to the North side OF
the river locating on the corner of
Madison Avenue and Water street, the
present situation of the Sampson &
Griffin block. This business was sold
out and discontinued about 1890.
The deceased was married May %,
1866 to Mrs. Ellen Getchell, nee Ross,
who died April 2, 1911. OF this union
two daughters were born, Jessie
who died at five years Of age and Mrs.
John H. Lancaster above mentioned.
Though his activities were better
known to our community of an older
generation, few men have been more
prominent in these affairs. The store
conducted by the deceased and his ia
Their was among the leading business
places of this county for long peri
3D. Mr.. Priest was also Trial Justice
for twenty-five years, his last com
mission not having expired at the
time of his death. Before him were
tried 1900 cases, the papers and
docket records of which are still pre-
served. Among these were several
widely known cases, the most notable
perhaps, being that of Micha Norton,
of New Portland, accused of murder,
and afterwards sentenced to life i'm
prisonment in states prison for that
crime. 1t was his pride that few Of
his decisions as Trial Justice were
ever reversed by the higher courts.
A lifelong Republican, Mr.. Priest
served upon the committee of that
party for almost generation. He
was counted upon by his associates
to plan many important campaigns,
and his ability to prophesy accurate
ly, the result of the local vote was
proverbial. He was unusually well
informed in current Political history.
In 1868 he became a member of
Somerset Lodge, Somerset Chapter,
and Mount Moriah Council, and the
following year of De Molay Comman-
derry. He was a constant attendant,
and valuable member Of these bodies,
and filled many of their subordinate
offices.
The funeral rights of the first
named order were observed on Sun
day last, at his late home, De Molay
Commandery being present and act
ing as escort. Rev. j. G. Osborne Of
the First Baptist church was the Of
ficiating clergyman, and the interment
was in the family lot in the South
Cemetery.