Western liberal. (Lordsburg, N.M.) 1887-1919, 1915-05-28
DEATH OF DON: H. KEDZIE
FOUNDER OF LIBERAL

Friday morning, May q, 10 Los An
geles, California, occurred the untime
ly death OF DOnald HixsOn Kedzie
founder Of the Western Liberal, and
highly respected citizen OF LOrdsburg,
where for sixteen years be was Post
master and United States Commis-
slOner. The news came as a shock to
bis many friends both here aud
throughout the Southwest, who, al
though they knew OF his illness, we're
sangulne for his ultimate recovery.
Mr.. Kedzle retired from bis business
activities In December OF last year,
going TO Los Angeles, California where
he Intended remaining during his re-
clininR years. In letters TO friends
here be declared being In the best OF
health and enjoying his new location.
Two weeks agO he fell. when one OF
his crutches slipped from beneath
him, and fractured his partially am.
putated leg. He was removed to a
Los Angeles hospital where he reviv-
ed for a time but his strength was not
sufficient TO Withstand other ailments
with which be was afflicted together
with the fracture. Every effort was
expended TO save bis life but the men
tai strain under which he had so
bravely struggled combined with his
painful injuries had weakened him
until the pangs OF death found no re-
sistance. Thirty" was written for
the veteran editor aud he departed
peacefully.
Through the courtesy Of Silver City
| Lodge No. 4l3, b. p. .. r. OF which
Mr.. KedZie was a member, impressive
last rights we're pronounced over the
body by the Los Angeles lodge OF
Elks. With the deceased at the end,
we're his brother Robert M. Kedzie
and family.
Don: ri. Kedzie was born October
29th 1857 10 Clinton, Michigan. HIS
parents we're A, S. and Harietta G
! lHixsOn) Kedzie. He was educated
in the public schools and graduated
with the A. B. Degree from the Mi
chigan Agriculture College, 1916. He
came to New Mexico in 1887 work
ing for a time 10 the state as
practical printer In November Of
1887 he came 10 LordsburR and TO-
gether with partner, established the
Western Liberal He served as post
master here from 1889 to 1898 and
1897 to 1913 He was appointed U. S.
Commissioner here in 1895, which pos
ition he held until being succeeded
| by Faris V. Bush. Mr.. KedZie was
member Of the Knights of Pythias
and was also a member OF the ElkS'
Lodge at Silver CITY. he was a charter
member of the former, being an &C
tive worker in the Pyramid Lodge
No. % Of this city, aud one OF It's early
organizers.
Don: KedZie received his early
newspaper training with his father in
ST. joseph, Mo, and became editor OF
the Lake ShUre Daily News. Later
be assumed the duties nf editor and
publish, ~ the Grand Haven, Mich,
Weekly Herald. Upon leaving this
newspaper he came TO Texas and was
employed by the Morning Times at
FL PaSO From FL Paso he went To
Silver City securing position In the
mechanical department OF the Enter
prise. In 1887 he founded the West
ern Liberal together with 5. ID. Dyne,
whose interest he purchased later,
and conducted the paper until De-
cemher OF 1914
Mr.. KedZle was director In the
AriZnua & New M xico railroad aud
alsu the AriZuna Eastern railroad, for
many years. He was director in the
IsJ. National Bank of this city, serv-
ing very ably upon the board until
his removal to California, He was
deeply interested 10 educational mat
tiers aud had been, at various times, a
trustee In the LOrdsburg public
school
Don: Kedzie was a staunch support
er OF the Republican party aud took
an active part 10 its affairs. His
views 90 county, State aud National
wide issues we're widely copied, and
his comment on matters pertaining
to the Southwest evidenced the vet
eran editors diligent and keen study
Of that which greatly interested the
people. As business maO, a com
munity builder aud an exponent Of
correct political principles he was a
success.
The press throughout the South
west mourn the passing OF the founder
NJ the Western Liberal
| Don: KedZie is survived by a sister,
Mrs: NJ. j. Thompson OF KenilwOrth,
| Illinois and brother Robert NJ.
KedZie, OF Los Angeles, Cal.