The Washington times., 1917-01-10

sion. At the same time ne com.
menced his active interest in the de
velopment of the District as a resi-
dence city
| Worked To UpbuiId Capital.
He was instrumental in the organi.
zation' of the Equitable Cooperative
Building Association, in 1889, and was
elected its secretary. He served in
| this position nine years, when he be-
came president of the association.
Throughout his active participation
| In the associations affairs he worked
continuously for the upbuilding of
Washington.
His interest and activity in fnan-
cial affairs resulted In his planning
the organization of the Washington
Loan and Trust Company. He was
made vice president OF the organize
ton when IL was formed In 1890. In
1898, at the time OF the financial
panic. he proved tower Of strength
to the institution, and was rewarded
the next year by election TO the presi-
dency, which Office he held oontinu-
ousIy until his resignation was pre-
scented to the directors today.
Mr.. Edison also waA one OF the or
Banl&erS anu luz q ionB Iluio u vi
rector of the Columbia National
officer and director Of the National
Metropolitan Bank, the Potomac In
surance Company, and the Corcoran
Fire Insurance Company.
Aided Many Civic Events.
In his activities as q public spirited
citizen Mr.. Edison has probably become
better known than any other private
citizen OF the District. He was the
chairman OF the general committee and
executive committee and in general
charge Of the famous encampment of
the Grand Army Of the Republic In
Washington in 1892 He has been a
member and an officer Of every inaugu-
raj executive committee since the in
auguration OF President Harrison in
1883, usually filling the office Of treas
urer Of the committee. In 1901 he was
chairman of the committee for the in
auguration OF President Mckinley for
the second time.
Mr.. Edison was an intimate personal
friend of President Mckinley and has
enjoyed the personal friendship of Pres
idents Cleveland, Roosevelt, Taft and
Wilson. He was a friend Of the late
L. Il
the late Senator John Sherman Of Ohio.
Mr.. Edison is known throughout the
country as one OF the greatest authori-
ties on social service work and chari-
ties in general For a number Of years
he has been a member OF the board Of
directors of the Associated Charities Of
this city and has, for many years past.
been treasurer Of both the Associated
Charities and the citizens relief com-
mittee.
Beloved by ChiIdren.
He has worked necessarily for the
children OF the community, especially
the tots whose parents are unable to
give them all the comforts OF a real
home. He was one OF the organizers
Of the summer outings committee. and
has been in charge as chairman since
its organization. He was instrumental
in securing the establishment OF Camp
Good VIII in Rock Creek Park.
He was one OF the original men,
bers of the Board of Charities ap-
pointed by the District Commissioners
and has been chairman Of that organ
ization since It was formed. He has
been treasurer of the Washington
Improvement Company since
its organization and has been an Of
hcer of the National Congress of
Charities and Corrections on many &C.
casions. He was appointed by Presi-
dent Roosevelt a member of the
prison commission which investigated
and reported to Congress upon the
prisons Of the country. He was one
of the organizers and has been presi-
dent since Organization OF the John
Dickson Home for Old Men.
Active Az Business Booster.
As business man Mr.. Edison has
always been active in the interests of
the District. He served two terms as
president of the Washington Board of
Trade and has been a director and an
officer Of that body many years.
When the Chamber Of Commerce OF
the United States was formed, some
years ago, Mr.. Edison was elected a
director and treasurer Of the organ
ization. which position he still holds.
He has persistently declined all
sorts OF public offices with a salary
attached. He was urged by President
Harrison to become q Commissioner
Of the District in 1889, but declined.
In 1901 President Mckinley endeay-
ored to secure Mr.. Edson's acceptance
OF the office of, Commissioner and
again he declined.
In educational work Mr.. Edison has
been regarded as a prominent factor.
Since his graduation he has always
been interested in the welfare Of Co
lumbar, now George Washington Uni
and was treasurer OF the insti-
tuition for two terms.
Mr.. Edison is a member Of the G.
A. r. and has served in many citizens
committees in public service inFesti
cations and celebrations. He invaria-
bly, has been an active and never
a passive member of all the commit
tees and in all the organizations with
which he has served. He was an Of
ncer of the American Bankers Asso-
and was in charge of the en-
Of the organization at
the time of its annual convention in
twelve years ago. He Is
a member of the Columbia Historical
q member and one Of the
founders of the Monday Evening Club.
4 charter member OF the University
Club, and belongs also TO the Cosmos
Club, the National Press Club, and
the Commercial Club. He Is q men,
Der and director Of the National Geo
graphic Society, and served several
years as treasurer Of that orgsniza-
ton.
Mr.. Edson Is regarded by his asso-
ciates as q keen business man, a far
seeing public spirited citizen, and 4