The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1926-05-17

OOy sEIQSOIl, nOnOI6Q anu U0
loved by thousands of citizens of
the National Capital, is today re-
ceiving the compliments and con-
gratulations of his fellow-citizens
ana fellow workers in the interest
OF Washington upon reaching an
other milestone in his long and con-
structive career.
Few citizens of the District of
Columbia can look back aver a life
filled with a greater measure of con-
structive activity than can Mr.. Ed
son. Born in Jefferson, Ohio, May
II, 1846, he entered the Union Army
IN 1851, while still a lad, and served
IN the field until appointed mes
senger in the Treasury Department
IN 1868. From this date begins John
JOY Edson's connection with the up
building Of Washington.
Graduated in Law
In 1863 Mr.. Edison graduated from
the Columbia Law School (now
George Washington University and
was admitted to the bar of the SUI
preme Court of the District of CO.
lumbia the same year.
There should be great inspiration
Tor all young men in the career of
this well-believed Washingtonian of
whom Bill Price wrote in The Wash
tngton Times of May Is, 1921, on
the occasion Of Mr.. Edson's 18th
birthday anniversary. when he was
the guest OF honor at a banquet
rendered by his fellow-citizens:
It is customary in communities
that possess the right of suffrage
to honor such men by eleeting them
to the highest office That is at
least one way free Americans have
of expressing their appreciation of
notable public service and of citizen
ship of the highest class. Wash
ingtonians have no such honor to
give, so they gather informally and,
man to man. make known their esti-
mate Of q fellowmarl: hold him up to
young Washingtonians as worthy of
emulation because of purity and
cleanliness of personal life. loyal
service to his home city. and ideals
that make for typical Americanism.
Among Mr.. Edson's many con-
structive activities in the years of
his residence in Washington are
the organization of several build
ing associations, including the
Equitable Cooperative, which he
directed with marked success. He
is at present president of the
Equitable. He was a charter stock
holder in the Washington Loan
and Trust Company, of which he
was president for nearly a quarter
Of a century. sIr. Edison IS still
chairman Of the board of this in
stitution- Mr.. Edison was, also, a
charter member OF the Columbia
National Bank and for some years
served on the board of directors
OF the National Metropolitan Bank
and the Potomac Fire Insurance
Company.
He served on number of in
auguraI executive committees and
was chairman of the second Nc
Kinley inaugural committee. Dur
ing the Spanish-American War, Mr..
Edison was a member of the execu-
tive committee and treasurer OF
the American Red Cross. On two
occasions he declined appointment
as Commissioner of the District
OF Columbia.
A list of Mr.. Edson's civic activi-
ties, however, shows his life filled
with busy hours and days spent in
the service of the community, his
latest activity of this nature being
as treasurer of the National Press
Building Corporation and member
of the executive committee of that
organization.
Civic Leader
Mr.. Edson's contribution to this
ecity cannot be overestimated. He
has devoted many years to assist
ing citizens in their home building,
to the fostering Of new business
enterprises, to the foundation and
upbuilding of solid financial insti-
buttons and to every good work
that has been instituted for the
benefit Of Washington or it's citi-
zens. In a broader field, he has
served his country with the same
intense devotion that he has given
to his city. AS a mere lad he wore
the uniform of the Union Army.
During the Spanish War he served
with the Red Cross, and through
the tense days Of the World War
he was again on duty as chairman
OF the appeals board under the Sc
lective draft law and chairman of
the Capital issue committee.
Many citizens Of Washington will
observe John Joy Edson's eightieth
birthday today. He will be again
honored by those in high places.
Possibly he, himself. will cherish
most the good wishes of those
humber friends and citizens whose
welfare has always been nearest
his heart, for Mr.. Edison has shared
to the full
That best portion of good mans
life,
His little nameless unremembered
OF kindness and of love"