Montana oil and mining journal. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1931-1953, 1937-12-11

be returned to Brainerd. where he de-
sired to live.
The three weeks heightened into six,
and he stayed on. He sent to Brainerd
for his personal effects. Living from a
suitcase was rather awkward.
His intended stay of three weeks has
heightened now to So years, marked by
long career OF public service in his
adopted community to his employment
with the railroad company.
In 1887 MIR. LaShorn entered the
road OF FTeemasonry which has brought
him the distinction Of having lived and
served in the orders 33d degree for
43 years.longer than any other living
man in the world.
Joining the order in Livingston two
years after the institution Of Living
ston Lodge No. 80, A. F. g. A M, Mr.
LaShorn recently received his 5O-year
jewel from the Montana grand lodge,
and certificate from his home lodge.
In 1888 he helped to institute the
Lodge OF Perfection, the first division
Of the Scottish Rite, and by 1890 the
full Scottish Rite was established with
the institution Of the Consistory From
its inception Mr.. Lashorn has served
as treasurer Of the Rite In all its
branches. He has never missed a re-
union OF the Livingston valley, and he
has missed but one Easter service
since 1888.
In establishing the Scottish Rite In
Livingston, II. r. Comfy of Nebraska,
representing the supreme council OF
the Rite, came to Livingston to COM
municate the work to members, a !
task which required three days. Mr.. |
Lashorn recalls that during the sessions I
a fire alarm was sounded. In 1888 I
Livingston was new, the buildings were I
mostly Of wood construction and there
was no fire fighting equipment. The
lodge adjourned that members might
help eXtingutsh the fire, afterward re-
suming work. The fire had destroyed
Livingston's original Northern Pacific
passenger and freight station.
At one early Easter service only 10
members were present; no one else
appeared, though the ceremonial ban
luet was delayed for considerable
lime, recalls Mr.. Lashorn- The late
Charles A. Burg, once widely known
n Montana political circles, broke the
ink by bringing from his home an
stuffed and propped in q chair to fill
he 18th chair at the dining table.
$50 Degree In 1893
In 1893 the 33d degree was conferred
lpon Mr.. Lashorn, Henry Frank, Sam
I've and M. Hickman Of the Living i
ton Scottish Rite valley. The degree :
5 always conferred as an honor in
ecognition Of meritorious service and d,
1ay not be applied for as can the :
Their degrees.
Mr.. Lashorn, about 1908, purchased. J
nth his own funds from the late A. Z
T. Miles, the older portion of the pres :
Mt Livingston Masonic temple and
ED the building until 1906, when it .
as transferred to the Masonic asso- !
lation as fraternal property. He has !
1er since served as trustee and most i
the time as president Of the asso-
Public Servant 20 Years 2
Mr.. Lashorn has in the past served !,
ark county as county commissioner,
nd for nearly 20 years has been q
lember of LivingSton'S municipal
alter board. He was retired from rail- !
ay service number of years ago, but >
e still retains his active interest in !
vic affairs despite advancing years.
e has never revealed, except to in
mate friends, the many acts of fra
srnal friendship he has performed,
item involving heavy financial respon-
bility.
A consequence Of his service to others
as remained with the Lashorn family
1r 40 years, constituting yoke which,
fter fashion, has become a part Of
ally life which would be greatly missed
suddenly removed. Back In the COS
Ir. and Mrs Lashorn consented to
are for a parrot for a family where
serious illness had befallen a mem
er. After 40 years they are still wait
lg for the owners to call for Polly.
IT. Lashorn's disgust for the parrot,
nd Polly'S disgust for him, except at
seding time, has become a traditiont
the familys circle of friends. But
ne daily rites would be missed by
9th man and bird today, should they
2 separated. Polly is now more than
years old.
Several brothers Of Mr.. Lashorn are
ow retired from service in the gov
nment printing office in Washington.
esidents Of the Distrlcs Of Columbia
re denied the privilege Of voting by
harles Lashorn, feeling rather keenly
lie onus of inability to exercise the
ght Of citizenship, went to Livingston
the 90's and spent a year there to
Itablish legal residence. Ever after
ard he voted in Park county by abb
Mt ballot and this fact gave him
)Sttion of some acclaim among his
lends in the capital; he was one OF
ny few permanent residents of the
ty who enjoyed the privilege of cast
& a ballot at election time. Charles
lshorn's son, Q. Marion Lashorn, Of
ashington, also established citizen
ip in Montana
A1r. Lashorn's boyhood home was in
e same block and across an alley
om Forc's theaker In Washington. he
the excitement attending the aSsas~