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- Brookfield Courier, Wednesday, Dec. 17, 1902
Funeral of Edgar B. Mason Largely Attended
Dec. 15 – The closing month of the present year is marked by the death
of an esteemed friend and neighbor, Edgar B. Mason, whose quiet life among us
has been that of an exemplary citizen. In the sorrow which his death has
brought to this community every person who knew him shares, and the warm
attachment which has been formed for him, dating back in many cases to the
days of childhood, are amply proven by the many evidences of respect and
sympathy expressed in word and action during his illness and since his death.
Mr. Mason was first taken ill about five weeks ago with an attack which
developed into a run of typhoid fever. At first it seemed the efforts to check
the disease would succeed but they proved unavailing. The fever however was
easily controlled and there was a general feeling of confidence that Mr. Mason
would recover. Such would have been the case except for unforeseen
complications. Early in his illness there were symptoms of a serious disorder
of the kidneys, which seemingly yielded to medical treatment but came on
again, when he suffered a relapse, and developed into acute Bright’s disease,
which was the cause of his death. Mr. Mason had not from the first of h
illness shared the confidence of his friends in his recovery, but seemed to
have a presentiment that he would not survive. This feeling caused him to make
calm and thoughtful preparations for the end, which came about one o’clock
last Wednesday morning. Funeral services were held at his late home at 2 p.m.
Friday. It is seldom that so many persons have been drawn together as on this
occasion when the entire community joined in paying this tribute of respect.
In addition to his relatives, fellow citizens and former neighbors among whom
his early life was spent in Plainfield, about forty members of Western Star
Lodge F. and A.M. of Bridgewater, were present at the services. The casket was
covered with a profusion of floral offerings including a beautiful design of
roses and other flowers, the gift of his fellow workmen in the shops. Rev. Ira
Lee Cottreel, the officiating clergyman, preached a feeling and appropriate
discourse from the text “Though he slay me yet will I serve him”. Two favorite
selections of Mr. Mason’s, “Abide with me” and “Lead kindly light,” were sung
by Mr. and Mrs. Fred H. Babcock. The Masonic fraternity took charge of the
services at the grave in the village cemetery. Edgar B. Mason was bo
Plainfield, Otsego county, April 10, 1859, and was the youngest son of Lewis
and Desire Bass Mason. From early youth he assisted his father about the farm
and attended the village school here where he laid the foundation of a good
education, also attending the West Winfield academy for a time. Mr. Mason was
married to Ettie M. Bassett, daughter of the late Morris Bassett, March 10,
1881, and after living for a while in Plainfield they became residents here
about fourteen years ago. He was a good citizen and strove in every way to be
worthy of the name, and always worked for the best interests of village
affairs. In 1882 he united with the S.D.B. church, and as a member of t
board of trustees he won the appreciation of his associates by his faithful
discharge of duty. In early life he was a member of the Good Templars. Home
was to him in truth “the dearest spot on earth” and it was there, except for
his deeper interest in church affairs, that he found his chief enjoymen
being constant and true in caring for the welfare of those most dear to him.
His family have the most sincere sympathy of the community. Mr. Mason was a
Republican in politics, and was often a member of the election board. M
Mason is survived by his wife, one son, Claude W. Mason, and a little
daughter, Avis. His mother still lives in Plainfield and he leaves two
sisters, Mrs. Ambrose Phillips of Edgerton, Wis., and Mrs. DeForrest Meeker of
Plainfield. He also has a brother in Clearwater, Cal. Two sisters, Gertrude
and Emmerette, died some time ago.
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