Page 13 - Montana Freemason Feb 13

Montana Freemason February 2013
Edwin L. Norris (August 15, 1865- April 25,
1924), born in Kentucky. He attended
the Southern Normal School in
Bowling Green, Kentucky, where
he graduated in 1886. He arrived in
Montana in 1888 and studied law. He
was admitted to the bar in 1889, and
then established his legal career, serving as the city
attorney of Dillon for five years. Norris first entered
politics as a member of the Montana State Senate, a
position he held from 1896 to 1900. He also served
as senate president in 1899, and was the Lieutenant
Governor of Montana from 1905 to 1908. On April 1,
1908, Governor Joseph K. Toole resigned from office,
and Norris, as Lieutenant Governor assumed the
duties of the governorship. Later that same year, he
was elected the fifth Governor of Montana. During
his tenure, coal mine employee compensation benefits
were lobbied for; health laws were sanctioned; the
impartial nomination of judges was endorsed; and
reform measures were initiated in the life insurance
industry. After completing his term, Norris left office
on January 1, 1913, and retired from public service.
Norris died in Great Falls, Montana in 1924. He was
first buried in Fairview Cemetery and later moved to
New Highland Cemetery, Kentucky where he is still
interred.
Brother Norris was a member of Dillon Lodge
No.16, EA degree on March 23, 1898, FC degree on
April 4, 1898 and MM Degree on April 14, 1898.
Samuel V. Stewart (August 2, 1872 – September
15, 1939) was born in Monroe County,
Ohio, Attended Kansas State Normal
School, and earned a law degree from
the University of Kansas in 1898.
Stewart practiced law in Virginia City, end, Dixon’s political career was ruined, but although
Montana, where he served as city
attorney and county attorney for Madison County,
Montana. He was chosen as chairman of the Montana
Democratic Party in 1910, serving for two years.
Stewart was elected Governor of Montana in 1912,
serving two terms from 1913 to 1921. During his
tenure, a fish and game law was sanctioned, a council
of defense was authorized, a state highway commission
was organized, a sedition act was passed, World War I
was dealt with, and two additional justices were added
to the state o the state supreme court. After leaving
Volume 86 Number 1
the office of Governor, Stewart returned to his law
practice and served as city attorney of Helena. He
was elected to one term in the Montana House of
Representatives (1930–32). He was appointed to the
Montana Supreme Court in 1932, serving there until
his death in 1939. Stewart is interred at Forestvale
Cemetery, Helena.
Brother Stewart was a member of Virginia City No.
1, EA degree on March 10, 1900¸ FC Degree on March
25, 1900 and MM Degree on May 12, 1900.
Joseph Moore Dixon (July 31, 1867- May 22,
1934), born in Snow Camp, N.C. He
attended Earlham College, Richmond,
Ind., and graduated from Guilford
College, North Carolina, in 1889;
moved to Missoula, studied law and
was admitted to the bar in 1892. He
served as assistant prosecuting attorney of Missoula
County 1893-1895 and 1895-1897; State house of
representatives 1900-1905. In Congress, Dixon
worked to have the Flathead Reservation allotted and
opened to non-Indian settlement. He was elected as
a Republican to the United States Senate in 1906 and
served from 1907 to 1913. Dixon was also engaged
in newspaper publishing and dairy farming. Dixon
was one of the most ardent political opponents of
the Anaconda Mining Company which dominated
Montana politics. He became governor of Montana
in 1920 with the campaign platform of tax reform
for the mining industry. The Anaconda Company
utilized their financial control of the press to stymie
Dixon’s political career. Even against the full might of
the Anaconda Company, Dixon succeeded in passing
a graduated tax on wealthy mining companies that
helped alleviate the tax on Montana’s citizens. In the
his record with the Flathead Reservation is less than
impressive, he stands as an example that one man
can make a difference in the lives of many and that
battling the corruption of moneyed companies is
not futile. He served as First Assistant Secretary of
the Interior 1929-1933. He was buried in Missoula
Cemetery.
Brother Dixon was a member Missoula Lodge No.
13, EA Degree on April 28, 1894, FC Degree on May
12, 1894 and MM Degree on June 23, 1894
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