Frederick Leighton ODLIN
Obituary

Mr. Frederick Leighton Odlin died at his home on Newman street, Lewiston, at twenty minutes after 10 o'clock, Wednesday evening. While Mr. Odlin's health had not been good for a year or more and his friends and family had felt considerable anxiety as to his condition, it had not been realized that the end was so near.
For a time in the summer, he seemed to gain a little, but only for a short while, and for months he had gradually failed. Determined not to give up, he attended to his business duties every day and was town town only Tuesday forenoon.
In the afternoon he was taken ill. His condition became serious and early Wednesday morning a physician was called. From Tuesday afternoon until death came the following night, he suffered intensely but not once did he lose consciousness and his courage remained good. His trouble was hemorrhage of the stomach.
Mr. Odlin was the son of Eben and Elizabeth (Morse) Odlin and was born in Pittsfield, June 2, 1850. He was educated in the public schools of Bangor and later his family moved to Canada, where they lived thru the sixties. Returning to Maine he lived in Orono for a time, being engaged in the lumber business.
Christmas day, 1873, he was married to N. Orlene Walton at Holyoke, Mass. After remaining in Massachusetts for a time they went to Michigan and in 1878 they came to Lewiston with the Pingree Lumber Company.
During his residence in Michigan, Mr. Odlin did his first work in the detective line. When he had been in Lewiston for several years, he was appointed to the police force. He also served as deputy under Sheriff John F. Lamb. For two years he acted as city marshal with the greatest of satisfaction and for years he was engaged in State detective work, being exceedingly keen and successful in his business. He was also connected with the firm Odlin & Odlin, real estate dealers.
In Masonic circles, Mr. Odlin held a high place. He was a member of Ashlar Lodge and had held all offices in the Commandery with the exception of Eminent Commander, refusing this because he was serving as illustrious potentate of the Shrine, at the time. His Masonic relations were dear to him and he was one of the most faithful and efficient members of the order.
Mr. Odlin was also a member or the Elks and for three years he had served as president of the Eagles, being deeply interested in the good of both of these organizations.
Since 1879, he had been a member of Bates street Baptist church and as long as health permitted a regular attendant at the services and very helpful in the work of the church, giving freely of his time and money for its welfare.
Mr. Odlin was a public spirited citizen, interested in all which tended toward the betterment of the community. He was a friend of the children, an especial lover of boys and always read to go out of his way for their happiness or to lend a helping hand. The death of a most promising son, Mr. Walton Odlin, in 1893 was a deep grief to Mr. and Mrs. Odlin and, on this account, perhaps, he had always had a peculiar interest in boys and young men.
His little daughter, Miss Grace E. Odlin, was his almost constant companion. Her interests were his interests and together they were always happy. In fact, no man was ever more devoted to his home. It was there that his chief interest centered. It was there that he loved to be better than place in the world.
The death, therefore, comes as a particularly sad shock to the family and the wife and daughter are heart-broken. With them, however, are mourning many, many friends, who appreciated the kindliness, the charity, and the loyalty of Mr. Odlin. Those who have known him for years, all his live, know him to have been “tried and true.”
Beside the wife and daughter, Mr. Odlin leaves one brother, Woodbury W. Odlin of Cambridge, Me., and one sister, Mrs. James R. Oakes of Spokane, Washington.
Lewiston Evening Journal, Lewiston, Maine
Thursday, January 7, 1909



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