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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of
M⸫W⸫ David S. Prescott: 1911-1912
David Sanborn Prescott was born in St. Anthony,
Minnesota on January 11, 1859, his parents being Nathan
M. and Rozilla M. (Haley) Prescott. He acquired his early
education in the public schools of Minnesota and afterward
attended Carleton College at Northfield, Minnesota.
Feeling it incumbent to make for himself a place in the
business world, in the spring of 1881 he went to Glendive,
Montana, where he owned & operated a drug store,
remaining there until March, 1887. At that date he visited
Spokane and was so impressed with the possibilities of the
country and its future prospects that he returned to
Glendive, disposed of his store and in October, 1887,
moved his family to the Inland Empire. He would open a
drug store which he conducted successfully for a time until
his connection with political interests demanded his efforts
in other fields.
From the first he took an active part in the work of the Republican Party and was soon appointed Chief
Clerk in the County Auditor's office. The value of his service won substantial recognition, when, in 1892,
he was elected County Treasurer, filling the office during the two succeeding years. He then returned to
business life, becoming secretary of the Ross Park Electric Railway Company, operating the first electric
line on the Pacific coast and one of the earliest in the country. After severing his connection with the Ross
Park Electric Company he entered the real estate field with his brother, Fred L. Prescott, forming Prescott
Brothers Real Estate, until he sold out to his brother in February of 1911
Prescott did not confine his attention, however, solely to commercial interests and business projects which
promise only individual return, but was likewise active in fields where public progress was concerned. He
had been honored with the presidency of the civil service commission of Spokane. He was secretary of
the board of trustees of the Young Men's Christian Association and took a very active part in promoting
its welfare and growth.
David Sanborn Prescott was made a Master Mason in Glendive (Montana) Lodge No. 31 on June 9, 1887.
He would demit to Spokane No. 34 in the winter of 1887. In August 1889, Worshipful Master W.W.
Witherspoon, would appointment Brother Prescott as Secretary. He would hold this post for seven years,
and would be elected master of Spokane No. 34 in 1899. He would also hold memberships Spokane
Chapter, No. 2, R. A. M., of which he is past high priest; Spokane Council, No. 4, R. & S. M.; Cataract
Commandery, No. 3, K. T.; Oriental Consistory, No. 2, A. A. S. R.; and El Katif Temple of the Nobles of
the Mystic Shrine.
His active work in the Grand Lodge began in 1903 when he was appointed Grand Lecturer. Together with
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