Edward “E.P.” Nathan

Edward Philip “E.P.” Nathan

Birth: 1857 in Liverpool, England

Death: April 23, 1930 (age 72-73) in Victoria, B.C.

Biography:
Edward came to America with the hope of better prospects. He settled in San Francisco and became an accountant in his cousin’s glove manufacturing business. There he met and married Lewis Lewis’ daughter Rosina Lewis.

Persuaded to move to Victoria by his father-in-law, Lewis Lewis, the couple relocated. At that time, Lewis and his son Aaron were running the stove and tinware business; Lewis Lewis & Co. By 1893, Edward had joined them. When Lewis retired in 1900, Nathan began a ten year position as a bookkeeper for the pawnbroker Andrew Alfred (A.A.) Aaronson.

After A.A. death in 1912, Edward went into partnership with Samuel Levy. They operated the Victoria Loans Office and sold second-hand goods located on Government Street. By 1927, at the age of 70, Nathan had set up his own jewellery business on lower Johnson Street.

Edward was a member of a number of fraternal organizations: Woodmen of the World (WOW), International Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF), Independent Order of Foresters, and the Knights of Pythias.

In 1903, he was elected to the Board of Managers of Victoria Camp No. 52 of the Woodmen of the World. He remained active in that insurance organization until his death.

He was heavily involved the Knights of Pythias; whose name came from the legend of Damon and Pythias, and symbolized the ideals of honour, loyalty, and friendship. Membership only required a belief in an unspecified Supreme Being. Before WW1, Nathan served as Chancellor the top official for one of the local branches.

Edward’s funeral was attended by members of the WOW, IOOF and Knights of Pythias. The family requested that the graveside rites be conducted by the Knights of Pythias.

Gravesite Details: Row D – Plot 5

Inscription:
In
Loving Memory of
Edward P. Nathan
Born Liverpool, Eng
March 14 1957
Died Victoria April 23 1930

Spouse:
Rosina Lewis Nathan (1856–1931)

Children:
Rachael Nathan (1886-1963) married (1914), then divorced, Samuel Flash.
Rachael had two children: Evelyn and Philip
Louisa Florence Nathan (1891-1982) married (1913) Louis Joseph Levy.