Former City Clerk Edwin A Tetlow died at his home, 409 Somerset avenue, this morning. He was 84 years old and, at his retirement at the end of 1937 was the oldest city clerk in point of service in Massachusetts.

Mr Tetlow, a half century Taunton's City Clerk was born in this city in 1856, the son of Joshua and Elizabeth (Redfern) Tetlow. He attended the local schools and his first work was that of a drug clerk in the store of Charles F Hanson, at one time Taunton's mayor, and later, in the store of C. E. Monroe. His father was a master mechanic at the Mason Machine Works and an inventor of a swivel for the front trucks of locomotives and a cast iron cotton gin.

Mr Tetlow was the second man to serve as City Clerk of Taunton. He became a candidate in January, 1886, after serving as a member of the Common Council in 1884-85. He ran in opposition to James M. Cushman who had held the office since the city's incorporation in 1864 and who had previously served as town clerk for a number of years. On joint ballot of the aldermen and council Mr Tetlow was elected by a vote of 17 to 14. At his second election it was even closer, the vote being 16 to 15, one member of the combined boards being absent or not voting at each election. In the years to follow he received a unanimous election from year to year. On two occasions certain opposition appeared but, finding it hopeless to think of defeating Mr Tetlow, the opposition withdrew in each instance. His first year as clerk was the year of the flood which swept away all the bridges through the city with the exception of Morey's Bridge which held back Sabbatia Lake (or Scaddings Pond as it was then known), the latter having been held down by heavy field stone and sand bags. Hon. Richard Henry Hall was Mayor at the time.

His success in his office was marked by his keen study of municipal law as his duties were affected by it; his impartiality, and his ever-present geniality, courtest and diplomacy. Although his office was dependent upon the votes of a body of men whose whims might easily have displaced him, he rendered such real service in an honorable, useful and accurate manner, that all of them held him in high esteem. He wrote their orders, he drew up their petitions and even wrote inaugural addresses for Mayors upon request and suggestion. The humblest citizen who came to his office seeking for information or a solution to a municipal or personal problem was given the same consideration as the man of wealth and position. Infinite patience and an even temper were two of his major assets. He was known far and wide as one of the best of City Clerk's, if not the very best.

According to his means he was active in charitable and philanthropic work and took a part in many efforts to build up city business and industry. Socially, he was a member of the Bristol Club and, until its disbandment, the Winthrop Club. He was a member of and active in the affairs of the First Parish (Unitarian) church. He was a member of Masonic bodies, the Old Colony Historical Society and a trustee of the Taunton Savings Bank.

Although of slight frame and physique, he was fond of all kinds of athletics. He liked to play baseball and, until middle life, often took part in some amateur benefit game. He enjoyed tennis as a young man and also was a member for some years of the Segregansett Country club and a frequent player on its golf links. He took part in the one design class small boat racing at the old Taunton Yacht club. He was fond of fishing and was a beloved member of a local party which went each year for a long time to the Maine lakes in search of trout and salmon. He knew the waters of Buzzards bay and the ponds of Cape Cod well and took many a bluefish and black bass from them. He was fond of bowling and when the duck pin game was introduced, often rolled on a team representing the city in matches with out of town clubs.

At the end of his forty-fourth year in office he was a guest at a dinner given by his friends of the then and former city governments and was honoured by a similar affair at the time of his retirement to civil life.

Many months ago he left the Bristol club late one afternoon to go to his home. He was taken ill on the way and has since been confined to his home.

He married Mary Hoard, who passed on a number of years ago. He is survived by one son, Dr. Allen H. Tetlow of this city.

Few men had more real friends. None ever deserved more. It may well be said that the city of Taunton is the richer in things worth while for the life and works of Edwin A. Tetlow.

TETLOW - In this city, June 30, 1941, Edwin A. husband of the late Mary L. (Hoard) Tetlow, in his 85th year. Funeral services, to which relatives and friends are invited, will be held from his late residence, 409 Somerset avenue, Wednesday afternoon, at 2:30. Interment Mt Pleasant cemetery. Boston and Providence papers please copy.

Out of respect for Edwin A. Tetlow, for half of a century city clerk. City Hall will be closed after two Wednesday afternoon, Mayor Merrill D. Aldrich said this morning.

Old friends, personal and official of Edwin A. Tetlow, Taunton's veteran city clerk, gathered at his home, 409 Somerset avenue, Wednesday afternoon for the funeral services, which were final tribute to the city's most respected public servant.

Past and present members of the city government and city employees who knew Mr Tetlow through his long career, past and present members of the Bristol club, and many other friends and former associates, joined with members of his family in the services. Rev. Wilton A. Cross, minister of the First Parish church, Unitarian, conducted the service. Interment was in Mount Pleasant cemetery.