Medford Historical Society Papers, Volume 15.

In 1851 Kossuth came to this country as the guest of the nation and was received with every honor. He made a tour of the country, going as far west as Cincinnati and south to New Orleans, arousing great enthusiasm everywhere by his bearing and addresses.

Mr. Kakas came over in 1851, and in 1853 established himself in the fur business in Portland, Me., where he was known as an expert in his line of work. That same year he married Josephine P. Kegler, a native of Weinheim, Germany. In 1855 he came to Boston and started in business on Washington street, opposite the old Herald building, being the first manufacturing furrier in the city. He was burned out in the great fire of 1872, but opened a new store on Summer street, which later, when his sons joined him in business, was moved to Washington street and then to Tremont street, where it was known as Edward Kakas & Sons.

Before coming to Medford to live, in 1858, Mr. Kakas lived in Brookline. His first home here was on Prescott street; from there he moved to Allston street, and in 1862 or 1863 he bought the property on Irving street, which was his home until his death. Here he indulged his love for gardening and cultivated rare flowers.

Mr. Kakas became a naturalized citizen in 1886, when, wishing to visit his native land, he found that, having left it as a political refugee, he could not safely return except as a citizen of his adopted country.

Mr. Kakas died September 18, 1904. His wife, three sons and two daughters survive him. He was a life member of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, a member of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company, and a member of Mt. Hermon Lodge, A. F. and A. M., and Boston Commandery.

Note.—The Hungarian form of the name was Kokesch Edouard, the surname being placed first. After coming to this country Mr. Kakas changed the order and spelling of his name to correspond to the English form and pronunciation.