Frank BURNS

BURNS, KELLY, HAYES, GARDINER, SILLETT, COLE, BYNUM, FLORO, JARDEE, JANNEY, KING, MARTIN, RECHKEMMER, MERSCH, MCGRATH, THOMAS, WARD, WEAVER

Posted By: Jerilyn Johnson (email)
Date: 7/12/2007 at 10:00:15

In the passing away of Mr. Frank BURNS whose death we noted last week, Fairbank has lost one of its most valued citizens. One who stood four square for the betterment and improvement of the city's welfare, and who used his strength and influence to promote the same. He was elected Mayor of Fairbank for eight years, where he showed keen executive ability and a determination to do the right as he believed it to be. He assisted in the organization of the Knights of Pythias and the Woodman Lodge and was one of the first subscribers to the fund, which built the Catholic Church.
Mr. Burns was born in Aramah Co., Ireland, July 10, 1840, came with his parents to America in 1853 and settled in Mercer Co., Penn. In 1861 he was united in marriage ro Miss Elizabeth KELLY. To them were born eight children, seven of whom are living. In the Spring of 1866 they came to Iowa and settled on a farm four miles southwest of Fairbank, where he lived an active, honorable life all these years.

Last October he had a very severe attack of grip which resulted in other complications and left his system in such a weakened condition that he was unable to rally. Realizing that the end was here, he arranged his affairs, "as one going on a journey," and at 9:00 o'clock Saturday evening, April 29th, the spirit of Mr. BURNS left the frail body and passed to the "Great Beyond." During these seven months of sickness, he has been lovingly cared for by his devoted wife and children. Two of his daughters, Mrs Foe HEFLIN and Miss Lillian BURNS, are professional nurses and have been in constant attendance at the bedside of their father, all these seven months doing everything in their power to allay his suffering and make his last days comfortable as possible.

The funeral services were held from the Immaculate Conception Church, Monday morning at 9:00 o'clock, conducted by Rev. John Helpin and the body was tenderly laid to rest in the family lot in the Catholic Cemetery.

May 10, 1916. Cons. Wed. Fairbank