Andrew Bather 1840 - 1916

BATHER, BURDICK

Posted By: Michael J. Kearney (email)
Date: 2/16/2012 at 17:31:32

The Clinton Herald Friday October 6, 1916 p 6 Clinton Mourns Andrew Bather Local Citizens Sorrow Over Loss of Respected Pioneer Resident Linked with City Assisted in Early Growth of Clinton, Leaving Signal Memorial in Living Trees - Upright Life - Was member of Lodges Here - Funeral Arrangements In the death of Andrew Bather yesterday afternoon Clinton lost one of its pioneer citizens. Andrew Bather was born in Manchester, England, July 22, 1840. When nine years old he came to this country, and to Albany, N.Y. In 1857 he moved to Clinton, founding the florist business in which he remained heavily actively engaged. Coming to Clinton in the early years of its growth, Mr. Bather was directly connected with the work of the city. He assisted in platting parts of it, and helped to lay out many of its streets. More than half of the shade and ornamental trees in the city were planted by Mr. Bather, personally, in the early years, it being his object to beautify the city. Actively interested in every phase of progress in the life of his city, state and country, he took a position on the slave question. He was an abolitionist, and prior to the Civil War his home was a station on the famous underground railroad. By this means he assisted many a colored slave on his way to Canada and freedom. For many years Mr. Bather was a member of the First Baptist church, and was closely identified with its early history. He was a charter member of Robin Hood camp,, 31, M.W. of A., a past grand of America lodge, 567, I.O.O.F., a member of the Star of Hope Rebekah lodge, and the local secretary of the Knights and ladies of Honor. All who were associated with Mr. Bather in his business and community life knew him to be a man of keen intellect and noble character. His upright and honorable life gave him the respect of all with whom he came into contact. He leaves to mourn his death his wife, Charlotte Alice Bather, two sons, Leo and Ralph, and three daughters, Mrs. Arthur Burdick and the Misses Agnes and Edith Bather, and hundreds of friends in the city and vicinity. Funeral services will be held at the late residence, 729 Sunnyside.