Melvin R. Fayram 1877-1942

FAYRAM, MILLS, HARMON

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 3/6/2017 at 14:09:06

26 March 1942 - The Clarence Sun

Melvin R. Fayram, who was school superintendent in Clarence for four years from 1905 to 1909, died at his home in DeWitt last Friday aged 64 years, after being in failing health for three years.

He was born July 23, 1877, in Monmouth, Iowa, middle son of nine boys born to Joseph and Ellen Mills Fayram. After he was graduated from the Monmouth school, he taught for two years at Canton near Monmouth and then went to Iowa State Teaches' College, Cedar Falls, where he completed a four year course. He also attended the State University at Iowa City. He then taught at Kenwood Park and while there was united in marriage to Miss Lenoir Harmon, the ceremony taking place at the home of the bride's parents in Grand Mound. Their home was first established at Shellsburg where he taught three years. He also taught at Traer four years and was state inspector of Schools three years. He went to the DeWitt schools in 1924 and remained there seven years. While still retaining a home in Dewitt his last school work was done at Camanche.

He was preceded in death by a daughter an only child, Berniece. Surviving besides his wife are six brothers, C. H. Fayram and A. M. Fayram of Los Angeles, Calif.; A. J. of Monmouth; M. J. of Belvidere, Ill.; Ernest M. of Clinton; and J. C. of Jackson, Mich. Two brothers, F. H. and LeRoy, preceded him in death.

Funeral services were held at the Methodist church in DeWitt on Sunday afternoon, the pastor, Reverend Charles G. Fort, officiating. Members of the DeWitt lodge A. F. & A. M. attended in a body and the Masonic service was given by S. R. Peters at the grave in Evergreen cemetery, Grand Mound.

The DeWitt Observer says of him: He was an educator, an advocater of law and order, and by example and precept emphasized discipline. Of highest principles, he was guided in action and words by the sense of right. He studied the projects and problems and arriving at a decision, he never swerved from what he thought was honorable and his duty. He neither gave nor accepted mediocre workmanship. Typical of his character in foresight, promoting, and achieving, DeWitt's public school building stands as a monument to Mr. Fayram, a workman who needeth not be ashamed.