Nelson "Nels" Bromley Egbert 1852-1922

EGBERT, STEDMAN, DILLON

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 9/27/2010 at 22:34:00

Nelson Bromley Egbert
Another old time resident passed away at his home on the corner of Lincoln and Ninth street at 6:30 a.m. October the 30th. Mr. Egbert came to this city in 1883 and was employed in a general store of his Cousin. He became well acquainted with the people of the country and was an exceptional good salesman and a genial fellow who never failed to make close friends. He served for years in this capacity. Later he was clerk of the city of Estherville holding this position for a period of twenty eight years. He was a painstaking clerk. Accurate and systematic in his work. So conversant with the city work it has been said many times of him that he knew where every water tap laid n the city the history of electric light connection. Mr. Egbert was a very active member of the Masonic order. He was affiliated with the Knight Templers and was active in that order. When the Elks order was organized in this city he became a charter member and has held the office of secretary in the order for the past few years.

The funeral services were held from the home at 2:30 this afternoon under the auspices of the Masonic order. The Rev. A. S. Hock officiating. The Order of Elks attended in a body. The remains were laid to rest in the Oak Hill Cemetery.

There remain to mourn the death, a wife, two daughters and a son, Mrs. S. R. Stedman of Mason City, Mrs. Seward Dillon of this city and Carl Egbert of Iowa Falls. (Estherville Enterprise, Estherville, IA, November 1, 1922)

An Old Time Resident Has Passed On
Death Claimed N. B. Egbert Early Monday Morning
Estherville’s Efficient Clerk for Many Years – Greatly Beloved Citizen

Although not unexpected, the death of Nelson Bromley Egbert, which came at 6:30 o’clock Monday morning, was a great shock to the community and many heads are bowed in grief over his passing.

Deceased was one of Estherville’s pioneer citizens, a consistent Christian gentleman and worthy of every respect of the confidence his fellow men have placed in him at various times during his career. He was a man much beloved by his associates, a splendid and devoted husband and an indulgent father. The community was the better for him being a part of it and his death will be a great loss to this city.

The writer had known Mr. Egbert for more than thirty years. He had been associated with him in many ways, socially and in business. We had learned to love him, by being so closely connected with him, for his manly ways, his devotion to right principles and for his splendid consideration of the welfare of his fellow man. He was unselfish and open hearted. He grieved over the sorrows and adversities of others and rejoiced in their happiness and prosperity. His friendship was sincere. He never betrayed a friend nor went out of his way to punish an enemy. He was ever willing to forgive and forget. There was much in him of worth for admiration and very little of the bad for disparagement. In his death we feel that one of our best friends has left us for awhile and that there is a heart pang that will be with us for a long time. There are many in this community who feel just as we do. His devotion to others had made for him a place in the hearts of his associates that can never be filled and for that reason his death will be the cause of universal sorrow.

He was born in St. Jo county, Indiana, April 25, 1852, and hence was a little past seventy years of age at the time of his death. Thirty-nine years ago, in 1883, he came with his family to Estherville and has resided here since then. For twenty-five years he was city clerk for Estherville and during all that time was very proficient and painstaking in his work and the records are a marvel for neatness and efficiency. At the time of his death he was secretary of the Elks lodge, and of the Independent school district of Estherville. He was a charter member of the local Elks organization, of Esdraelon Commandery K.T. and of North Star Lodge A.F. and A.M. and of Jeptha Chapter Royal Arch Masons. In all of these organizations he had been honored by being given the highest office in each.

Funeral will be held form the residence at 2:30 o’clock this (Wednesday) afternoon and interment made in Oak Hill cemetery. Rev. A.S. Hock, of Harlan, former pastor of the deceased, will preach the sermon. The services will be in charge of North Star Lodge, with a Knight Templar escort, and assisted by Estherville Lodge No. 528 B.P.O.E.

A wife, two daughters, Mrs. Sim Stedman, of Mason City, Mrs. Seward Dillon of Estherville, and a son, Mr. Carl Egbert of Iowa Falls are left to mourn the death of this good husband and father. (Vindicator and Republican, Estherville, IA, November 1, 1922)

Sturdy Pioneer Called By Death Monday Morning
Nels B. Egbert Called To Reward at Early Hour
Had Splendid Record in Many Important Offices – Is Deeply Mourned

All Estherville is today paying the last respects to the memory of a man who has been instrumental in making Estherville what she is today. Nels B. Egbert has passed on. He is a t rest from the trials and struggles of this earth. For thirty-nine years he has been an active factor in the advancement of his home community and there is probably none who enjoyed to a greater degree, the friendship and confidence of a community, than Nels B. Egbert. What greater tribute can be paid to any man?

Mr. Egbert from the time of his coming to Estherville has been closely identified with the business progress and growth of the city. For a time he was in business for himself. Then he was appointed to the office of city clerk and as the different administrations came and went he remained in the harness. It was often said that he knew more of the business of the city than any an in the community and it was true. He had a grasp of the situation that was marvelous and his word was authority as was often proved. For twenty-eight years he continued in this office, meeting people with a smile and hearty word, courteously hearing the complaints, giving service where ever possible and making friends who today are mourning his loss to the community. As the business of the city grew he was ever alert to keep abreast of the changes and had the reputation for having the neatest, and most efficient office system of any city in the northwest.

Following his retirement from this office a few years ago he was at once placed on the school board as secretary to that body. He was also elected secretary of the Elks lodge of this city, holding both positions at the time of his death. Other offices of trust were placed upon his shoulders from time to time during his life among us and ever was he faithful to the confidence reposed in him. His character was worthy of the pioneers with whom he was numbered who by their efforts made it possible for we, of the present generation to live in peace and comfort in our Estherville of today.

He was a member of the Masonic fraternity, attaining a high degree in that order. Here as elsewhere in his life he held offices of responsibility and trust with honor to himself and today his brothers of this praternity are in charge of the services. A Knights Templar escort is conveying his body to the last resting place of man.

Nelson Brownlee Egbert was born on April 25th, 1852, in St. Joe county, Indiana. It was thirty-nine years ago last September that he came to Estherville and his residence was continuous until the time of his death which occurred last Monday morning. For the past year he had been in failing health and some eight weeks ago he took to his bed. Medical skill was of no avail through the long weeks of his suffering. Gradually he faced until at last his Master beckoned and he slipped quietly out into the great unknown, to be at rest.

He is survived by his wife and three children, Mrs. Sim Stedman, of Mason City, Carl of Iowa Falls and Mrs. Seward Dillon of this city. Besides these he leaves to mourn several grandchildren and a great host of friends who will join us in extending sympathy to the bereaved family. Funeral services are being held from the home this afternoon at half past two o’clock. The Masonic lodge in charge. Rev. Alvin Collay Hock, his former pastor, will deliver the sermon. Burial will be made in Oak Hill cemetery.

And so, another of the stalwart characters of Estherville is gone. We shall miss him as we go about the daily tasks of life but we would not have it otherwise. He lived his life well, in the service of others and now he is enjoying that reward which comes of a life of service. May he rest in peace. (Estherville Democrat, Estherville, IA, November 1, 1922)