John H. Warburton (1849-1897)

WARBURTON, WARBRITON, GEORGE

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 11/25/2024 at 13:21:40

From Jewell Record February 4, 1897 (page 5)

Obituary.

On Friday afternoon, Jan. 29th., our little city was stunned and shocked by the mournful tidings of the untimely death of our fellow citizen John H. Warburton. The funeral took place Sunday afternoon at two o'clock, at the Congregational church and was attended by an immense concourse of people, far too great for the capacity of the church. The services were conducted by Rev. Hicks assisted by Rev. Beardsley and Bordman and unusually impressive. At the close of the services the remains were viewed by hundreds of mourning and grief stricken friends, after which they were conveyed to their last resting place. The remains were escorted by the following fraternities: A. O. U. W. and A. F. & A. M. Large delegations of the latter having come by special train from Webster City and elsewhere. At the cemetery the remains were interred in accordance with the beautiful and impressive rites of the Masonic order.

Mr. Warburton was born Sept. 29th., 1849 at Lancaster, Wisconsin, where his parents who resided at Dubuque, Iowa were making an extended visit. At the early age of 3 1/2 years, he was left fatherless. Thus deprived of a father's counsel, nevertheless under a loving mother's tender and affectionate care he grew to self-reliant manhood, admirably fitted to take his place in the world as a man among men. After his father's death the family removed from Dubuque, Ia., to Mt. Morris, Ill., whither they were attracted to the excellent school privileges, which the place afforded. Having improved the advantages which were thus accorded, with the rest of the family he repaired in March 1869 to Independence, Iowa, where he remained until his removal to this city. In the spring of 1881 he was united in marriage to Miss Lela M. George of Independence, Iowa, and removed at once to Jewell, where he has continued to reside until by an untimely accident he was called upon by the unseen hand to take his departure from this scene of action.

When Mr. Warburton first took up his residence in this locality, Jewell as yet had no place on the map. Under his watchful and attentive eye the town grew until it has assumed a respectful size and has become a center of considerable influence. In conjunction with his brother David he at once engaged in business under the firm name Warburton Bros. From small beginnings the business has grown until it has assumed large proportions. Keen in intellect, quick in perception and possessed of great executive ability he could carry forward gigantic under takings with the greatest care. He was a man who in his business relations was always genial, affable and pleasant. Calm and collected and loving a remarkably even temper in his dealings among men, he never suffered his feelings to become ruffled thus makin it a pleasure for others to have business transactions with him. His opinions were quickly formed and in the main they were accurate. A deep student of human nature he understood man. In all his dealings he adhered closely to the old adage, "honesty is the best policy" so that his integrity never was called into question, for his word was as good as his bond. Although conducting business on a large scale, he always did it in a quiet, unassuming way. It is reported that on the day of his death, he purchased stock to the extent of nearly $1200.

At an early ae he espoused the Christian religion and became an acceptable member of the Presbyterian church at Independence. After his removal to this place he took an active part in perfecting the organization of the Congregational church of which he and his wife were charter members. The early inhabitants of this village remember ho active he was in the work of building a church for the new organization. He filled many offices during the history of the growing church, serving as clerk, superintendent of the Sabbath school, trustee, doing every thing in his power to promote the cause of the Master. He remained a consistent, devoted member of the church until his death.

Not only to his church and business relations, did he take an active part but also in his social and civil duties, always performing well the part which was assigned to him. His hand has been felt in molding, developing the growth of our prosperous village. He was a member of the first city council of Jewell and was a member of the same at the time of his death. He also served several terms as a member of the board of education. His energies were likewise enlisted in the formation and endowment of Jewell College. Nearly ten years ago at the organization of Jewell Lodge of A. O. U. W., he became a charter member of that fraternity. He had recently united with the A. F. & A. M.

But it was in home that life had the greatest attraction and charm for him. He was a model husband, a model father and his was an ideal home. In all his domestic relations he was devoted, tender and affectionate. Warm and generous in disposition he idolized and worshipped his children of home he had three, two older of whom died, Marie five years ago and George nearly two years ago. His whole life was wrapped up in his children. They were the object of his ambition and his fondest hopes centered in them. When death took them he was completely crushed and overwhelmed by the cruel blow, which saddened his whole life. Few could realize or understand the intensity of his grief. Those who knew him best say that he never recovered from this loss. From that sad event his whole life seemed changed and although resuming his accustomed tasks but unaccompanied with the fervor and zest which heretofore characterized all his energies. Although he suffered in silence his grief was keen and disconsolate.

He was kind, charitable, generous, sympathetic, with a heart as tender as a little child. No worthy object appealed to him in vain, for he was always ready to lend a helping hand, whenever help was needed. In fact to sum up his character, he was a model man in all things which go to make a model man.

In his untimely death he leaves an aged and widowed mother who resides at Independence, Iowa. Two brothers W. H. who resided at Independence and David R. who was associated with him in business here in Jewell; in fact these two brothers have been associated together from early boyhood and with the exception of about two years, have been together constantly and so close has been their attachments that their mother fondly called them her David and Jonathan. He also leaves a widow and a young son.

In his death the community loses a valued, respected and model citizen; one whose influence was always on the side of right. In this deep hour of distress and grief, the whole community turns with a heartfelt sympathy to his loving wife who is thus bereft of a kind, affectionate and devoted husband, to little Johnnie and to other mourning relatives and friends. On such sad occasions words fail to express our sympathy and life seems robbed of all its pleasure so that we can go only to Him who is infinite love, for comfort in this dark and gloomy hour.

SUBMITTER'S NOTE: The parents of John Warburton apparently used the surname Warbriton as did some of his siblings.