Burgess, Henry Clay 1846-1917

BURGESS, COPPER

Posted By: Jill McCarville (email)
Date: 5/8/2014 at 16:07:22

Henry Clay Burgess was born in Fairfield, Maine, December 20, 1846. With his parents he moved to Lansing, Ia., in 1864, and two years later to Howard county. Soon after he took charge of a lumber yard for W. and J. Fleming, in whose employ he remained about seventeen years, residing in Ossian; Hull, Mitchell, S.D., and Cresco.

In 1885, after six years in Cresco, he bought from his employer the lumber business here which has since borne his name. About two years ago he retired from active business life and until illness forbade, spent his time in the enthusiastic enjoyment of friends, flowers, garden and river.

He was always actively interested in politics and served two terms in the state senate.

He was married October 2, 1860, to Emily J. Copper. To this union four sons were born. The eldest died in infancy. The others, Charles, Ray and Joseph entered into partnership with their father in this city. After a long illness he died in his home, March 8, 1917. Besides his wife and children he is survived by one brother, George of Ben Lomond, Cal., and four grandchildren; his granddaughter Emily, whose loss he mourned, and whose love he cherished, preceded him in death three years ago.

He was a man of deep and long enduring friendship, and was intensely loyal to these friends, to his political party, his town and his church.

In every association with others he was unfailingly kind and solicitious of their happiness, with a sensitiveness which he strove to hide behind an air of whimsical impatience.

Devoted and gentle beyond words with children, upright and honorable in all his dealings, his life has brightened all those with whom it came in touch.

Funeral services were held at the home Saturday afternoon conducted by Rev. W. A. Bockoven and burial was in Oaklawn.

The Howard County Times March 13, 1917
Transcribed by Jill McCarville from the files of Janice Sowers

Oak Lawn Cemetery
 

Howard Obituaries maintained by Constance McDaniel Hall.
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