Fairman, John W. 1840-1911

FAIRMAN

Posted By: Linda Linn (email)
Date: 1/5/2012 at 17:04:41

Humboldt Independent
5-11-1911

JOHN W. FAIRMAN.
John W. Fairman was born April 16th, 1840 near Bellville, in Lower Canada. At the age of ninteen he went to Lewis county, New York, where he lived until 1863 when he came to Dakota City, Iowa.

From here he enlisted in Co. I, Fourth Iowa Cavalry in 1864 and served until the close of the war after which he returned to Humboldt county where he has remained a permanent resident to the time of his passing away, Friday, May 5th, 1911, at the age of 71 hears and nineteen days. A wife and two sons N. E. and F. B. Fairman remain to enjoy and hold sacred the memory and life of a man who was honorable among men, courageous and strong as a pioneer settler
who came west in the early '60’s to wrestle with the untilled prairies, the wild white winters, and the rigors of an untamed climate. A soldier who fought well and valiently for the defense of the flag he loved even more than his own life. A citizen who could walk from the responsibilities
of well occupied official terms looking all men in the face, a sufferer who could be as kind and considerate of the feelings of his friends and loved ones as any conqueror, and withal a workingman who trusted his fellowmen and had reverence for God.

"Why mourn ye, that our aged friend is dead?
Ye are not sad to see the gathered grain.
Nor when their mellow fruit the orchard's cast
Nor when the yellow woods let fall
the ripened mast.

"Ye sigh not when the sun, his course fulfilled—,
His glorious course, rejoicing earth and sky—
In the soft evening when the winds are stilled,
Sinks where his islands of refreshment lie,
And leaves the smile of his departure spread
O'er the warm colored heaven and ruddy mountain head.

I am glad that he has lived thus long
And glad that he has gone to his reward
Nor can I deem that nature did him wrong,
Softly to disengage the vital cord;
For when his hand grew palsied, and his eye
Dark with the mist of age, it was his time to die."
—Com.

As a comrade of the Civil war and a contemporaneous old settler in this neighborhood the editor desires to add his appreciation of the above tribute Mr. Fairman became a member of Albert Rowley Post, No. 193, G. A.R. of Humboldt. He was also a member of Triumph Lodge No. 393 Dakota City, and later of Springvale Lodge at Humboldt. He was also a member of G A R. Post, organized in 18?? at Dakota City. As sheriff of Humboldt county he was prompt and efficient in the performance of his duties and was in every walk of life a good citizen.