Burns, Robert – d. 1910

BURNS, DAVIS, MCGREGOR

Posted By: Diana Wagner
Date: 9/25/2016 at 18:52:03

In the death of Robert Burns Newton loses another who for nearly half a century has helped to build up this city, one who was interested in the business and social circles, an honorable man and a true soldier.
He had not been in very good health for a number of years but it was only during a couple of months, before the end came, that his condition was considered very serious. The sadness and sorrow which followed his wife’s death together with a combination of ailments caused a general collapse. His death occurred about eleven o’clock Sunday morning, Feb. 20th.
Mr. Burns was a part of our town. For forty-four years he had been engaged in business on the square when he sold his grocery store on the west side to Errett Bros. last spring. In his home he was a loving husband and father and in business honorable and every one trusted him implicitly.
As a citizen he was often called to fill places of trust and as a member of the school board and of the city council he showed the same devotion to duty as in his own private business.
Mr. Burns was a Knight Templar and a member of Garrett Post.
He is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Eudora McGregor and Mrs. James W. Davis and three grandchildren, Robert McGregor and Wilma and Norma Davis.
His funeral was held yesterday afternoon at 2 p.m. from the Episcopal church. During the hour business around the square was suspended and the church was crowded with businessmen and friends who came to pay the last tribute to his memory.
The impressive services were in charge of Rev. George Chambers who used the burial service of the church, then followed a shortened form of the GAR and Masonic burial services given by Henry S. Efnor and O. N. Wagley. The music was furnished by a male quartette composed of Fred Meredith, William Blaylock, Fred Hough and F. L. Boyden, and Mr. Hough sang “Crossing the Bar.” Miss Ida Griebeling was accompanist.
A profusion of flowers testified to the love and sympathy of many friends.
At the Newton cemetery, where the interment took place, the services which began at the church were completed. Capt. Cross and a detachment from Co. L attended the funeral and at the grave fired a salute and the bugler sounded taps.
The bearers were: A. M. Hough, George G. Earley, J. D. Edge, A. H. Howard, H. H. Phillips and Prof. E. J. H. Beard.
Rev. Chambers yesterday gave an address at the church.
Source: Newton Daily News; Thursday, February 24, 1910, page 1, col. 3