David S. Buffington

BUFFINGTON

Posted By: Judy Kelley, volunteer (email)
Date: 9/20/2009 at 17:03:56

Columbus Gazette May 14, 1914

COLUMBUS JUNCTION, IOWA, THURSDAY, MAY 14, 1914

After an illness of several weeks the summons of the death angel came to Ex-Mayor, D.S. Buffington, at his home in this city, at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 13, 1914.

David S. Buffington was born on a farm near Columbus Junction, February 4, 1843, his father, James Buffington, coming to this county in 1842. While still an infant, during a trip which his parents were making in a wagon, he unfortunately fell beneath the wheels and his leg was so terribly crushed that in the absence of surgeons in those pioneer days the father himself performed the amputation nine days after the accident. His early life was spent on the farm where he attended the country schools and later became a student of Western University at Mt. Pleasant, and also of a Presbyterian college at Washington. These were the days of the Civil War and Mr. Buffinton, incapacitated from enlisting, refused to attend college when no young men were going and determined to enter business for himself. He went to Derby in Lucas county where he engaged in the harness business. Not finding this it be to his liking he then taught school very successfully for a number of years and was afterward honored several times by the voters of Lucas county by being elected county auditor.

Returning then to Columbus Junction he engaged in the insurance business and was also elected justice of the peace for term after term. Four years ago he was elected mayor of Columbus Junction and devoted his energies to materially boosting our progressive little city. He was re-elected two years ago, closing his second term about two months ago.

His public life was distinguished by an unswerving devotion to when he considered duty demanded and for many years his life has been marked by an earnest effort to live uprightly and honestly.

In November, 1865, he was united in marriage to Miss Nancy A. Getts, a daughter of Jacob and Hannah Getts, natives of Pennsylvania. Twelve children blessed this union, all of whom, with the exception of one, survive to mourn his death. They are: James C. of Omaha, Neb., Anna, wife of Dr. S. B. Paxton of this city; Florence, wife of John Bell, of Waxahachia, Texas; Jacob, of Chariton, Iowa; Albert P. of Omaha, Neb., Boyd, of San Diego, Cal.; Cora, wife of Edward Bergman, of Chariton; Maude, wife of J.P. Huston, of Argyle, Iowa; Frank P. (deceased); David S., Bruce T. and Bessie, wife of Daniel Lutz, all of Anaconda Montana.

He is also survived by two brothers: J. R. Buffingon, of Nelson, Neb.; and Col. A.P. Buffington, of the regular army, stationed at Vancouver Barracks, Wash., and three sisters, Mrs. Ann Dove and Mrs. Mary Shultz, of Severy, Kansas; and Mrs. Ellen Getzler, of this city.

Mr. Buffington was a member of the I.O.O.F. and was also identified with the Methodist Episcopal church of this city.

The funeral services will be held at the residence at ten o'clock Friday morning conducted by Rev. E.C. Brooks assisted by Rev. T. M. Balcoff. Interment will be made in the Columbus City cemetery.