SAMUEL L. BESTOW

DUNGAN, BESTOW, DEWEY, GEAR, HAKES, STUART, JACKSON, PENICK, ARNOLD, GITTINGER, PALMER

Posted By: David (email)
Date: 12/13/2004 at 12:53:49

The Chariton Leader, Chariton, Iowa
Thursday, January 24, 1907

'MEMORIAL SERVICES'

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Memorial services for the late Hon. SAMUEL L. BESTOW were held at the
Baptist Church, at 3:00 o'clock, Sunday afternoon. The audience assembled
promptly and W.H. Dewey, who presided at the meeting, called it to order
promptly. In his opening statement he made it plain that the memorial was
in no way political, but that a gentleman of MR. BESTOW's standing both
politically and as a citizen was entitled to the highest encomiums. He
called attention to the fact that he was the only Democratic Lieutenant
Governor Iowa ever had, and at the time the Hon. John H. Gear was selected
by the legislature as United States Senator, MR. BESTOW received the full
vote of the minority for that place which was a fitting tribute to his
abilities and standing. The division in the legislature was 71 for BESTOW
and 77 for Gear, a passage in the political history of the State not
generally known.

Rev. Webster Hakes read the --- Psalm and offered prayer, also asking the
benediction at the close. Hon. T.M. Stuart was the first speaker. He paid
a glowing tribute to BESTOW as a man -- an honest man, of whom it has been
said is the noblest work of God. He eulogized him not as a genius -- for
genius is erratic and often disappointing, but for his quiet unassuming
manner and unchangeable ways. As a citizen, neighbor and political worker
he was deliberate and fair. The speaker had been with him in the heats of
political contests when many men lose their heads, but BESTOW was always
reasonable and calm and he had never heard him speak disrespectfully of a
political opponent or belittle the honesty of purpose of a rival. He
measured well in both public and private life and while he has been removed
from the activities of life he still lives in the hearts and minds of those
with whom he once mingled. It was a beautiful tribute to his fidelity and
character.

Col. Warren S. Dungan was the next speaker. He had been intimately
acquainted with SAMUEL L. BESTOW since he located in the State. In politics
they had formerly worked together but when their political opinions
separated, friendship did not cease. Socially they met on the same plane.
When MR. BESTOW made the race for the Senate in 1875 the closest of council
prevailed between them. Nothing but good could be said of his motives in
his dealings with men and his fine presence and character attracted a
following which remained true to the close of life.

The Leader wishes that all could have heard, especially, Col. Dungan's
speech, coming as it did from an opposing candidate for the second highest
office in the State, who was successful in the contest for Lieutenant
Governor on the ticket with Gov. Frank D. Jackson. Col. Dunagn spoke
feelingly of the departed and it truly fell upon the ears of the audience
with a profound rhythm as they watched his even gesture, timing well his
modulated voice, and his venerable form swelling with the emotions an
occasion of the character would naturally produce in one of sincere mind and
thought.

The Hon. J.A. Penick had known the departed long and well. Had rejoined
with him in his successes and condoled him when sorrows and disappointments
came. It was fitting that a tribute should be paid to him in the present
temple erected to the worship of God, where so long he had, with his good
wife of yore, bowed at the shrine of grace. Mere words could not add to his
worth but they were only memorials to his kindly nature and genuineness of
character. He was endowed with the elements of thrift but at the same time
was too generous of nature to accumulate wealth and desired to see others
lifted up. His friendly greeting could never be forgotten and would he
speak today from his position on high or from the silent home in yonder
cemetery on the hillside, it would be with the same well known voice. He
saw and talked to him last in the court yard. His old friend, Capt. Arnold
had driven him up town and they assisted him from the carriage, but his body
was wrenched by pain. Still it was the BESTOW of old. He cast a retrospect
throughout the years of his activity and spoke of the time when he and the
Senator's son Lucius had assisted him in the reception at his inaugural at
the State's Capitol -- and of the going of the son to the great unkown. Mr.
Penick had the honor of making the nominating speech at the convention the
year MR. BESTOW was elected Lieutenant Governor.

H.W. Gittinger followed Mr. Penick with a brief tribute. He felt
incompetent to the occasion but a pleasure in the opportunity of saying
something in eulogy of a distinguished citizen and friend. Taking the human
view what a pity is felt when good men die and yet their works are left as
an inheritance to society for its betterment and perpetuity. There is
sadness felt when our friends and neighbors pass away or those who have had
a shaping influence on our destinies. Senator BESTOW's life was a model for
the young. His kindliness of heart appealed to the youth and those who
enjoyed his acquaintance received inspiration for right living and his
unblemished character lent a dignity to political affairs and no political
cult would be mean with a sufficiency of such leaders. He had known him for
22 years and remembers him as the BESTOW of other days, when he was in
command of a vigorous manhood and mental activities. Although age stole on,
the physical broke down and the faculties became impaired -- still it was
the same BESTOW -- for men are judged by their hearts and while these traits
live on the man of matter is but a memory -- fading with the generation.

Rev. Fred B. Palmer closed with a beautiful thought. He was in nowise a
stranger to the deceased in the days of his vigor. When MR. BESTOW presided
over the State Senate he (Palmer) was a page in that body. He well
remembered the words there spoken. Although of a different political party
assurances were given freely that BESTOW ruled with perfect impartiality.
His fellow partisans and opponents pointed him out and said "there sits the
man who makes right the first test of citizenship. He has the kindliness of
a woman and yet the firmness of an executor. No man suffers wrongfully at
his hands." He knew him as a public official and could testify by
experience and repute as to his poise and virtues. In private life he had
ample association and observation to knowingly speak and nothing said today
was in exaggeration of the character of the man. It was an impressive
service and a just tribute to an eminent citizen who was honored while among
us, as suggested by Col. Dungan, and none the less honored now that he is
gone."
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November 26, 2004
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