DOUGLAS, Julian A. (d: 1910)

DOUGLAS BURKHARDT

Posted By: Marilyn O (email)
Date: 1/8/2007 at 11:26:01

Mitchell County News and Osage Journal
Oct. 19, 1910

BROUGHT HOME TO REST

Relatives and Friends of Julian A. Douglas to
Lay His Body to Quiet and Peacful Rest.

The subject of this sketch, Julian A. Douglas, was born in Plateville, Wisconsin, on the 23rd day of November, 1185*. He died at Memet, California, October 7th, 1910.

In the early seventies he came with his mother to Osage, remaining here for a short time finally going with his brother Rollin to work in the prison. While at Stillwater, Mr. Douglas took up photography, and about 1886 went to Riceville and established a photograph gallery, which he operated for a couple of years and then moved to Osage to engage in the same business and continued to follow until the winter just past when failing health warned him that he must
seek rest and a different climate if he would prolong his life. The business was sold and the latter part of September of this year he in company with Mrs. Douglas, went to California, hoping that the mild climate of that state would be beneficial.

The hope was vain, for while the trip was made without apparent evil effect he steadly grew weaker, until the end came peacefully and painlessly Friday morning, October 7th.

Mr. Douglas was married to Florence Burkhardt at Stillwater, Minnesota, July 1st. 1884. One child Louise, blessed this union. Wife and child shared very fully the life of Mr. Douglas, and comfort of the wife and the through education of his daughter were constantly in his mind and the object of his labor. Mr. Douglas was made a Master Mason in 1902 and was Master of Osage Lodge No. 102 for the years 1906 and 07. His efficiency in mastering the work was such that he was made district lecturer in 1905. In 1908 he was appointed Jr. Grand Deacon of the Grand Lodge of Iowa. He was also a member of the Osage Chapter No. 36 and of Couer de Leon Commandery No. 19.

Mr Douglas was a modest man, and never sought favor, but for two terms he was a member of the Osage school board, and in that position he rendered most efficient service.

In his profession, Mr. Douglas was in the front rank, as a citizen he was always in favor of ernest, honest government; in lodge, in his dealing with men, exemplified the true spirit of kindness and fair dealings, as husband and father he was true to the best in man.

Besides the wife and daughter, he leaves two brothers, Rollin Douglas, who was present on this occasion, Rev. T. O. Douglas, so well known here, of Grinnell, but who is east attending a gathering in Boston and was unable to be present. Also one sister, Mrs. Geo. Craven of Watonga, Oklahoma who was also present.

The funeral was held Saturday at 10:00 a.m., in the little chapel at the cemetery, the services being in charge of the local Masonic Order, their complete and impressive ceremony being used.

The sympathy of the city goes out to the bereaved wife and the fatherless daughter. They have borne the ordeal with fortitude. More heroic effort is not on record than the brave wife's return from the west with the remains of her departed husband. Unwilling to impose upon the kindness of friends, she made the journey alone, meeting alone the numberless difficulties arising from time to time to try her courage and impede her progress.

Mrs. Douglas will remain in the city a short time until suitable accomodations can be procured
in Onawa for herself and daughter and she will then go to make her home there where Miss Lou has a position in the public schools.

*(that is the date as shown in the paper)