Portman, John Fitzhardinge Berkeley 1885 - 1912

PORTMAN

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 5/19/2024 at 21:00:46

Source: Decorah Republican Apr. 18, 1912 P2 C3

OBITUARY.
At 12:30 o’clock Monday morning, the 15th inst., John, only son of Mr. and Mrs. R. F. B. Portman, passed away at the family home on Jefferson street.
Taken sick early in December, for more than four months the skill of physicians and the constant care of able nurses, supplemented by the tender ministrations of members of the family have been baffled by the disease that slowly sapped the strength of the patient. For a time the physicians were balked in their attempts to diagnose the difficulty but when they became convinced that it was septic poisoning every form of treatment that they could suggest, or that could be offered by specialists who were consulted, availed nothing. There were times when hope of ultimate recovery seemed bright—when days of suffering and doubt were followed by hours of comfort and apparent recuperation,--but each relapse left the sufferer a little weaker. When the end came it was peaceful.
John Fitzhardeng Barclay Portman was born in Decorah on November 7, 1885, and grew to young manhood here. His education was secured in the public schools of Decorah and in the Calver Military Academy in Indiana. When he left the latter school it was to take a place he had sought in the Commercial National Bank of Chicago. About four years ago he returned to Decorah and entered the Citizens Savings Bank as bookkeeper, being advanced soon after to the position of assistant cashier. His relations with the patrons of the bank and with the public in general were in every way cordial and by his integrity and attention to business was laying a foundation that meant in time to come greater confidence from those he might serve and advancement to larger responsibilities. Socially he was esteemed alike by young and old, and in the Masonic bodies, of which he was a member, he had been honored by election to high offices. He also held official position in the Elks, and was a prominent member of the Decorah hook and ladder company. Few young men in Decorah were more favored, nor did the future open more propitiously for any. It is scarcely necessary to say that one so situated enjoyed a home environment that was especially dear to him, and he honored it by a loving thoughtfulness that was a worthy attribute of a worthy son. In their bereavement Mr. and Mrs. Portman and their daughters are joined by a host of friends in mourning.
The funeral was held yesterday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock at the home. Rev. Wn. McVettie officiating. Beside many acquaintances, the Masons and Elks lodges, and Decorah Fire Department were in attendance and the Masons took charge of services at the grave. Interment was made in Phelps cemetery.

Transcriber’s Note: His gravestone shows his name as John Fitzhardinge Berkeley Portman.

Phelps Cemetery
 

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