Iowa
Old Press
Jackson Sentinel
Maquoketa, Jackson County, Iowa
October 18, 1888
DEATH OF BURR I. MITCHELL
Died at the home of his parents in this city, Oct. 11th, at 1:30
a.m., of valvular disease of the heart, Mr. Burr Irving Mitchell,
aged 28 years, 8 months and 15 days.
Deceased was the third son of ex-senator and Mrs. P. Mitchell and
was born in this city January 26, 1860. He grew to manhood among
us and was one of the most beloved young men of the community.
His character was pure, his thoughts elevating, and a more
companionable, congenial associate could not be desired. Passing
through the schools of our city he entered the mercantile trade
with his brother George at the pioneer store as successors to
their father in Feb. 1884. Soon Burr’s health began to fail
him and he sought a warmer climate and made the trip to Kansas,
Texas and Mexico, in the winter of 1886-7. Returning in the
spring quite improved he re-entered the store, though he
refrained from giving business that close application he formerly
did and sought out-door rest and recreation. This year he had
contemplated a trip to Southern California, and upon the advise
of his physician postponed the day until he might become stronger
and more able to endure the trip, but his bright hopes and
ambitions went down in death.
The funeral took place Sabbath afternoon from the Congregational
Church of which deceased was a member. Peerless Lodge Knights of
Pythias attended in a body and escorted the remains to the
cemetery. The church could not accommodate the very large number
in attendance to pay their last respects to a noble young man and
many went away unable to gain entrance. The services were
conducted in a very impressive manner by Rev. Oadams .
MAMMOTH PUMPKIN
From government seed Hiram McCarron has grown a mammoth pumpkin
that weighs 1,361 pounds. It is on exhibition at D. H.
Anderson’s.
[transcribed by K.W., August & September 2009]