Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Death of Buren R. Sherman.

Ex-Governor Buren R, Sherman died very suddenly at his home in Vinton on the evening of Nov. 11th — though in poor health for years he had been around as usual during the day. He returned home on the 5:30 train from Clinton where he had been on Masonic business, stopping at Cedar Rapids on his way, and went to his room where he was found in an unconscious condition about 7:30, passing away soon after.

Bro. Sherman was born in Phelps, Ontario County, N. Y., May 28th, 1836. He removed to Iowa in 1855. Admitted to the practice of law in 1859. Enlisted in Co. G., 13th Iowa Infantry, being made Captain of his Company. He served three terms as Auditor of State, and in 1881 was elected as the eleventh Governor of Iowa and re-elected in 1883.

Bro. Sherman was a genial, whole-souled gentleman and an active member for many years in the Masonic bodies of the state. Was Grand Commander in 1872 and at the time of his death was the Active 33d for Iowa under the Supreme Council Southern Jurisdiction of America and in his day was one of the best workers in the state, and a fine public speaker. He was buried Sunday the 13th at his home in Vinton, Cyprus Commandery, of which he was a member, taking charge of the ceremonies. His old friend, Judge A. R. Dewey, of Washington delivered an address which was said to be as fine and touching a bit of oratory as had ever been heard in Vinton. Coming from the heart of the speaker it went with its messages of love and sympathy and consolation direct to the hearts of his hearers. Bernard Murphy, an old neighbor, presented a fine biographical sketch of our brother whose tongue and pen always championed and advocated principles of right and justice to all.

SOURCE: Quarterly Bulletin Grand Lodge Iowa A. F. & A. M., Vol. 7 (1904), No.4, p. 99

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