NEWS AND NOTES OF LA PORTE CITY

Jesse O. Burgess, Passes to Great Beyond

Matters of Interest in Prosperous Community Specially Reported

La Port City, Jan 19.  – Taps have sounded for another veteran of the Civil War and Jesse O. Burgess responded to roll call in the great beyond on Friday afternoon at 3:30 o’clock.  He passed away without a struggle.  Mr. Burgess had been suffering from heart trouble and complications for a number of years, and had been confined to the house since early last fall, but still was able to move around the room.  On this last day he had insisted on stepping out of doors, and as he was returning, those that were assisting noticed him sinking down.  The end came just as he was entering the door.  Thru the trying ordeal he exhibited a most wonderful vitality and bore his suffering in a most heroic manner as became a soldier.

The deceased was born Dec. 3, 1835 in Monongahela County, VA.  There he grew to manhood and received his education.  Soon after reaching his majority he came to Iowa and settled in Rossville.

In the year 1862, on Aug. 23, he was married to Miss Mary Dibble at Milton, Ia.  In the same month Mr. Burgess had enlisted in Company I, Twenty-seventh regiment Iowa Infantry.  He took his bride with him to Dubuque, where he was in camp.  There they remained several weeks before he was ordered to the front, the young wife accompanying him and remaining for over a year, lending her assistance wherever she could in caring for the sick and wounded.  Mr. Burgess was in active service for three years and was very fortunate in not being wounded seriously, although he was engaged in several hard-fought battles.

At Clinton, Ia, on Aug. 8, 1865, Mr. Burgess received an honorable discharge, being at that time sergeant of his company.  They went to Waterloo, where they established a home and resided there for twelve years.  They then went to a farm near Moorville, where they remained until about five years ago, when they removed to this city. 

To this worthy couple six children were born.  One daughter died in infancy.  The surviving children are:  Ruben A., Waterloo; Mrs. Lura G. Woodard, Seattle, Wash; J. Otto, Independence, James E. and Charles R. of this city.  Nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, also survive, besides the widow to mourn his loss.  Awaiting the arrival of the daughter from Washington, the funeral will be held Wednesday morning at 10:30 o’clock , at the house, in charge of F. M. Thompson Post, G.A.R., of which the deceased was an honorable member.  Service will be conducted by the Rev. A. W. Henke, pastor of the M. E. church, and burial will be in Fairview Cemetery, Waterloo, besides the remains of his little daughter.

Waterloo Evening Courier and Reporter
Tuesday, January 19, 1915
Page 8, Column 5