Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1895-02-21
THE OLDEST ODD FELLOW.
Death and Burial of Martin V. BurriS.
of Iowa Lodge No /.

Fellow in the state OF Wisconsin, and
we think the oldest in the organiza-
ton, died, Feb. T., at his home, three
miles north Of Belmont. after quite a
long illness. He was born March so,
1914, in Washington county, Ohio,
He came to Mineral Point in 1882,
and worked at the business Of smelt-
ing, in Madden'S Grove. He opened \
grocery store in Mineral Point, in the
summer OF 1888. He continued in
this business until 1899, when he pur-
chased, and removed to the tarm on
which his family now live. He own
ed 900 acres of land, part of which he
entered. In lSii, he built, which was
then the largest barn in the county,
viz; 56N60 feet.
In 1850, he built his dwelling house,
at a cost of about $4,000 For seven
teen wears he has been township
supervisor. In lSi7, he married
Harriet b. Westenvelt, who was II
native Of Ohio. Five children were
born to them, viz: Myra v, Martin
", Chas, d., John W., and Florence
l.. An old land mark has been re-
moved. With his death passes away
the last member of the old original
Iowa Lodge, No. |, |, Q. q. T.
This lodge was instituted, ut Miner
el Point, the then most active business
town in Wisconsin, in August, 1885,
bySpecial Grand Deputy ID. ID. G. NJ,
stephen Taylor of Pennsylvania.
Wisconsin was at this time territory
under Michigan. Iowa Lodge was
just established in the Northwest Ter
ritory. The Charter members were
Andrew Remfrey, William Polking-
horn, John Cole, Richard Johns,
George Mitchell, John Cassidy, John
Rich, Ralph Goldsworthy, John Coch,
Joseph r. James and Edward Paul;
all now dead. In the same year, viz;
1885, Nj. V. Burris became member
of Iowa Lodge SO years ago.
In August, 1888, NJ. V. Burris with
others was initiated into Wildey En-
campment by p. G., Sire Wildey, the
father of the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows. The initiation took
place in Sterling's Grove, with the sky
above for roof and the grass below
for a carpet. While the initiation was
proceeding, guards were thrown out
for protection. Levi Sterling also
was one of the charter members.
On Sunday, Feb. II, 1895, Bro.
Burris was buried in Belmont, under
the auspices of the order he loved so
well. A special train was run from
Mineral Point, Darlington, and Platte
Vile to Belmont with large delegations
Of Odd Fellows from each place.
Goodly delegations were also present
from Dodgeville and Linden. In the
neighborhood of $50 Odd Fellows
were in attendance, including the
brethren at Belmont.
When the brethren arrived at Bel
mont conveyance was in waiting to
take a delegation of brothers, consist
ing of n g.. Alfred Penhallegon,
Chaplain, Chas Blewett, the bearers,
Brothers John II. Vivian, John Dave,
William Trewoek, George Masten,
Nicholas Treweek, and Richard Jack
son, to the home of the deceased
Brother.
After some very impressive remarks
by Rev. Troy, Methodist minister of
Platteville, and the house burial ser
vice of the order, the remains were
taken to Belmont, by the delegation Of
Brothers, followed by a large con-
course of neighbors and friends. At
the outskirt of the village, the process
sion was met by all the brothers of the
order, who then proceeded to the Gem
etery, when the impressive funeral GER
emony of the order was given by the
Noble Grand and Chaplain. After a
few well timed, impressive remarks by
Past Grand Representative, John IL.
Vivian, who was acquainted with the
deceased Brother for fifty years, all
that was mortal of Bro. Burris was
deposited in the grave.
1t is said of Bro. Burris, that he
never turued away empty, any worthy
or needy applicant for charity. In
this respect he exenplifed the grand
principles of odd Fellowship, viz:
Friendship, Love and Truth. We