Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1901-07-18
DEATH OF FREDERICK WILLIAM BURT.
An Old Soldier, Citizen and Public Servant
Gone to his Reward.

S'Si yOhS III OtilS peit VI hOOu COulby
knew this man because of his long
service in public life. To know him
was to admire him for his christian
character and excellent worth. 1t
has been the custom of all nations to
eXtOl in story and in song the gallant
deeds in time of war, but it has been
left to civilized nations to commem-
crate that truer manllneSS, that
nObler courage which enables one to
live uprightly and deal justly, seeking
no preferment or approval save that of
tie Higher power and their own
cOnScienceS. Shall soldier hero re-
ceive a greater tribute of respect than
one who silently apd uncomplainly
takes up his burden and fights back
the thousand adverse fate, that seeks
to block his pathway to success? The
deeds of good man will live after
him, and in these days of wide dis
SeminatiOn of thought and doctrine,
the transmission Of the story from
the father to the son is inadequate.
Only through written record Can we
perpetuate his memory and extend
his influence, making his life an
example for future generations.
OF those of whom it is said that the
world is better for his having lived is
Mr.. Burt. He was born in Newark,
n. J., April "A, 1890. and is son of
William Hubbard and Elizabeth M.
Jones' Burt, both natives of New
Jersey. The father. shoemaker by
trade, died of cholera in 1888, in New
New York City, directly opposite the
residence of his sister. Three years
later, in 1886, the mother and three of
her children removed to ST.
Catharines, Canada, and there they
resided until Frederick was ten years
OF age. III the meantime his mother
married again and then removed to
Short Hills, about eight miles from
st. Catharines, where our subject
remained until 1850.
Mr.. Burt was educated in a private
school at st. Catharlnes. spent one
term in district school in New York,
and then engaged in farming, also
learning the carpenters trade. He
continued in Canada until 1850, when
ne came to Wisconsin. locating first in
Dane county, where he carried on
agricultural pursuits. Later he re-
moved to Portage county, but after a
few months, in the fall of 1856, he
removed to Grand Rapids. Here he
worked at carpentering until August,
1861, when he went into the harvest
fields. In September, same year, he
enlisted at Grand Rapids in Company
G, Seventh Wis. V. l., and was dis
charged March 2S, 1862, on account of
illness contracted in the service He
at once returned to his home, and
upon his recovery obtained a position
in the post office as assistant post
master, serving until 1870, and also
acting as clerk in a general store. In
1869 he was elected clerk of the
circuit court, which position he filled
six years; in January, 1875, he again
became assistant postmaster, and had
charge of the office until 1890, when
he was elected postmaster, serving
until January, 1894. He was then
succeeded by E. B. Brundage and
acted as his assistant for four years
and continued to serve in that
capacity under the present postmaster
until his health gave out in May.
1900, since which time he has been at
home.
Mr. Burt was married in Portage
City, Wis, June II, 1855, to Miss
Celeste Eliza, daughter Of Peter and
CaliSta (SampSOn) JeSSey, natives of
Vermont. Seven children were born
to them: Jessie Eva, wife of George
hampton, a resident of Hartford,
Conn; Fredericka W., who died at the
age of Two years: Harry Andrew, who
makes his home in Grand Rapids, Wis,
and is employed as a travelling sales
man; Frederick w, who is living in
WauSau, Wis: Walter Edwin, who
makes his home here and is employed
as a travelling salesman; William, who
makes his home in Green Bay, Wis,
and Carson Otto, living with his
mother in Grand Rapids.
The worth and ability of Mr.. Burt
have been recognized by his fellow
townsmen who have called him to
office; in 1855 and 1856 he served as
justice of the peace, and he has also
filled the position of town clerk. He
took considerable interest in civic
societies, and is a member of Grand
Rapids Lodge, No. 12S, F. & A. NJ;
Forest Chapter, No. "a, r. A. M. of
Stevens Point, Wis: and of Grand
Rapids Lodge, No. 81, l. O. o. F.. also
of Shaurett Encampment of the same
fraternity. For half century he has
been a consistent member of the
Methodist church-his life being in
harmony with his professions and true
to his convictions Of right and wrong.
In his political view she was a Stalwart
Republican, was public-spirited and
progressive citizen, enjoying the high
regard Of all who knew him.
The funeral service was in charge of
the MaSOnS and occurred Sunday
afternoon from the house at 2:30
O'Clock. Members of the Masonic
order met in their lodge room at 2
O'Clock and proceeded to the deceased
brothers home where a short ritual
service was conducted by ex-worship-
ful master. VIM. Hooper. The funeral
procession then formed and proceeded
to the NJ. e. Church where short
service was held. Rev. w. A. Peterson
delivered an excellent discourse and
referred to the Christian life and
character of the deceaSe. At the close
of this service the procession reformed
and the remains were taken to Forest
Hill cemetery where they were de-
posted under the usual Masonic ritual
service which is always impressive.
The floral contributions from friends
and relatives were many and beautiful
and the services from beginning to
close were an excellent final to a
brother who had SO lived in life that
the world was left better on account
of his having lived in it.