Reporter and farmer. [volume] (Webster, Day County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1946, 1910-10-27
The Burial at Fort Dodge

The gathering in Fort Dodge on
Thursday in tribute to the late Senator
Dolliver was the most notable ever
assembled in Iowa on a like occasion.
The city of the departed senator's
adoption, the base of his achievements,
is not likely soon, if ever, to witness
such distinguished homage to the life
and service of citizen.
The day was overcast with clouds,
and at intervals the rain fell, as if it
were an accompaniment of tears. The
topic on all lips was Dolliver. 1t was a
day of mourning, and it was a day of
heartfelt tribute to fallen and yet
magnetic leader. There was much of
"reminiscences in the throng. There was
the story of his coming to Fort Dodge;
incidents of his early struggles, narra-
tons of his first conventions and reports
from witnesses of his early triumphs as
an orator. Better yet were accounts
of his filial devotion, his beautiful home
life, of the unfailing constancy toward
those to whom he gave the full measure
of his strength. Back of his public rela-
ton, most familiar to the multitude, was
the sacred relation of domestic life, in
which he shine as CHEEKY light, in the
brightness of any day and in the dark
ness of any night. Great as he was,
eloquent as he was, he was greatest
and most eloquent in the place he loved
away from the footlights and behind
the scenes.
The preparations for his funeral were
thoughtfully and considerably made,
subject only to unavoidable limitations.
The plan to conduct the public exercises
on the lawn at the family home, which
was pleasant place to him and where
he delighted to greet his friends, had
to be abandoned because of weather
conditions. The exercises took place in
the armory, the largest hall in the city.
Every available part of the building was
packed, and thousands were unable to
gain admission. Thousands remained
outside in the dampness until the close
of the exercises indoors; and in the pres
ence of these faithful friends prayer
was offered and a distinguished col
league spoke for them.
Flowers in rich profusion banked the
armory platform and flags served as
decoration. The senator's picture was
displayed, and offered mute suggestion
of how he might speak for another. A
splendid quartette of male voices from
Mason City, that had served at many of
his meetings. furnished the music, and
men of prominence in church and state
and in the life of Fort Dodge made sup
plication, gave the scriptural readings,
and pronounced the eulogies, fitting well
the various relations of this friend, this
neighbor, this Iowan, this great coun-
tryman. The exercises in the hall occu-
pied more than two hours, following
brief and simple excuses at the home;
and the shadows of evening were gather
ing fast when the vacated habitation OF
his soul was borne away to the silent
city where the dead have to sleep.
The occasion was made one of MEM
orial as well as of burial, and honored
guests were there to represent the
nation, the state, the church, the home.
Nothing just like this was ever wit
messed in Iowa before, and the like of
it will not soon again appear. The shock
of the senator's sudden death touched
in marvellous way the hearts of the
people. The voices of the platform
were many, but there were no discord-
ant notes. In the twinkling of an eye
he went out of the world, and at his
burial the world stood by.
"And the mourners go about the
streets. Sioux City Journal.