The Republican journal., 1912-02-08
OBITUARY..

One of Belfast's oldest and most respected
citizens passed away at $40 q. m. Feb. Sd at
his home on Union street of heart failure in
duced by complication of diseases. He was
born in log house in the Pitcher settlement,
Jan. 2,..1s3O, the son of the late David and Cath
crime M. Holmes Burgess. His father cleared
what is known as the Brackett farm and built
one of the first frame houses in that vicinity,
now the Bakeman residence. Robert acquired
the rudiments of his education in the little red
school house that stood on the site of the pres
ent more pretentious school building. Like
many of his day and generation he made the
most of his limited education and was well in
formed in many branches, and always kept in
touch with the topics of the day. When 16
years of age he began following the sea, and
continued until October, 1851, when he went
to California, and for five years was success
full worker in the gold mines. For fifteen
years he was engaged in the meat business in
Columbia, Calf. During the twenty years he
spent in California he made two visits home
one in 1859 and the other in 1870. On his first
trip out he walked across the Isthmus of Pana-
ma and the next time rode mule. He came
home for good in October, 1871, making the
trip by rail with an excursion party. In 1872
he went into the meat business with the late
David P. Alexander, in what is now the Cen
trail Market, the partnership continuing for 27
years. For two years he was in company with
B. P. Gardner, after which he retired, having
earned competency. At different times he
assisted in the Fogg market. but only for sew
eral weeks or days. He was honest, honorable
and kind hearted A lifelong friend recently
remarked that he was one of the best of men
always spoken of with respect by old and
young. He was strong in his likes and dis
likes, with the courage of his convictions, and
in politics staunch Republican. He never
married. AS long as his parents lived he
watched over them and came home from Cali
fornia to be near them in their last years.
For 35 years he made home for his widowed
sister, Mrs. Annie L. Burgess, and her daugh-
ter, Miss Edith L. Burgess, who had from him
a fathers love and care. In all these years
they have made his home comfortable and
happy. Two sisters survive him, Mrs. Annie
L. Burgess and Mrs. Lucy E. Perkins. He was
up street for the last time Dec. 18th, and dur
ing his illness never took his bed, but enjoyed
his callers and went to the supper table as
usual the night before he died. His mind was
clear until the end and he evidently had hopes
of getting better. Since 1883 he had been
treasurer of the Royal Arcanum Insurance So
ciety, and was director of the Masonic Tenn
Pile Association. Outside of his home his in
terest was in the Masonic bodies. He became
member of Phoenix Lodge, F. & A. M. be-
fore going to California, and when there affil-
ated with Columbia Lodge and took the de-
grees of Royal Arch Chapter, King Solomons
Council and of the Commandery, K. 7. He
was one of the influences in organizing Pales-
tine Commandery and was a charter member,
only three of whom remain. Several years ago
they were made honorary members of the or
der. Since 1894 he had been treasurer of King
Solomon's Council and had held various offices
in the different branches He had served in
both branches of the city government and
was for some time one of the cemetery
trustees. The funeral took place at his late
home Tuesday at O'Clock, Rev David L.
Wilson, Eminent Commander of Palestine
Commandery, officiating and using the ritual
of the Blue Lodge. Palestin. Commandery
furnished escort, and Past Commanders James
H. and Ralph H. Howes, S. A. Parker and
VIM. c. Libby were bearers.
James Watson Pendleton Jr., of Dorchester,
Mass, formerly of Belfast, died at 1880 D. m.,
Ian of
the past year he had failed gradually and he
spent portion of last summer with his father
in this city in hopes to recuperate Novem-
Der lst, he entered the hospital and underwent
successful operation for empyema, but his
long illness weakened his heart, from which he
had always suffered, and caused his death. He
made brave struggle for life. and all that ex-
perienced nurses and specialists could do was
of no avail. He died as he had lived, peace
fully and quietly. He was born in Belfast,
Nov. 16, 1874, the son of James Watson and
the late Bedelia M. Pendletoh. He attended
the public schools and for time the High
school, but when still young entered the en-
ploy of the Howard Manufacturing Company
to learn the machinist's trade Later he work.
shop. For eight years he with the Boston
Elevated Company in the repair department,
and for year foreman of M. & NJ Motor
Cycle Company of Brockton. The friends of
his youth and early manhood remember him as
quiet, modest, courteous and manly, while in
the home he was always comfort never causing
the least anxiety. HIS later life fulfilled the
promise of his youth He married Miss Eleanor
McNulty. niece of the late Father Thomas
McNulty of Dorchester, Mass, who survives
him with their six children-twin daughters,
Marian and Helen. James W., Alexsis, Doris
and Francis all of Dorchester. He is also sur
vived by his father; by three sisters, Miss
Martha M, Mrs. Mary Colcord and Mrs Agnes
Darby, and by one brother Francis X. all of
Belfast. The remains arrived in Belfast Jan,
3lst, accompanied by his widow, his sister
Martha and Mr.. George Darby. The funeral
was held at $50 a. m. Friday in St. Francis
church, of which he was member The re-
QUEEN mass was sung by Rev. Father Dennis
McCabe, the pastor. The bearers were Will
liam and John O'Leary, Edward Hogan and
Walter Joan. The flowers were many and
beautiful, including large piece from the
m mbers of the old No of the RaJfost fro