John-Graham-Foote-68935

Obituary

John G. Foote, whose life has been trembling in the balance for several days, died peacefully of old age at a few minutes past 11 o'clock today at his home, 722 north Sixth street. Hon. John Graham Foote was numbered among the pioneer settlers of Burlington in 1843. He was born in Middlebury, Vt., on the 21st day of April 1814. HIs parents were Justus and Harriet S. (Graham) Foote, of Connecticut, the former born June 24, 1783, the latter March 6, 1789. They were married at Middlebury, Vt., April 15th, 1810. When a young man Justus Foote learned the trade of saddler, which he followed for many years at Middlebury, where he resided until his death, which occurred June 19, 1829. After the death of her husband, Mrs. Foote came to Burlington, Iowa, and died at her son's home April 20, 1865. She was a member of the Congregational church, a sincere Christian, loved and respected by all. John G. Foote received his education in the academy and college at Middlebury, VT. In 1833 he left his native state, going to St. Louis, where he was employed as clerk, remaining there until 1843, when he came to Burlington, Iowa, and embarked in the hardware business, successfully prosecuting the same for thirty-three years. Mr. Foote was twice married; first on Aug. 20, 1845, to Miss Elizabeth J., daughter of Wm. B. Ewing, of Indiana. Mrs. Foote died August 5, 1853, leaving a daughter, Harriet M., who, on Dec. 23, 1869, became the wife of Frank R. Dunham. of Burlington. On June 27, 1855, Mr. Foote was married to Miss Mary E. daughter of Stevens Merrill, of Plymouth, N.H. They were the parents of one son, now living, Graham Merrill, connected with the Haxton Steam Heating company, of which he is a member. Mr. Foote has been an active worker in all interests of benefit to Burlington and has been connected with many of its leading enterprises. He was connected with its first railroad, the Burlington & Missouri River, and was treasurer of that company for a time. He was also a director of the Peoria & Oquawka and the Carthage & Burlington railroads. He was a director of the first telegraph line to Burlington, and was one of the organizers, and afterward one of the directors of the First National Bank. In early life Mr. Foote was a Whig, and at the breaking up of that party joined the Republicans, with whom he has been affiliated. In 1861 he was nominated by the Republican Party for the State Senate, and elected, serving from 1862 to 1865, inclusive, making a most efficient member. He was appointed and served as one of the commissioners for the construction of the new and beautiful state capital of Iowa. John G. Foote was a successful businessman, his success being due o patient toil, perseverance and good management, added to quickness of perception and promptness in action. In the life of such a man there is a lesson to be learned.