grave import

Obituary

Very many people in Iowa, as well as the citizens of Burlington, will be pained to learn of the sudden death of Judge David Rorer, at his late residence, corner Fourth and Washington streets, about six o'clock last evening. Judge Rorer was taken ill at four o'clock yesterday morning with inflammation of the bowels but was better in the afternoon and this fatal termination was unexpected. Judge Rorer was born in Pittsylvania county, Virginia, in 1806, and came to Burlington in 1836, only two years after the city was named. He immediately entered upon the practice of law and was attorney for the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy railroad for many years. Judge Rorer was author of several legal works of considerable note, among which were "Judicial Sales, " a two-volume work on rail road law, and "American Interstate Law." At the time of his death he was engaged in writing a comprehensive history of the state of Iowa. Judge Rorer was one of the founders of the Historical society which was organized in Burlington in 1843 and was also a number of the Pennsylvania and Wisconsin historical societies. He wrote the articles of incorporation of the city of Burlington, was an active and honored member of the Old Settlers society and was identified with all the history of the city from its inception. He was widely known all over the state as one of its best citizens and was honored not only for his literary and professional achievements but for his character as a man. His death is a loss to the whole state and his place will not be easily filled.