grave import

Obituary

Lewis C. Wallbridge, 75, a native of Burlington and prominent business man of this city, passed away at 7:25 this morning in his home, 701 North Fourth street, after an illness of about six weeks duration. In his death Burlington loses one of her most beloved citizens, banker of more than fifty-two years of service, and a man of sterling character, who made, lasting friendships and who counted his friends by the hundreds and in all walks of life. The soul of honor, a genial companion who loved wholesome pleasure, a man among men-that were Lew Wallbridge, and there are many who will sincerely mourn his passing. He was a home-loving man, but found time to be of public service whenever called upon and he had the interest of Burlington at heart. Mr. Wallbridge was with one banking house for more than fifty-two years-a record which few, if any, bankers in the state can duplicate and he enjoyed the confidence and respect of his associates. At the time of his death he was vice president of the First Iowa Trust and Savings Bank. Lew Wallbridge was born in Burlington in a house that stood on Summer street, between Vine and Angular streets, on September 30, 1850. His mother was a native of Wales, and his father was born in England. Lew was the youngest of six children and the only one to reach maturity. He attended South Hill school and later the high school which, at that time was located in the basement of the Cumberland Presbyterian church on the site of the present Military hall. He was popular and was active in baseball. As a matter of fact he was the third baseman on Burlington's pioneer ball club, the Burlington Crescents. His first job was with H.N. Twining who ran a photograph gallery on North Third street, and later worked in James Putnam's mill. His next position was in Putnam's bank, known as the Orchard City Savings bank - a pioneer here in the banking business. The bank failed to weather the panic of 1873, but paid its depositors dollar for dollar and Mr. Wallbridge remained in service until all of the affairs were straightened out. He then entered the employ of the First National bank of which Lyman Cook was president; George C. Lauman was vice president, and J.C. Osgood was cashier. For a number of years he served as teller of this bank and later became assistant cashier, then cashier and vice president. When the bank merged with the Iowa State Savings bank he continued in service and was highly regarded in the councils of the First Iowa Trust and savings bank, where he was vice president at the time of his death. Mr. Wallbridge married Miss Anna M. Boeck, a daughter of the late George Boeck, October 23, 1892 and she, together with one son, Lewis B. Wallbridge, now 22 years old, survives. Mr. Wallbridge served as treasurer of the board of education for many years and was in that capacity at the time of his death. He also was treasurer of the Hawkeye Natives, of which he was a charter member. He loved to fish and was a member of Carthage Lake club and he also was affiliated with the Odd Fellows and the Elks. He attended the First Congregational church. On March 29, Mr. Wallbridge did not feel well and remained home from the bank. This was the start of his illness from which he failed to rally. A week later he was bedfast and his condition gradually became worse until his death this morning. Funeral services will be held Monday afternoon at 4 o'clock from the home. Friends are Invited. interment will be private. Kindly omit flowers.