Walter Fitz Randolph
Walter Fitz Randolph lived in Riley, McHenry County, IL with his parents, Alfred and Mary Magdalene [Pfeiffer] Fitz Randolph from about 1843 until his left to attend Rush Medical in Chicago in about 1868. He later relocated his family to Bedford, Taylor County, Iowa.
I have additional information that I could share with your site, if you wish. The following info is related to his death.
Source: Unknown author, Obituary of Walter Fiz Randolph, "An Old Citizen Gone To His Rest" (Unknown Publisher located in Bedford, Iowa, Wednesday, January 7, 1903).
AN OLD CITIZEN GONE TO HIS REST
Dr. Walter F. Randolph Has Gone to His Reward After a Long and Useful Life--Funeral Services Held at the Presbyterian Church Under the Auspices of the Masonic Fraternity, of Which He Was An Honored Member.
TAYLOR COUNTY OFFICIALS Adjorn and Attend the Funeral of a Brother Officer and Friend--Many Pay Their Last Respects
There are, indeed, evidences of the uncertainty of life and the certainty of death all about us, and frequently the fact is brought most vividly and painfully to the mind and conscience of all. In the death of our old townsman, Dr. W.F.Randolph, we recognize a special evidence, and a community stands in awe as it mourns. Two days before Christmas he went to Chicago to visit his two daughters and was in his usual health and vigor and went in the anticipation of a pleasant visit and a safe return among old friends, but on the fourth of the new year, after a very brief illness, he passed away.
The remains were brought to this city yesterday morning and the funeral services were held this morning in the Presbyterian church at 10:30 o'clock, conducted by Rev. D.W. Griffith. The funeral was in charge of the Masonic fraternity, of which deceased was an honored member. The church was filled with old friends who had assembled to take a last farewell of what remained of a highly respected citizen. The center section of seats was reserved for the brother Masons, many of whom came from lodges outside of this city. The floral offerings were beautiful and appropriate. The songs rendered were: "My Faith Looks Up to Thee," and "There is a Land of Pure Delight," by Mesdames Joseph Arthaud, R. Fuller and Messrs. Wm. Wilkins and John Thompson.
Rev. Griffith spoke from the text found in Isaiah 38-1: "Set thine house in order for thou shalt die and not live," from which he preached a short though effective sermon to the living, at the close of which he spoke scriptural words of consolation to the mourners. Interment took place in the Bedford cemetery, where his wife was buried long ago.
Dr. Randolph, after a residence among us for more than 30 years, passed away conscious of the fact that his conduct among men, both in a business and social way, entitled him to their respect and esteem. Publicly he has received numerous positions of trust and his duties were always performed in a conscientious manner, and in a manner which indicted that he had proper regard for what was due both public and private interests. At the time of his death he was county surveyor, a position which he had held for many years. He was also at the head of the local board of health, and superintendent of the construction of our waterworks system, all of which indicates that he was a vigorous and useful man in the community, and devoted to public interests, and a man whose services and presence will be sadly missed.
The obituary as read at the church this morning follows:
OBITUARY
Walter F. Randolph was born in Meadville, Penn, Dec. 9, 1833.
When about twelve years of age he moved with his parents to Wisconsin and a few years later to McAenry [JMR: McHenry] county, Ill. He was married in the year 1864 to Rachel Goodsil and one son and two daughters were born to them all of whom survive him.
He graduated from Rush Medical College with the class of '69. The following year he came with his family to Bedford, where he has resided continuously until his death, at which time he was with his daughters in Chicago.
His illness was very brief as he had always hoped that it would be.
MASONIC RESOLUTIONS.
Resolutions adopted by Taylor Lodge No. 156 A. F. and A.M. expressive of the sense of the lodge upon the loss of its esteemed Brother Walter F. Randolph.
Whereas, It has pleased the Supreme Grand Master of the universe to remove from our midst our beloved Brother Walter F. Randolph and translate him from this imperfect to that all perfect celestial and glorious lodge above. Therefore
Resolved, That in the death of Brother Walter F. Randolph this lodge fully realizes that one of its brightest ornaments and most devoted members has passed away and that our loss is his gain.
Resolved, That the members of this lodge tender to the bereaved relatives and friends of the deceased their warmest sympathy and condolence.
Resolved, that these resolutions be spread upon the minutes of this lodge, a copy furnished to each member of the bereaved family and to the papers for publication.
R.B. Rockwell,
J.B. Dodge, Com.
F.B. Web
RESOLUTIONS.
In memory of Dr. W.F. Randolph, late surveyor of Taylor county, Iowa. Adopted at a meeting held in the court house in Bedford, Iowa, January 6th, A.D. 1903.
Whereas, the hand of death has removed from our midst Dr. W.F. Randolph, surveyor of Taylor County, Iowa,
Be it Resolved, by the Board of Supervisors and the officials of said county who have served in office with him, that we realize in the death of Dr. Randolph the removal of an able and conscientious officer, and
Be it further Resolved, that we feel ourselves bereft of a worthy citizen, a kind neighbor, a profitable companion, a cultured gentleman and an honored friend; and
Be it further Resolved, that these resolutions be spread upon the records of the Board of Supervisors of Taylor county, and that a copy hereof duly certified, be furnished the family of the deceased.
W.E. Miller,
H.S. Ash,
Com. on Resolutions.