Senator William Fiske Cleveland View All Years

MR. PRESIDENT—Your committee appointed to prepare resolutions commemorating the life, character and public services of William Fiske Cleveland, beg leave to submit the following report:

WILLIAM FISKE CLEVELAND.

William Fiske Cleveland was born in Waterville, N. Y., August 30, 1844, and in the public schools and the Waterville Seminary completed his academic education. In 1865 he removed to Louisville, Ky., and in that city, and also in Nashville, Tenn., was interested in mercantile pursuits, until 1867, when he removed to New Orleans, La., and engaged in business for himself, which he continued for some nine years. After one year of service with the United States government at Cheyenne, Wyo., he became a resident of Iowa, settling at Shelby, where he resided until 1885, when upon being elected treasurer of Shelby County, he removed to Harlan, which city he has since made his home, and brought to it both service and distinction.

After serving two terms as county treasurer, he was elected to the State Senate from the Cass-Shelby district, and served in the Twenty-third and Twenty-fourth General Assemblies, with such credit to himself and the general satisfaction of his constituents. Upon retiring from the Senate he became cashier of the Harlan Bank, subsequently interesting himself with business on his own account. In 1908 and 1910 he was induced to accept the nomination for Congressman on the Democratic ticket, in both of which campaigns his well known probity and personal popularity enabled him to make a remarkable contest against overwhelming odds, and proved him a formidable competitor. In 1912 as a candidate for Elector-at-Large he received five thousand votes more than any other man on the ticket, and acquired a political honor that had fallen to no other Iowa democrat for sixty years. His later years have been practically devoted to his interest in Masonry, and the duties incumbent on his official connection with the same.

His Masonic history is long and noteworthy. In 1865 the symbolic degrees were conferred upon him by his father, who was Worshipful Master of Waterville Lodge, No. 129, at Waterville, N. Y. He received the several degrees of the chapter in Cumberland Chapter No. 1, at Nashville, Tenn., in 1867, where he also passed the circle in Nashville Council, No. 1. The Orders of the Temple were conferred upon him by Indivisible Friends Commandery, No. 3, of New Orleans, in 1872. While in New Orleans he affiliated with Quitman Lodge No. 76, was elected Worshipful Master of that lodge in 1875, and Captain General of Commandery No. 3, in 1876.

Upon removing to Harlan he resumed his activity in the Masonic bodies, and as a result of his natural vitality, courteous and fraternal bearing, ready and eloquent address, and the willing and able discharge of every duty imposed upon him by the Craft, he has been called to every position of honor within the gift of Iowa Masonry, and most conscientiously and competently fulfilled each trust reposed in him.

In 1898 he was elected Worshipful Master of Parian Lodge No. 321, and was a most valued member of the Grand Lodge since 1899. He was elected Senior Grand Warden in 1901, and Most Worshipful Grand Master in 1906. He was appointed Grand Lodge Historian in 1911, and compiled and edited the two volumes covering the dates from 1865 to 1912, the last volume having been published· during the past year. His latest literary labors were that of preparing an elaborate history on “Knight Templarism in America,” from its organization in 1816 to present date. This work is still in manuscript and is expected to be published during the present year.

He was elected High Priest of Olivet Chapter No. 107 in 1894, speedily installed into elective office in the Grand Chapter, and elected Grand High Priest in 1898. In General Grand Chapter his abilities were quickly recognized, and for many years he served on important committees. Being elected President of the Convention of the Order of High Priesthood of this state in 1900, his energy and talent were displayed in the upbuilding of that order for many consecutive years. In 1901 he was elected Grand Master and at the time of his death was General Grand P. C. W. He had received the Scottish Rite degrees in Zarephath Consistory at Davenport, and obtained the honorary degree of K. C. C. H. in 1913.

He was twice married. October 2, 1871, he was united to Miss Kate L. Collins. Two children were born and one survived, now Mrs. W. W. Belknap, of Worcester, Mass. Mrs. Cleveland died in 1885. February 16, 1893, he married Mrs. Ella Noble Pratt, who survives him. The children of this marriage are Miss Dorothy and William Fiske, Jr., both at home.

He was a charter member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in his city, and was an ardent worker in that church. He was one of the original founders of this parish and a member of the vestry since its organization.

His long life was eventful and busy, and his success was attributable to his indomitable perseverance and his unyielding integrity. He faithfully observed the injunction to be true unto all men, to be frank and sincere in all things.

Whereas, The Honorable W. F. Cleveland, a member of this body in the Twenty-third and Twenty-fourth General Assemblies has been called from this life; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Senate has heard with deep sorrow and regret of his death and that it recognizes the high character of his service to this state and in his death the state has lost a worthy and noble citizen.

Resolved, That this Senate extend to his family its sincere sympathy in their great bereavement. Be it further

Resolved, That these resolutions be entered upon our Senate Journal and a copy be sent to the bereaved family of the deceased.

JOHN C. VOORHEES,

FRANK E. THOMPSON,

W. T. EVANS,

Committee.

The resolutions were adopted unanimously by a rising vote.