Obituary for M. T. Burwell (1844-1908)

DEATH GAVE NO WARNING

M.T. BURWELL OF COLORADO CITY SUCCUMBED TO ATTACK OF HEART TROUBLE

ON VISIT TO HIS FARM

Summons Came with Scarcely a Moment's Notice

Had Been an Active Business Man

Came Here for His Health

With scarcely a moment of warning, death came to M. T. Burwell of Colorado City while he was at his ranch northwest of town last evening.  Mr. Burwell had been driving a great deal yesterday and after looking after his business at his farm, he complained that he was very tired and went into the house for a short rest before returning to Garden City.  He sat down on the edge of the bed and before anyone realized how seriously ill he was, death had resulted.

Mr. Burwell, accompanied by Mrs. Burwell, came to Garden City about two weeks ago in order to look after his land interests near here.  He had been suffering with heart trouble at his home and he thought that the change in altitude might have a beneficial effect.  For the first few days of his stay here his health was greatly improved, so much so in fact that he probably hastened his death by overexertion.  Monday he went to Lakin in an automobile and traveled over a good deal of territory.  He returned yesterday morning and in the afternoon, he started for his farm where his death occurred.

Mr. Burwell was sixty-five years of age and he had been engaged in the banking business since quite a young man.  For more than a quarter of a century he was one of the leading bankers of Gibson City, Ill.  For some years past he has been engaged in banking in Colorado City and in addition has handled a great deal of land.  He was active in business and he planned to make a number of investments during the visit which was made primarily for his health.

Mr. Burwell is survived by his wife and five children, William J. Burwell of Kansas City, T. F. Burwell of Colorado City, M. T. Burwell, Jr. of Alamosa, Colorado, Guy F. Burwell of Kansas City and Mrs. Luther Burns [Mary Alice] of Topeka.  Mrs. Burns is expected to arrive this evening and some of the sons will be here in the morning, at which time arrangements will be made for taking the body to Gibson City, Ill. for burial.

Mr. Burwell in early life became a Christian and united with the Methodist church.  Throughout his entire life he was a consistent follower of the teachings of the church.  He was an active Christian worker and a generous contributor to good causes.

Mr. Burwell frequently visited Garden City and he had a number of friends here who have been shocked and saddened by the news of his death.

Source: Garden City, Kansas Newspaper clipping from the Burwell/Tate Family Papers, 1850-1930 (K0233), Folder 1. Burwell family scrapbook and photo album, 1879-1908, photocopied.*  Mr. Burwell died on March 10, 1908 near Garden city, Kansas.

*BURWELL-TATE FAMILY PAPERS, 1850-1930 (K0233), The State Historical Society of Missouri, 800 East 51st Street, 306 Miller Nichols Library UMKC, Kansas City, MO 64110.