Updated: 04 January 2009
Obituary of Dr. Franklin Adams Bates:
Passing of Dr. Bates
Dr. Frank A. Bates of Geneva died at the Mayo hospital at Rochester, Minn. at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, August 28, 1924, aged 56 years, 11 onths and 22 days.
Frank Adams Bates was born in Van Buren County, Michigan. In 1886 he moved to South Dakota with his parents, the family settling on a farm near Andover. A few years later he secured a position in the railway mail service and held it for nine years. He had long had a desire to become a doctor and minister to the ailing and with that end in view he resigned his position in the railway mail service in 1902 and entered the Still college of osteopathy at Des Moines, completing the full course. Upon his graduation he came to Geneva, Neb., and opened an office for the practie of his profession and he continued in this practice until failing health a few months ago compelled him to retie from active work.
Dr. Bates was married to Miss Laura Perkins September 13, 1898. On son, Frank, was born to this union. Both survive the deceased. Other surviving relatives are the father, I.L. Bates of Groton, S.D., and two sisters, Mrs. Sarah Fellers of Groton, S.D., and Mrs. Minnie Anstiss of Santa Cruz, Cal.
Dr. Bates served a term as mayor of the city. He was a member of the Gneva Masonic bodies and of the Scottish Rite consistory of Lincoln and of the Geneva Modern Woodman loodge.
At an early age Dr. Bates became a Christian. He joined the Baptis church and remained a faithful member of that Christian body as long as he was within reach of a church of that denomination. In March, 1908, he joined the Methodist Episcopal church in Geneva aand became untiring in his religious work and an influential member of his church. He gave faithful service as superintendent of the Sunday school, as chairman of the official board and in many other capacities. He was ever ready to do more than his full share of the work of his church, and of the work of improving the moral condition of the whole community.
Probably none will gainsay the statement that Dr. Bates was the most beloved citizen of the community. His deep sense of religious obligation won the deepest respect of every person who came within his close acquaintance. His charity was broad. He forgave where others would have struck back. He had unbounded compassion for those in disress of mind or body. His overflowing kindness is known only to those who knew him intimately. He was self effacing, modest, humble in thought and cautious in speech lest he offend.
What more shall ever be said of any man, than this? He was a Christian all of that, His blameless life, not that he thought it so but to say what was on many tongues, won the high regard of all who came to know him and understand his intellectual, moral and religious attitude. It was of such as he that it was written, "Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God."
The body of the deceased reached his home in Geneva Friday evening. The funeral took place from the Methodist Episcopal church at 2:30 p.m. and was conducted by the pastor, Rev. R.H. Thompson, who spoke from this text: "A prince has falleeen this day in Israel." The church was too small to hold the people in attendance, many coming from tlong distances to pay their respects to the memor of a good and true man. The floral offerings were many and beautiful. Interment was in the Geneva cemetery.