Bertram, Texas, Jan. 21st, 1911.
To the Worshipful Master, Wardens and Brethren, of Bertram Lodge No. 583 A.F. & A.M.
We your special committee on Resolutions of Respect to the memory of our deceased brother, Christian Dorbandt Sr., most respectfully submit for your consideration the following:
Brother Dorbandt
was a native of Denmark, born near Sleswig on the Baltic Coast,
December 12, 1818. He died in Lampasas, Texas, October 28, 1910,
age 92 years 10 months and 17 days. He first came to America in
the spring of 1836, and after one year's residence here he returned to
his native country, but being young and ambitious and with an
adventurous disposition he again set sail for the New World in 1839,
residing there for several years.
In 1848 he enlisted in the United States Army, hailing from Baltimore,
Maryland, serving under General Zacariah Taylor. Among other
notable events of his life, he was at the storming of the City of
Mexico by General Taylor, and helped with his own hands to haul down
the proud colors of Mexico, planting the Stars and Stripes upon the
demolished ramparts of Mexican fortifications.
At the close of hostilities, he returned to the United States, casting
his lot on the fertile soil of Texas. In the early '50's he
settled in Backbone Valley in Burnet County. He rendered valuable
service during the Civil War, confining his operations to the
protection of the Texas frontier.
On June 15, 1865, as a charter member, he participated in the
organization of Henry Thomas Lodge No. 278, A.F. & A.M., serving as
the first Senior Warden of that lodge, also serving in an official
capacity, in the different offices of the lodge for a number of years.
In 1884 he assisted as a Charter Member in the organization of
Bertram Lodge No. 583, A.F. & A.M. The valuable service
rendered during the early history of our lodge, and up to the time of
his death have been entered upon perpetual record, being that of
faithful breasts.
Brother Dorbandt
was possessed of high character and sterling worth. His life was
devoted to the best interest of humanity, his daily walk was an
inspiration to higher and nobler life. His home life was a model
of devotion, refinement and simplicity, self-reliance and a strong
individuality were among the prominent features of his long and useful
life. To his family, devoted and kind; to his friends, loyal and
true. Masonry with him involved a principle as broad as humanity,
as high as the heavens and deep as eternity, therefore, be it Resolved:
That in the death of Brother Dorbandt,
our lodge has lost an honored member; the family a loving father; the
surviving wife, a tender and faithful husband; further resolved:
That we hereby tender to the bereft family, and relatives our deepest
sympathy and condolence in this their sad hour of distress; realizing
in a measure the irreparable loss sustained in his death.
Resolved that the Lodge display the emblems of mourning for a period of
30 days, and a page of our records be suitably inscribed to his memory,
and that a copy of this paper be sent by our Secretary to The Bertram
Banner and Burnet Bulletin for publication, and that a copy be sent
under seal of the lodge to the family of our deceased brother.
Fraternally submitted,
L. D. Ater
T. D. Vaughn,
W. A. Starr,
G. W. Pearce,
Committee