Harry Bryant (1872-1902)

BRYANT

Posted By: Barry Mateer (email)
Date: 1/4/2018 at 07:03:38

Harry Bryant
Son of John and Mary Bryant was born in Osceola, Iowa, December 12, 1873, and died in New Hampton, March 5, 1902; aged 27 years, 2 months and 23 days. The remains were brought home and funeral services were held in the A.M.E. church Saturday morning, March 8, at 10 o’clock, conducted by the pastor, Rev. George H. Wade.

Harry lived in Osceola until a few years ago when he went to New Hampton as bartender for Henry Bollinger in whose employ he was at the time of his death.

The New Hampton Courier says: “He was a very quiet and inoffensive young man and as liked by all who knew him. It was hard to believe that he had taken his own life. About three months ago he mashed his right hand by having a barrel roll on it and until the last few days had not been able to use it. He also complained of not feeling well, but did not state what was the matter. He was very reserved and confided in no one.

Last night Bollinger asked him to stay in the saloon while the former went to supper and he replied that he would. About 7:30 there was no one in the saloon but “Doc” Leonard, a Frenchman who stays around the place. Harry asked him to go out and get him some chewing tobacco. “Doc” had evidently hardly got out of the saloon before Bryant secured a revolver that was in a drawer, went into the toilet room and placing the muzzle to his right temple fired one shot which probably killed him instantly. He fell on his back the revolver falling under him. For several days different persons noticed that the deceased was not looking as he usually did which bears out the opinion that the young man had become despondent. One of the fingers was so badly mashed that it would always be stiff and this seemed to worry him.

He was man who made friends with everybody who became acquainted with him on account of his gentlemanly and reserved manners. He was always very polite.”

The Osceola Democrat 1902 March 17th