Tapper, William J. 1870 - 1963

TAPPER, MASSEY, GILBERT, HOPKINS, LUCE, HUPFER

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 8/7/2016 at 14:48:19

Clayton County Register, Thur., 7 Nov. 1963.

Monona- Committal services for William J. Tapper, 92, former Idaho state senator and representative, who died in Dover, Mass., July 7, 1963, were held Saturday morning, October 26, at the Monona City Cemetery, with the Rev. Paul V. Clements officiating.

William J. Tapper, son of James and Mary Massey Tapper, was born Nov. 5, 1870, on a farm near Farmersburg. His early life was spent in this community where he received his education in the rural school. He furthered his education at Cornell College, Mt. Vernon, and at the State University of Iowa where he was graduated from the School of Pharmacy.

In 1895 he married Carrie Gilbert, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Gilbert, Monona. They made their home in Rowley, where he operated a drug store. Mrs. Tapper died when their son Lyle was born.

Later Mr. Tapper married Zelma Hopkins, Independence. Two sons, Robert and Thomas, were born to this union.

In 1909 the family moved to Richfield, Idaho, where Mr. Tapper was one of the pioneer settlers on the Richfield Irrigation Tract.

During his lifetime he became a pharmacist, a rancher, and a cattleman. He was active in civic affairs. He was a director of the Big Wood Canal Co., the American Falls Irrigation District No. 2, was president and director of the First State Bank of Richfield. He was a member of the Methodist Church and a charter member of Richfield Lodge No. 70, A.F. & A.M.

Survivors include three sons, Lyle, Molad, Idaho; Robert, Dover, Mass., and Thomas, Kellogg, Idaho; 8 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; a nephew, James W. Tapper, Boise, Idaho; two cousins, Roy Tapper, Monona, and Ellen, Mrs. Luce, Clear Lake, Iowa.

Preceding him in death were his parents; an infant brother, Louis; a sister, Mrs. Arthur (Linnie) Hupfer; and a brother, Dr. G. W. Tapper.