Harnack, Bertha Augusta (Drews) 1875 - 1934

HARNACK, DREWS

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 7/26/2021 at 10:11:46

Clayton County Register, Thur., 23 Aug. 1934.

Mrs. Bertha Augusta Harnack, nee Drews, was born March 20th, 1875, in Germany. When she was 7 years old she, together with her parents, came to America. Already at an early age she began to work out in other homes to make her livlihood, and, during the first serious illness of her mother, served her in a special way in taking care of her.

On October 20th, 1915, she was united in marriage with Henry Charles Harnack. Together with her husband she then lived on a small farm in the neighborhood of Farmersburg. Here she served her husband faithfully in the usual household duties. This faithfulness and care of her husband became especially apparent during his recent illness when, in loving care, she served him in all his needs. Even though she herself was not in the best of health, she spared no sacrifice for her husband.

On July 25th, she herself was confined to her bed with unbearable pain which proved to be cancer in the last stages. Hattie, a step-daughter, during this time took care of Mrs. Harnack whom she had learned to love and regard as her own mother. Hattie had been raised by Mrs. Harnack from early infancy.

During this period of great pain and suffering which had been relieved only in a measure by medicine, Mrs. Harnack had had hopes of recovery, but during the night of August 12, she had a stroke paralyzing her entire right side, and placing her in a coma from which she never awakened. She was called to her heavenly home the following morning at 6:30, thus fulfilling the wish of her husband that she might precede him in death.

Mrs. Harnacck, together with her husbaand, was a member of our St. John's Lutheran church, Farmersburg, and a member of the Frauen Verein, an organizatio of that church.

She leaves to mourn her husband, Mr. Henry Harnack, her step-daughter, Hattie Harnack, three sisters and other relatives and friends.