RIPLEY, Herman C. (1879-1898)

RIPLEY

Posted By: Hancock Co Genealogical Society
Date: 2/1/2020 at 18:54:30

Death of Curtis Ripley

Again we are called upon to chronicle the death of another one of Garner's promising young men who left us a few weeks ago in search for gold in far off Alaska. The news is meager in regard to how he met his death but from all we can learn he was sick but a few days in that dread Sheeps Camp.

His parents are in receipt of a letter from him dated April 10 and at that time he was in good health and spirits. The exact date of his death is not known, but he must have died some some time between the date in which his letter home was written April 10th and April 22d when word was received that his body was on its way home.

Today his body arrived and tomorrow at 10 a.m. all that is mortal of Curtis Ripley will be laid within the limits of the narrow grave in our quiet cemetery. In our next issue we will give a more extended obituary.

source: Hancock Signal, 27 Apr 1898, page 5, column 4

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Again our community was shocked last Thursday by a telegram announcing the death of Curtis Ripley. He died at Sheep Camp of pneumonia. The body was embalmed properly sealed up and shipped home where it arrived yesterday (Wednesday morning). There were but three who went from the town of Garner to the Klondyke. Two of those have died. Garner is wrapped in sorrow on account of the death of these two young men, and we believe our citizens would feel worse to see another one leave from our town for the Klondyke than they would if he went to the war. The Klondyke dangers appear to be the greater of the two.

source: Hancock Democrat, 28 Apr 1898, page 1, column 3

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The funeral services over the remains of the late H. Curtis Ripley was held at the residence of his parents Thursday at 10 o'clock a.m. in the presence of a large concourse of mourning relatives and friends. Addresses were made by Rev. Gleason and Anderson of Garner and the Rev. Harvey of Pomeroy. The services were very impressive, after which the remains were laid away in the silent grave in the Garner Cemetery. The following obituary by his former pastor Rev. Gleason is herewith inserted.

Herman Curtis Ripley was born in Garner, Hancock county, Iowa, Mch. 18th, 1879, and died of pneumonia at Sheep's Camp Alaska, on the 15th of April, 1898. On the 28th day of February last, he with a party of our townsmen and member of adjoining communities, took train for the gold fields of Alaska.

Curtis' body reached Garner Wednesday the 27th inst, 59 days from the date of his departure. Curtis was a graduate of our very excellent high school, of the class of 1897. The floral offerings from several departments of the school - beautiful as only God's painting and skillful human hands can group the beautiful - show clearly that he is not and will not soon be forgotten. It is a pleasure to be able to say that he was so closely related to our Epworth League Chapter, that the body lovingly placed its testimonial upon his casket.

Curtis was a high spirited boy, anxious to be grappling with the world on his own account. I said to him, "are you right sure that you are doing wisely in your plans for Alaska?" "Oh well" said he, "I want to see the world and I shall get lots of experience there." Let no one judge him harshly in this. Many a boy has gone out into the world at even younger age than his, and made a successful fight too. Who can tell whether if he had lived, the rough life of that far away region might not have made his a more useful life than the more quiet and indulgent influences of our community would have done.

On the depot platform just before the train pulled in on that memorable 28th of Feb., I took him by the hand and said: "Goodby Curtis, when you get over the excitement of going and have time to think of home, remember that we church people are praying for you." He gave me no assuring answer then, but I can but hope that in those last hours when he felt the fierce assaults of disease and on coming death, he remembered those words and joined his prayers with ours, for his last letter home indicates that that time and those circumstances had already come.

source: Hancock Signal, 4 May 1898, page 5, column 4

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Obituary

Herman Curtis Ripley was born in Garner, Hancock County, Iowa, March 18, 1879. In February he left, with the rest of our boys for Alaska. April the 11th he was prostrated with pneumonia and died at Sheep Camp, April 15. His body reached Garner, Wednesday, April 27.

The funeral was from the house, Thursday, April 28th at 10:00 a.m. The house and yard were full of people who came as sympathizers in this most solemn occasion. The floral contributions were exquisite and bountiful. Rev. Gleason preached the sermon and Rev. Anderson and Rev. Harvey made appropriate remarks. The body was buried in Concord cemetery. The procession following the remains was one of the largest ever seen in Garner.

Curtis was a Garner boy born and bred. During our residence here he has developed from youth into early manhood. Last June he graduated from Garner High School and his thesis gave much promise of future success. His earthly career has been cut off almost before it was commenced. While his last moments were passed in a place where christian example is not very prevalent, there is no doubt but that he had sought and found our Savior. His last words were addressed to the meek and lowly son of God.

Many telegrams and letters of condolence have been sent to the afflicted relatives who have the heartfelt sympathy of all in this their terrible bereavement.

source: Hancock Democrat, 5 May 1898, page 1, column 4