Harrah, Rev. Charles C. 1841-1903

HARRAH, PARKIN, MERRILL, FERGUSON

Posted By: Barbara Hug (email)
Date: 1/21/2004 at 19:17:00

Rev. Charles Clark Harrah, died today at the home of a sister, Mrs. Mary Parkin, in Galva, Illinois, whither he had gone just two weeks ago in the hope that rest from the severe duties of caring for Mrs. Harrah, who has been an invalid for about two years, might build up his waning strength.

Mr. Harrah was born in Hopedale, Harrison County, Ohio, January 6th, 1841. He was a son of Mr. and Mrs. William Harrah and the family moved from Ohio to Iowa in 1853, settling in Scott County. A couple of years later they came to this county, locating on a farm about six miles north of this city, where Albert Harrah now resides.

It was here that Mr. Harrah grew to manhood, learning the meaning of the privations of frontier life. He struggled day by day to obtain an education and at the age of twenty-one had succeeded sufficiently that he secured a certificate and himself became a teacher. Having by this time become profoundly impressed with the thought that he should be baptized in the Christian religion. He united with the Free Presbyterian Church at Wittemburg under the pastorate of Rev. Stephen Merrill. Later this church became a Congregational charge. Mr. Harrah gradually became a religious teacher and studied for the ministry, graduating from the Chicago Theological Seminary in 1870.

He preached for a time at various points in this county and then went to Brookfield, Mo., where he remained for five years, building up a strong church. He was afterward, for more than ten years, pastor of a church in Galva, Illinois. During this time he had become somewhat noted as a writer for numerous church papers. He was afterward pastor of a large church in Peoria, but failing health compelled him to return to his farm just north of this city.

At this time the church in this city was without a pastor and he was finally induced to accept the pastorate here and did so, building the church up until it was very strong. He was compelled to resign a few years ago by reason of failing health.

Mr. Harrah was first married to Miss Sarah E. Merrill, but she lived only a few years. Later he was again married to Sarah A. Ferguson, a classmate and intimate friend of his former wife. To them was born a son, William Ferguson Harrah, now engaged in manufacturing in the city of Des Moines.

Rev. Harrah and wife resided in this city for a number of years recently moving to Des Moines a couple of years ago.

The remains will be brought to this city by way of Des Moines. Definite arrangements have not yet been made for the funeral services, which will be announced later. ~ The Newton Daily Herald, Saturday, April 18, 1903, Page 1, Column 4