HARPER, John Shaw 1836 - 1917

HARPER, ARNOLD, COOK, NEWBOLD, BECKLEY

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 6/15/2011 at 16:52:34

"The Fairfield Journal"
Tuesday, August 14, 1917
Page 2, Column 1

OBITUARY.

John HARPER passed away Sunday morning at his residence on West Grimes street. He was taken ill two months ago at his ranch in Western Kansas. He at once went to his son, O. A. HARPER's home in Eastern Kansas, and there was given every possible help. His wife and son were constantly at his side with all medical help, but to no avail. Three weeks ago he said, "I know I am not able, but I'm going home - get things ready." That afternoon he bade good-bye to many relatives and friends whom he had been a blessing to, and with special assistance from the railroad, he undertook the trip. In spite of all that was done, he came near passing away enroute. For three weeks he fought a losing fight, until relieved Sunday morning at 5 o'clock.

John HARPER was born over eighty-one years ago in Delaware county, Ohio, May 4, 1836. He came west and settled near Hillsboro, Ia.; from there he moved to Fairfield, thirty-five years ago. He leaves his wife, Elizabeth ARNOLD HARPER, three sons, O. A. HARPER, Wellington, Kans.; J. M. HARPER and A. K. HARPER, of Fairfield; two brothers, Miller HARPER, Milan, Kan., and G. W. HARPER, Satanta, Kan., and two sisters, Mrs. Linn COOK, Salem, Ia., and Mrs. Wm. NEWBOLD, of Wellington, Kan.

He was a trustee of the Methodist church of this city for many years, and assisted in building a number of churches known as Harper Memorial churches, in Western Kansas and Nebraska. He has been a friend and supporter of the school of his denomination at Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, for some years. While making Fairfield his home most of his time and effort has been in the west. Three counties especially owe more of their settlement and development to his labors than to that of any other man. He loved the west and felt a moral obligation to it. Many a happy home is there because of this. He was blessed with a strong constitution, and at the age of eighty was carrying on a big ranch and driving his own car over the prairies. At every place where his interest touched, the Church and every good cause found in him a friend. On the road home he said, "If I die, I know I am going to Heaven; that doesn't bother me a bit." Many times during his sickness he expressed his assurance of Heaven. His mind was bright and active up to the last few hours. After about the last hard attack, the night he passed away, he said, "Now I wish the Lord would take me," and in a few minutes he became quiet and remained so until the end.

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"Jefferson County Republican"
Thursday, August 16, 1917
Page 5, Column 4

John HARPER

John HARPER passed away early Sabbath morning at his home on West Grimes street after an illness of many weeks.

Mr. HARPER was born in Delaware county, Ohio, May 4, 1836; came west settling first near Hillsboro and thirty-five years ago came to Fairfield which has since been his home altho a great deal of his time of late years was spent in Kansas looking after his land interests there and was taken sick there. He is survived by his wife, and three sons: O. A., Wellington, Kan., A. K. and J. M. of Fairfield, also two brothers and two sisters, Miller, G. W. and Mrs. William NEWBELD (sic - NEWBOLD) of Kansas, and Mrs. Linn COOK of Salem, Ia.

Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 from the home conducted by his pastor. W. R. Keesey of the Methodist church. Interment was made in Evergreen cemetery.

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"The Fairfield Daily Journal"
Wednesday, August 22, 1917
Page 3, Column 1

LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS

... --Mrs. L. A. HARPER was yesterday appointed administratrix of the estate of John HARPER, deceased, by the clerk of the District court. ...

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*Transcribed for genealogy purposes; I have no relation to the person(s) mentioned.

Note: Buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Fairfield, in Lot 2nd.098. He was twice married, first to Elizabeth BECKLEY, who died in 1869 in Hillsboro, IA, and second to Elizabeth ARNOLD who survived him by three years and died in 1920.