HARRIS, Frank E. (1885-1898)

HARRIS

Posted By: Kathy Weaver (email)
Date: 11/10/2018 at 14:46:06

Malvern Leader
Malvern, Mills County, Iowa
Thursday June 2, 1898

A DOUBLY SAD ACCIDENT

Two Promising Young Lives Sacrificed to the Treacherous Waters of Silver Creek

Never before in the history of Malvern has heart rending sorrow come so universally into the homes of our citizens as it did on Tuesday evening when the report came that Joe Vickery and Frankie Harris were drowned was verified. The particulars of the sad affair is as follows: On permission of their parents the two boys, accompanied by Frank's seven year old brother, Willie, had gone to the creek to fish. The spot selected was a deep hole at the south side of the creek just below the T & N bridge. Little Willie was the only witness to the accident. He says Frank was sitting at the edge of the bank when in some manner he slipped into the water, grabbing the limb of a tree or bush as he fell. Joe was upon the bank a short distance off and ran with all speed to the rescue. He got hold of Frank's hand when, Willie thinks, the bank caved and Joe too went into the water which at this place was probably 15 feet deep. Willie at once came up town and gave the alarm but owing to the distance and the uncertainty that at first prevailed as to just where the accident occurred, it was nearly an hour before the hundreds anxious to assist reached the place. Within a few minutes Joe's body was found but it was more than an hour before Frank's was recovered. All efforts to resuscitate in both cases failed. They were at once taken to Crosse's undertaking rooms and embalmed and prepared for burial.

The funeral services were held jointly at 3 o'clock Wednesday afternoon upon the lawns of the two homes which adjoin. The attendance was remarkably large, all business in town being practically suspended for the time being. It appeared that all the school children were present and the floral offerings brought by them were numerous and beautiful. among them being two large pillows set in ferns, the names "Joe" and "Frank". Other strikingly beautiful pieces were a cross and a wreath, and a pyramid all of white roses and a wreath of cassia, the offerings of Sunday school teachers and others. Rev. Mr. Watson offered prayer and Revs. Walburn and Brown, pastors of the boys, spoke briefly but feelingly. Twelve school mates and intimate friends of Joe and Frank acted as pallbearers. The service was pathetically impressive throughout and at its close the procession moved sadly to the cemetery, the remains being conveyed in two hearses.

Joseph E. Vickery, youngest son of Mr. & Mrs. Eli Vickery was born at Neola, Pottawattamie County, August 17, 1884. During his residence in Malvern he has gained the friendship and love of his schoolmates and the highest regard of older people who knew him. He was manly beyond his years, steady, industrious, courteous, and honest ever thoughtful of the comfort of his parents and self-sacrificing towards his boy friends, who mourn for him as for a brother.

Frank E. Harris, third son of Mr. & Mrs. Frank C. Harris, was born in Omaha, May 8, 1885. Because of his unusual devotion to home and to the assistance of his mother in her household duties, Frankie was rarely seen upon the streets, but whenever he appeared briefly for a romp with his friends, he was a recognized favorite and leader. His sunny disposition and sweet pure life so wholly devoted to mother and his younger brothers made him the light and idol of the household, and won the constant commendation of his friends.

The death of these two dear boys comes like a personal loss to the writer and family. who have been their nearest neighbor for two years past and had learned to fully appreciate the lads for their many and unusual excellencies. We can now but join the community in dropping the sympathizing tear and commend them for comfort to the" Lord who giveth and hath taken away" and who has promised to be our stay and comfort in time of trouble.