HARRIS, William Milford 1853-1932

SEELY, HARRIS, NAFUS, PHILLIPS, HUSSELMANN

Posted By: Marilyn O'Connor (email)
Date: 1/11/2008 at 08:53:01

Harris.

William Milford Harris, a pioneer settler of Bremer county, and for the last thirty-three years a resident of Osage, Iowa, died at his home early Monday mornng.

Mr. Harris suffered a stroke nine years ago but made good recovery and was able to be about as usual afterwards. Following a sick spell about a year ago he has been confined to the home most of the time but able to be about the house. Last Thursday morning he had another stroke and lapsed into a state of coma from which he did not arouse.

Mr. Harris was born in Illinois on October 2, 1853. His parents Thomas and Emaline Harris moved to Bremer county, Iowa in 1856 to a farm which was still in the possession of Mr. Harris at the time of his death. He was married to Miss Eliza Nafus on Nov. 18, 1875. She died several years later, leaving three small children. On June 5, 1883, he was married to Miss Alice Seeley and to the union were born two children. In 1899 he moved to Osage, Iowa, which has since been his home.

Mr. Harris was the last surviving member of a family of ten children. He leaves to mourn his passing, his wife and five children: Mrs. James Seely, Waverly, Iowa, Mrs. Nelson Patterson, Washington, D.C.; Mrs. J. Edward Phillips, Mauston, Wisc.; Harry L. Harris, Huntington Park, Calif.; and Mrs. Andrew Husselmann, Osage, also sixteen grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren.

Mr. Harris was actively engaged in farming until he moved to Osage. He was a member of the Modern Woodman lodge and of the Baptist church.

He united with the Baptist church at Horton and later brought his membership to Osage when he came. He served as trustee of the church. Mr. Harris was a man of industry and integrity of character.

Funeral services were conducted at the Champion funeral home Wednesday morning at 10'o'clock by Rev. John D. Kern, pastor of the Baptist church, and burial in the Horton cemetery.

[Mitchell County Press - November 17, 1932]