Harriman, Augustus C. 1852-1928

HARRIMAN, DAVIS, SCHUYLER, EARHART

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 5/17/2012 at 12:19:10

The Grinnell (IA) Herald; Sept. 14, 1928

A.C. HARRIMAN RESTS IN HAZELWOOD CEMETERY
-----------------------------------------
Useful Public Official And Citizen Ends Long And Useful Life.
-----------------------------------------

A.C. Harriman, one of Grinnell's earliest settlers was born at Bangor, Maine, December 5, 1852. His father was a contractor and builder and moved soon after his marriage to Searsport, Maine. In 1856, he came to Grinnell and was one of the good sized colony of Grinnell people who came here from Searsport and who left their impress upon the town by their model home making and hard working habits. Two years later in 1858 Mrs. Harriman and her boy, Augustus C. joined the husband and father in Grinnell. The father continued here the work of contracting and building which he followed at his Maine home and as the son grew to manhood he joined with him in the work. The mother, Mrs. Harriman died in 1890 and the father in 1906.

Augustus C. was a member of the first graduating class in the Grinnell High School under Superintendent Valentine, a man loved and honored by all the young people who attended the high school during his time here. Mr. Harriman as engaged in contacting and building and for a number of years with his father he conducted a planing mill in this city. He served later 12 years in the mercantile business until he sold out. In 1907, he was elected city clerk succeeding his brother-in-law Willis Davis. He continued as city clerk until 1923 when he voluntarily resigned.

Mr. Harriman served six years on the school board in the 90's and served also on the City Council in the first decade in this century. In all his public life his judgement was respected and his integrity was unquestioned. No more faithful official has ever served the city of Grinnell. In 1874 Mr. Harriman was united in marriage with Miss Kate M. Davis, a woman of rare taste and industry and for 54 years they traveled life's journey together in peaceful happiness, thrifty and industrious, with an extreme love for the better things in life. Three children survive him, Mrs. Jessie Schuyler of this city, Rebecca P. Earhart of Des Moines and Prof. Raymond H. Harriman who occupies a position in Leland Stanford University.

The funeral service was conducted at 4:30 o'clock Thursday at the late home attended by a very large circle of friends. The service was short. A brief talk was given by Rev. H.C. Rice, his pastor, a prayer by Mr. Rice and a song by a male quartet consisting of D.E. Peck, Cecil Myers, H.C. Rice and Fred Morrison. Bearers were ex-mayor J.L. McIlrath, George Kelley, Dr. E.B. Wiley, F.P. Marvin, A.B. Manson and W.G. Ray.

The city office and the business houses of Grinnell were closed during the service as a mark of respect to a man who had given his life to the betterment of Grinnell and had been many years in three capacities an honored and trusted city and school official.