Harris, Frederic Fairfield 1895-1913

HARRIS, FAIRFIELD

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 8/28/2012 at 11:36:26

The Grinnell (IA) Herald; Oct. 3, 1913

FREDERIC FAIRFIELD HARRIS

Frederic Fairfield Harris, the son of Edwin E. and Louise Fairfield Harris was born in Washington, D.C., June 1, 1895. When he was one year old his parents moved to Tabor where they lived until 1909 when they came to Grinnell. He graduated from the Grinnell High School in 1911 and entered the College the following September.

Tho of a decidedly modest disposition, he was soon recognized as a positive and valued element in the college life. Always faithful to his individual duties, always loyal to his class and college, always bright and cheerful, he was one who was uniformly admired and appreciated by those who knew him.

For ten years he suffered from rheumatism. Five years ago he spent some months in Europe without permanent benefit. A subsequent trip to Colorado impaired only unfounded hopes. For the last two years his heart was affected so seriously that his condition became more and more alarming.

His enthusiastic wrok in College over-taxed his strength, and at the beginning of last semester he found it necessary to leave school, hoping that a few months rest would restore his health. Since that time he visited California and the Black Hills. The aid which could be given by climate, scientific skill and loving care, all combined, proved insufficient to check his disease.

Expecting to become a surgeon, he already knew enough along the line of his future profession to understand pretty accurately his own condition. In spite of the knowledge that he was fighting an almost hopeless battle, he never showed the slightest signs of discouragement or surrender. To his last day and hour he was plucky and cheerful.

Almost past human remedies indeed must be the disease of one when his own father, able to cure others, cannot help his only son.

At a quarter of eleven Sunday night, September 28th, his heroic, magnificent struggle came to an end, rewarded not with the wreath of victory but with the crown of eternal life.

E.B.T. SPENCER