Harpster, James Wilson 1855-1927

HARPSTER, BAKER, FUSS, DECATUR, CLYNCH, NORRIS, GRAVES, SMITH

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 4/21/2013 at 14:56:20

The Grinnell (IA) Herald

DEATH CALLS
J.W. HARPSTER
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One of Grinnell's Most Useful Citi-
zens Is Called to His
Reward.
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HAD MADE HOME IN
COUNTY EVER SINCE 1878.
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Has Been Prominent And Helpful in
Activities of Com-
munity.
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James Wilson Harpster was born January 16, 1855, at Lewistown, Pennsylvania, the only son of Thomas and Mary Ann Baker Harpster. He had three sisters, one of whom survives. He came to Iowa in March 1878, and immediately commenced working for Mr .D.F Hays on his farm in Chester Township.

On February 23, 1882, he was united in marriage with Denie Fuss, of Union Ridge, Maryland. To this union were born five children, Jessie, who died at the age of one and one-half years; Mrs. Clarence Decatur, Mrs. E.J. Clynch and Mrs. Raymond Norris, all of Grinnell, and Mrs. G.B. Graves of Glenside, Pennsylvania, all of whom, together with his wife, sister and five grandchildren, survive him. Mrs. Margaret Smith, his sister, has made her home with the deceased since the death of her husband. The five grandchildren are: Ruth Decatur, Elizabeth Graves, James, Edward and Robert Clynch.

Early in life he united with the Lutheran church and later, when he came to Iowa, he transferred his membership to the Methodist church at Sonora, and still later when moving to his farm northwest of Grinnell, transferred his membership to the Methodist Episcopal church of Grinnell. He was also a member of the I.O.O.F. Lodge, the K.P. Lodge, the Masonic Lodge, and the Rebekahs.

On December 23, 1919, he became a director in the Mutual Home Loan and Savings Association, being elected to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of O.T. Frisbie. On February 7, 1922, he was elected President of the Association and has filled that office continuously up to the time of his death. During all the years he was connected with the Association, he has given the best of his time and energy in its interests. His courteous, kindly and upright dealings were always greatly appreciated by all with whom he came in contact.

Funeral services were held at the home on Monday afternoon, Feb. 28, 1927 in charge of the Rev. George Blagg. The Masonic Order had charge of the services at the grave. Burial was made in Hazelwood.

Bearers were W.C. Rayburn, A.C. Harriman, Dr. E.B. Wiley, Geo. R. Kelley, J.C. Goodrich and F.P. Marvin.

Practically all the years Mr. Harpster has been a resident of Grinnell and Chester, he has been one of the outstanding men of the community. Honorable, square, courteous and active he left an impress on all who knew him, and will go down in the memory of men as one of Grinnell's best and most respected citizens.