Halvor E. Myrah (1860-1933)

MYRAH, VALLE, HEGLAND, EGGLAND, WIGGIN, HILL, STOLE, OSMUNDSON

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 7/14/2024 at 16:39:39

From Story City Herald January 19, 1933 (page 1)

H. E. Myrah Died Friday

Funeral of Well Known Citizen Was Held Here Monday Afternoon

Halvor E. Myrah, long time citizen of Story City and Roland, died at his home here last Friday morning, shortly after midnight. He had been ailing for two years, making a valiant fight against the inroads of age and anemia, but finally had to take to his bed several weeks ago, and he gradually weakened until the end came.

Funeral services were held in the Immanuel church Monday afternoon, Rev. Heimarck officiating and preaching from the incident related in the Gospel of St. Lue of the aged Simeon who saw the fulfillmrnt of prophetic promise in the temple. Rev. Scarvie sang as a solo, on of Mr. Myrah's favorite hymn, "Taenk naar den Taage er forsvunden."

The death of Mr. Myrah removes from our midst a man who will be greatly missed, as he had taken an active interest in all affairs affecting the community and its life. Ever since coming to Story City 17 years ago he had been a member of the Community Congress, taking part in its activities as a director and vice-president most of the time, and he had also been mayor of the town two years and justice of the peace a number of terms. He had been president of the library association, also, and was a member of the board of directors at the time of his death.

During Mr. Myrah's 25 years residence in Roland he occupied various positions of trust, such as councilman, mayor and postmaster, and even had the experience of being editor and publisher of the local paper for awhile.

Mr. Myrah enjoyed a large acquaintance over the county, having taken part in republican politics for many years and being a well known participant in party conventions at the county seat. All who knew him recognized his versatile talents and well based opinions on public questions. While man of strong convictions, and often taking part in heated debate, he was remarkably free from personal animosities; indeed, it had frequently been remarked by people who knew him that he was never known to have uttered a word of harsh criticism of any person. His pastor was within the truth when he said that "Mr. Myah was a man who had no enemies, because he was the enemy of no man."

He had always been a reader. His knowledge of the Bible and the better class of literature showed that he must have had an inborn bent for good books and newspapers. This was often demonstrated by his classic allusions in his speeches and conversations. He was "good mixed," as the saying goes, and any gathering which he attended was made more congenial because of his presence.

Obituary

Halvor E. Myrah was born in Rock county, Wisconsin, July 24, 1860, and died at Story City, Iowa, January 13, 1933. He reached the age of 72 years, 5 months and 20 days. His parents were Erick Myrah and Viel Valle both of whom were born in Norway.

At the age of 20 years he came to Humboldt, where he read law and was engaged in the hardware business. He left Humboldt in 1887 to come to Roland, to enter the banking business, first bein affiliated with the private bank of S. O. Hegland and later with the Farmers Savings Bank.

In 1910 he left Roland and moved to a farm at Forest City. Five years later he moved to Story City to assume the management of the Fist Mortgage Investment Co., the position he held until his death.

January 1, 1889, he was united in marriage to Bessie O. Hegland, daughter of Ole O. Hegland, deceased, of Roland.

For the past two years he has been in ill health, due to an anaemic condition and other causes.

He leaves to mourn his death seven children, four daughters and three sons, as follows: Vivian, wife of Martin Eggland, Roland; Susie, St. Paul; Halvor II, U. S. Army, at Manhattan, Kans.; Bessie, wife of Ernest Wiggin, Story City; Obed, student at Kansas State college; Leslie Donald, engaged in insurance, Des Moines; and Telma, residing at St. Paul, Minn.

He also leaves seven grandchildren and three sisters namely: Mrs. Ellen Hill, Forest City; Mrs. Mary Stole, Roland; and Mrs. Betsy Osmundson, Slater.