George Washington Harper (1880-1902)

HARPER, JACKSON, OZMUN, CRABB

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 8/2/2012 at 19:21:52

From Collins Clipper August 14, 1902

OBITUARY.

George washington Harper, youngest child of Wm. J. and Jane Harper, was born near Bethel church in Jasper Co., Iowa on Feb. 22nd, 1880, and died at Baxter, Iowa on Tuesday, Aug. 12th, 1902 at 1:10 p. m., aged twenty-two years, five months, and twenty-one days.

When George was quite young his parents moved to Collins and he was reared here. In July 1901, he went to Waterloo, Iowa and in March last he went to Sauk Rapids, Minn. and began work on a farm. He had pneumonia fever in the spring and about two months ago he was stricken with heart and lung trouble. On July 28th his sister, Mrs. Emma Jackson received word that he was dangerously sick and that afternoon their brother-in-law, L. D. Ozmun, left to bring him home. They arrived at Baxter Wednesday afternoon July 30th and there George spent his last days under the ministry of loved ones. His father arrived from Oklahoma City, Okla., on August 4th and was with him until the end. All of his living brothers and sisters were at his bed side. These are Belle Ozmun of Baxter, Richard and Charles Harper, Mrs. Sophia Crabb and Mrs. Emma Jackson of Collins and also two half brothers and sisters. George took to his bed finally on Sunday August 3rd, and although he suffered intensely he was patient and loving. As he drew near the end, he realized the fact and expressed readiness for the change, saying he was not afraid to die.

His mother died in May 1899 and two sisters and a brother in childhood. His father, four brothers, six sisters and a large circle of relatives and friends mourn the loss of a kind son, a loving brother and a true friend.

The funeral was held in the M. E. church at Collins Thursday August 14th at 1 o'clock. The service was conducted by the pastor, Rev. D. P. Abbey, assisted by other pastors of the town. The remains were laid to rest in the Collins cemetery beside those of his mother, there to await the resurrection morn.