HARLAN, Aaron: Died 1911

HARLAN, WARD, BRIGGS, CHIDESTER

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri
Date: 9/17/2016 at 05:17:21

**Handwritten: St. Line Dem. Thurs. 4 May 1911

...KEOSAUQUA, IOWA
DEATH OF CENTENARIAN
Aaron Harlan, Nearly 100 Years Old, Passed Away at Croton

The venerable Aaron Harlan, known by reputation at least to every resident of this and Lee counties, died at his home near Croton Sunday. Mr. Harlan lacked only a few months of being 100 years old. Mr. Harlan was one of the earliest settlers of the Des Moines Valley and has written many interesting reminiscences of southeastern Iowa. An incident in Mr. Harlan's live created much excitement at the time. Mr. Harlan was quartermaster of Col. Moore's regiment - we believe - during the early part of the civil war, and was captured by the confederates and condemned to death as a spy. However, Johathan Bedell, who lived not far from Croton, but across the line in Missouri, at the time was a lieutenant in a Missouri confederate regiment and knowing Mr. Harlan was no spy, interceded in his behalf and saved his life. Mr. Harlan was a grand father of Mr. M.T. Harlan of Selma and a great uncle of Mr. E.R. Harlan, curator of the historical department of the state library. mr. Harland in his day was a strong man intellectually and physically.

BIOGRAPHICAL.

We are indebted to our friend Elder McKiernan of Farmington for the following biographical sketch:

Aaron Ward Harlan, son of Joshua and Sarah Ward Harlan, was born near Connersville in the territory of Indiana Nov. 15, 1811. He was left an orphan in early childhood and bad to make his own way in the world.

In 1834 he came to Van Buren county, Iowa, and Clark county, Mo. In 1837 he located in Keosauqua and Aug., 1838, was married to Miss Eunice Briggs. To them six children were born two dying in infancy and one son Justin Briggs Harlan, died April 12, 1890. The surviving children are Mrs. Emeline Chidester of Croton, Frank Harlan of Revere, Mo., and Albert Z. Harlan.

In 1850 he drove an ox team across the plains to California. Returning from there in 1851, he purchased the farm 2 1/2 miles below Croton on the Des Moines river where for 59 years he has made his home.

He was a veteran of the civil war enlisting in the 21st Regiment Mo. Vol. Infantry July 20, 1861, and was honorably discharged for expiration of term on Dec. 5, 1864, having served three years, 5 mos. and 15 days.

He was an enthusiastic lover of his comrades and the flag. He was fond of travel, reading and horticulture.

He had been deprived of eyesight for some time and was kindly cared for by Mr. and Mrs. O'Neill, who lived on his farm. He died April 30, 1911, at the ripe age of 99 years, 5 months and 15 days. The funeral services were conducted at the M.E. church at Croton, at 2 p.m., May 2, 1911, Elder Jas. McKiernan of Farmington in charge and acting chaplain in the Grand Army of the Republic burial service that was observed at the church and at the grave in the Croton cemetery. Comrades from Vincennes, Belfast, Farmington and Bonaparte were present.

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book G, Page 196, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA