Mary L. Harris ~ 1861-1896

HARRIS, REHKOPF

Posted By: Volunteer - Rhonda Rankin Rowe
Date: 2/19/2002 at 09:49:23

Mrs. Mary L. Harris died December 17, 1896 at the home of her parents, Augustus Rehkopf and wife, who reside near Pierceville, Iowa. She was born in Bentonsport July 25, 1861, grew to womanhood in the same village and was highly respected by the whole community. Her marriage to Stephan A. Harris occurred Feb. 9, 1888. Two years of happy wedded life were followed by the death of her husband which left her a widow with a little daughter to support. Bravely and with tireless energy she maintained herself and child by the fruits of an ever busy needle, commanding the esteem and patronage of a large circle of friends. Endowed with good health and strength it seems strange she should fall a victim to the dreaded malady, consumption. Two years ago a slight cold settled in the throat, causing hoarseness, rapidly followed by an extension of the disease to her lungs. With the greatest reluctance her work was laid aside and she sought her parents home for rest and care, which was lovingly bestowed. Life to her was sweet, and she longed to live for the sake of her child. Realizing the truth of an early separation from earthly friends she entrusted to her parents the future care of the little daughter Bessie. The end came at 9 o’clock Thursday a.m. Dec. 17th. Funeral services were held at the house Saturday at half past 12, services being conducted by Rev. A.E. Thornley, pastor of the Bentonsport M.E. Church, of which Mrs. Harris had been a member since 1890. Many friends attended the services and the remains were then conveyed to the Bentonsport cemetery and were there interred.

Source; Iowa Rankin and Jenny Matheson newspaper clippings.