HARPER, James A. Born 1840

HARPER, DAVIS, LITTELL, HART

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri
Date: 2/5/2013 at 12:23:29

DEATH OF J. A. HARPER

A Good Man, True Patriot and Exemplary Citizen Passes to His Reward

James A. Harper, one of the prominent residents of Corydon and best known citizens of Wayne county, died at his home in this place Sunday morning, after a long illness, the immediate cause of his death being from the effects of an old wound received at the battle of Pea Ridge March, 7 1862.

Mr. Harper was the youngest son of Daniel and Elizabeth Harper, and was born in Holmes county, Ohio, March 7, 1840. His mother died when he was barely __ years old. His father ma___ and in 1855 moved with _______ to near Winchester, Van Buren county, Iowa, where he died the following year.

In 1858 Mr. Harper moved to Wayne county, where his older brother Barton had preceded him, and settled in Wright township where he worked at farm work in the summer and taught school in the winter, he having fitted himself for that by studying nights and odd times, never having had the advantage of a school education.

When the civil war broke out, (next part missing) ... Mr. Harper enlisted __ _____ Taylor's company, rasied in Corydon and known as Co. I. 4th Iowa Infantry. he went to the front and at the battle of Pea Ridge was shot through the left lung, the ball remianing in his body all through life, being so located that it was impossible to remove it without almost certain death fromt he operation. He lay in the hospital for nine months, lingering between life and death, but his naturally strong contstitution prevailed and he was finally victor. His injury, however, incapacitated him from futher service and he was discharged and came home, resuming his duties as a teacher, and teamster, as his strength premitted.

He was married April, 7th, 1864, to Miss Margaret Davis, who preceeded(sp) him to the better land July 8, 1900, after a happy married life of over 37 years. They moved to Corydon in 1873, which place has ever since been the family home. To them were born eight children-four sons and four daughters-three of which crossd the river before their mother's death; one son in infancy, one son Frank in 1886 at the age of ten, and one daughter Miss Etta who died in May, 1900, in young womanhood. Those living are Dr. J.A. Harper, of Greenfield, Iowa, Mrs. W.M. Littell, of Des Moines, Miss Flora Harper, Chas. Harper and Mrs. E.L. Hart, of Corydon.

Mr. Harper was elected auditor of Wayne county in 187_, serving four years to the entire satisfaction of all.

In 1883 the Farmers & Merchants Bank at Corydon was organized largely through his efforts, commencing business January 1, 1884. He was elected cashier of the institution and until 1895, when failing health caused his retirement, performed the onorous duties of that position in such a satisfacory manner to the stock holders and the public as to bring the bank to the front rank of the _iduciary institutions of this section of the state. After a few years rest he was elected cashier of the Wayne County State Bank which he filled until failing health caused his resignation July 1st 1901. Since then he has been unable to attend to any matters except his private affairs.

He always took a great interest in local and school matters, serving for years as school director and president of the board, and member of the town council, and was always active when any matter of benefit to the town or county was under consideration.

The funeral took place yesterday, the services being conducted at the residence by Rev. A.E. Clemens, of Seymour, and was largely attended by his sorrowing comrades, friends, neighbors and business associates. The banks of Corydon...close their...of the funer...to their for...as did most...

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book B, Page 202, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA