Garver, John 1835 – 1902

GARVER, PECK, FARR, STEPP, COOGAN

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 5/19/2024 at 21:00:43

Source: Decorah Republican May 22, 1902 Page 2 Col 1

{Extensive coverage of flood – see link below}
And yet through all this there is a feeling of general relief and thankfulness that there was no greater loss of life. Scores were in deadly peril and many narrow escapes were reported. Many fled from their homes to places of safety, needlessly, it appeared, after the worst was over, while others had to fight their way from places of utmost danger. Still others imperilled themselves in acts of relief for others and in rescuing poor dumb brutes that were imprisoned in barns or caught in the flood. It was in an act of the latter kind that Uncle John Garver lost his life. Little realizing the danger that was about to be¬set him he went into his garden to look after his chickens. That was the last seen of him alive. His dead body was found in the yard after the flood subsided.

Transcriber’s Note: Find a Grave shows he is buried in Phelps Cemetery.

Source: Decorah Republican May 29, 1902 Page 4 Col 2

IN MEMORIAL
JOHN GARVER was born in Montreal, Nov, 25th. 1835, and died in this city on Wednesday morning, a victim to the flood as detailed in the report thereof last week. In January, 1857, at West Chazy, N. Y., he married Miss Eliza Peck, who died in this city June 2d, 1898. To them were born four children, all of whom survive them, and were present at the funeral services (save one who arrived after burial had beeu made,) on Friday afternoon last. These are Ransom R. Garvcr of New Hampton, Dr. J. E. Garver, of Storm Lake. Iowa, Mrs. Mary E. Farr, of Cresco, and Mrs. Alice Stepp of Decorah. In the War of the Rebellion he enlisted in the 5th Vermont Infantry, and served with honor to himself. After the war he lived in Michigan and Illinois, and came to New Hampton, in this state, in 1879, removing to Decorah in 1891, where he has since lived. Sept 19th, 1900, he married Mrs. Llbbie Coogan, who survives him. In early life Mr. Garver was converted and allied himself with the Methodist church, being ever an active, earnest, consistent member. He was a thoughtful man, with much ability to clothe his thoughts in excellent language, and had earned among those who knew him well the title of “The Shoe-bench Philosopher,” by reason of his occupation in life and his habits of meditation A good man has gone to his long home.

1902 Dry Run Flash Flood
 

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