Burt Harwood (1871-1949)

BURGE, HARWOOD, WEBER, WELLS

Posted By: Eileen Reed (email)
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:06:42

January 29, 1871 --- August 21, 1949

Burt Harwood, 78, editor and publisher of The Wright County Monitor for 48 years , died of a heart attack at 10:30 p. m. Sunday evening, Aug. 21, after a few hours illness at his home here. He was active until the day of his death.

Pioneer Resident

Mr. Harwood was a pioneer resident of Clarion and was the oldest citizen remaining who had been in business here. He was born in Forest City Jan. 29, 1871, and came to Clarion in 1879 with his parents, J. C. and Mary Burge Harwood, when his father purchased The Monitor. He bought an interest in the newspaper in 1892, when his father became postmaster, and became sole owner in 1898. He continued as editor and publisher until Mar. 1, 1940, when he retired. His remaining years were spent in Clarion and St. Petersburg, Fla.

During his active years, he contributed considerable time and effort to community service, having been city clerk, trustee in the First Congregational church, school treasurer for 25 years, a staunch Republican, and at the time of his death, a director in the First National bank. He was a charter member of the Clarion Rotary club, recently being made an honorary member. He was also one of the original stockholders of the Clarmond Country club.

He was married to Ella Wells of Webster City in 1896, and two children were born, Burt E. and Helen Elizabeth. The Harwoods celebrated their golden wedding anniversary three years ago.

Mr. Harwood was known throughout the community for his integrity, his devotion to his ideals and to his family.

Survivors

Surviving are his wife; one daughter, Mrs. N. J. Weber, and one granddaughter, Nancy, of Forest City. His son, Burt and one grandson, Frederic Weber, also three sisters, Rilla, Bernice and Nellie, preceded him in death.

Funeral services were held Wednesday at 2 p. m. at the Congregational church with the Rev. R. S. Steakley conducting, and the Eyler Funeral home in charge. Interment was in the family lot in Evergreen cemetery.

Out-of-town relatives at the services were Varick Crosley and Miss Charlotte Crosley of Webster City, Mrs. Ruth Harwood of Ames and Mr. and Mrs. Gala Berryhill of Livermore.

Wright County Monitor --- Clarion, Iowa
August 25, 1949

Burt Harwood, 78, former editor and publisher of the Wright County Monitor, died suddenly Sunday evening of a heart attack at his home in Clarion.

Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at 2 p. m. in the Congregational church with the pastor in charge.

Mr. Harwood had been associated, with publishing the Monitor from 1892 until he retired in March 1940. He was first a partner of his father in the business and in 1898 he purchased his father's interest in the publication. He was sole owner and editor for 42 years or until his retirement.

Mr. Harwood was born in Forest City on January 29, 1871. He moved to Clarion with his parents in 1879 when his father purchased the Monitor.

At the time of his death Mr. Harwood was a director of the First National bank in that city. He had been prominent in civic and community activities during his life long residence in Clarion. He was a charter member of the Clarion Rotary club and had held various city offices.

In 1940 he sold the Monitor to the Jaqua family publishers of the Humboldt, Iowa, newspapers. Lawrence Jaqua came to Clarion and edited and published the Monitor until 1945 when they sold to Lew Papes, the present publisher.

The Monitor is the oldest newspaper in Wright county having been established 80 years ago or in 1869.

Mr. Harwood is survived by his wife, one daughter Mrs. N. J. Weber of Forest City and one granddaughter. His son Burt E. Harwood preceded him in death.

Eagle Grove Eagle --- Eagle Grove, Iowa
August 25, 1949