REGISTER OF
OLD SETTLERS
BOOK ONE
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MUSCATINE COUNTY IOWA REGISTER OF | |
Source: REGISTER OF OLD SETTLERS , BOOK One, page 433
submitted by Vicki Broughton, December 17, 2007
WM. HARPER On Monday night, March 23rd, at his home in Lake township, nine and one-half miles northwest of Muscatine, occurred the death of Wm. Harper, a pioneer resident of this county, who for fifty-three years had lived within its borders and witnessed every stage of its gradual development from a comparative wilderness to its present populous and progressive state. The final summons did not come suddenly or unexpectedly, as the impaired state of his health, which had been slowly but surely failing for two years, gave unmistakable premonition to the anxious friends and saddened family circle, of his approaching demise. His tranquil, peaceful exit from the world seems more like a transition than an actual death. For him the varied emotions and experiences of earthly life have ceased, but his familiar face, kindly disposition, and sterling and upright character will long exist in the memory of those who knew him; the heartfelt sympathy of whom is extended to the family in their sore bereavement.
Mr. Harper was born in the northern part of the Emerald Isle in 1828, and was at the time of his death 68 years old. In early boyhood he joined the tide of emigration to the new world to try its possibilities. He lived first for a time in Pittsburg, Pa., but in 1843, he came westward to Muscatine county, and lived here continuously for the fifty-three ensuing years. Few indeed of our citizens are now remaining whose residence here dates back to such an early period.
He is survived by his wife, four sons and four daughters. They are Robert, John, Charles, Mrs. Geo. Spratford, Mrs. Geo. Maylone and Mrs. Joseph Zybarth, all of this county, William, whose home is in Nebraska, and Miss Margaret, of California. One son, James, died last April. The funeral… (article ends here)…
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