The Abbeville messenger. (Abbeville, S.C.) 1884-1887, 1886-03-09
Colonel II. IL. Harper.

CO!0nel IL. II. Harper.
This community has been called up
on to mourn the loss Of her honercd
citizen, Col. H. II. Harper. He having
heen in feeble health for more thar II
wear, his death was not unexpected
The older citizens are fast passing away
and the rising generation will soon be
called upon to fill their Places.
Col. Harpsr was born at Harper's Fer.
ry in this county; the place where he
lived and died, on October 10, 1927. He
spent his boyhood days at home on his
fathers farm. and in attending the High
School at Lowndesville. Having COM
pleted his his course at the High School
he entered Erskine College when quite
a young man. 1T was here that he re-
ceived his college training. 1t was here
that he obtained his store Of knowledge.
and made many friends all over the
State, bat more especially in Abbcvillc
county. Many Of those now living aud
who knew him we'll will regret to hear
of his death.
Having finished his college course. he
chose as his occupation the life Of n
planter. On March 4, 1851, he was hap
PLY united in the sacred bonds Of mar
riagc to Miss Ella Brownlec, the daugh-
ter Of Mr.. John Brownlee, a distin-
vile neighborhood. His efforts rs a
planter were characterized by energy,
perseverance and progrcssiveness.
When the war came on he gave up his
business and the pleasures of his home
to join the 18th 5. &. Regiment that
fought So bravely for the maintenance Of
the Confederate Government. He was
far above the ordinary soldier. BY his
bravery md gallant deeds he was pro-
NOTED and became Lieuteuant-Colonel
Of his Regiment.
He was a man who was held in res
pect by all his fellow citizens. He rep
resented his county in different state
conventions, and was three times elected
to n seat in the House Of Representa-.
tives. He was member of the House
before his State seeded from the Union
was elected during the war, and was
again returned in 1878. He wus watch
full and did all he.could to promote the
best interest Of his people. lie was in
strumental in placing upon our Statute
books the best law enacted sinc, the
war, the Stock Law.
Not only did he try to promote the
interest Of his State and county. but he
was ever watchful Of the needs Of his
community. He never refused to lend
a helping hand to those in ned. I'm
bounded was his hospitality, AS he cor
daily welcomed all visitors. Many a heart
will remember him with gratitude and
will truly say, a good citizen and kind
n 'ighbor has gone to rest in peace.
He was for a goodly number Of years
a member Of the Methodist church. and
was II member Of the board stewards.
He libcrality was we'll known, and when.
ever his church was in need of aid, no
one responded quicker than he. By his
death the main pillar Of the Ridge
church has heen removed. He will not
only be miss I'd in the family circle, but
in his church and community.
For the past few years he has been in
feeble heal h.. His last sickness was Of
long continuance and exceedingly pain
full. but he bore his suterings with com
mendable patience. "Pale and wan he
grew. and weekly bearing his pain 50
meekly,' till the morning of&the fourth
Instant as the hands Of the" OLD family
clock pointed to the hour tofifvc, the
dread summons came He Gould no
longer speak, and fell asleep. Like a
beacon light, the morning star seemed to
lure the storm tossed spirit heavenward.
and faith pictured an angel above the
death couch tanning the still face with
the snowy wings Of peade.
He has left u devoted wife and five
aftectionata children, with a large circle
Of Kindred and friends to mourn his
death.
Last Friday. his relatives, friends, and
a number Of citizens met at his late
residence to pay their last tribute Of
respect to his memory. The Rev. f.
Aud. delivered a very appropriate dis
curse from the text, blessed are the
dead who die in the Lord" After which
his honored remains were buried in the
family hurying ground, to rest beneath
shade Of the green cedars.
AFTER ife's ftfpl fever he sleeps
we'll on the banks Of his native stream"
j. NJ. 3.
Lowndesville. sc.
s"