Montour American. (Danville, Pa.) 1866-1920, 1904-09-29
OLD RESIDENT
DROPS DEAD

William f. Gearhart of South Dan
vile. dropped dead on Saturday morn
ing at 8 30 O'Clock. He had just come
across the river IN a row boat and
walked up from the ferry landing to
the residence of Samuel Arms on Wat
er street, where he stopped to rest.
Before a chair could be offered him he
dropped over and expired Death was
caused by heart failure
There was probably no man in this
vicinity more generally known than
William Gearhart. His friends in
both Northumberland aud Montour
county were legion. He was q famil-
lar figure on both sides of the river
and though never a resident of Dan
Vile his interest and loyalty to the
town endeared him to its people.
Mr.. Gearhart, though 81 years of
age, maintained a vigor of mind and
body that was truly remarkable. He
was conversant on all political affairs
whether national, state or county and
kept in touch with all topics of the
times until the day of his death On
Friday night he had the papers read
to him and seemed to be in his usual
good health. On leaving the house
Saturday morning he uttered no COM
plant and it was not until he had
allghted that weakness overlook him.
Mr.. Gearhart was a son of the late
Harmon Gearhart and with u surviv-
ing sister, Miss Hannah L. Gearhart,
was the last of a family of twelve
children. He was born in the house
where his last days were spent The
dwelling was built by his grandfather
Captain Jacob Gearhart. soldier in
the Revolutionary War and one of the
earliest settlers in this vicinity.
In 1852 William Gearhart went to
California, remaining there until 1868.
His experiences during this time were
varied and he made and lost fortune
in the gold fields. While at Virginia
City, Nevada, Mr.. Gearhart became
acquainted with Samuel L. Clemens
known in the book world as Mark
Twain and his "reminiscences of the
man we're very interesting.
On returning home Mr.. Gearhart
laid out the town of South Danville
which is located on what was former
ly the Gearhart farm. 1t consisted of
about 70 acres and was cut up into
building lots. in the sale of which
Mr.. Gearhart acted as attorney in
fact for the Harmon Gearhart heirs.
The deceased was a consistent men,
Der of Trinity M. E. church and al
ways maintained warm interest in
church work. He was liberal pa
tron at all affairs given Civ. for church cher Or
to lend assistance. In politics he was
8 staunch Democrat and was prom
inent figure at the Northumberland
county conventions.
The funeral of William +. Gearhart,
who died suddenly last Saturday
morning. was held from the Gearhart
home, South Danville, Tuesday after
noon at two o'clock.
The obsequies were attended by
large number of people representing
both sides of the river. Mr.. Gearhart
was man who possessed many friends
and all who could possibly do so show
ed their respect for the deceased by
attending the last sad rites.
The Rev. N. E. Oleaver of Trinity
NJ. K. church, this city, officiated at
the services. He was assisted by the
Rev. f. T. Swartz of st. Peter $
church, Riverside.
The pail bearers were Harrison Kase.
J. B. Laidacker, w. r. CLARK, o. S.
Smith, Olive Hoover and Peter Berger.
A male quartette from the Trinity M.
E. church rendered three selections
most feelingly Interment was made
in Mt Vernon cemetery.
Among these present from distance
were George D. Gearhart of Philadel-
phia, Mrs Mari Oberdorf and Mrs.
Mettler of Klinesgrove and William
McDevitt of Sunbury.