Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1911-12-21

chosen career, in the old Union block
which was burned in 1873. Here he
laid the foundation of his fortune; and
by industry, energy, enterprise, and
honesty, achieved the. success these
qualities deserved. His sterling in
tegrity inspired confidence; his word
was as good as his bond. -t'.~:a p. +
In the span of his life, he beheld the
making of great state and the
growth and Importance of our city,
both of which he loved so we'll. He
belonged to the generation Of empire
builders, and his instrumentality
aided to realize the vision of the
pioneer. family to which he belonged.
Morally and religiously, our friend
stood for the highest type valiantly
sustaining the right and contending
against the wrong. He was not a man
of emotional nature, but his. convic-
lions were strong and reached deep
down into his nature.
Public recognition came to him un-
sought. He was. honored by his con-
stituency by election to the office Of
state senator; in this position he was
Influential in the affairs of state, as
we'll as his locality. His acquaintance
end influence widened; ne stood I'M
swerving for pure government and
honest administration. He retired from
office with the respect and esteem OF
political opponents, as well as friends.
Later his comrades of the civil war
called him to serve in the high office
of commander of the Grand Army of
the Republic, department of the state
of Iowa. He gave to the execution of
this office literally of his time and
means. He was also member of the
Loyal Legion, civil war association.
and served also as it's commander ~
In the spring of 1911 he was elected
to the mayoralty Of our city. The
honor came unsolicited: to this office
he applied the ripe business expe-
rience achieved in an active life, to the
city affairs, recognizing its finances,
and patiently and prudently met the
conditions as presented to him. Our
community feels deep regret and a
keen sense of loss that he was not al.
lowed to continue the good work he
had begun by completing his term OF
office.
p / have worked with him in many
matters in the business, benevolences,
and the moral and religious life OF the
city; He was conscientious to q de-
gree; his nature was deeply religious,
though not emotional; his generosity
was proverbial and our benevolences
over the city will miss his support.
Cot fn11Nvy lob Npors
thou hast answered the call. "W'ell
DONE good and faithful servant, enter
into the joy of thy Lord .s.
The Pastors Words.
Dr. Montgomery address at the
services follows:
When the shock of the announce
ment, capt. Harper is dead" came
to us on Sabbath morning, l found it
impossible to speak to my people on
the theme on which I had promised
to speak. We were by this sad event
in new, and strange, and unexpected
circumstances. New considerations
forced themselves upon our attention
and demanded our consideration. The
only text upon which my mind would
fasten then was that one found In the
thirteenth chapter of Mark and the
last verse: and what I say unto
you, I say unto all, watch" The de-
mand which Christ makes Of every
disciple, the exhortation he gives to
every man is-be ready. Be ready
when death comes and lays it's IT.
resistable challenge upon all the re-
sources of vitality-be ready to meet
thy God The second great demand
that This text interpreted in the light
of this shock laid upon us was Tor
men ready to stand in the breach
which death makes in public life.
Those lines of Holland must have
come to some of you when We lost q
man like our mayor was as they have
come to me. 1-.-.
God give us men! Time like this
demands ~ q,
Great hearts, strong minds, true
faiths and willing hands.
Men whom the lust of office does
not kill,
Men whom tue spoils of Office can
not buy,
Men who possess opinions and a
will,
Men with honor and who will not
lie.
For while the rabble with their
thumb worn creeds,
Their large profession and their lit
tie deeds
Wrangle in selfish strife, 10! Free
dom weeps,
Wrong rules the land, and justice
sleeps
Had Been Thoughtful Man.
The third great consideration which
came to my mind in connection with
this text and this sad announcement
on that Sabbath day, fri neither of
which l could escape, was the joy OF