James Harker Is Called By Death; Aged Resident Answers Final Summons This Morning At 5:30 O’clock, was 82 years of age at the time of his death [November 20, 1906] and has lived in this city since 1876 – Funeral tomorrow.
James Harker an aged and highly respected citizen, passed away this morning at 5:30 o’clock at the family resident on West Park Avenue. Mr. Harker was 82 years of age at the time of his death and is survived by his wife, Mrs. Xantippe Harker.
The funeral services will be held tomorrow afternoon at 2 o’clock from the last residence. Dr. F. G. Davies, pastor of the First Baptist church will conduct the services. Interment will be made in the Ottumwa Cemetery.
James Harker was born in Bartholomew County in the state of Indiana in 1824. In the year of 1876, accompanied by his wife, he came to this city. Had he lived until next February, he and Mrs. Harker would have celebrated their sixtieth wedding anniversary.
For a number of years Mr. Harker was sexton of the Ottumwa Cemetery. He was a member of the First Baptist Church and was widely known throughout the community in which he lived, as a devout Christian and a man of sterling worth.
OBIT: Ottumwa Courier – Nov 20, 1906
Contributed by: Shelli Steedman