caroline v (smitherman) harper
ANOTHER PIONEER LADY GOES TO HER REWARD
Mrs. Caroline Harper, pioneer, citizen and highly esteemed woman of Benkelman and Rawlins county, passed to her eternal reward at the home of her daughter Mrs. Henry Herren early Monday evening.
Her illness was of short duration. In fact the condition of her health seemed normal until evening of the day she passed away. She ate supper as usual after which she retired to her room and layed down on her bed. Illness overtook her suddenly and she passed away in a few minutes. Apolexy was the cause of her demise.
Caroline V. Smitherman was born in Wood county, West Virginia, July- 10th, 1847 and died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Henry Herren, October 16th, 1925, age 78 years, 3 mo. and 16 days. She was married to John S. Harper November 27th, 1865 and to this union was born seven children; five sons and two daughters. The eldest died in infancy.
She moved to Nebraska in 1886 and in 1887 she came to northwest Kansas and with the exception of nine years, when she lived in Benkelman, has resided there until her death.
Her husband preceded her in death April 6, 1908.
At the age of 19 years she gave her heart to God and united with the Baptist church at Parkersburg, W. Virginia and remained a faithful member of the same until called from this life to the church triumphant which is without spot before the throne of God.
Grandmother Harper, as she was known, was a woman of sterling christian worth, a character which was above reproach, and inspiring to a marked degree her profession as a Christian. She was a noble woman, a loving, self-sacrificing mother and a splendid neighbor, always ready to help in time of need. As a pioneer she made a splendid contribution, not only in overcoming the difficulties of early years, but to the moral and spiritual upbuilding of the community.
She leaves to mourn her departure four sons and two daughters, William H., George R., John H., and Elmer C. Harper, and Mrs. Henry Herren all of Benkelman and Mrs. Chas. L. Fleener of Scott City, Kansas; 17 grandchildren and two great grandchildren and a host of friends and neighbors.
Brief services were held at the home and the public funeral was held at the Lyric theater, conducted by Rev. Richard Gibb, her former pastor, assisted by Rev. Porter, pastor of the M. E. church. Interment was made at the Benkelman cemetery.
Mrs. Caroline Harper, pioneer, citizen and highly esteemed woman of Benkelman and Rawlins county, passed to her eternal reward at the home of her daughter Mrs. Henry Herren early Monday evening.
Her illness was of short duration. In fact the condition of her health seemed normal until evening of the day she passed away. She ate supper as usual after which she retired to her room and layed down on her bed. Illness overtook her suddenly and she passed away in a few minutes. Apolexy was the cause of her demise.
Caroline V. Smitherman was born in Wood county, West Virginia, July- 10th, 1847 and died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Henry Herren, October 16th, 1925, age 78 years, 3 mo. and 16 days. She was married to John S. Harper November 27th, 1865 and to this union was born seven children; five sons and two daughters. The eldest died in infancy.
She moved to Nebraska in 1886 and in 1887 she came to northwest Kansas and with the exception of nine years, when she lived in Benkelman, has resided there until her death.
Her husband preceded her in death April 6, 1908.
At the age of 19 years she gave her heart to God and united with the Baptist church at Parkersburg, W. Virginia and remained a faithful member of the same until called from this life to the church triumphant which is without spot before the throne of God.
Grandmother Harper, as she was known, was a woman of sterling christian worth, a character which was above reproach, and inspiring to a marked degree her profession as a Christian. She was a noble woman, a loving, self-sacrificing mother and a splendid neighbor, always ready to help in time of need. As a pioneer she made a splendid contribution, not only in overcoming the difficulties of early years, but to the moral and spiritual upbuilding of the community.
She leaves to mourn her departure four sons and two daughters, William H., George R., John H., and Elmer C. Harper, and Mrs. Henry Herren all of Benkelman and Mrs. Chas. L. Fleener of Scott City, Kansas; 17 grandchildren and two great grandchildren and a host of friends and neighbors.
Brief services were held at the home and the public funeral was held at the Lyric theater, conducted by Rev. Richard Gibb, her former pastor, assisted by Rev. Porter, pastor of the M. E. church. Interment was made at the Benkelman cemetery.