NAME: Phil Vinyard
EMAIL: pkvinyard@aol.com
DATE: Feb 03 2001
Simpson Harris Enters Into Eternity: Final Summons Came Sunday Night After Lingering Illness
Simp Harris, one of Urich's oldest and most highly respected citizens, passed from this life into eternity at 10:20 p.m. Sunday, March 8th, less than two hours of his 88th birthday. Mr. Harris had not been very well the past few years, and a serious heart trouble developed several weeks ago. He gradually grew weaker until death relieved hiim from all earthly pain.
His beloved wife, herself past 85 years of age, was always near to do what she could for him, and his children who live near did everything for his comfort.
Mr. Harris was born on March 9, 1848, in Putnam County, Indiana. He lived in that state until 18 years of age, when he went with his parents, Josiah and Elizabeth Jane Harris, to near Ottawa, Kansas. They came to Missouri in 1867, settling near where the town of Creighton was later located. He lived near Urich a number of years and moved to Urich in 1903.
He was united in marriage with Permelia James, and to them were born four children, all of whom survive: Mrs. I.R. Jefferson, Urich; Geo. S. Harris, and Mrs. Alice Tharp of Santa Cruz, Calif., and Mrs. Ben Goodman, south of Urich. There is also one step-daughter, Mrs. Rachel Holwell, of Warrensburg.
A second marriage was to Mrs. Mary E. Blane, on October 25, 1881, who survives him, they living in a happy companionship for over fifty-four years. One daughter was born to them, Jessie Myrtle, who died at the age of eighteen months.
Mr. Harris was the oldest of a family of twelve children, four of whom, a brother and three sisters, survive him--Henmon Harris and Mrs. Alice Fox, of Bakersfield, Calif.; Mrs. Hattie Beamon, Wichita, Kas.; Mrs. Josephine Loucks, Indianola, Iowa. He is also survived by ten grandchildren and four great grandchildren; also a step-granddaughter. One grandson, Loyd Tharp, who lived in California, died about a year ago. Mr. Harris was very fond of his two great grandchildren, Bradley and Margaret Jefferson, who live near and could visit with him often. The last words the family could hear Mr. Harris speak were to little Margaret.
Mr. Harris had been a member of the Urich Presbyterian Church for many years. He was a kind husband, father and neighbor; always having a cheerful word for his friends who were numbered by his acquaintances.
Funeral services were held at the Urich Presbyterian Church, at 1 p.m., Tuesday, conducted by Rev. Ira H. McClymonds, a former pastor, assisted by Rev. H.C. Green, pastor at Lucas. A quartet composed of Mrs. B.B. Hackney, Mrs. A. D. Johnson, A. N. Massingill and Clarence Barth sang "Rock of Ages" and "My Faith Looks Up to Thee". Norma E. Shryer, of Warrnesburg, the step-granddaughter, sang "No Night There." Burial was made in Urich Cemetery.
The pallbearers were: Four grandsons, T. U. Jefferson, Robert Barth, Georgie and Roy Goodman; a nephew, Melville Creighton, and Jimmie Saunsaucie.
Harris, Simpson Obituary, Urich,
MO, The Urich Herald, Vol. 43 No. 47., March 12, 1936, p.1, col. 1.