William Harker (1849 - 1895)

Born 29 Jul 1849 in New Diggings, Lafayette, Wisconsin, United States

Ancestors

Husband of Elizabeth (Vyse) Harker — married 11 Apr 1870 in Harrison County, Iowa

Died 26 May 1895 at age 45 in West Baden Springs, Orange, Indiana, United States

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Biography

Adopted daughters: Engret and Marie.

Three obituaries posted in Find A Grave:

1. A large number of our citizens attended the funeral of Wm. Harker at Sanborn Wednesday.

Mrs. Wm. Harker and David Palen passed through here Sunday night on their way to Baden Springs, Indiana, from whence they will return with the body of Mr. Harker.

The local members of the Masonic fraternity as well as a large number of our citizens in general go to Sanborn Wednesday to attend the funeral of Wm. Harker. Mr. Harker was well known here and his death is felt as a personal loss to many of our people. -- Paullina Times, 30 May 1895, p 2

2. The death of Wm. Harker, of Sanborn, occurred at West Baden Springs, Indiana on Saturday, May 23 [note, day of week and date do not correspond]. Mr. Harker was one of O'Brien county's most prominent business men and an influential character. Fourteen years ago he helped to organize the first banking institution in Sanborn and called it the O'Brien county bank. About the same time he and his partner, J. L. Green, platted what is known as Harker & Green's addition to Paullina. They also built several business buildings in Paullina which are still here. Later, we believe, all the property of the firm here was bought by Wm. Harker. Considerable property here still rests in his name. His passing hence robs Sanborn of a leading citizen and a firm friend. It is estimated that he was the wealthiest man in Sanborn and his estate is valued at about $150.000. The cause of death was heart failure. He was buried last Sunday in accordance with the Masonic custom. Masons from all surrounding towns were in attendance. Those from this place were J. V. Adkins, Stephen Harris and John Metcalf. -- Paullina Times, 6 Jun 1895, p 3

3. Attorney C. S. Macomber of Ida Grove was here last Thursday in the interest of Mrs. Harker in the matter of the estate of William Harker late of Sanborn. The will was produced and read, and July 5 was the day set for its probate. At that time Judge Ladd will hold an adjourned term of court to probate the will. Elizabeth Harker the widow, gets the homestead and $40,000 in cash. A nephew, Jas. J. Harker, is to receive $5,000. $3,000 is to be put into a tomb or vault for the reception of the bodies of the deceased and his wife. David Palen, E. T. Parker and Geo. H. Peck are appointed trustees to superintend and have charge of an opera house to be built by them out of the funds of the estate and to the cost not to exceed $10,000. Specific directions are given as to the size, material to be used, etc., etc. The balance of the estate is to be equally divided between his brothers and sisters. The executors are Elizabeth Harker, J. R. Brady, J. H. Daly and C. A. Babcock. -- Paullina Times, 13 Jun 1895, p 2

Sources

• Find A Grave: Memorial #143797167