In Memoriam.
Mr. John Harford, an aged and highly respected citizen of Morrow, died
very suddenly at his residence Sabbath evening, November 25, He had been
at church in the morning, and returned home apparently in his usual health,
and spent the afternoon pleasantly with the family, reading a good deal
of the time. In the evening he complained some of difficulty in breathing,
but found temporary relief. He retired early and soon after began to be
very restless. No help could be given him and at 8 ½ o’clock
breathed his last. His children, all, very fortunately yet unexpectedly,
happened to be in town, and at once relieved the aged and widowed mother
of all care; and never was a mother more tenderly and perfectly comforted
in bereavement, both by children and by divine grace.
The funeral services took place on Wednesday at the Methodist church in
the presence of a very large and sympathetic audience. After appropriate
addresses by the pastor, the Rev. S. B. Ricketts and the Revs. Swiggett
and Dudly, of the Presbyterian church, the Order of Freemasons took charge
of the body and, with appropriate and impressive obsequies, bore it away
to its last resting pace.
Grandpa Harford – as he was usually called – was born in Virginia,
April 16, 1807, came to Ohio with his parents in 1822, and settled about
two miles south of Zoar, then quite a wilderness. Since that time he has
resided either in Morrow or the vicinity around, a period of sixty years.
He was married to Miss Margaret Darling November 8th, 1832, a union that
proved happy, prosperous and of long duration. They celebrated their golden
wedding anniversary more than six years ago. Seven children were born
to them, three of whom preceded the father in death. The remaining four,
Wm. P. Harford, the well known insurance agent, Mrs. Ella Hopkins, Mrs.
Marry Kougle [sic Koogle] and Frank Harford, all live in and near Morrow.
Mr. Harford was a very devoted and true Freemason. He was one of the charter
members both of the Lodge and Chapter in Morrow. He was made a Master
Mason in the Milford Lodge. October 15, 1845, and a Royal Arch Mason,
December 2, 1847. Mr. Harford was also a true Christian – a man
of devotion to God, and faithful to the church. He became a Christian
in 1839, and joined the Methodist church at Roachester, Warren county.
Mr. Harford was noted for his sweet spirit, cheerful mind, even temper,
indus- . . . [rest of article missing]
Source: Lebanon (Ohio) Gazette,
Thursday, December 6, 1888.
Copy from the Obituary Collection at the Warren
County Genealogical Society,
by
Arne H Trelvik
16 November 2012