Rev. J.M. Harder Passes Away Sunday Morning
"Go Ye Into All the World and Preach the Gospel." He did that, and the multitudes came to pay their last tribute and respect to a great man who passed from our midst Sunday morning at 7:30 o'clock.Rev. James Matt Harder was born May 1, 1859 and died October 15, at his home in Ralls. He had been in poor health for several weeks, but had arisen Sunday morning, and dressed, but suddenly became weak and returned to bed. Mrs. Harder was preparing his breakfast at the time.
Rev. Harder was founder of the Westminster Baptist College in Collin County, and it was there that he and Miss Harriett Lee were united in marriage September 11, 1889. They only recently had celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary with friends here in Ralls.
Rev. Harder became the pastor of the First Baptist Church in Ralls in 1921 and held that position for four years. After retiring from the active ministry he became interested in farming and real estate here in Crosby County and had made his home in Ralls all of that time.
Probably no man in Ralls has had so many friends and devoted admirers who came to pay their respects. The First Baptist Church here where services were conducted was filled and over flowing, with many people not finding seats inside and were compelled to stand on the outside during the services. More than a score of preachers were here for the funeral.
Rev. W.R. Derr of Ralls officiated at the services and was assisted by Rev. J.F. Nix of Abernathy and Rep. G.T. Brittain, pioneer Plains preacher of Plainview, all devoted friends of the deceased. Burial was made in Ralls cemetery with Marr Funeral Directors in charge of arrangements. Pallbearers were: Rev. Aaron Shaw, Lockney; Rev. Vernon Shaw, Floydada; Rev. R.C. Tennison, Crosbyton; Rev. E.S. Withers, Plainview; Dr. G.W. McDonald, president of Wayland college at Plainview, and Rev. C.J. McCarty, Lubbock.
Surviving besides the wife are three sons, C.B. and Bob Harder of Plainview, Texas, and Carroll of Ralls; four daughters, Mrs. Frank Cummings, Olton; Mrs. Geo. H. Hutchings, Fort Worth, Mrs.Elvis Colville of Lorenzo, and Mrs. F.L. Robbins of Athens. Also eleven grandchildren and two great grandchildren survive.
Ralls Banner, October 1939
Record provided by Ralls Historical Museum
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Crosby County TXGenWeb Project
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