Birth: February 1, 1905
Death: February 28, 1920
Location: Lot 25, Section 6, Row 2, Old Cemetery – SW
Wood River has lost another one of it’s fine young men. Alva Harper died February 28th at the home of Mrs. Lyham. A few days before, he had been in school. He was taken sick with smallpox, complications set in, and within a few hours he passed away.
He was born in Wood River on February 1, 1905 and lived here all his life. Eight years ago he lost his mother, Fanny Jane Harper. For the last three years he had been staying with Mrs. Lyham. Survived by a loving family which includes his father, Samuel Harper, and three brothers and three sisters, of which are Mrs. Harvey (Lelah) Ellis, Mrs. Viola Oswald, Mrs. Zilmer (Edith) Burmood, John, Harry, and Howard Harper. At death he was in 10th grade.
One of his former teachers said he was the best developed, mentally and physically, of any boy he knew.
The funeral services were held at the cemetery out in the open sunshine of a beautiful day, conducted by Mr. M.G. Montgomery of the Presbyterian Church of Wood River.