Birth: 1890
Death: 1953
Location: Lot 32, Section 8, Row 3, Old Cemetery – SW
Death claimed one of Wood River’s well known businessmen Tuesday evening when John Edward Harper (Bud), succumbed to a heart attack. Although he had been in failing health for about eight years, he had continued to work at his locker system whenever he was able. He had conducted a number of businesses here since his graduation from high school in 1909, and was widely known in this area. He was 62 years of age. Funeral services will be held Friday, April 3. The body will be at the family home until time of service. Burial will be in the Wood River Cemetery.
A son of John and Lucinda Gano Harper, he was born in Lane, Illinois on July 13, 1890, the youngest child. The family settled in Cameron Township, north of Wood River, then into Wood River in 1897, where he has resided since. He was affiliated with the Presbyterian church his whole life, and was married to Hester M. Hoon in 1917 at Kearney, Nebraska.
After he completed his schooling he entered the well business and in 1919 he purchased a grocery store. In 1924 he erected Harper Locker and moved his grocery store there. In 1926 he quit the grocery store and opened a restaurant in the building.
Survived by his wife and one sister, Mrs. Andrew (Bertha) Stone, who is the last of the Harper family in Wood River. Proceeding him in death were his parents, one brother, and two sisters.
“Business Places to Close from 12:00 to 4:00 Friday”
Most business places will be closed tomorrow from noon to 3:00 for Good Friday, and remain closed until 4:00 for the funeral of John Edward Harper whose services are being held at 3:00 tomorrow at the Presbyterian Church.