Transcribed by MaryFrances Flournoy 15 August 2007
(by permission of the Fairfield Recorder)
From the Fairfield Recorder, Fairfield, TX
2 June 1916
To the Memory of Leonard Harris
At 5 o'clock P.M., Friday, May 19, 1916Leonard [sic] Harris [sic], the eldest
son of the late M. H. Harriss, breathed his last. For many hours he had been
unconscious of his surroundings; then, despite the efforts of a skilled
physician and the attentions of his family and friends, the grim Reaper had his
way. The tired brain and weary body, spent with suffering, was at rest.
The following afternoon at 3:30 o’clock, surrounded by the friends who dared
brave the threatening clouds, he was laid away for his last long sleep with the
ritualistic rites of the Woodmen of the World.
Leonard was born Jan. 27, 1877 at the old home, “Woodland Ranch” famous for the
old fashioned hospitality of its head, this boy’s father.
His gentle mother is left bereft; her last son gone to join the father, sisters
and brothers gone before. Of that once happy family only one remains to her, her
daughter Katie May Harriss Gibson, the wife of Hamp Gibson, of Mexia, Texas. To
these two and his nephew and nieces we extend the deepest sympathy.
The early education of our friend was obtained at “Old Woodland College” in
sight of his home. Here he roamed the woods with his dog and gun carefree. When
he out grew the curriculum of this once famous old school, he was sent to Mexia
and then on to A. & M. College.[1] His early friends speak of his brilliant
intellect, his noble qualities of mind and heart, magnetic, generous to a fault,
affable to all.
Uncomplaining, he has tried since his father’s death, to fill that father’s
place, settle his affairs with honor, all the while struggling with a physical
disability that he knew would soon take him from the idolized mother whose name
was the last word to pass his lips already pale with his mortal agony. Pneumonia
had set up and his frail body succumbed.
The silver chord of his life is broken here; but in the beautiful beyond to be
gathered up and woven again with threads more firm than any of earth’s weaving.
“Our life is but a fading dawn,
Its glorious noon, how quickly past!
Lead us, O Christ, when all is gone,
Safe home at last!”
HIS FRIEND
end of obituary
Please note:
Buried in the old Woodland Cemetery of FM 80 near Kirvin, Freestone County,
Texas [cemetery map space 351]
Woodmen of the World Monument
LENNARD HARRISS
BORN: JAN 27, 1877
DIED: MAY 19, 1916
His trials ended, his rest is now.
For more information on the Woodland Cemetery
Woodland Cemetery on this site
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1Lennard Harriss is the correct spelling. He was named after his mother’s family
name “Lennard”