OBITUARY - The Journal, North Manchester (IN) - April 24, 1890

Eli Harter died at his home in this place Sunday morning, April 20,1890, aged 82 years 11 months and 4 days. The subject of the above notice was a pioneer in the town, was born in Montgomery County, Ohio May 16, 1807; married Miss Julia Young in March, 1829; moved to North Manchester in September 1836.

During the following winter he built the first hewed log house in the town. It was the second house built in the place and stood about where Martin's Photography Gallery now stands. Soon after moving into their new home a daughter was born to them. It is believed that this daughter is now the wife of D.S.T. Butterbaugh, of this place, was the first white child born in the town of North Manchester.

Other children, twelve in number, six sons and six daughters, were born to this couple, nine of whom are living and were at the bedside when the spirit of their father took its flight to a brighter world. The aged wife, although almost helpless from paralysis for years, still survives.

Eli Harter was well known to all the early settlers in this vicinity and through all his life was respected for his upright character and his bright and cheerful disposition. He joined the Dunkard Church at an early period in his life and for 40 years was a deacon, always an ardent and exemplary member, and in him the church has lost a brother whose Christian character has few equals and no superiors.

The funeral took place Monday at Dunkard Church in this place, Robert Miller officiating. Interment at the cemetery near the church west of town.

The remains were followed to the grave by his only brothers, Joseph B. and Jacob Harter, his only sister, Mrs. Eagle, and a very large procession of children, grandchildren, relatives and friends of the departed.