Sumner News

Thursday, May 18, 1916

Page 1

Pioneer and Grand Army Man Gone the Long Journey

The death took place, Friday May 12, 1916, of Ira M. Potter (one of the best known pioneers in this district) at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Emma M. Lavery after a protracted illness.

Decedent was born May 2nd, 1840, in Herkimer county, New York. In his early life he moved from New York state to Detroit, Michigan, and from there to Cass county in the same state, where he was united in marriage to Miss Susan Curtis, May 10, 1861, who still survives him. To this union were born seven boys and one girl, all of whom are living: John E., Emma E. Lavery, Charles L. William D., Melvin I., Edward W., Arthur G., Robert G., these children all live in Dawson county not far from Sumner. Four sisters of deceased are still living: Mrs. Wm. Duesler, Montana; Mrs. Mary Harneis, Blancoe, Iowa; Mrs. W. L. Grant, Sumner, Nebraska; and Mrs. Geo. Richardson, Strathroy Ontario.

The deceased enlisted November 24, 1862, in Company M., Fifth Calvary at Silver Creek for 3 years service. He was admitted to Harper Hospital in June 8, 1865, and honorably discharged at Detroit, Michigan, June 28, 1865. He came to Nebraska in 1880 taking a homestead where he resided until October, 1915, when he was taken to his daughter's, Mrs. Emma M. Lavery, on account of sickness he having been an invalid for over a year. He passed away May 12, at 10:45 p. m., aged 76 years and 10 days.

The interment took place on Sunday last in the I. O. O. F. Cemetery.

For the benefit of friends residing at a distance a short service was held in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Lavery, the friends afterwards leaving for the M. E. Church.

The church was very tastefully decorated for the ocassion by friends who brought flags and flowers. On arrival at the church the casket was draped with the Stars and Stripes.

The funeral service was conducted by Rev. P. Whitfield Thomas, Pastor, with Harry E. Wolcott offering prayer.

There were a large number of relatives present besides many who had come to show their respect to his memory. Among the latter were his old Comrades at Arms of the G. A. R.: C. O. Musser, J. H. Millhouse, Jno. Jennings, Riley Tinsman, John Bush and F. A. Rose.

At the close of the service C. O. Musser, T. P. on behalf of his comrades paid their last tribute of esteem to their dead comrade in the following words:

Comrades:

Once more we meet around the casket of a Comrade who has answered his last roll call. "Taps" has been sounded. He has gone at the call of the Great Commander. No more will he hear the roll of the drum of the piercing sounds of the fife. The notes of the bugle will get no response from him. Over fifty years have passed since the close of the great struggle for the preservation of the American Union, and still "the tie" that binds us as Comrades does not weaken. That tie that was welded in the tire of battle, in the tented field or in bivowac, it can only be severed in death. We are going Comrades "One by One" "One by One." The weight of more than three score years and ten are upon all of us. And a few more years will soon roll around and then we will only be a memory. Now Comrades as a last tribute of respect to our departed Comrade let us bare our heads and with bowed heads cherish his memory and if we shed a silent prayer think it not unmanly. Farwell Comrade until revilee is sounded and we assemble on the other shore. The body we consign to the tomb: Thy memory we cherish: Thy spirit to God who gave it.

The music and songs supplied by the Methodist Quartette; Mrs. S. Becker, Mrs. N. Moore, Mr. C. Moore and Elmer Ericson with Verna Yost accompanist. Elmer Ericson sang a solo, "Beautiful Isle of Somewhere,: sang at the funeral of President McKinley.

Mr. Roy Johnson had charge of the undertaking arrangements and carried these out with his usual efficiency.