OBITUARY
The Scranton Times, March 1933
HEART ATTACK IS CAUSE OF DEATH OF J. K. GEARHART
Members of one of Scranton Pioneer Families Stricken Ill Saturday, expires Sunday.
Stricken ill Saturday night, [March 25, 1933] Attorney James K. Gearhart, member of one of the Scranton's pioneer families and a member of the Lackawanna county bar since 1900, died at 11 o'clock last night at his home 630 Monroe Avenue. A heart attack is given as cause of death.
Back in 1866, a decade before the birth of Lackawanna county, W. H. Gearhart, father of James K., started the practice of law in Scranton. His two sons, James and Edwin, followed in his footsteps. The former was a graduate of the old School of Lackawanna and Lafayette College.
With his brother, James K., had offices in the Scranton Life Insurance Company building and he confined his practice mainly to civil and orphan's court actions, trusteeships and guardianships. He was prominent in the civic projects fathered by the city and was a militant foe of the prohibition amendment, having served for some years in an executive capacity on the state committee of the organization for prohibition reform. He was one of the most prominent members of the Lafayette College Alumni Club of the city and one of the promoters of the alumni's noonday luncheon meetings.
Attorney Gearhart, as representative of large stockholder's, created a stir at the annual meeting of the Glen Alden Coal Company earlier in the year when he requested an investigation be made into the transfer of government securities for Glen Alden shares.
Deceased was a member of the Westminster Presbyterian Church and the Scranton County Club. He was active in Republican campaigns for years.
For many years Mr. Gearhart was a member of the Thirteenth Regiment now the 109th. When he resigned from the regiment back in 1914, he held the rank of Major. The old time members of the regiment will remember him as one of the most enthusiastic and energetic men of the body.
Attorney Gearhart is survived by his wife and two children, James Jr., and Howard one brother, Attorney Edwin and two sisters, Mrs. Ellison Snyder of California and Mrs. Leonard Van Nostrand.
The funeral will be tomorrow afternoon, with services at the home at 3 o'clock. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery.
Obituary
DR CRANE OFFICIATES AT GEARHART SERVICE
Many Lawyers in Attendance at Funeral of well known attorney this afternoon.
With Serviced conducted at the home, 630 Monroe Avenue, by Rev. Dr. Henry H. Crane, pastor of Elm Park M. E. Church, the funeral of Attorney James K. Gearhart took place this afternoon at 3 o'clock. The Lackawanna Bar Association was largely represented, Attorney Gearhart having practiced law in Scranton since his graduation from Lafayette College many years ago. Also many others were in attendance, the deceased having been a life-long resident and long active i the city's advancement. Burial was in the Forest Hill Cemetery. The casket bearers were: Frank and Ambrose Spencer, Edwin Gearhart, Dr. L. B. Woodcock, Selden D. Kingsbury and Leonard Van Nostrand.
Obituary
J. K. Gearhart, Lawyer for 33 years, expires
Dies in His Home After Suffering Heart Attack; Prominent in Repeal Cause
James K. Gearhart, one of the leading members of the local legal profession and prominent in civic and fraternal affairs, died at 11 o'clock last night at his home, 630 Monroe Avenue. He was fifty-six years of age. Death was attributed to a heart ailment. Mr. Gearhart had been ill only a short time. He was seriously stricken on Saturday night and succumbed twenty-four hours later. Mr. Gearhart was a member of one of Scranton's pioneer families. His forefathers were affiliated with the practice of law, his father, the late W. H. Gearhart, having started to practice here in 1868, a decade before Lackawanna County was created. Mr. Gearhart's practice was devoted entirely to civil and orphans' court actions. He seldom appeared in criminal sessions. His practice also included trusteeships and guardianships.
Foe of Dry Law Mr. Gearhart was continually in the forefront of civic Projects. In earlier years he was engaged frequently on problems relative to the development of Scranton. Mr. Gearhart was a foe of the prohibition amendment and acted in an executive capacity on the state committee of the organization for prohibition reform. This association was one of the most prominent which figured in the movement for repeal. An alumnus of Lafayette College, Mr. Gearhart attended reunions frequently in Easton and was a familiar figure at the annual dinner of the local graduates. He was one of the promoters of the noonday luncheon meetings of the alumni club.
Mr. Gearhart started to practice here in 1900 shortly after his graduation from Lafayette. He prepared for college at the old School at Lackawanna.
Mr. Gearhart was a member of Westminster church and the Scranton Country Club. Politically, he was a Republican but never aspired for office although active in politics.
Recently he urged an investigation of the Glen Alden Coal company's financial statement to seek an alleged discrepancy in some securities formerly held by that concern. The movement led to the announced intention of one of the stockholders to request Senator David Reed to investigate the case.
Mr. Gearhart is survived by his widow and two children, James Jr. and Howard; one brother, Edwin Gearhart and two sisters, Mrs. Ellison Snyder, California and Mrs. Leonard Van Nostrand.
OBITUARY
The Scranton Times, Wednesday, March 29, 1933
BAR ASSOCIATION PAYS TRIBUTE TO JAMES GEARHART
Judge will Leach Presider, State and County Bar Association headed Speak at meeting.
Members of the Lackawanna Bar Association in session in the main courtroom today at noon paid tribute to the late James K. Gearhart, a member of the local bar for more than thirty years. Attorney Walter L. Hill, Sr., president of the bar association ordered the meeting to order and Judge Will Leach presided. Both spoke of the qualities of the lawyer and told of his high ethics and gentlemanly ways.
Attorney W. J. Fitzgerald, president of the Pennsylvania Bar Association said Mr. Gearhart was one of the hardest workers he ever knew. Frequently he labored in his office nights as well as Sundays. A committee made up of Attorneys W. S. Diahl, W. J. Fitgerald and Ralph W. Rymer offered the following resolutions.
James Kipp Gearhart, Esq., a well known member of the Lackawanna bar departed this life on March 24, 1933. Mr. Gearhart was born in this city on May 24, 1876, at the family homestead on Wyoming Avenue, the son of W. H. Gearhart and Mary Elizabeth Kipp and has been a lifelong resident of Scranton. He attended the old school of the Lackawanna College and prepared for college entering Lafayette College, from which institution he graduated in the spring of 1903, with a degree of AB. He was quite active in the affairs and life of the college, was manager of he college baseball team from his freshman year all through his college course. He was also a member of the Banjo and Mandolin Club of the college. Fraternally he was a member of Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity.
Upon Mr. Gearhart's graduation he registered as a law student with his father, W.H. Gearhart, Esq. and after a studentship of law, then three years was admitted to the bar of Lackawanna County. He was also admitted to practice in the appellate court and several courts. Mr Gearhart was in active practice ever since his admission the the bar. He was also engaged in other interests, in coal mining and in various other interests of the city. Mr. Gearhart came from both sides of the family from old Colonial stock, on his father's and mother's side, the Kipps having settled on the Susquehanna river near Danville many years before the Revolutionary War.
The Gearhart and Kipp families were represented in the service of the Continental armies during the Revolutionary War. Mr Gearhart attended the Westminster Presbyterian Church of this city and was a member of the Scranton Club and Scranton Country Club. Mr Gearhart at the time of his death was engaged in legal and public activities with his vocal (?) energy and f----ness????. He was a man of strong character, a man of strong friendships and was always ready to assist those in distress. For many years Mr Gearhart was active in Thirteenth Regiment of the National Guard having risen too the rank of major. Mr. Gearhart is survived by his wife, Grace Spencer Gearhart, two sons, James K Jr. and Howard, his brother Edward W Gearhart a member of our bar, and two sisters, Mrs Ellison Snyder and Mrs LG Van Nostrand.
Whereas it is our desire by these minutes and the following resolution to express our sentiment for Mr Gearhart; therefore, Resolved, That in the death of Mr Gearhart, we have lost a sincere friend and valuable member of our bar, and we desire to express our heartfelt sympathy to his family. Be it further Resolved that the foregoing minutes be adopted and entered on the court and association records and that a copy therefore signed by the officers of the association be sent to Mrs. Gearhart and the family.
The Scranton Times, March 1933
HEART ATTACK IS CAUSE OF DEATH OF J. K. GEARHART
Members of one of Scranton Pioneer Families Stricken Ill Saturday, expires Sunday.
Stricken ill Saturday night, [March 25, 1933] Attorney James K. Gearhart, member of one of the Scranton's pioneer families and a member of the Lackawanna county bar since 1900, died at 11 o'clock last night at his home 630 Monroe Avenue. A heart attack is given as cause of death.
Back in 1866, a decade before the birth of Lackawanna county, W. H. Gearhart, father of James K., started the practice of law in Scranton. His two sons, James and Edwin, followed in his footsteps. The former was a graduate of the old School of Lackawanna and Lafayette College.
With his brother, James K., had offices in the Scranton Life Insurance Company building and he confined his practice mainly to civil and orphan's court actions, trusteeships and guardianships. He was prominent in the civic projects fathered by the city and was a militant foe of the prohibition amendment, having served for some years in an executive capacity on the state committee of the organization for prohibition reform. He was one of the most prominent members of the Lafayette College Alumni Club of the city and one of the promoters of the alumni's noonday luncheon meetings.
Attorney Gearhart, as representative of large stockholder's, created a stir at the annual meeting of the Glen Alden Coal Company earlier in the year when he requested an investigation be made into the transfer of government securities for Glen Alden shares.
Deceased was a member of the Westminster Presbyterian Church and the Scranton County Club. He was active in Republican campaigns for years.
For many years Mr. Gearhart was a member of the Thirteenth Regiment now the 109th. When he resigned from the regiment back in 1914, he held the rank of Major. The old time members of the regiment will remember him as one of the most enthusiastic and energetic men of the body.
Attorney Gearhart is survived by his wife and two children, James Jr., and Howard one brother, Attorney Edwin and two sisters, Mrs. Ellison Snyder of California and Mrs. Leonard Van Nostrand.
The funeral will be tomorrow afternoon, with services at the home at 3 o'clock. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery.
Obituary
DR CRANE OFFICIATES AT GEARHART SERVICE
Many Lawyers in Attendance at Funeral of well known attorney this afternoon.
With Serviced conducted at the home, 630 Monroe Avenue, by Rev. Dr. Henry H. Crane, pastor of Elm Park M. E. Church, the funeral of Attorney James K. Gearhart took place this afternoon at 3 o'clock. The Lackawanna Bar Association was largely represented, Attorney Gearhart having practiced law in Scranton since his graduation from Lafayette College many years ago. Also many others were in attendance, the deceased having been a life-long resident and long active i the city's advancement. Burial was in the Forest Hill Cemetery. The casket bearers were: Frank and Ambrose Spencer, Edwin Gearhart, Dr. L. B. Woodcock, Selden D. Kingsbury and Leonard Van Nostrand.
Obituary
J. K. Gearhart, Lawyer for 33 years, expires
Dies in His Home After Suffering Heart Attack; Prominent in Repeal Cause
James K. Gearhart, one of the leading members of the local legal profession and prominent in civic and fraternal affairs, died at 11 o'clock last night at his home, 630 Monroe Avenue. He was fifty-six years of age. Death was attributed to a heart ailment. Mr. Gearhart had been ill only a short time. He was seriously stricken on Saturday night and succumbed twenty-four hours later. Mr. Gearhart was a member of one of Scranton's pioneer families. His forefathers were affiliated with the practice of law, his father, the late W. H. Gearhart, having started to practice here in 1868, a decade before Lackawanna County was created. Mr. Gearhart's practice was devoted entirely to civil and orphans' court actions. He seldom appeared in criminal sessions. His practice also included trusteeships and guardianships.
Foe of Dry Law Mr. Gearhart was continually in the forefront of civic Projects. In earlier years he was engaged frequently on problems relative to the development of Scranton. Mr. Gearhart was a foe of the prohibition amendment and acted in an executive capacity on the state committee of the organization for prohibition reform. This association was one of the most prominent which figured in the movement for repeal. An alumnus of Lafayette College, Mr. Gearhart attended reunions frequently in Easton and was a familiar figure at the annual dinner of the local graduates. He was one of the promoters of the noonday luncheon meetings of the alumni club.
Mr. Gearhart started to practice here in 1900 shortly after his graduation from Lafayette. He prepared for college at the old School at Lackawanna.
Mr. Gearhart was a member of Westminster church and the Scranton Country Club. Politically, he was a Republican but never aspired for office although active in politics.
Recently he urged an investigation of the Glen Alden Coal company's financial statement to seek an alleged discrepancy in some securities formerly held by that concern. The movement led to the announced intention of one of the stockholders to request Senator David Reed to investigate the case.
Mr. Gearhart is survived by his widow and two children, James Jr. and Howard; one brother, Edwin Gearhart and two sisters, Mrs. Ellison Snyder, California and Mrs. Leonard Van Nostrand.
OBITUARY
The Scranton Times, Wednesday, March 29, 1933
BAR ASSOCIATION PAYS TRIBUTE TO JAMES GEARHART
Judge will Leach Presider, State and County Bar Association headed Speak at meeting.
Members of the Lackawanna Bar Association in session in the main courtroom today at noon paid tribute to the late James K. Gearhart, a member of the local bar for more than thirty years. Attorney Walter L. Hill, Sr., president of the bar association ordered the meeting to order and Judge Will Leach presided. Both spoke of the qualities of the lawyer and told of his high ethics and gentlemanly ways.
Attorney W. J. Fitzgerald, president of the Pennsylvania Bar Association said Mr. Gearhart was one of the hardest workers he ever knew. Frequently he labored in his office nights as well as Sundays. A committee made up of Attorneys W. S. Diahl, W. J. Fitgerald and Ralph W. Rymer offered the following resolutions.
James Kipp Gearhart, Esq., a well known member of the Lackawanna bar departed this life on March 24, 1933. Mr. Gearhart was born in this city on May 24, 1876, at the family homestead on Wyoming Avenue, the son of W. H. Gearhart and Mary Elizabeth Kipp and has been a lifelong resident of Scranton. He attended the old school of the Lackawanna College and prepared for college entering Lafayette College, from which institution he graduated in the spring of 1903, with a degree of AB. He was quite active in the affairs and life of the college, was manager of he college baseball team from his freshman year all through his college course. He was also a member of the Banjo and Mandolin Club of the college. Fraternally he was a member of Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity.
Upon Mr. Gearhart's graduation he registered as a law student with his father, W.H. Gearhart, Esq. and after a studentship of law, then three years was admitted to the bar of Lackawanna County. He was also admitted to practice in the appellate court and several courts. Mr Gearhart was in active practice ever since his admission the the bar. He was also engaged in other interests, in coal mining and in various other interests of the city. Mr. Gearhart came from both sides of the family from old Colonial stock, on his father's and mother's side, the Kipps having settled on the Susquehanna river near Danville many years before the Revolutionary War.
The Gearhart and Kipp families were represented in the service of the Continental armies during the Revolutionary War. Mr Gearhart attended the Westminster Presbyterian Church of this city and was a member of the Scranton Club and Scranton Country Club. Mr Gearhart at the time of his death was engaged in legal and public activities with his vocal (?) energy and f----ness????. He was a man of strong character, a man of strong friendships and was always ready to assist those in distress. For many years Mr Gearhart was active in Thirteenth Regiment of the National Guard having risen too the rank of major. Mr. Gearhart is survived by his wife, Grace Spencer Gearhart, two sons, James K Jr. and Howard, his brother Edward W Gearhart a member of our bar, and two sisters, Mrs Ellison Snyder and Mrs LG Van Nostrand.
Whereas it is our desire by these minutes and the following resolution to express our sentiment for Mr Gearhart; therefore, Resolved, That in the death of Mr Gearhart, we have lost a sincere friend and valuable member of our bar, and we desire to express our heartfelt sympathy to his family. Be it further Resolved that the foregoing minutes be adopted and entered on the court and association records and that a copy therefore signed by the officers of the association be sent to Mrs. Gearhart and the family.
OBITUARY
The Scranton Times, March 1933
HEART ATTACK IS CAUSE OF DEATH OF J. K. GEARHART
Members of one of Scranton Pioneer Families Stricken Ill Saturday, expires Sunday.
Stricken ill Saturday night, [March 25, 1933] Attorney James K. Gearhart, member of one of the Scranton's pioneer families and a member of the Lackawanna county bar since 1900, died at 11 o'clock last night at his home 630 Monroe Avenue. A heart attack is given as cause of death.
Back in 1866, a decade before the birth of Lackawanna county, W. H. Gearhart, father of James K., started the practice of law in Scranton. His two sons, James and Edwin, followed in his footsteps. The former was a graduate of the old School of Lackawanna and Lafayette College.
With his brother, James K., had offices in the Scranton Life Insurance Company building and he confined his practice mainly to civil and orphan's court actions, trusteeships and guardianships. He was prominent in the civic projects fathered by the city and was a militant foe of the prohibition amendment, having served for some years in an executive capacity on the state committee of the organization for prohibition reform. He was one of the most prominent members of the Lafayette College Alumni Club of the city and one of the promoters of the alumni's noonday luncheon meetings.
Attorney Gearhart, as representative of large stockholder's, created a stir at the annual meeting of the Glen Alden Coal Company earlier in the year when he requested an investigation be made into the transfer of government securities for Glen Alden shares.
Deceased was a member of the Westminster Presbyterian Church and the Scranton County Club. He was active in Republican campaigns for years.
For many years Mr. Gearhart was a member of the Thirteenth Regiment now the 109th. When he resigned from the regiment back in 1914, he held the rank of Major. The old time members of the regiment will remember him as one of the most enthusiastic and energetic men of the body.
Attorney Gearhart is survived by his wife and two children, James Jr., and Howard one brother, Attorney Edwin and two sisters, Mrs. Ellison Snyder of California and Mrs. Leonard Van Nostrand.
The funeral will be tomorrow afternoon, with services at the home at 3 o'clock. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery.
Obituary
DR CRANE OFFICIATES AT GEARHART SERVICE
Many Lawyers in Attendance at Funeral of well known attorney this afternoon.
With Serviced conducted at the home, 630 Monroe Avenue, by Rev. Dr. Henry H. Crane, pastor of Elm Park M. E. Church, the funeral of Attorney James K. Gearhart took place this afternoon at 3 o'clock. The Lackawanna Bar Association was largely represented, Attorney Gearhart having practiced law in Scranton since his graduation from Lafayette College many years ago. Also many others were in attendance, the deceased having been a life-long resident and long active i the city's advancement. Burial was in the Forest Hill Cemetery. The casket bearers were: Frank and Ambrose Spencer, Edwin Gearhart, Dr. L. B. Woodcock, Selden D. Kingsbury and Leonard Van Nostrand.
Obituary
J. K. Gearhart, Lawyer for 33 years, expires
Dies in His Home After Suffering Heart Attack; Prominent in Repeal Cause
James K. Gearhart, one of the leading members of the local legal profession and prominent in civic and fraternal affairs, died at 11 o'clock last night at his home, 630 Monroe Avenue. He was fifty-six years of age. Death was attributed to a heart ailment. Mr. Gearhart had been ill only a short time. He was seriously stricken on Saturday night and succumbed twenty-four hours later. Mr. Gearhart was a member of one of Scranton's pioneer families. His forefathers were affiliated with the practice of law, his father, the late W. H. Gearhart, having started to practice here in 1868, a decade before Lackawanna County was created. Mr. Gearhart's practice was devoted entirely to civil and orphans' court actions. He seldom appeared in criminal sessions. His practice also included trusteeships and guardianships.
Foe of Dry Law Mr. Gearhart was continually in the forefront of civic Projects. In earlier years he was engaged frequently on problems relative to the development of Scranton. Mr. Gearhart was a foe of the prohibition amendment and acted in an executive capacity on the state committee of the organization for prohibition reform. This association was one of the most prominent which figured in the movement for repeal. An alumnus of Lafayette College, Mr. Gearhart attended reunions frequently in Easton and was a familiar figure at the annual dinner of the local graduates. He was one of the promoters of the noonday luncheon meetings of the alumni club.
Mr. Gearhart started to practice here in 1900 shortly after his graduation from Lafayette. He prepared for college at the old School at Lackawanna.
Mr. Gearhart was a member of Westminster church and the Scranton Country Club. Politically, he was a Republican but never aspired for office although active in politics.
Recently he urged an investigation of the Glen Alden Coal company's financial statement to seek an alleged discrepancy in some securities formerly held by that concern. The movement led to the announced intention of one of the stockholders to request Senator David Reed to investigate the case.
Mr. Gearhart is survived by his widow and two children, James Jr. and Howard; one brother, Edwin Gearhart and two sisters, Mrs. Ellison Snyder, California and Mrs. Leonard Van Nostrand.
OBITUARY
The Scranton Times, Wednesday, March 29, 1933
BAR ASSOCIATION PAYS TRIBUTE TO JAMES GEARHART
Judge will Leach Presider, State and County Bar Association headed Speak at meeting.
Members of the Lackawanna Bar Association in session in the main courtroom today at noon paid tribute to the late James K. Gearhart, a member of the local bar for more than thirty years. Attorney Walter L. Hill, Sr., president of the bar association ordered the meeting to order and Judge Will Leach presided. Both spoke of the qualities of the lawyer and told of his high ethics and gentlemanly ways.
Attorney W. J. Fitzgerald, president of the Pennsylvania Bar Association said Mr. Gearhart was one of the hardest workers he ever knew. Frequently he labored in his office nights as well as Sundays. A committee made up of Attorneys W. S. Diahl, W. J. Fitgerald and Ralph W. Rymer offered the following resolutions.
James Kipp Gearhart, Esq., a well known member of the Lackawanna bar departed this life on March 24, 1933. Mr. Gearhart was born in this city on May 24, 1876, at the family homestead on Wyoming Avenue, the son of W. H. Gearhart and Mary Elizabeth Kipp and has been a lifelong resident of Scranton. He attended the old school of the Lackawanna College and prepared for college entering Lafayette College, from which institution he graduated in the spring of 1903, with a degree of AB. He was quite active in the affairs and life of the college, was manager of he college baseball team from his freshman year all through his college course. He was also a member of the Banjo and Mandolin Club of the college. Fraternally he was a member of Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity.
Upon Mr. Gearhart's graduation he registered as a law student with his father, W.H. Gearhart, Esq. and after a studentship of law, then three years was admitted to the bar of Lackawanna County. He was also admitted to practice in the appellate court and several courts. Mr Gearhart was in active practice ever since his admission the the bar. He was also engaged in other interests, in coal mining and in various other interests of the city. Mr. Gearhart came from both sides of the family from old Colonial stock, on his father's and mother's side, the Kipps having settled on the Susquehanna river near Danville many years before the Revolutionary War.
The Gearhart and Kipp families were represented in the service of the Continental armies during the Revolutionary War. Mr Gearhart attended the Westminster Presbyterian Church of this city and was a member of the Scranton Club and Scranton Country Club. Mr Gearhart at the time of his death was engaged in legal and public activities with his vocal (?) energy and f----ness????. He was a man of strong character, a man of strong friendships and was always ready to assist those in distress. For many years Mr Gearhart was active in Thirteenth Regiment of the National Guard having risen too the rank of major. Mr. Gearhart is survived by his wife, Grace Spencer Gearhart, two sons, James K Jr. and Howard, his brother Edward W Gearhart a member of our bar, and two sisters, Mrs Ellison Snyder and Mrs LG Van Nostrand.
Whereas it is our desire by these minutes and the following resolution to express our sentiment for Mr Gearhart; therefore, Resolved, That in the death of Mr Gearhart, we have lost a sincere friend and valuable member of our bar, and we desire to express our heartfelt sympathy to his family. Be it further Resolved that the foregoing minutes be adopted and entered on the court and association records and that a copy therefore signed by the officers of the association be sent to Mrs. Gearhart and the family.
The Scranton Times, March 1933
HEART ATTACK IS CAUSE OF DEATH OF J. K. GEARHART
Members of one of Scranton Pioneer Families Stricken Ill Saturday, expires Sunday.
Stricken ill Saturday night, [March 25, 1933] Attorney James K. Gearhart, member of one of the Scranton's pioneer families and a member of the Lackawanna county bar since 1900, died at 11 o'clock last night at his home 630 Monroe Avenue. A heart attack is given as cause of death.
Back in 1866, a decade before the birth of Lackawanna county, W. H. Gearhart, father of James K., started the practice of law in Scranton. His two sons, James and Edwin, followed in his footsteps. The former was a graduate of the old School of Lackawanna and Lafayette College.
With his brother, James K., had offices in the Scranton Life Insurance Company building and he confined his practice mainly to civil and orphan's court actions, trusteeships and guardianships. He was prominent in the civic projects fathered by the city and was a militant foe of the prohibition amendment, having served for some years in an executive capacity on the state committee of the organization for prohibition reform. He was one of the most prominent members of the Lafayette College Alumni Club of the city and one of the promoters of the alumni's noonday luncheon meetings.
Attorney Gearhart, as representative of large stockholder's, created a stir at the annual meeting of the Glen Alden Coal Company earlier in the year when he requested an investigation be made into the transfer of government securities for Glen Alden shares.
Deceased was a member of the Westminster Presbyterian Church and the Scranton County Club. He was active in Republican campaigns for years.
For many years Mr. Gearhart was a member of the Thirteenth Regiment now the 109th. When he resigned from the regiment back in 1914, he held the rank of Major. The old time members of the regiment will remember him as one of the most enthusiastic and energetic men of the body.
Attorney Gearhart is survived by his wife and two children, James Jr., and Howard one brother, Attorney Edwin and two sisters, Mrs. Ellison Snyder of California and Mrs. Leonard Van Nostrand.
The funeral will be tomorrow afternoon, with services at the home at 3 o'clock. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery.
Obituary
DR CRANE OFFICIATES AT GEARHART SERVICE
Many Lawyers in Attendance at Funeral of well known attorney this afternoon.
With Serviced conducted at the home, 630 Monroe Avenue, by Rev. Dr. Henry H. Crane, pastor of Elm Park M. E. Church, the funeral of Attorney James K. Gearhart took place this afternoon at 3 o'clock. The Lackawanna Bar Association was largely represented, Attorney Gearhart having practiced law in Scranton since his graduation from Lafayette College many years ago. Also many others were in attendance, the deceased having been a life-long resident and long active i the city's advancement. Burial was in the Forest Hill Cemetery. The casket bearers were: Frank and Ambrose Spencer, Edwin Gearhart, Dr. L. B. Woodcock, Selden D. Kingsbury and Leonard Van Nostrand.
Obituary
J. K. Gearhart, Lawyer for 33 years, expires
Dies in His Home After Suffering Heart Attack; Prominent in Repeal Cause
James K. Gearhart, one of the leading members of the local legal profession and prominent in civic and fraternal affairs, died at 11 o'clock last night at his home, 630 Monroe Avenue. He was fifty-six years of age. Death was attributed to a heart ailment. Mr. Gearhart had been ill only a short time. He was seriously stricken on Saturday night and succumbed twenty-four hours later. Mr. Gearhart was a member of one of Scranton's pioneer families. His forefathers were affiliated with the practice of law, his father, the late W. H. Gearhart, having started to practice here in 1868, a decade before Lackawanna County was created. Mr. Gearhart's practice was devoted entirely to civil and orphans' court actions. He seldom appeared in criminal sessions. His practice also included trusteeships and guardianships.
Foe of Dry Law Mr. Gearhart was continually in the forefront of civic Projects. In earlier years he was engaged frequently on problems relative to the development of Scranton. Mr. Gearhart was a foe of the prohibition amendment and acted in an executive capacity on the state committee of the organization for prohibition reform. This association was one of the most prominent which figured in the movement for repeal. An alumnus of Lafayette College, Mr. Gearhart attended reunions frequently in Easton and was a familiar figure at the annual dinner of the local graduates. He was one of the promoters of the noonday luncheon meetings of the alumni club.
Mr. Gearhart started to practice here in 1900 shortly after his graduation from Lafayette. He prepared for college at the old School at Lackawanna.
Mr. Gearhart was a member of Westminster church and the Scranton Country Club. Politically, he was a Republican but never aspired for office although active in politics.
Recently he urged an investigation of the Glen Alden Coal company's financial statement to seek an alleged discrepancy in some securities formerly held by that concern. The movement led to the announced intention of one of the stockholders to request Senator David Reed to investigate the case.
Mr. Gearhart is survived by his widow and two children, James Jr. and Howard; one brother, Edwin Gearhart and two sisters, Mrs. Ellison Snyder, California and Mrs. Leonard Van Nostrand.
OBITUARY
The Scranton Times, Wednesday, March 29, 1933
BAR ASSOCIATION PAYS TRIBUTE TO JAMES GEARHART
Judge will Leach Presider, State and County Bar Association headed Speak at meeting.
Members of the Lackawanna Bar Association in session in the main courtroom today at noon paid tribute to the late James K. Gearhart, a member of the local bar for more than thirty years. Attorney Walter L. Hill, Sr., president of the bar association ordered the meeting to order and Judge Will Leach presided. Both spoke of the qualities of the lawyer and told of his high ethics and gentlemanly ways.
Attorney W. J. Fitzgerald, president of the Pennsylvania Bar Association said Mr. Gearhart was one of the hardest workers he ever knew. Frequently he labored in his office nights as well as Sundays. A committee made up of Attorneys W. S. Diahl, W. J. Fitgerald and Ralph W. Rymer offered the following resolutions.
James Kipp Gearhart, Esq., a well known member of the Lackawanna bar departed this life on March 24, 1933. Mr. Gearhart was born in this city on May 24, 1876, at the family homestead on Wyoming Avenue, the son of W. H. Gearhart and Mary Elizabeth Kipp and has been a lifelong resident of Scranton. He attended the old school of the Lackawanna College and prepared for college entering Lafayette College, from which institution he graduated in the spring of 1903, with a degree of AB. He was quite active in the affairs and life of the college, was manager of he college baseball team from his freshman year all through his college course. He was also a member of the Banjo and Mandolin Club of the college. Fraternally he was a member of Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity.
Upon Mr. Gearhart's graduation he registered as a law student with his father, W.H. Gearhart, Esq. and after a studentship of law, then three years was admitted to the bar of Lackawanna County. He was also admitted to practice in the appellate court and several courts. Mr Gearhart was in active practice ever since his admission the the bar. He was also engaged in other interests, in coal mining and in various other interests of the city. Mr. Gearhart came from both sides of the family from old Colonial stock, on his father's and mother's side, the Kipps having settled on the Susquehanna river near Danville many years before the Revolutionary War.
The Gearhart and Kipp families were represented in the service of the Continental armies during the Revolutionary War. Mr Gearhart attended the Westminster Presbyterian Church of this city and was a member of the Scranton Club and Scranton Country Club. Mr Gearhart at the time of his death was engaged in legal and public activities with his vocal (?) energy and f----ness????. He was a man of strong character, a man of strong friendships and was always ready to assist those in distress. For many years Mr Gearhart was active in Thirteenth Regiment of the National Guard having risen too the rank of major. Mr. Gearhart is survived by his wife, Grace Spencer Gearhart, two sons, James K Jr. and Howard, his brother Edward W Gearhart a member of our bar, and two sisters, Mrs Ellison Snyder and Mrs LG Van Nostrand.
Whereas it is our desire by these minutes and the following resolution to express our sentiment for Mr Gearhart; therefore, Resolved, That in the death of Mr Gearhart, we have lost a sincere friend and valuable member of our bar, and we desire to express our heartfelt sympathy to his family. Be it further Resolved that the foregoing minutes be adopted and entered on the court and association records and that a copy therefore signed by the officers of the association be sent to Mrs. Gearhart and the family.
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