Aberdeen Daily News Saturday, May 29, 1897
DEATH EARLY TODAY OF FRED H. GARRETT — The Funeral
The expected demise of Fred H. Garrett occurred early this morning, the 28th inst., at his residence on South First street. While the nature of his disorder left little or no room for hope of his recovery, the news of his death created a most unpleasant surprise in all quarters of the city, and everywhere was felt a universal regret that so exemplary a life and career had been closed so comparatively early.
Mr. Garrett lived for many years a quiet and methodical life. He had a large circle of acquaintances, however, and was not only esteemed as a splendid citizen and neighbor, but was beloved by large numbers. He had no enemies.
He was born at Pompey, N. Y., on November 20, 1855, and resided until 1881 at Syracuse in the Empire state. In July of 1881 he went to Wheaton, N. D. for the benefit of his health and remained there until fall when he accompanied Messrs. H. C. and Frank Beard to Aberdeen. He immediately filed upon a quarter section of land in northern Spink county, and in December thereafter returned to New York state.
March 14, 1882, he was married to Miss Winnie Wilcox of Manilas, N. Y. Shortly after this auspicious event he brought his wife to the west with him and resided and made proof upon his land. In the fall of the same year he erected a residence in Aberdeen and resided here continuously until 1886, when he removed his family to Claremont, then a new promising town, and engaged in the hardware business. He was three years in Claremont and came to know many of the early settlers and acquired a large number of sterling, permanent friendships. Upon coming back to Aberdeen he entered the employ of the Building & Loan Association as bookkeeper and remained in that capacity for several years.
At the time of his physical break-down, as readers generally know, he was bookkeeper for J. H. Jackson, the hardware merchant. The illness which caused his death was not of recent origin or brief duration, as he came west originally for his health and as long ago as 1893 went to Syracuse, N. Y., to consult an eminent specialist.
Brief funeral services, conducted by Rev. Dr. Sparling of St. Mark’s will be held at the residence at 7:30 o’clock tomorrow (Sunday) evening, and at 9:05 the remains, accompanied by Mrs. Garrett, will depart for Syracuse for burial. Masons of the city will act as escort for the body to the train.
Mr. Garrett was a prominent member of the Episcopal church and the vestry of St. Mark’s and brought to the discharge of his religious duties the same faithfulness and unpretentiousness that characterized his business and social walks. He was a member of Aberdeen Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and was its efficient master for two years. Other organizations were proud to own him as a brother.
The family of Mr. Garrett consisted only of himself, his wife and young son, George. To the bereaved ones here, as well as to connections and relatives in the east, the fullest sympathy of human hearts is extended, and many have and will tender those sweet offices which serve to soften even a crushing blow like this.
A post mortem examination of the body was made this forenoon by Dr. Countryman, assisted by J. J. Deertz, and revealed the immediate cause of death to be cancer of the stomach. It is learned this afternoon that the remains will be taken to the temple at noon tomorrow and will lie in state until 7 o’clock when Masonic services will be held over them. Every member of the craft is expected to be in the temple prior to 7 o’clock. At the conclusion of the Masonic rites, the body will be returned to the residence for the final service in this city.
~Transcribed by volunteer researcher, Kathy Smith