Seth A. Harper 78, who resided with his nephew, Oscar Harvey, in Folker Township, Clark County, Missouri, was found dead by the side of the road about an eighth of a mile from home Sunday morning.
He had been shot through the heart with a double-barreled shotgun. Sheriff Charles Milligen and deputy Joe Richey and coroner P.S. Borton were called but it was evident the gun had been discharged by means of a stick and Coroner Borton adjudged it a suicide, no inquest being necessary.
The Harveys had been fishing in Big Fox River the evening before and it is thought Mr. Harper followed them as far as the spot where he was found.
Not finding him at home on their return, they presumed he was with one of the neighbors as was his custom. However, next morning this was found to be a mistake and the Harvey children were sent in quest of him.
He was found dead by them about 5 a.m. and it is the thought he had been dead since 7 o'clock the evening before
Seth Harper was one of eleven children of Patterson Duncan and Sarah Goodrich Harper and was born on the Harper homestead in North Folker Townsphip, Clark County, Missouri, February 14 1868.
He was married to Mrs. May Colven Frazier who passed away January 15 1937. There were no Children.
He is survived by two sisters; Mrs. Ruth Harvey and Mrs. Minnie Sharp both of Luray, one step-son Roy Frazier of Luray and number of Neices and Nephews.
Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, five sisters and three brothers.
In early life Mr. Harper become a member of the Bethlehem Baptist Church.
Funeral Services were held at the Bethlehem Baptist Church in Folker Twp. Tuesday afternoon, August 5 at 2 o'clock. The Rev Harold L. McGowan of Revere officiating.
The singers were Mrs. Harrold McGowan and Mrs. Ottis Gutting with Mrs. A.E. Selway panist.
The pallbearers were Benjamin and Friend Harness, James Jinkens, Frenchy Howell, Emil Smith and Frank Boon.
Burial was made in Bethlehem Cemetery in Clark County, Missouri.
