Obituary of John Garratt, Linn County, KSGenWeb Digital Library

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THE HERALD, 20 April 1923

Obituary of JOHN GARRATT

OLD CITIZEN DEAD

The sudden calling over of that worthy citizen, John Garratt, who for sixty-five years had been an honored resident of Potosi Township, was a great shock to the people of this community. The end came about 5 o'clock Saturday evening at his home just north of the School House mound. He had been sick but a few days, having been uptown the Sunday before, walking to the cemetery. That evening he did not feel well, sending for a doctor the next morning, who pronounced that he had pneumonia. He continued to grow worse rapidly until the end.

Wednesday afternoon at 3 o'clock funeral services were held at the residence, conducted by Rev. Reed of the M.E. Church after which all that was mortal of this good man was conveyed to the Pleasanton Cemetery and tenderly laid to rest to await the call of the Master. The ceremony at the grave was very impressive. From the front gate to the grave, the body was followed by the few surviving G.A.R. Comanders and the Boys Scout Cornet Band. Several fine selections were played.

John Garratt was born at Garrattsville, N.Y., April 18, 1844 and died at his home in Pleasanton, Kansas on April 14, 1923, age 78 years, 11 months and 26 days.
At the age of fourteen he came to Kansas with his parents, John W. Garratt and wife, locating on a farm two miles southeast of where Pleasanton now stands.
On August 25, 1862 at the age of eighteen he enlisted in Co. M, 2nd Kansas Vol. Calvary and for almost three years faithfully served his country under Capt. George Stalder, General Cloud's Division. On June 22, 1865 at Ft. Gibson, Arkansas, he was honorably discharged.
Returning home he went to his farm in Eureka District and pursued the avocation of farming.

On October 12, 1867, at Mound City he was united in marriage to Miss Maria Harris, who a few months earlier came from Woodburn, Ill., to visit her brother John J. Harris. To this union two daughters were born; Mrs. Cora Lockwood of Faith, S.D. and Mrs. Elida Cottle, who died about ten years ago.

In 1881 Mr. and Mrs. Garratt moved from the farm to Pleasanton to educate their children and he followed the trade of a carpenter until a few years ago when his eyesight failed him. Mr. Garratt was a plainspoken man who called a "spade" a "spade" and if he did not like a person, he let them strictly alone. He dispised sham and deception and his influence always could be counted upon for right and betterment of conditions. He was honorable in his business dealings and no man
can say John Garratt ever defrauded him out of a penny.

He is survived by his widow, a daughter, two grandchildren, a brother and nephew. Daughter, Mrs. W.E. Lockwood of Faith, S.D. and grandson John Lockwood; grandaughter Alberta Cottle of Muskogee, Okla; brother William C. Garratt of Pittsburg and nephew Fred Garratt of Kansas City. Daughter Elida Cottle, preceded him in death.

Transcribed and Contributed by Joyce McCool