Obituary--Harry B. Markle

Have you noticed that most of my recent obituary postings have been from 1914?  As we go through our archived obituaries while slowly re-entering them in our new database, I occasionally find one that catches my attention.  As a result, I have been copying out many of them to share. 
This one caught my eye because of the  cause of death.  So many of the common causes of death back then are almost unheard of in current times.  
From the 8 October 1914 Fremont TimesIndicator:

HARRY B. MARKLE IS TYPHOID VICTIM
Popular Highway Commissioner of Sheridan Passes Away After Illness of One Week.
Harry B. Markle, highway commissioner of Sheridan township, passed away at his home Sunday, after a week's illness of typhoid fever.  He was 39 years of age the first day of last January.
Mr Markle was born on the old homestead in Sheridan township just across the road from the place where his family now lives.  He made his home there with his parents until his marriage 16 years ago to Miss Alma Anderson, of Sheridan.  Since that time he has lived in the new home.
Four children were born to this union, namely, Cora, Deva, June and Julia, the three oldest girls survive their father.  Julia died in infancy about a year ago.
Mr Markle was a member of the order of Gleaners, Arbor 739, having joined this society last June.
Harry Markle was an honest, industrious gentleman and was held in high esteem in the community in which he lived.  He was a good husband and a loving father.  He will be missed by his wide circle of acquaintances to whom he always proved a true friend.
The funeral services were held from the home Tuesday, Rev. J. F. Bowerman of the Methodist church, officiating.  The body was laid to rest in Maple Grove cemetery.


Thankfully today, typhoid fever, at least in West Michigan is a thing of the past.  Life was so tentative and perilous then.  Typical as well in this time is the fact that he was a member of the Gleaners. In this time before television, and radio, these lodges and clubs were a great source of entertainment to people.