Twin Lakes Miner - January 19, 1907

Another Pioneer Passes Away.

Mrs. Emma W. Harlan, a Grand Old Woman and Mother of a Sturdy Progeny, Passes into the Great Beyond in Los Angeles, California.

Mrs. Emma W. Harlan passed away on the evening of January 12th, at Los Angeles, surrounded by several of her sorrowing children, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. I. E. Condron. Internal injuries sustained in falling down stairs during, what is surmised, a paralytic stroke, was the immediate cause of her death.

Deceased was born 75 years ago, in Maryland, and passed her youth in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, where she was married to George W. Harlan. Afterwards they moved to Guthrie county, Iowa, and imbued with the true pioneer spirit they moved to Leadville during the excitement of 1879. Still later they moved permanently to Twin Lakes, where Mr. harlan's death occurred during the year 1888.

She leaves behind to mourn her demise the following children; E. B. Harlan of Twin Lakes, John P. Harlan of Pierce, Idaho, Mesdames M. Dunkin and Eva H. France of Hoquiam, Wash., Mrs. I. F. Trumbull of Seattle, Wash., and Mrs. I. E. Condron of Los Angeles, California.

For the last few years Mrs. Harlan has spent much of her time in Twin Lakes with her son Elwood. She was universally beloved in this community by young and old, and much respected for her truly Christian spirit and lovable character. Her demise has secured for her a place in the heavenly Canaan, where sorrows and misfortunes are unknown, and joy and happiness forever reign.

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Centennial history of Guthrie county, Iowa
by Sadie B. Maxwell. Des Moines: Carter, Hussey & Curl (published 1876)

Emma W. Harlan– Mrs. Harlan was married at the age of sixteen; came to the county when it was wild and new; is the mother of a large family of children, (eight or nine) and yet she has found time for reflection, and action upon all the important topics of the times.

During the war she had the courage to make patriotic speeches – a thing but few women had the courage to do. She was agent for our county for the Soldier's Orphan's Home. She has, upon several occasions, read the Declaration of Independence for Fourth of July Celebrations, and has found time to prepare and deliver several temperance lectures.

Besides all this, she has been a frequent contributor to the newspapers. What man would or could have accomplished more? A man may accomplish more in one line of business, or one kind of work, than a woman, but I defy men to look after and keep track of as many different things as women do.