Sunday's Obituary - Bessie Runner

The invitations were sent. The family was busy preparing to celebrate her high school graduation, and then she contracted measles. 


As we well know, sometimes our research brings us to unfortunate and sad events. While doing a little more research on the family of Olin and Martha Eva (Hardenbrook) Runner, I came across this obituary of their daughter, Bethulia (Bessie) Runner, who died just before her high school graduation.

Measles Followed by Pneumonia Proved Fatal

Death of Miss Bessie Runner, a Member of the Graduating Class of the Hammondsport High School

Hammondsport, April 18 – The funeral of Miss Bessie Runner was held yesterday afternoon at the North Urbana Church. Rev. D.I. Pitts of the Methodist Church of Hammondsport, officiating. The deceased was the only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Olin Runner of North Urbana, and would have been 19 years of age if she had lived until today.

Several weeks ago she was taken ill with measles and this was followed by an attack of pneumonia from which she could not rally. Miss Runner was an exceptionally bright girl, a great favorite among her young friends, and greatly beloved. She was a member of the graduating class of 1904 of Hammondsport High School and would have also graduated from the class this year. She is survived by her parents and two brothers. 

Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, Tuesday, April 19, 1904 p. 3, col 2

Sunday's Obituary - Martha Eva Hardenbrook Runner

As I drill down on the editing of the Hardenbrook monograph, and continue to "fill in the dash," I came across this obituary for the person I had only seen listed as Eva Hardenbrook Runner.  Her obit told me her name was actually Martha Eva, where she was born, her religious affiliation, and most important, her death date and burial location.  

Mrs. Martha Eva Runner, 86, died Monday night at her home at Hammondsport R.D.1 following an extended illness. She was born in Mt. Morris August 18, 1859, the daughter of Edward and Evelyn Thompson Hardenbrook. Mrs. Runner was a member of the Wayne Methodist Church. She is survived by her husband, Olin, two sons, Hallie of Hammondsport and Wendell of Stanley; seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

The body is at the Bond Funeral Home and will be taken to her late home where funeral services will be held Thursday at 2 o’clock. The Rev. Earl Jones pastor of the Hammondsport Methodist Church will officiate and burial will be in Pleasant Valley Cemetery.

Corning NY Evening Leader, Tuesday, October 30, 1945