----Source: Colby Phonograph (Colby, Wis.) 04/15/1926

Harter, David M. (11 Apr 1842 - 5 Apr 1926)

David M. Harter, whose death was chronicled in this paper last week, was born in Onadago Co., N.Y., April 11, 1842 and died at Colby, April 5, 1926, having reached within six days of 84 years of age. When three years of age he went to Milwaukee with his father and mother, where the family lived three years, when they moved to the town of Herman, Dodge Co., Wis. Mr. Harter grew to young manhood there, when he answered the call of Lincoln for volunteers to put down the rebellion. He was mustered out at the close of the war and came home to the old farm. A few years later the family moved to another farm, two miles west of Hartford, Wis. On Feb. 14, 1867, Mr. Harter was married to Amanda Nelsen, which union was blessed with four sons, all of who survive. They are George of Hartford, Edwin of Pomona, Cal., Adrian of Rubicon and Harry of Colby. He also leaves one brother, C. W. Harter of Weywauega.

Mrs. Harter died five years ago, after a number of years of sickness. The last year and a half, she was confined to her bed, after several operations. Mr. Harter would not let anyone take care of her but himself. He took care of her till he was completely exhausted.

Of late years, Mr. Harter and old comrades of the war would get together and tell of their experiences and, when the boys of the last great struggle began to come back, he enjoyed listening to their stories of their close calls and how they fought and won the victory. He loved the Stars and Stripes and Uncle Sam.

About three years ago he came to Colby, Wis. and made his home with his son Harry.

Funeral services were held at the home Wednesday, and Thursday morning he was brought to Colby, where he was met by the American Legion, and, after fitting services, was placed on the train for Hartford. Thursday afternoon, another funeral service was held, and escorted by the Hartford American Legion, was borne to the cemetery and laid by the side of his wife after a volley was fired and taps was sounded.

Mr. Harter was devoted to his friends and family and his friends will remember him as a man whose word was as good as his bond.