A Pioneer Returns to the Old Home to Die
James J. Harned reached the Pacific at seventeen, became one of Port Townsend’s most useful citizens, and came back one last time to say goodbye.
On Wednesday morning, May 2, 1877, at the residence of his brother in this place, James J. Harned died. Mr. Harned was well known to all our citizens, for his home for many years had been here, and his quiet ways and many amiable qualities had endeared him to every one that met him. He was born in New Jersey, and was at the time of his death 45 years of age. Though he came to the coast when but seventeen years old, in 1849, he was quick to learn and apt to do, and was one of the best informed and most useful men this community ever had.
One year ago, Mr. Harned, then living in Portland, had an attack of typhoid fever, from which he never fully recovered. Failing gradually, he went to San Diego, Cal., three months since, in the hope that a change of climate would prove of benefit. Still growing weaker, he was brought, a week before, to this his “old home” (as he always spoke of it). Only coming here, however, for a few days, to look his fond wife in the face and take the hand of sympathizing friends, and then pass on to another and better home. His family have more than words can speak to console them in the good will shown by these friends.
The funeral of Mr. Harned was held on Thursday at 3 P. M. The ceremonies were of the most impressive character, being held at the Presbyterian church and conducted by Rev. Mr. Damon.
“Only coming here, however, for a few days, to look his fond wife in the face and take the hand of sympathizing friends, and then pass on to another and better home.”
Port Townsend’s identity is still wrapped in its pioneer past, but Harned’s obituary shows how mobile and fragile that founding generation was: a young man who arrived in 1849, drifted to Portland, and returned home only at the end. The impulse to come back to a place that feels like home is not a modern invention.
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