Encyclopedia of Connecticut biography, genealogical-memorial ...

the mettle and stamina of which good sol-
diers are made, and but for his youthful
years, on account of which he was rejected
for service, he might have crowned an
earlier career with laurels won on the field
of battle. As it was, he had enlisted for
the Civil War before it was discovered
that, owing to his tender years, the au-
thorities could not accept him even as a
volunteer. No doubt the youthful enthu-
siast was deeply disappointed at the turn
of fate in those days of patriotic fervor
and stirring scenes, but he conquered his
displeasure and diverted his energy and
mechanical skill into industrial lines ; and
in his succeeding occupations and official
connections in the business world he made
of himself a commendable success.
For many years he was regarded as one
of the best business men of the State of
Connecticut. He was widely known also
as a devout member of the Protestant
Episcopal Church, which he had served
efficiently in an official capacity. Mr.
Harral's quality of patriotism was given
a splendid expression during the World
War. He became an active member of
the Third District Draft Board and gen-
erously donated the use of a house on his
property on "Golden Hill" for the duration
of the war. In spite of his advanced
years, he gave more than his share of time
and energy in attendance upon the numerous
meetings and varied and multiform
activities that devolved upon the people
of the city of Bridgeport. No hour was
too early, and none was too late for him
when matters of the government were
under consideration. The spacious dwell-
ing on "Golden Hill," which he turned
over to the use of the boys of the army
and navy, will always serve as a monument
to his memory and to his indefatig-
able devotion to his country. There are
few men who have so fully realized the
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194
responsibilities that come to one as the
steward of wealth as did Mr. Harral.
Democracy, in its broadest sense, ever
dominated his life, set down in the midst
of affluence. He never lost that sense
—
the common touch—which recognizes the
brotherhood of man.
Perhaps no more fitting tribute to the
life and service of Mr. Harral could be
given than that contained in the resolu-
tions adopted by his fellow-directors in
the Morris Plan Bank of Bridgeport
Each day brings to all of us its measure of
sadness and gladness, all in accordance with the
order of Divine Providence. When one who has
been near and dear to us receives the final summons
to appear before his Creator, those whom
he leaves behind are saddened by the loss. The
character of the life that we live leaves upon the
community of which we are a part the impress
of our lives.
In the death of Mr. Edward W. Harral, of
Bridgeport, Connecticut, who truly lived a life
that was a striking example of Christian manhood,
the bank which he so conscientiously and ably
served has met with a severe loss. To his family
we desire to express our most sincere sym-
pathy.
The Morris Plan Bank, of Bridgeport, at its
directors' meeting, held on November 20, 1923,
desires to express its appreciation for the many
kindly acts of cooperation, and deems it a duty
that it owes to one of its departed members to
place itself on record in such a way as to express
its appreciation for his many virtues. We desire
to forward to the members of his family this ex-
pression of sympathy in their great loss in the
death of one whom they held so dear.
Resolved, That we, the directors of the Morris
Plan Bank of Bridgeport, at this meeting vote to
forward to the members of his family a copy of
this resolution.
Edward Wright Harral, sixth child of
Henry Kollock and Sarah Ann (Peet)
Harral, was born in Bridgeport, Decem-
ber 12, 1845. His lineage has for his first
immigrant ancestor on his paternal side
George Harral, born in the city of Heidel-
berg, Germany, September 7, 1744, of
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