James Harleck
1850-1930
Merchant, Patriot, Statesman
For his industry and generosity
he will be long remembered
Also
Catherine, his wife.
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Also? She bore seven children,
one of them not quite right:
he had to be tethered to a staircase rail
so he didn’t harm himself.
Also she bled a lot,
slipping silently off while birthing
that eighth bloody babe born dead.
Mr. Harleck was just that touch
too generous,
too industrious with her.
Also?
She was thirty.
