OBIT: Peter J. COVER, 1915, Meyersdale, Somerset County, PA

File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Meyersdale Library.
Transcribed and proofread by: Keith Petenbrink.

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Cover, Peter J.

P. J. COVER DIES SUDDENLY FROM HEART FAILURE, One of Meyersdale Best Known and 
Greatly Esteemed Residents Passes Away After, Fifty years Continuous Business 
Record, Funeral Services Sunday. Fifty years of a successful business career 
were ended for Peter J. Cover last Thursday evening between the hours of six and 
seven o'clock and while others were thinking of the rest which the night 
promised, his spirit plumed its flight to the realms of eternal day, where none 
grow sick or weary. His death was due to heart failure. Although seriously ill 
for a long time last summer, he had recovered in part so that he was enabled for 
months past to be about the store and take an active interest in that which was 
his life work. On Tuesday evening he made his last return from the store and 
while he kept in his bed about all of the remaining time of his life which was 
but two days, he did not suffer to any great extent. Peter J. Cover was born in 
1845, thus rounding out the proverbial three score and ten. He first saw the 
light from a dwelling located on the road from Berlin to Somerset. His father 
was Rev. John Cover of what at this day is called the Church of the Brethren and 
he was also a physician having graduated from a school of medicine in Canada. 
Mr. P. J. Cover grew to manhood on his father's farm and assisted in the work 
until he arrived of age when he with his brother engaged in the mercantile 
business at Davidsville. He went to the Stanton Mills, and from that place after 
several years stay he went to Stoyestown, remaining there until he came to this 
place 24 years ago. Mr. Cover started in the hardware business here in a small 
way and today the firm of J. P. Cover & Son's represents one of the largest 
stores of its kind in this section of the state. For some years past the 
business has been run under the name of the present firm of J. P. Cover & Son, 
and business will be continued under the same name as to the hardware business 
and the real estate as well. Mr. Cover was a man who certainly was earnest in 
the conducting of his affairs, yet withal, he did not strive to obtain a 
monopoly in his line of trade. Years ago he began a policy of erecting houses to 
rent until at present there are thirty rentable properties belonging to the 
estate. Mr. Cover charged but a moderate price for his houses, but always 
endeavored in following out good business principles of trying to keep the 
tenants punctual in their rental obligations. Though undemonstrative, there are 
many men who owe him a debt of gratitude for his coming to their rescue when 
they needed help most. He was a man who did much good and made no fuss about it. 
In early life Mr. Cover was a member of the Dunkard, now Church of the Brethren, 
but later he united with the Reformed Church, due to the fact that his wife, nee 
Mary Apple belonged to the latter church. She preceded him to the tomb by five 
years, since which time Mr. Cover made his home with his only living descendent, 
his son, John, who is a worthy successor of his esteemed father. Mr. Cover left 
a will, but it is understood that aside from some minor bequests the bulk of the 
estate in almost its entirety will go to the son. There are five grandchildren. 
The funeral services were held on Sunday afternoon at the home of his son at 2 
o'clock, conducted by the deceased's pastor, Dr. A. E. Truxal. The pallbearers 
were Messrs. W. A. Graves, W. H. Habel, W. H. Deeter, W. B. Cook, Elias Schrock 
and N. E. Miller. The ceremony was very largely attended, attesting the esteem 
held for the departed. Interment was made in the Union Cemetery.

Meyersdale Commercial, Apr. 15, 1915