S. C. James

JAMES

Posted By: Alice Daniels (email)
Date: 9/7/2013 at 11:52:06

Semi Weekly Iowegian
May 14, 1907

DEATH OF C. S. JAMES
A PROMINENT CITIZEN

Member National Executive
Council G. A. R.— Man
Honored and Respected by All

By the death of S. C. James Saturday night a great loss has befallen the city, the G.A.R. and the Methodist church. For several weeks he had been in failing health because of heart trouble, and for several days it was realized that the end was near. His wife and two sons,
Drs. S. C. and Lora D. James, were with him in his last days, while gradually the hour approached when life's work was to end.
New York was his birthplace, near Utica, June 9, 1841 and there it was that he felt the call to service for his country, enlisting in Company B First United States sharpshooters (Berdan's). This was the beginning of a useful and honorable military career, both in war and in peace. After participating in many thrilling engagements as a part of the army of the Potomac, he returned to the duties of a private citizen, and has ever measured up to the highest standard of conduct as such. He has taken a special interest in the promotion of the interests of his comrades of the 60's and in turn has been honored by them. At the time of his death he was a member of the executive committee of the council of administration of the G. A. R. in which place he served six years. In all the national encampments during that time he has had a prominent part, and has been considered a useful member of the committee in providing for the great gatherings. He has also been president of the Berdan's Sharpshooters organization, and at the time of his death was treasurer, having attended the meetings of the organization for many years.
His marriage took place in 1869, but it was not till after he had resided in Kansas several years that he came to make this county his permanent home. He went to Kansas late in the 60's from which state he returned in 1880. He taught school in his younger days, but was engaged in farming till coming to Centerville in 1888. In Centerville no man was more generally respected or more beloved than Mr. James. He was universally recognized as a man of true heart and pure life.
In the Methodist church he was counted one of the most devoted and exemplary of christians. He was in turn steward, treasurer, trustee, class leader, and member of the official board. Instinctively he seemed to regard the church and its interests as a part of his responsibilities in life. Because of his life and work Methodism has profited much in this community. His political affiliation was with the republican party, and his conception of political life was that the true citizen should ever be an exponent of the principles of morality and temperance. He
had the courage to be active in those things that came to his hand to do, the doing of which seemed necessary for the betterment of the community. Actuated by such motives as his the
work that he did was sure to result in good to the city in which he lived. The growth of Centerville in an industrial way, in beauty, and in virtue was something in which he took much pride.
The funeral Monday afternoon was one of the most largely attended ever held in Centerville. At 1:30 the body was taken to the Methodist church, where friends took the fare well look, previous to the services at 2:00 o'clock.
The G. A. R. post was present in a body, also the W. R. C. The floral offerings were very elaborate and beautiful. The casket was draped in an American flag and surrounded by the floral emblems sent by many friends and societies. The funeral sermon was preached by the pastor, Rev. W. H. Perdow, and this was followed by words
of tribute from presiding Elder A. V. Kendrik, who knew Mr. James intimately and spoke in tender words of his and life his example. The pastor characterized him as the true type of gentleman, and considered him given by the great ruler of the universe to his family, the church, the community and the G. A. R. as a man who could
accomplish much good. The church choir sang "Abide With Me," and "It is Well With My Soul." Miss Ruby Randle sang a solo, "Unanswered Yet." The G. A. R. ritualistic service was
used at the grave.
The G. A. R. post had a guard of honor go to the home and escort the remains to the church. In the guard were Harry Duckworth, Gordon Peacock, J. I. Ong, Silas Parker, Geo. Barnthouse and Jacob Dilts. The Post acted as escort for the family which went to the church later, being joined at the square by the W. R. C. The pallbearers were also from the post being:
J. C. McDonald, Cincinnati, J. Tibbets, Robert Kingsbury, A. K. Koontz, J. A. Wilson, and John Fuller. Comrades present from other places were: R. B. Carson, John Albertson, H. Clinkenbeard and others from Moulton: Tillman Langford and Cooper Cooley, Numa; J. C. McDonald, James Trent and others, Cincinnati; J. J. Stone, N. M. Scott, John Fuller Mystic.