Orville James 1845-1929

JAMES, HANKS, SPOONER, LOMBARD

Posted By: Geo Clinton (email)
Date: 4/2/2016 at 15:31:12

Storm Lake Pilot Tribune - September 19, 1929 - Commander Orville James, Civil war hero and one of the best known Storm Lake citizens for the past 57 years, died at his home, 509 Cayuga street, Wednesday afternoon, September 18.

Mr James had been in failing health for some time. His death was not unexpected. For the past two weeks he had been seriously ill and his passing was expected at any time of the day. During this last illness he was tenderly cared for by Mr and Mrs Charles Spooner and daughter, Miss Esther.

Commander James was universally beloved. In earlier days he was very active in all community affairs. Several years ago he was named as life commander of the G.A.R. post.

He was one of 11 children of a pioneer Ohio family. He was born in Wyandot county, Ohio Sept 19, 1845. He resided in that vicinity until he located in Buena Vista county in 1872. He was united in marriage to Mary Louis Hanks in Ohio on Feb 22, 1872. One child was born to this union, a daughter, Carrie, who died in infancy. She was the first child to be buried in the Storm Lake cemetery.

Mrs James passed away March 12, 1926 at their home in Storm Lake.

After coming to Buena Vista county, Mr and Mrs James located on a farm and lived there for a time. They were among the early settlers and helped to break the prairie sod. Some time later Mr James engaged in the livery business and followed that occupation for a number of years. He also bought stock for Smith Bros. for several years.

Comrade James war record was as follows: He entered the service at Crawford county, Ohio Sept 28, 1863 as a private. He was assigned to Co A, 12th Ohio Volunteer Cavalry as a wagoner and served as a wagoner until the close of the war. He was discharged at Nashville, TN Nov 14, 1865. He was in two engagements during his service, both instances with guerrillas in Kentucky. He was never wounded or in a hospital during any time of his service.

Mr James was sheriff of Buena Vista county and served for 2 terms from 1895 to 1899. He was instigator of the city flag pole which is set up at the south end of the business district on Lake Avenue.

Mr James has no immediate relatives. He has a number of nieces and nephews in Ohio. One niece, Mrs E.V. Lombard, resides at Lake City, MN and another, Mrs Charles Spooner in Storm Lake. Mrs Spooner made her home with Mr and Mrs James for years and was as a daughter to them.

Funeral services will be held at the home Friday afternoon. Burial will be made beside his wife in the Storm Lake cemetery.