Bottoms, James 1835-1907

BOTTOMS, DEGRAFF

Posted By: Geo Clinton (email)
Date: 4/2/2016 at 19:51:13

September 6, 1907 - Storm Lake Pilot Tribune - Just before the midnight hour closed on Sunday night, the spirit of James Bottoms had flown to the muster who gave it. Since the year 1899 when he suffered a stroke of paralysis he has been unable to leave his home and therefore the messenger of death came as a welcome guest to relieve him of his suffering.

Seventy-two years ago, James Bottoms was born in England. When a mere lad he crossed the seas and came to America. He had an aptness as well as a liking for machinery and so he learned to be an engineer and it was in this line of work that he followed during the most of his career.

He was twice married and by the first marriage three children: two daughters and a son were born. They now reside in Mineral Springs, Wis., but were unable to come when the news of their father's death reached them.

In the year 1892, he was wedded to Mrs. Jane DeGraff, the marriage taking place in Storm Lake. Mrs. Bottoms was a devoted wife and tenderly cared for her husband during the eight years he was an invalid.

When the civil war broke out, the call for brave and strong men came to defend their country. James Bottoms was one to answer the call and faithfully served during his enlistments. Although of a very retiring disposition, during the late years when he was unable to go about he was fond of talking over with his comrades of '61, the scenes of the battlefield.

Brief funeral services were held at the home at 1 o'clock on Tuesday afternoon and the remains were interred in the Storm Lake cemetery.