St. John, James R. 1858-1904

ST JOHN, ADNEY, MINNEY, PRINDLE, CHILDERS, HOOK, DUTTON

Posted By: Doreen McMillen (email)
Date: 5/27/2004 at 12:47:37

OBITUARY OF James Robert St. John - (died 19 June 1904)

On Sunday, June 19th passed away one of the oldest settlers in this vicinity, James Robert St. John, and a very interesting character to those who knew him well. He was born at Springfield, Illinois Sept 16, 1858. While still a child he removed with his family to Wyota, Wisconsin. After attaining his majority he located with his mother and family near Boaz, in the same state. This was in 1856. On the 14th day of February, 1860 he was married to Miss Esther C. Adney at the home of her brother, Daniel W. Adney. She survives him. He came to Clayton County on Feb. 1st 1864, and has resided near McGregor since that time. Mr. St. John was not a money getter, but was a hard faithful worker, unselfish, patient and industrious. With an unusually robust physique, he possessed great physical strength and endurance of which he was not always economical. His want of care for himself probably induced Brights disease which cost his life. He was a loving and faithful husband, a kind and indulgent father. His eveness of temper, patience and devotion to his family, and above all his moral cleanliness endeared him to his friends and family. One of his acquaintances said of him, "I have known him over 30 years under all kinds of circumstances and I never heard him utter coarse word or sentiment." Without the training of schools, he was a born gentleman with all the best that word implies.

There survives him besides his widow, four children; Willard now living in St. Paul, Elva Adney, Florence Minney and Effie Prindle. Brave and gentle spirit; Hail and farewell! The funeral services were held at the home Tuesday afternoon, Rev. D. C. Dutton of the Methodist church officiating.

CARD OF THANKS. The family wish to thank those who so kindly assisted and offered assistance in their sad bereavement. MRS. ST. JOHN and children.

The relatives who were called here by the sickness and death of the late Robert St. John were a sister, Mrs. John Childers of Blue River, a brother, Horace Hook of Boaz and D. W. Adney of Soldiers Grove, Wisconsin, a son Willard and grandson Roy of St. Paul.
------------------------

Additional information:
(From John R. Adney records available on microfiche at the LDS)
Robert St. John removed with parents to Wyota, Wisc., and in 1850 settled with widowed mother and family at Boaz, Wisc., and became one of the first settlers in Clayton County, Iowa, and one of the most respected citizens of McGregor.

****

Doreen McMillen
(Great-Great Granddaughter of John T. Adney and Sarah Oxberger)

__________________________________

Added by S.Ferrall 1/19/2020:

The source of the obit posted by Doreen McMillen (above) is McGregor News, Wednesday, June 29, 1904

Note: Vol A, Clayton co. Death Records indicate burial in Guttenberg, but he does not appear on the burial listings of that cemetery. He & his wife Esther are buried in the Giard cemetery.