Crain, James 1839 - 1913

CRAIN, THURLBURN, BROKER, WHITE, ADAMS

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 8/5/2021 at 20:31:25

Elkader Register & Argus, Thur., 25 Dec. 1913. Volga City Views column. By his Pastor, Rev. Roberts. Condensed.

James Crain was born in Willingham, Cambridgeshire, England, on March 29th, 1839. At a very early age he came to America, and, after spending a few years in Lockport, N.Y., came west, arriving in Volga in 1854. He was the son of Wm. Crain, and together they started farming as Wm. Crain & Son, on 80 acres of land that was untilled, also hiring out to labor by the day, receiving 75 cents per day for a long hard days work.

On Feb. 1, 1859, he was married to Harriet Thurlburn. Two children, Emma and Clara, were born to this union. Mrs. Harriet Crain died July 20th, 1870.

He was married the second time on August 3, 1871, to Miss Jane Broker. Two children were born to this union, Willie, who died Feb. 27th, 1875, and Delos. Mrs. Jane Crain died Aug. 23rd, 1905.

August 26th, 1906, he was married to Mrs. Melissa White, who, with three children, eleven grandchildren and one great-grandchild, who dearly loved him, now deeply mourn his death. Like a good soldier our brother endured the hardship of pioneer life, being compelled to do without many things that we now call necessities.

During his illness he was so kind, so patient, so submissive, and if he suffered any pain he gave no outward evidence of it. Perhaps from his life we may learn to bear our pain less complainingly. Perhaps we shall show a more cheerful face to the world, perhaps we shall learn that the only abiding thing is the abiding truth that God has given in His word, and in His power to save. Let us learn to conquer. Let us learn that all true service to the Creator is from the heart.

Mr. Crain has been Treasurer of the Farmers' Creamery Association for the past twenty-five years. He is a stockholder in the Farmers' State Bank and in all these companies he will be sadly missed. The funeral was held in the Presbyterian church Tuesday afternoon, at two o'clock, Rev. Roberts officiating, assisted by Rev. Piper.

His Pastor, Rev. Roberts.

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Same paper, date and columns.

W. J. Adams and S. J. White, of St. Joseph, Mo., arrived Sunday afternoon to attend the funeral of their grandfather, James Crain.