Canada, James 1861 - 1931

CANADA, HAMMOND, RYAN, YOUNG, POWERS, PAINE

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 11/16/2022 at 10:29:29

Clayton County Register, Thur., 13 Aug. 1931.

James Canada, who has been in failing health for several months, died Friday, August 07, at the age of 70 years, six months and ten days. He was born in Wisconsin, January 27, 1861, the son of John and Mary (Hammond) Canada but was raised and lived nearly all his life in this section of the state. His mother died when he was still a child and he made his home with an aunt near Dyersville, where he received his education in the country schools.

August 31, 1884, here in Elkader, he was united in marriage with Margaret Ryan, and to this union six children were born, all of whom, together with the widow, survive, namely: Kenneth, of Columbus, O.; Mrs. Mildred Young of Portland, Ore.; Mrs. Winnifred Powers of Lloydminister, Canada; Mrs. Mary Paine; Maurice of Chicago, and James, Jr. of Webster City, Iowa.

Five years after his marriage Mr. Canada, or "Jimmie," as he was well and familiarly known to scores and scores of people of this county, to the position of custodian of the Clayton county court house. He held this post continuously for 40 years and only once during that time asked for and received a vacation from his work.

During that span of 40 years "Jimmy" saw county officials come and go. He was always on hand to bid the outgoing officials goodbye and to welcome the new officials. In such a public place, where many people call each day, a great many knew him only by his familiar name (a few words blurred) February, 1929, when he retired from his work, his witty Irish sayings, his clog dances and his other characteristic traits have been missed at the court house where a farewell party was held for him by the county officials prior to the time that he and Mrs. Canada went to Chicago to live with some of their children. This year Mr. and Mrs. Canada returned to Elkader, where they spent several months.

He was a member of the local St. Joseph's church, where services were held Monday morning, interment being made in St. Joseph's cemetery, the Rev. Father J. P. Taken officiating.

Pallbearers were: H. M. Wolf, E. A. Burlingame, Richard Leonard, Wm. H. Walther, Frank Liddy, and Chris P. Larson, old neighbors and friends of the Canada family.