James P. Gage 1863-1904

GAGE, JOYCE, FLOURNEY

Posted By: Michael J. Kearney (email)
Date: 12/16/2002 at 09:30:15

The Clinton Daily Herald Wednesday April 19, 1904 p.5 Death of J.P. Gage Former Clintonite supposedly Ends Life in Chicago Found in His Apartment With the Gas Turned on - Was a Former Banker of Clinton - Prominent in Chicago During World's Fair The following taken from the Chicago Examiner of this morning's issue brings to notice the death of James P. Gage, a former Clinton business man and banker. The Examiner says: "Having gone through a fortune in the last ten years, James P. Gage, forty years old, a banker of Clinton, Iowa, was found dead in his room, 18 Eldridge court last evening. Gas escaping from an open jet showed the manner of his death. It is said he had been drinking heavily of late. "Gage was well known in this city, having been in the banking business here during the world's fair." James P. Gage, who for a number of years, was one of the most prominent figures on the streets of Clinton, was the son of James P. Gage, at one time president of the First National bank of Lyons, and the founder of the Farmer's and Citizens bank of Clinton, Iowa. Upon the death of James P. Gage, Sr., the management of the Farmer's and Citizen's bank passed into the hands of Bidwell and James P. Gage. Bidwell Gage retired from the management, in a short time, and soon after came his demise, upon which James P. Gage took charge of the property and interests of his father's estate. With the combination of the Gage interests and local capitalists, including such men as A.R. Olney, Simon Shoecraft, B.H.A. Henningsen and Walter I. Hayes the Merchants National bank of Clinton was organized, it taking the business of the Farmers and Citizens bank with James P. Gage for some time in active connection with the same. Eventually he sold out much of his interest and the control of the Merchants National bank and retired to private life; his health breaking down and much suffering from rheumatism becoming the main courses. Mrs. James P. Gage, the mother, died about seven years ago, and of the immediate family, but two sisters remain, Mrs. R.C. Flourney of Sioux City and Mrs. W.T. Joyce of Chicago. Mr. Joyce is now president of the Merchants National bank in which the family as a whole have retained a heavy interest. At the time of his death James P. Gage was possessed of a good income derived from his mother's estate after her death. Since the death of his mother Mr. Gage has resisted for the most part in Chicago. The remains will be brought to Clinton from Chicago and interment will be made at Oakland beside his parents. It has not yet been announced just when the funeral party will reach Clinton. During his many years of residence in Clinton, James P. Gage was recognized by all his associates in banking and business circles as a man of strict integrity. Said one well known professional man. "I knew James P. Gage well and know that he never incurred an obligation of any sort, but what he made every effort to meet it fairly and squarely." While engaged in the banking business and during the years of his life in Clinton, James P. Gage was prominent in many ways. Fond of society, a faultless and even scrupulous dresser, he was withal a generous and whole souled man. Whatever he undertook was entered into with a heartiness of spirit that marked all of his ventures. In the short forty years of his life he had drunk to the dregs of life's cup of happiness and sorrow. If the end came as it is supposed by his own hands, his old friends can but say "Requiescat in pace."
The Clinton Morning Age Vol 21 No. 81 Saturday April 23, 1904 The remains of the late James P. Gage are now at the Joyce home from whence they will be taken to Oakland for burial. Mrs. R.C. Flourney of Sioux City reached Clinton Thursday, and Mrs. W.T. Joyce is expected to arrive from California today. Should Mrs. Joyce reach Clinton today, the funeral will be held in the afternoon at 2:30. In case Mrs. Joyce is delayed in her journey, the funeral will be on Sunday afternoon at the same hour. The services will be conducted by the Rev. T.W. Jones, rector of Grace church.