GILREATH, James Weaver

GILREATH, ACRE, VANDERPOOL, JOHNSTON

Posted By: Sharon R Becker (email)
Date: 2/11/2015 at 06:20:08

Lake Andes Wave
Lake Andes, South Dakota
December, 1916

James W. Gilreath Killed In Auto Accident

James W. Gilreath, son of Mr. and Mrs. W. B. Gilreath , met with a fatal auto accident last Saturday evening [December 19, 1916] about five o'clock, while on his way to Ravinia from his home six miles east of this city [Lake Andes, South Dakota]. Just how the accident happened will never be known, but the supposition is that in going over some rough ground the jar of the steering gear caused him to unknowingly advance the spark and gas feed on the Ford and before he could again gain control the car turned turned over, pinning Mr. Gilreath inderneath it. The running board rested across his face, badly crushing the bones of his skull and face, causing death almost instantaneously. Mr. Ritts of Ravinia was with Mr. Gilreath at the time of the accident, but was thrown clear of the car and suffered only minor bruises. After the accident, which happened three-quarters of a mile north of Ravinia. Mr. Ritts went at once to town and summoned help. The body was taken home and relatives notified of the accident.

It is sad to stand at the bedside at daytime and watch life's ebbing tide drifting the loved ones slowly, perhaps, but surely into the great ocean of eternity, but double so when one is taken away from the midst of loving friends like a gust of wind, with no one near to comfort or cheer him on the way to the great eternity. He was snatched away, in a few minutes life was extinct, and only memory of he who was can be cherished. To the broken hearted wife and family, who sit in sorrow where his footsteps shall never again find echo, to his mother and father, sister and brothers, is extended the most profound sympathy of the entire community.

Funeral services were held from the Presbyterian church in this city Wednesday morning at 11:30 o'clock, conducted by Rev. Foster of the Presbyterian church and Rev. Cash of the Episcopal church. Music was furnished by a mixed quartette composed of Mesdames G.M. Caster and E.J. Lester and Messrs. M.H. Hanna and W.A. Newport. Internment was made in the Lake view cemetery.

Pall bearers were: Hoyle, Loyd, Clay and Harry Gilreath, Clair and Evan Stillion.

James W. Gilreath was born in Decatur county, Iowa , November 13, 1880, making his home with his parents until his marriage to Miss Etta S. Acre at Leon, Iowa, on Februa y 20, 1902. In the spring of 1905 he and family moved to Lyman county to take charge of his father's farm. They remained there for three years and then moved to the W.B. Gilreath farm, east of this city, where they have resided the past four years.

He leaves to mourn his untimely death, his wife and eight children, Willard Velton, Dayton Allen, Russell Earl, Helen Ruby, Homer Clyde, Josephine Irene, Jennie Muriel, Clara Alice; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. B. Gilreath, this city; one sister, Mrs. Oscar Vanderpool of Grand River, Iowa; three brothers, Hoyle, of Yankton; Lloyd, of Sioux City and Clay, of Pierre; besides many other relatives and friends.

Relatives in attendance from a distance were: Harry Gilreath, Mr. and Mrs. T.T. Johnston, and Mrs. Oscar Vanderpool and children of Grand River, Iowa, C. D. Gilreath and wife, Lloyd Gilreath and wife, and Hoyle Gilreath and wife.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, February of 2015