Iliff, James 1831-1896

ILIFF

Posted By: Barbara Hug (email)
Date: 7/24/2003 at 11:45:47

Mr. James Iliff, who for about three years has been making his home with his brother-in-law, Mr. David Scholes, in this city, died on Saturday evening last, about four o’clock, after just a week’s illness from rheumatism, which finally resulted in congestion of the brain.

Mr. Iliff’s age was about 65 years.

He was an affable, courteous old gentleman, whose pleasing manners and kindly disposition made for him friends of all who were brought into his company.

His wife died in this city about four years ago, while on a visit here with her brother, Mr. David Scholes, and was taken to Chicago of interment.

Soon afterward Mr. Iliff returned to Newton, and has since been kindly cared for by Mr. and Mrs. Scholes and their daughter.

His circle of acquaintances was not very large but many of our people will remember his especially by his close friendship and almost constant companionship with Bertie McGregor, the little blind son of Mr. and Mrs. J. McGregor; and when Bertie’s parents moved to Colorado Springs, father Iliff seemed lost without his little companion.

Mr. Iliff was a native of England – born in 1831, but has lived in America since he was sixteen years of age. He was a clerk in the store of the great merchant prince, A. R. Stewart, in New York City. He afterwards was in business in Cincinnati, Port Jarvis, N. Y. and Chicago, and has a son living in the latter city.

The funeral services, conducted by Rev. J. E. Ryan, assisted by Dr. J. C. Jacoby, were held at Mr. Scholes’ residence Monday evening at 5 o’clock, attended by a large number of friends including about sixty members of the Masonic Lodge with the K. T. Band. Singing was by Misses Ora Townsend and Ida Griebeling and Messrs. Frank Long and Fred Hough, with Miss Anna Treman as organist. The body was taken to Chicago on No. 4, and interred in Rose Hill Cemetery by the side of the companion of his youth. ~ The Newton Record, Friday, April 10, 1896, Page 1, Column 2