McALLISTER, James Alexander 1829/1830 - 1863

MCALLISTER, FOX, RANEY, BURGESS

Posted By: Richard K. Thompson (email)
Date: 5/18/2012 at 20:45:17

Fairfield Ledger
Fairfield, Jefferson county, Iowa
Thursday, August 27, 1863
Pg. 3 Col. 3

(Note: due to the nature of an ongoing war, full obituaries sometimes were not published until some time had passed after the death of a particular soldier. That was evidently the case for James Alexander McALLISTER)

DIED – At St. Louis City Hospital, May 22d, 1863, James A. McALLISTER (sic. full given name was James Alexander McALLISTER), aged 34 years. He was a member of Co. H., 30th Regiment Iowa Volunteers; held the position of Orderly Sergeant. One might have looked through many regiments and there could have been found none who possessed more amiable qualities of character than he; noble in spirit, kind disposition, brave as prudence ever demanded, obliging to all, affable in speech and manner, smiles, such as Christianity graces the countenances with, adorned his, and of him we can further say, none knew him but to love and respect him. For many years he was a faithful member of the Presbyterian Church in this place. He took delight in attending the ministration of God’s word. With me and many others while in the army,engaged in divine service often vocally joining in our devotions. As to his religion – “No changes of season or place, Would make any change in his mind.” Long will the 30th Iowa, and especially those of Co. H, remember the cheerful countenance of our departed friend, McALLISTER. He always had a word of kindness to each one with whom he conversed. In his much and long sickness Christian patience was manifest. He has left us, but gone to a fairer clime beyond the tide. A wife and one dear little child (sic.possibly there were two children, not one) are looking up and waiting for Jesus to call them to the home of the husband and father. John BURGESS

* Transcribed for genealogy purposes. I am not related to the person(s) mentioned.

Note: James Alexander McALLISTER was a native of PA., born about 1829/1830. He married Elizabeth FOX McALLISTER on December 28, 1859 in Jefferson county, Iowa. She and a daughter, Mary E McALLISTER RANEY (Mrs. John Loomis RANEY) are buried in 1st.047 in Evergreen cemetery, Fairfield, Iowa. There may have been a son born as well, but his full name and date information is not known at this time.

James Alexander McALLISTER enlisted on August 12, 1862 as First Sergeant. Mustered into service on September 14, 1862. Died of disease May 22, 1863 at St. Louis, MO. Buried in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, Saint Louis, St. Louis county, MO.