JAMES WHITE 1845-1905

WHITE, PASSWATER

Posted By: Dana Roquet (email)
Date: 10/31/2010 at 07:43:10

Obituary it part of story see below.

Fremont Gazette
Thursday Aug 3, 1905

A SUDDEN DEATH

James White Falls From Dray Saturday and Expires at Once

The community was shocked Saturday morning by the announcement that Jas. White was dead, and many could not believe the news, as he was on the business streets only a short time before his death occurred apparently in good health. Mr. White had been in the dray business in Fremont for twenty years or more and was one of the best known and best liked men around town. He had gone to the Central depot about seven o’clock Saturday morning to put on a load of freight and was on his way up town when the fatality occurred. Chas. Boals, a boy 11 years old, was riding on the seat with him and when in front of Kennel’s lumber yard Mr. White pitched off the dray seat falling to the ground, striking his head and breaking his neck. The boy says he uttered no word nor was there any jolt of the wagon that could have thrown him off. He was subject to dizzy spells and may have had on of these attacks and fell from the seat. Or his death may have been caused from heart disease or apoplexy and life extinct before he struck the ground. He was carried into the house of his son Sam White, but life had left the body before he was removed. The coroner was summoned but decided an inquest unnecessary after learning the facts.

Jas. White was a man well liked by everyone and the number who attended the funeral attested his popularity in this community. His was one of the largest funerals ever held in Fremont. We are indebted to Elder Ira Barr, a life long friend of the family, for the following.

OBITUARY

James White was born near Indianapolis, Ind., Oct 11, 1845. He came with his parents to Iowa in 1848, locating in Keokuk County where he grew to manhood.

He was married to Miss Melvina Passwater Nov. 16, 1864. To this union were born eleven children, seven of whom survive him, four sons and three daughters—four children having died in infancy. He made a profession of Christianity under the preaching of Elder G.T. Johnston and united with the Christian church in Fremont nearly thirty years ago.

He with his wife moved to Bates County, Mo., and after remaining there about six years returned to Keokuk County, Iowa. He with his companion and family again moved and located in Fremont, about twenty-two years ago where they have ever since resided. He engaged in the avocation of city drayman about twenty-one years ago following it continually up to the time of his death which came very sudden and without warning Saturday morning, July 29, 1905, at about 7:30 o’clock, while he was engaged in his work with his team. He fell from his wagon and only breathed a few times after seen by friends.

He died at the age of 59 years, 9 months and 18 days. He leaves a companion, seven children, one grandchild, three brothers, six sisters and many other relatives and friends to mourn their loss. He was a kind and affectionate husband and father, and was always looking after the care and well-being of his children; also a quiet, peaceable citizen, a kind neighbor ever ready to lend a helping hand and will be much missed by the family circle and the community.

The funeral services were held in the Christian church Monday afternoon, at 2:30 o’clock conducted by Elder Ira Barr and assisted by Rev. A.R. Liverott, of Des Moines, minister of the Christian church of Fremont. After the services his remains were followed by a large concourse of sorrowing and sympathizing friends to the Fremont cemetery and there placed to rest, to await the resurrection of all.