JAMES, Margaret (Howard) 1839-1904

JAMES, HOWARD, STARR, HALL, HOVELSON, GAGE, VAN GILDA

Posted By: Marilyn O'Connor (email)
Date: 1/29/2009 at 13:34:27

MARGARET JAMES

Margaret Howard was born in Maracaibo, Venezuela, South America, April 1, 1839, and died in Osage, Iowa, March 3, 1904. While she was still a young child she came with her parents to the U.S. and settled in New London Connecticut. In 1855, she came to Dundee, Wisconsin.

In February 1861, at her home in Auburn, Wisconsin, she was united in marriage to John R. James. Though but twenty-two years of age she at once assumed the responsibility and entered upon the duty of caring for Mr. James household which already consisted of four children, three of whom are still living, Mrs. E. A. Hall of LeRoy, Mrs. Sarah E. Hovelson of Osage, and Edward H. James, Osage.

In 1867,the family moved to Mitchell county, Iowa, and settled in Rock township.

Ten years later they moved to Osage where they continued to reside until Mr. James’ death in 1892.

Since then Mrs. James has been cared for mostly by her son, Frank, with whom a home was provided, and her other children and her sister Mrs. Mary Starr.

Mrs James was the mother of three children, two of whom are living, F. E.of Osage, and Lewellyn of Sioux City. Four sisters, Mrs. Mary E. Starr of Osage, Mrs. Lizzie Gage of Rockford, Michigan, Mrs. Susan Van Gilda, and Miss Sarah Howard, both of Big Rapids, Michigan, and one brother Philip Howard of Waupaca, Wisconsin, survived her. There are also six grand children.

In 1879 Mrs James was baptized and united with the Baptist church of Osage.

The older members recall what a large place her husband had and what a tower of strength he was in the church work, particularly in building the house of worship and the parsonage. So far as she was able Mrs. James shared in this work and so far as she was able has attended the services in the Lord’s house.

Mrs James has not been well for years. Though active and not confined to the bed yet she suffered from a gradual failing of her faculties, due doubtless to a severe illness.

For some months past she has been much worse and frequently failed to recognize her friends but before her departure the Father graciously granted her the power of recognizing and speaking intelligently with her loved ones. At the evening time there was light before the spirit was released from its prison house of clay to be wafted into the presence of its Maker.

The funeral service conducted by her Pastor, Rev. D. L. Coon, was held at the home of her son
Frank, on West Main street last Saturday afternoon and the body was placed beside that of her husband in the Osage cemetery.

[Osage News -- March 10, 1904]