James R. Fife 1872-1904

FIFE

Posted By: Cathy Joynt Labath (email)
Date: 11/11/2006 at 17:38:38

Emmetsburg Democrat; Emmetsburg, Palo Alto, Iowa; Wednesday, June 1, 1904

James R. Fife is at Rest.

Mr. James R. Fife, whose serious condition was announced in last week’s Democrat, passed away at his farm home in Emmetsburg township Thursday afternoon at 2:44. Several days previous he underwent a surgical operation for hernia, though he had felt fairly well prior to that time. The attending surgeons were Drs. Van Gorden and Davies. A couple of days later it was thought best to re-open the abdomen to make an adjustment. A change for the worse quickly followed and the patient gradually became worse until death relieved him of his sufferings. The funeral was held Sunday afternoon and was very largely attended. There were from 110 to 112 teams in the procession. Brief services were conducted at the residence by Rev. S.R. Beatty, pastor of the M.E. church. There were many beautiful floral offerings., the gifts of friends, of whom the deceased had many. The interment was in Evergreen cemetery. The pall bearers were Messrs. H.W. Beebe, Gray Gowans, F. Illingworth, A.H. Keller, E.P. Barringer, and Mr. McDonnough.

The deceased was born near Petersborough, Ontario, February 16, 1872. He came to this county with his parents in March, 1886 and, except when he attended school, he spent most of his time on the farm. His father died January 3, 1897, and subsequent to that time he and his brother managed the place. The latter, William, one sister, Miss Mary and the mother are the surviving members of the family.

The deceased was one of the most exemplary young men in Palo Alto county. No one knew him but entertained for him the highest regard. He was unassuming, pure minded, courteous, honest, punctual, a devoted son and brother- a clean, high-minded Christian gentleman. We might say much more concerning his praiseworthy career, but we wish to quote the words of his zealous pastor and intimate friend, Rev. S.R. Beatty, who pronounced the eulogy over his remains.

“To my mind, he represented the ideal type of manhood-morally clean and sound and a Christian. He was by nature modest and retiring, thoughtful and kind to all, honest and square in his dealings. His integrity was never questioned and strongly commended him to his associates and to the business world. He considered every proposition from the standpoint of right and wrong and in all judgments, aimed to be just. Intensely loyal in his friendship, he could tolerate no shame nor deceits of human nature. He was sensitive but optimistic. In fact he was a gentleman by birth, education, and instinct, a commmoner, but the best of his kind. His was the character that was reflected in the old Scottish covenanters- the character that represents the triumph of progress and development, that makes for good in the upbuilding of communities and commonwealths, the character that has compelled admiration by all men in all lands. His personality and influence will be missed, greatly missed by his relatives and by his friends. There is a good man gone.”