James, Arthur E. 1860-1929

JAMES, HAYS, ANSBORN

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 6/29/2012 at 10:36:28

The Grinnell (IA) Herald; Aug. 13, 1929

A.E. JAMES WAS PIONEER OF COUNTY
(From The Montezuma Republican)

Arthur E. James, son of Henry and Margaret James, was born June 18th, 1860, and departed this life Sept. 3, 1929, at the age of 69 years, 2 months and 15 days.

He was united in marriage to Lucy E. Hays, Sept. 21, 1879. To this union were born three daughters and three sons, two of the daughters being twins. One of them died in infancy and the other one at the age of four years. Besides the faithful wife, one daughter and three sons are left to mourn his loss. The daughter is Mrs. J.A. Ansborn, who resides near the home place, the three sons, John of Grinnell, Harry and Irvan, near the home place, one son-in-law, three daughters-in-law, 12 grandchildren, and other relatives and friends.

He was the last of the family of seven brothers. His father came from Indiana, and his mother came from Kentucky in the year 1849, and settled in Poweshiek county, Iowa, where Arthur was born in a cabin partly made of logs where he spent his early childhood days. Later this home burned down. His parents then built a frame house just a little east of the old one, which is still used as a dwelling house. Here he grew to manhood, later marrying and building his present home within a stones-throw, where he lived and died.

He joined the Baptist church about eighteen years ago, and has lived a faithful Christian life, always doing his part and many times more. He will be greatly missed in his home and community where he lived so many years.

Mr. James has suffered with asthma and heart trouble for several years, and his last few minutes of suffering were intense. He told his family he was going and bade them goodbye. All that medical aid and loving hands could do was done. In two weeks and four days Mr. and Mrs. James would have celebrated their golden anniversary, and he had looked forward to the event, hoping to live to enjoy that day, but God saw otherwise.

The funeral services were held from the Little Mount Baptist church, Union township, Thursday afternoon, with the Rev. E.M. Gregson in charge. The Rev. E.W. Gregson assisted. Interment at the cemetery at the church.

Mrs. Clifford Braley and Mrs. Leo Farley sang, with Mrs. Henry McMeekin at the organ.