Vickers, James, 1829-1907

VICKERS, HART, CORNFORTH, MARSHALL

Posted By: Lydia Lucas-Volunteer (email)
Date: 1/3/2012 at 19:49:05

Answered His Last Call.

Sunday morning the sad news spread through town that good, honest, old Uncle James Vickers had answered the "assembly call" of the bugler of the Lord of Hosts. As Uncle James had been quite low for some time the news was not wholly unexpected, never-the-less the expressions of sorrow were numerous and sincere.

James Vickers was born of English parents, just over the border line in Scotland, April 30, 1829, soon after which his parents removed to Lancaster, England, where he lived till he came to America in March, 1856, going to Boone county, Illinois. On December 25, 1860 he married Miss Elizabeth Hart. To this union was born Elizabeth Alice, but the mother did not survive long, for on August 1, 1862, she passed to that bourne from whence no man returneth. Only ten days after the death of his wife, August 11, 1862, he enlisted in Co. K, 95th Illinois Infantry Volunteers and served his country and his flag till July 8, 1865, when he was honorably discharged.

On January 20th, 1869, he was united in marriage to Mrs. Christiana Cornforth. To them 3 sons were born -- George Marshall, Grant and Joseph [2 or 3 blotted-out words] all of whom survive him. In addition to the three just named his daughter Elizabeth Alice and step children, John and Elias Cornforth and Mrs. James Peterson also live to mourn his departure. He came to Soo county in May 1871 and had resided here ever since.

All of the children, with the exception of Elias, were present Tuesday, to mingle their tears with those of the wife and mother. There was a short service at the home after which the remains were taken to the opera house where Revs. Asmus and Lease held services for an hour and the remains viewed by those who wished to take a last look at their old comrade and citizen, and then taken to Hope cemetery and laid in their last earthly house. Comrades Winch, Brown, Chadwick, Hook, Tuttle and Dean acting as pall bearers.

In addition to the children there were present at the funeral Mrs. Vickers' brother, William Marshall, of Hudson, S.D., and his sons George, James, and Charles, and son-in-law, Jesse Frank, of Alcester, S.D. The Index joins a host of friends in extending sincere sympathy to the bereaved relatives in their hour of sadness. May his ashes rest in peace.

Source: Hull Index, May 17, 1907.

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VICKERS--James Vickers, a veteran of the Civil War and a pioneer of Sioux County, died at his home at the age of seventy eight, Sunday morning, May 12, 1907.

James Vickers, familiarly known as "Uncle Jimmy," was born in Scotland, April 30, 1829, of English parents. He immigrated to America in 1857, settling near Belvidere, Illinois. At the outbreak of the Civil war, he enlisted in the Ninetyfifth Illinois infantry and served throughout the entire war. At the close of the war, he went to California, but soon returned to Illinois, where he married. He came to Sioux county and homesteaded the northwest quarter of section 20, Sheridan township, and lived there till some years since, when he engaged in the harness business in Hull. After selling out in that he lived in retirement.

Mr. Vickers was always a sturdy, rugged man until about five years ago when he suffered a stroke of paralysis. Since that time he has been almost an invalid. Some three weeks ago he again was the victim of paralysis and sunk into a state of utter collapse, the death angel coming to his relief Sunday morning.

The funeral was held from Davidson Memorial hall, Tuesday afternoon at two o'clock, Revs. Lease and Asmus officiating. The final obsequies were in charge of the Masons--Mr. Vickers having been a member of Sapphire lodge, A.F. and A.M. No. 429--assisted by the old veterans of the G.A.R. and members of the W.R.C. Besides the widow, three sons, a daughter, and two stepsons and a stepdaughter, mourn his loss. The deceased was a man of sturdy virtues and always gave everyone a square deal. It is not too much to say that he could call every acquaintance a friend.

Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Marshall and three sons, of Hudson, and Mr. Jesse Franks, of Centerville, S.D., relatives by marriage, also attended the funeral. An aged sister--his only sister living--lives in England. Had it not been for the inclement weather, friends from surrounding towns would have been present. However, a large concourse of friends followed his remains to their last resting place in Hope cemetery--a loyal tribute to his memory.

Source: Rock Valley Bee, May 17, 1907.
Followed by a card of thanks from the family and Resolutions of Respect from Sapphire Lodge No. 427 A.F. and A.M.