This obituary is edited from the February 21, 1907 edition of the "Spirit of Democracy" (Woodsfield, Ohio):

James was born in Old Virginia, Loudoun county, September 15th 1814. He came to Ohio with his parents at the age of fourteen years.

James was married twice, the first wife being Miss Lucinda Tuel. James and Lucinda were married in the year of 1834. They had nine children together, five have passed from this earth life. Lucinda's and James' for surviving children are Jacob, Caroline, Mary S. Mehrley, all of Monroe County, Ohio, and Lewis C. of New Matamoras Township, Washington County, Ohio. James resided with at Lewis' home since January of 1901.

James' first wife, Lucinda, died April 5, 1886 and was buried in Tuel cemetery.

James married Mary S. Rowles, Daughter of Benjamin Franklin Rowes and Angeline Payne, in the year of 1887. Mary and James had three children, all sons. They are James, George and David.

Mary took very sick. She grew more and more weaker in body and mind and at last she was taken to the state hospital for treatment. She died on November 6, 1900 at the state hospital a few days after she was admitted for care. Mary's remains were sent home and she was buried in Witten cemetery in Monroe County, Ohio.

James had twelve children with his two wives. He had sixty-nine grandchildren and fifty-eight great grandchildren. James was a farmer and merchant (a grocer) all his life and worked hard to provide a nice home for each one of his children.

Two weeks before he died he called his children around his bed, told them the time was drawing near when he would have to leave them and that he wanted them "to be good boys and meet him in heaven. The way is clear and I am ready to go."

James died on January 22, 1907, being ninety-two years, four months and six days old.

There was a short service held at the home for friends and family. James' body was taken from his home to Grave Hill Church (opposite Sistersville) where the funeral took place. The funeral was conducted by the Reverend F.C. Kreager of New Matamoras First Baptist Church. Reverend Kreager was assisted by the Reverend A.S. Kelley, pastor of the Sistersville First Baptist church.

James' interment was at Tuel's Hill Cemetery in Monroe County, Ohio. A large concourse of friends and relatives followed him to his last earthy resting place.

The deceased was perhaps one of the oldest residents of Washington and Monroe counties wherein he has spent the greater part of his life and will be sadly missed.