Son of Thomas and Sarah Gardner Fryer

Obituary: The Times Record (Doland, South Dakota) 22 Feb 1918, Page 5

OBITUARY--FRYER

James Fryer was born at Mursted, Kent, near Gravesend, England, on November 20, 1830, and died at the home of his daughter Mrs. Edw Lea of Harrison Township, Feb. 13, 1918.

At the age of 25 he married to Miss Julia Down and with Mr. Fryer's father and mother came to America settling at Rome, New York, where he worked by the day of month until enough money was saved to start farming for himself, at which he was very successful.

Ten children were born in New York, two of whom died in infancy. Two were born in Illinois.

In the spring of 1872 Mr. Fryer, believing he could do better by going west, moved his family to Rochester, Minnesota. This was new country and did not suit him as he had been accustomed to living in an old settled country. He then moved to McHenry, Illinois, where many of his old New York neighbors were living. This change suited him better and they remained here until the spring of 1886. At this time with the family still remaining at home he moved to the present home in Harrison township, near Doland. Mr. Fryer was always considered a good farmer wherever he lived and was known as "Honest Jimmy," always believing that honesty is the best policy.

Mrs. Fryer departed this life Nov. 5th, 1894, six years after coming to Dakota territory. One daughter, Julia Fryer Page, died at McHenry, Illinois, May 10th, 1901. The surviving children are Mrs. John Claxton of McHenry, Illinois; E.T., George, A.R., Mrs. Wood, Mrs. Gilbert and Mrs. Lea near Doland, S.D., Frank of Brookings and Howard of Aberdeen.

The remains were laid to rest beside those of his wife in the Irving cemetery where many of his old neighbors are now sleeping. The children were all present at the funeral except Mrs. Claxton and E.T. Fryer, who with his wife, are in Alabama.