The Barton County Democrat
Great Bend, Kansas
Friday, April 14, 1911
page 1

J.W. Epperson

The funeral services of the late J.W. Epperson, for many years a resident of this county, occurred Saturday at 10:30 at the home of his son, E.E. Epperson of this city. Rev. Westwood of the Presbyterian church conducting the same. We take the following from the Galesburg Republican in which city the deceased was making his home with his daughter at the time of his death.

"Oneida, Ill., April 6. - Short funeral services of the late James W. Epperson was held today at 10 o'clock at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. L.B. DeForest. Rev. C.F. Wilson, pastor of the Presbyterian church, conducted the service. A quartette composed of Mrs. A.R. St. John, Mrs. D.P. Bacon and Messrs I.W. McCormack and J.E. Cunningham, sang "Nearer, My God to Thee" and "Sometime We'll Understand."

Mr. and Mrs. L.B. DeForest left on this evening's train with the remains to Great Bend, Kansas, for burial in the family lot at that place.

James W. Epperson, the fourth child of Pedro and Elizabeth Epperson, was born in Montgomery county, Ind., November 7, 1830 and died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. L.B. DeForest, Oneida, Ill., April 5, 1911.

The Epperson family left their Indiana home in 1836 with Ox teams as motive power and headed west. The same year they settled in Rio township, Knox Co, Illinois, where James and his brother and sisters grew to maturity. Many were the struggles of these pioneers to leave us this goodly heritage.

The deceased was married in 1855 to Harriet Goodman, in Oxford, Henry Co., Ill. To them were born four children, Lillian, who died in infancy; Elmer Elsworth, of Great Bend, Kansas; Mrs. Effie L. DeForrest, and Mrs. O. Blanche Glenn of Oneida.

Mr. Epperson engaged in farming near Oxford, Ill., for 1855 to 1858. In 1858 he engaged in the mercantile business where he remained until 1864 when he moved to a farm near Woodhull, Ill.

When President Lincoln called for volunteers, James with his three brothers, enlisted, but was rejected as he could not stand the physical examination. During his residence on the farm near Woodhull, 1864 to 1873 he served as deputy sheriff for Henry county.

In 1873 he moved to the village of Woodhull and engaged in the hardware and implement business which he conducted until 1882. In 1882 he entered the employ of Warder, Bushnell and Glessner, as traveling salesman, and expert for their harvesting machinery, known as the Champion binders and mowers, remaining with them three years.

During his residence in Woodhull he united with the Presbyterian church, later taking his letter to Great Bend, Kansas. He was an active member of the Woodhull board. He was also a member of the Masonic body of Woodhull. The Chapter at Rio and the commandry of Galesburg. He took his demit from these bodies when he moved west.

In 1885 Mr. and Mrs. Epperson with their two children at home, Elmer and Blanche, moved to Great Bend, Kansas, and engaged in farming. January 10, 1882, his wife died, and for the next seven years he made his home with his son on the home place.

In 1899 he came to Oneida and has since made his home with his daughters.

Mr. Epperson was a kind and indulgent husband and father, fond of his home and proud of his family. He was progressive in his ideas, and always ready to do more than his part. He was perfectly familiar with all the early history of Knox county and could tell many interesting events not recorded in the various histories.

It was our good fortune to have been acquainted with Mr. Epperson for some years previous to his returning to Illinois we always found him a genial, honorable gentleman, beloved by those who had the pleasure of his acquaintance, and respected by all for his manly conduct and his sound opinions. We unite with the many friends of the deceased in extending to the bereaved our sincere sympathy.
(transcribed by Judy Mayfield) March 2023