Decatur County Journal Leon, Iowa Thursday, November 2, 1911 JAMES G. HARRIS was born in Wythe County, Virginia, November 30, 1838, and died at his home in Leon, Iowa, Saturday afternoon, October 21, 1911 at three o'clock, aged 73 years, 10 months and 20 days. Death came after a lingering illness of several months' duration, the last three weeks of which was serious, but he bore patiently the intense suffering which, until a few days before his death, accompanied his illness. When but a small boy he moved with his mother from his native state to Kentucky. In 1851, when but 13 years of age, he came to Iowa and Decatur County where he had lived almost continuously for sixty years, his home during that time being in and near Leon. Mr. Harris served three years in the Civil War, having enlisted in 1861 in Co. B, 5th Kansas Cavalry, from which he was honorably discharged late in '64 or early in '65. In 1860 he was united in marriage with CAROLINE HOWARD. To this union eleven children were born, five of whom preceded their father to the better world. There remain five daughters and one son, besides the aged wife to mourn his departure. The remaining children are Mrs. J.C. RAUCH, of Golden, British Columbia; Mesdames W.T. And L.B. SPENCER, of near Lineville, Iowa; Mrs. E.K. PITMAN, of Northwood, Iowa; Mrs. C.E. MOORE, of Corydon; and ED E. HARRIS, who lives at home. All these were at the father's bedside during his last illness excepting Mrs. RAUCH. Following his return from the war, Mr. HARRIS was employed as a millwright and engineer. He was connected with the old Leon Woolen Mills and the Leon Flour Mill, both of which had disappeared before the present generation was born. At one time he was employed in a saw mill which stood on the hill northeast of the present C.B. & Q. Passenger station and was also concerned in the operation of a mill which stood near the village of Franklin, north of Leon. Later he was engaged in farming but moved to Leon nearly twenty years ago and has since made his home here. In sickness, in trouble, and when misfortune came to others, "Uncle JIMMY" HARRIS was always ready with a word of sympathy or material help. To the little ones he was a delight, and grievous indeed was the childish trouble that could not be charmed away by his magician's touch. Early in life he became a Christian and was baptized into the faith which sustained him in his closing years. Funeral services were held at his late residence in Leon, on Monday, October 23, at two o'clock p.m., conducted by Rev. J.S. Coffin, Pastor of the Christian Church of which congregation deceased was a member. Rev. H.H. Hubbell, of Corvalis, Oregon, a former pastor, assisted in the services. Interment was in the Leon Cemetery, following the ritualistic services of the Leon G.A.R. Post, to which organization Mr. HARRIS had belonged for many years. The earthly work of "Uncle JIMMY" is ended but his memory will ever remain green in the hearts of those who knew and loved him best. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ JAMES G. HARRIS, father of Mrs. E.K. PITMAN, wife of The Anchor editor, died at his home in Leon, Iowa, last Saturday, aged 74 years, after an illness lasting something over three weeks. The funeral was held at his late home Monday afternoon by the pastor of the Disciples Church, of which Mr. HARRIS was a member. A telegram sent from Leon on Saturday afternoon failed to reach Northwood and the writer had no knowledge of the death until yesterday afternoon, when after three days of anxious waiting, a letter arrived bearing the sad tidings. Mr. HARRIS was a native of Kentucky but came to Iowa years ago and was one of the pioneers of Decatur County. He was a kindly, unassuming old gentleman, whose life was one long story of unselfishness and sacrifices. He was a member of the Union Army in the great conflict, between the north and south and belonged to the Leon G.A.R. "Uncle JIMMY", as he was familiarly known, enjoyed the friendship and respect of practically every man, woman and child in his town, and to the little children he was Santa Claus the year 'round. Born in the old Blue Grass State he inherited the hospitable instincts which caused every true southern gentleman to leave his latch string on the outside, and none were more generous, none more free to share their all than he. He had pity for the unfortunate, charity for the erring and consolation for the heavy-hearted. To the writer he was always a good friend as well as a father. "Uncle JIMMY's" life on earth is ended but his memory will ever remain green in the hearts of those who knew him best. ----------------------------------------------------------- Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert December 14, 2009 [email protected]