The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1897-10-22

tice life, until the infirmities OF age
pressed too heavily upon him. this old
est and most highly respected citizen
of Wilmington passed to his rest yes
terday afternoon at 2:45 o'clock at his
residence in this city. in the s2nd year
OF his age. For two months or more
he had become quite feeble and the
end was not unexpected by his family.
1t is given to but few men to reach
such an advanced period OF life. and to
fewer still to retain their faculties in
such a remarkable degree. despite acute
suffering and the decay OF physical
powers incident to extreme age, as he
exhibited to the last moment OF his
existence. His memory OF past events,
particularly in regard to Wilmington
and her people in the olden times was
simply wonderful. and he could recall
dates and scenes in connection with
individuals long since passed away.
most accurately and in the smallest
details. He was. until his eyesight
failed him, an omniverous reader and
was very familiar with the standard
writers Of past generations. and his
r~etentive memory would readily re-
spond to any inquiry for information or
reference that might be desired. In his
latter years 1t was his delight to go
back into the past Of our history and
recall the experiences of his youth.
many sad, but most Of them pleasant.
and all very interesting to those who
were privileged to hold concourse with
him.
Mr.. James was born at Holly Shelter.
in his county, March 10, 1906, but his
family removed to Wilmington when
he was very young and the whole of
his long life has been passed in this
town. He was descended from one of
the oldest families in this section. His
grandfather, John James, was a cap
tain in the revolutionary army and
was killed at the head Of his
in an engagement with the Tories. His
father, the late Joshu James. was a
soldier in the war Of 1872. Two Of his
brothers served in the Mexican war.
and he himself, had threee sons in ac-
tive service in the army Of the confed-
eracy. He was one OF the first who
engaged in the distilling Of turpentine
and making pitch, which he carried on
for some time, but subsequently went
n h business Of general merchan-
dising with his brother under the firm
name OF John S. James & Co.. which
for some years. After the
OF the firm and his retire.
ment from that business, he was ap-
pointed an inspector OF naval stores.
and for twenty years or more was re-
garded as n Of the most correct and
men engaged in that voca-
ton, SO correct indeed that a leading
house IN the wharf remarked.
when he presented his bills for inspec-
ton as usual. there is no need to ex-
anime your bills, for we have not de-
an error in them for twenty
years past. BY his attention to bust
ness and his industry and accuracy. ne
built up a reputation as a Just and
correct man in his dealings, which he
until advancing years COM
PEELED his retirement from the active
duties Of life.
He was frank and outspoken on all
generous to a fault, hated
and could not play the hypocrite
under any conceivable circumstances.
a very positive man, but at the
same time scrupulously regardful of
ne feelings OF others, and IL led into
by his ardent temperament. he
vas quick to acknowledge IT and n
the fullest reparation. His in
egrlty was never questioned and IL
an with truth, be said OF him. that 'he
vas an honest man, the noblest work
u God.' Some years prior to his death
lie became a member OF st. Johns
church. n though debarred
" his feebleness from participating in
ne pubic services Of the church. he
them regularly read to him in the
'rivacy OF his home by members OF his
To the tender nursing and careful
OF his children (his wife pre-.
eoed MIN to the grave eleven years
so), nay be attributed in a great
neasure his hold upon life for so long
PERIOD; their devotion to him was I'm.
emitted and continuous, and never
assed Tor scarcely a moment during
Is long and weary sufYerings, suffer-
igs which he bore with the most ex-
mplary patience.
II Is with great sadness that we an
ounce the passing away Of this VEN
able citizen. He was a connecting
nix between the present and the mast
nd hat sadness is increased by the
nowiedge that so few of h genera
on are still with US and those few so
'pidly disappearing. whose places can
-'er again be filled. After a very
and, before the inirmities of age
ept upon him, a very active life, our
friend has gone to his rest,
aving to his family and friends a
cord Of which they may well be