Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1902-06-07

The deceased was aged 60 years, 4
months and "A days. The funeral will
occur, Monday afternoon at o'clock
from his late residence, No. &3S High
street. At the request of the deceased
friends will kindly omit flowers.
In james William Wakefield. Bath
loses one of her most prominent citi-
zens, the man who has stood for years
at the political helm, an organizer and
leader of men whose equal in local cir
cles is yet TO be discovered. He was
without question the greatest political
leaders which the city has produced
since William King ana 4 service has
never been exceeded.
Mr.. Wakefield was horn in Bath in
1888, the son of the late James Wake
field, who was a successful grocer in
the city for many years and who man
aged n line of packets between this city
and Boston. At the age of Il young
James completed his studies at school
and went into business with his father
and continued with him for seven
years. Then, after two years in the
office Of Kendall s: Richardson. ship
chambers, as bookkeeper, in 1868 he
once more went into the grocery bust
ness with his father and for five years
or until the outbreak of the Civil War,
they conducted Il very successful es-
adjustment.
Young James saw two years of ser
vice with the Northern army as quar-
termaster of the 18th volunteers ana at
the end of that time returned to his ma
tive city.
His political career begins with the
close Of the war. In go he became
postmaster Of the city and held that
position until he was appointed coilec-
tor of the port near the end Of 1881. Ic
promptly resigned the latter Office upon
the inauguration Of President Cleve-
land in 1884.
Mr.. Wakefield was q member of the
Republican State committee for de-
cade of years. He entered the city gov
eminent first in 1861 as a member of
the common council and was returned
to that branch again in '62 and 81. In
II he as elected an alderman and was
a member of that board also in 10, 80
and '95. He served four continuous
terms as mayor, beginning in 1855. ana
an additional term in 1894. Is the Leg
islature in 1885 he represented Bath in
the House of Representatives Presi-
dent Harrison made him collector of
the port for the second time in 1889 and
again he resigned upon the return of
Cleveland to office.
Mr.. Wakefield was an alternate to
the Republican national convention in
Cincinnati in 1876 and delegate to the
Chicago convention of 1880 and the st.
Louis convention Of 1896. In January
of the latter year he received from
Governor Cleaves an appointment as
State liquor agent, an office which he
held at the time of his death.
For time he was superintendent of
the Maine Water 60. He was one OF
the founders of and principal partners
in the kennebec Nursery.
During almost the whole Of his po-
litical career he was the acknowledged
leader Of the Republican party in Bath
and was indeed the supreme political
power in the city. He maintained this
ascendancy until and even after the
illness. which finally ended his life, con-
fined him to the house and prescribed
all active participation in affairs. He
maintained it by a native tact, shrewd-
ness and diplomacy in dealing with
men and n really kind and generous
nature which won him the respect and
often the affection even of his fiercest
opponents.
His acts of disinterested kindness and
generosity were far more numerous
than generally known, although this
humane trait in his character was gem
orally appreciated and applauded. He
was. an uncompromising partisan but
withal a consistent and reliable leader
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