February 18, 1915

DEATH OF TAMPICO PIONEER

James H. CAIN For Many Years Prominent Citizen Dies Last Week Thursday James H. CAIN, one of Tampico's oldest residents, a former businessman and for many years a justice of peace, a prominent Mason and a well known citizen active in the affairs of the community, died at his home in the rooms over Fenn & Ellison's drug store last week Thursday morning about 1:00 o'clock. Death came from a general physical break down due to his many years and was aggravated by a final attack of dropsy. He had been in poor health for the past two years although until several months ago was able to be about on the streets as usual never really giving up to be confined entirely to his bed. The remains were taken to the Masonic hall where they lay in state until Saturday morning at 10 o'clock when the brethern assembled and accompained them to the Methodist church where the funeral services were held conducted by Rev. C.D. McCAMMON, the paster and a master mason. Appropiate music was rendered by a quartette consisting of Miss Hazel MEREDITH, Maggie McKENZIE, Jack HELLIER and E.W. MEREDITH with Neva DENISON as accompanist. The pall bearers were six masons: H.C. PITNEY, Albert FERRIS, J.M. ADAMS, W.E. SHERE, O.D. OLSSON and A.T. GLASSBURN. Internment was in the Tampico cemetery the Masons having charge of the services.

There were several beautiful floral tributes among them being a large square and compass from the Masons and a spray from Mrs. T.W. STOCK at Sterling. The business houses all closed during the funeral hour.

Uncle Jim as the deceased was familiarly known to everyone in Tampico and vicinity was prominent in civic and business life here for more than forty years. Born in Harrison County, Virginia, Oct. 18, 1833 he xxxx xxxx Indiana, then to Ohio and xxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx xxxxx xxxx xxxxx xxx xxxxx xxx to Rolling Prairie, Ind., where he engaged in the manufacture of wagons which were shipped to his brother Eli at Annawan, Ill., and sold to the early farmers.

He was married to Liva PRINCE who died in 1885. Mr. CAIN was one of the founders and early settlers of Tampico and with others of the pioneers did his part in the growth of the town. He was a man of sterling honesty and never afraid to speak his thoughts regardless of the consequences thus winning for himself a name for being frank, open and above board in his actions. For many years he filled the difficult position of justice of peace in which he was called upon hundreds of times to settle petty differences between neighbors and friends and his decisions were always on the side of justice and equity in keeping with the law of which he had a splendid knowledge. His consul and advice were sought by many and in his rugged, blunt homely manner gave it freely whether it was pleasing or not. Uncle Jim had many friends who with the following surviving relatives mourn his loss: Three brothers Eli C. Tampico, Thoms C. of Yates Center, Kansas, Z.T. of McAllister, Okla. Also two sisters Carrie E. BEAR of Kansas City and Mrs. R.M. SPENCER of Tampico.