Person:James Cargill (5)

Obituary

"James Cargill was born near Guelph, Ontario, Canada, August 12, 1850, and passed away at his house Saturday, February, 28, 11931, aged 80 years, 6 months and 16 days.

Coming to Michigan with his parents, David and Agnes Cargill, four brothers and three sisters, in the fall of 1865, they settled on what is now the John Schaner farm, but at that time a dense forest with only an indian trail through the woods for four miles to the nearest neighbors. The fater and brothers built their own log house, cleared the land and set out a large ordhard on this farm. At that time there was not any village of Hart but people got their provisions from Pentwater, going after them on foot and carrying flour and other commodities home on their backs.

In 1877 Mr. Cargill was married to Miss Loretta Whisler and purchased the land one-quarter mile east of the family log cabin, where he has ever since made his home. This land was also heavily timbered and has been entirely cleared and improved by is own industry.

Mrs. Cargill died in 1883 leaving four small children who he kept together in the home, repeatedly refusing to part with any of them, but himself taking the place of both fater and mother to them, with only such hired help as he could find and sometimes without any help. Five years later he married to Mrs. Addie Wilson and to this union one daughter was born.

"Jim", as he was familiarily called always had a glad hand and cheery greeting for everyone and was always ready to help anyone in need. No one was ever turned away from his door hungry. Always a man of strong, upright character and determination, he took an active part in the affairs of the community. Altho not a member he contributed and helped to build two local churches. He served as township treasurer for two terms and was for many years director of the Cargill school in Weare, also as treasurer of the same until failing eyesight compelled to relinquish further service.

Mr. Cargill is survived by his wife who is an invalid and has for years been confined to her bed and the wheel chair; two sons, Oscar of Minneapolis and Perry of Duluth; three daughters, Mrs. Laura Beach of Kalamazoo, Mrs. Dema Perkins of Anamosn, Iowa and Mrs. Hazel Fetters, at home; two step children, Mrs. Mina Powers of Crystal Valley, and Orin Wilson of Shelby; three brothers, John of Hart, Henry of Weare and William of Shelby; one sister Mrs. Eliza Fisher of Muskegon; fourteen grandchildren and a host of cousins, nephews, nieces, etc.

Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at the Hart M.E. Church, Rev. C.E. Davis officiating and internment in the Hart cemetery.

1. ↑ Obituary 3-5-31.