In Carlton, Tama Co., Iowa, Dec. 27th, 1876, of dyspepsia, terminating in dropsy, James M. Davis, aged 62 years and 26 days. Bro. Davis was born in Harrison county, West Virginia, where he experienced religion when sixteen years of age; was baptized by Eld. L. A. Davis, and joined the Middle Island church. Two years after, he with his father's family removed to Clarke county, Ohio, and became connected with what was then known as the Seventh-day Baptist church of Pike Township. At the age of twenty years, he married Amanda J. Finch, and after three years moved to Jackson Centre, Ohio. His wife became one of the constituent members of the Jackson Centre church. Bro. Davis did not join the church until about one year after its organization. In 1866, Bro. Davis with his family moved to Carlton, Iowa. His wife soon joined the church at this place, but he did not until one year ago, when he took his place in the church. He had for the most of his life been a faithful worker in the Master's service. Being a man of few words, and underrating his own abilities, he did not make as public demonstrations of his interest as those of more outspoken characteristics, until the last two or three years of his life, when he came to be quite active, taking a part in the religious interest of the church. He died as the good man dies, trusting in the worthiness of Christ's saying, 'All is well,' exhorting his family to faithfulness in Christian duty, and expressing great satisfaction that his children and grandchildren were lovers of Christ. His funeral services were not attended to at the time of his burial, as he was a brother-in-law of the pastor of this church, Eld. Maxson Babcock. The writer of this, pastor of the Welton church, being invited to come and preach the funeral sermon, did so on First-day, Jan. 28th, 1877, to a very full congregation of the neighbors and friends of the deceased, who thus showed their interest and respect for him. H. B. L.
