James Boston Company F, 53rd Illinois Volunteer Infantry

Uncle Jim Boston Dead Uncle Jim Boston, for nearly a third of a century a highly respected and universally liked resident near Dewey, passed away, Thursday, at the advanced age of nearly ninety-one years. He was indeed a grand old man, always full of courage, optimism and love for his family and friends. He will be greatly missed. Funeral services, in charge of Rev. Hervey, former Dewey pastor, and M. J. Hibbs, were held before a large crowd in the Dewey church, Sunday aternoon, and burial made in Fairview cemetery. James Boston was born in Akron, Ohio, January 30, 1834, and died at his home in Smith county, Kansas, October 2, 1924 aged 90 years, 8 months and 2 days. He moved with hisparents to Ft. Wayne, Ind., when a small boy, and later to Geneva, Ill., at which place he was married to Caroline Gerlach, April 9, 1854. To them were born seven children, the following surviving: Samuel Boston of Reamsville; George Boston of this place; Hattie E. Buswell, Oberlin, and Clarence, who remains at the parental home. The wife and mother died in February, 1922. In January 1862, the deceased answered the call of his country, and enlisted in company F, 53rd Illinois volunteers, and saw some extremely hard fighting and many hardships. He was badly wounded in the battle of Hatchie, but recovered from his wound, and afterwards served as a doctor's helper in hospitals. With the war over,he and his wve came west and located in Pawnee county, Nebr., where they lived thirty years, coming to Smith county in 1894. Besides his children there are left to mourn seventeen grandchildren and twenty-four great grandchildren, also a brother and sister. We take this method of thanking the neighbors and friends who so kindly assisted us during the sickness and death of our dear father. We also extend thanks to Rev. Hervey and members of the American Legion. -- The children. Submitted by Melissa Boston

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