Obit: Waters, James #2 (1848 - 1932)

Contact:  Lani Bartelt
Email: prolixiam@sbcglobal.net

Surnames: Waters, Noyes, Stallard, Penn, Vaughan, Gruber, Shute, Stanley, McNair

----Sources: Humbird Enterprise Newspaper (Humbird, Wis.) March 12,1932

Waters, James(25 Aug. 1848 - 2 March 1932)

James Waters, one of the few remaining pioneer citizens of Humbird, passed silently and peacefully away at the home of his son on Wednesday evening, March 2,1932, aged 83 years, 6 months, and 8 days.

He was born August 25, 1848, at Boston, Mass., the only child of Mr. and Mrs. Willard Snow Waters. At the age of three years, upon the death of his father, he entered the home of his uncle, Clark Waters, Barre, Vermont, where his childhood days were spent.

In 1871, he made his first trip west, passing through the city of Chicago, at the time of the historic fire. For a time he worked at Planeview, Minnesota, later going into Iowa and Nebraska, returning subsequently to Chicago where he was employed in 1874 and 1875.

He first came to Humbird in 1876 and worked in one of the earlier saw mills located south of Wild Cat mound.

In the same year, he returned to Vermont, where on November 5, 1876 he was married to Sarah A. Noyes. The newly wedded couple immediately journeyed westward, making their first home at Carter’s mill until 1884 when a residence was acquired in this village.

On April 2, 1897 the first great sadness came over the life of Mr. Waters when the loving wife and mother was taken by death. Under this crushing misfortune he carried bravely on for his children.

On January 17, 1880, he was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason in Humbird lodge No. 191, passed to the degree of Fellowcraft July 3 and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on September 4. The high ideals of Masonry appealed strongly to him and he responded by diligently trying to exemplify in his own life the inspiring tenets of the institution. One of his most cherished possessions was a certificate from the Grand Lodge in recognition of fifty years of membership in the order.

Mr. Waters was a man endowed by a sunny, unselfish disposition and quickly won his way into the hearts of those with whom he came in contact. He was a kind and devoted husband and a considerate loving father. No task in behalf of his family was ever too arduous, difficult or unpleasant for him to undertake. He was a good citizen, always ready and willing to give freely of his time and best efforts toward the upbuilding of his home community, which he loved so well.

He was a lumberman by choice, operating a saw -mill for many years here and in the north part of the state. In 1898, he was appointed postmaster at Humbird which position he filled capably and well until 1916.

Mr. Waters is survived by his two children, Mrs. Bertha M. Stallard and Willard E. Waters, both of Humbird, and five grandchildren; Alton V. Stallard Jr, Milwaukee; Burton J. Stallard Jr., Milwaukee; Elgin G. Stallard, Merrillan; and Wayland and Genevieve Waters of Humbird.

There are saddened hearts and a vacant chair in his family circle but there is bequeated (bequeathed) to his loved ones and many friends beautiful memories of an upright life, a cheerful word and smile and a constantly uncomplaining disposition, which even the inroads of age and failing eyesight could not dissipate. These memories will live on and on as an imperishable, priceless heritage.

Funeral services were held last Saturday afternoon at the town hall, the sermon being preached by Rev. Wm. H .Penn, of Black River Falls and Rev. Geo. W. Vaughan offered prayer. Masonic burial rites were given by John Gruber of Black River Falls.

Relatives and friends from away in attendance were: Mr. and Mrs. A.V. Stallord, Eau Claire; F.A. Shute, Mrs. G.E. Stanley, Mrs. J.F. McNair, (all) of Altoona; B.J. Stallard (copy cut off here)

Card of Thanks

We deeply appreciate the many acts of kindness shown us by our friends and neighbors, the many messages of sympathy, and the beautiful floral offerings sent to us during the illness and death of our father and grandfather. Our heartfelt thanks go to the members of the choir, the officiating clerghmen and the members of Humbird lodge No. 191, F.& A.M.

Mr. and Mrs. W.E. Waters

Mr. and Mrs. B.J. Stallard and Children

Additional Notes - Mr. Waters is buried at Mentor Cemetery as is his wife, Sarah (Noyes) Waters.