Surnames: Sturdevant, French

----Source: NEILLSVILLE TIMES (Neillsville, Clark County, Wis.) 12/06/1906

Sturdevant, James W. (SEP 1816 - 4 DEC 1906)

Tuesday night at the home of his son, J. F., at Sault St. Marie, Mich., James W. Sturdevant passed to his higher reward. Mr. Sturdevant was one of the pioneers of Clark County (Wis.), and has a wide acquaintance, both on account of his personality and his unceasing efforts on behalf of the county. He was born in Warren, Co., Pa. in Sept. 1816. In 1842 he emigrated with his family to Jefferson Co., Iowa, later removing to Lee Co. in the same state. In June 1854 he settled in Pine Valley (Clark Co., Wis.), burying a farm from the government, and took up the occupation of farming.

Soon after he had attained his manhood, Mr. Sturdevant married Mary Ann French, and to this union five children were born, three sons, of whom survive their father, J. R. Sturdevant of Neillsville, R. F. Sturdevant of Washington and J. R. Sturdevant of Sault St. Marie. About ten years ago his wife died, and since that time, Mr. Sturdevant has made his home with his sons, all of whom have become prominent men and have held various positions of high honor. For four years he has made his home with his son in Michigan, and there death overtook him at the age of 90 years.

When Mr. Sturdevant and his family emigrated to Clark County, they entered a practical wilderness. Mr. Sturdevant soon became recognized as an enterprising and progressive man, and he held many offices and positions of trust. He was town treasurer of Clark County when it consisted of but one town, and for many years was chairman of the board of supervisors. He built eight miles of turnpike, constituting the main part of the Black River road. He was an ardent bee-keeper and brought the first hive of bees into Clark County. He was foremost in every enterprise that tended to build up Clark County, and the deeds that he has performed will live as a monument to his sturdy and progressive spirit. He was a kindly and generous man, ever ready to lend his aid to his fellow citizens.

The body of the deceased will be brought to Neillsville for burial. Funeral services were held at Sault St. Marie and short services will be held here at the time of the interment. The funeral will probably be held Friday.