Birch-James 1898
Source: Sunday Star, March 13, 1898 p 8
James Birch, aged 58, died at his home in this city on Sunday morning of paralysis. He was born in England. Since 15 years ago he has lived here. - kbz
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Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal 11 March 1898 p 5
James Birch died Sunday morning at 9 o’clock at his home in Highland. Mr. Birch had been sick for several months with paralysis and had suffered a great deal, death coming as a welcome release. The funeral occurred at the home Tuesday afternoon at 2 o’clock, conducted by Dr. G.S. Burroughs, assisted by Rev. R.D. Trick. Interment at Oak Hill. The pallbearers were the deceased’s nephews, John H. Birth, Hayes Birch, Wm. M. Birch, Chas. Birch and Ed Tucker and Chas. Caldwallader. James Birch was born April 11, 1840, in Stockport, England and came to the US in 1842 with his parents, two brothers and a sister. He had lived in Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey, finally coming West in 1861, where he enlisted in the Union Army and served his country with honor. After the war he, with his brothers, engaged in mechanical pursuits, all being expert machinists. In 1871 the three brothers moved to Kokomo, where they operated a foundry. At this place on March 28, 1876, James was married to Miss Jennie McCullough. To them were born three sons: Cornelius; Arthur and Edwin, who is now in Texas, all of whom with Mrs. Birch and his two brothers, Thomas and William, and a sister, Mrs. Ann Songer, survive him. Mr. Birch has been a member of the Baptist Church for about 23 years and was an estimable Christian gentleman processing many excellent traits of character. He had a wide circle of friends who loved him for his many noble qualities of mind and heart. His last days were his happiest and were filled with fervent expressions of gratitude to his friends for their kindnesses toward him and to his Master for the assurance he had of a life hereafter. In his death the community loses a citizen of unimpeachable integrity and the family a loving husband and indulgent father. -- kbz