SHERRILL, James W. - Putnam

Elder James W. Sherrill of Jefferson township this county died at the residence of his son, JE Sherrill in Danville on the 29ult at 3 o’clock am at the age of 54 years, 3 months 16 days. He left his home on the 15th to fill an appointment at his church at New Winchester. At that time he was unwell and he performed his duties with difficulty and discomfort. On that occasion he preached the funeral of a sister of the church. He had expected to bring his son and family home with him to attend the Association in his neighborhood but on reaching their residence was unable to proceed further. A physician was summoned and it was found that he had a fever. No alarm was felt, however, until the day preceded his death when Dr. Smythe was summoned from this city. He arrived at 11 o’clock at night and at once pronounced the patient in a dying condition and by 3 o’clock all was over. He was conscious very little toward the last, but in answer to questions by his son said that he was willing to die and that he had nothing to say except that he desired all his family to meet him in heaven. His remains were brought to his home in Jefferson Township where the interment took place the funeral bringing together the largest number of people that had ever assembled in that neighborhood, there being many present from Morgan, Owen and Hendericks counties in addition to those from Putnam. Elder Sherrill was a native of this county, having been born near where he lived the greater part of his life. April 3d, 1851 he was married to Mary C. Denny.  He joined the New Missionary Baptist Church in 1848 or 9.  In 1868 he was licensed to preach, and on May 15, 1869 was ordained a regular minister. He was widely known throughout Central Indiana as an earnest, devoted, exemplary Christian. He was noted for his knowledge of the Bible, which was his constant textbook.  He was faithful to every duty and never avoided a responsibility. In all the relations of life both public and private, his high character was manifest. He was devoted to his family, his country and his church. The churches for which he preached remunerated him to some extent but he seldom asked for aid being content to take what they gave voluntarily.  His wife and six children survive him. – kbz