WILDER, James Jess - Putnam

James Jess, son of John and Samantha Wilder was born July 30, 1873, in Waveland, Montgomery County and moved to Wallace, Fountain County with his parents when he was 4 years old, where he spent his boyhood days. He was married to Daisy Snodgrass, May 13, 1895 and to them was born one child, Mrs. Alta Wilder Case. They came to Annapolis in 1898 and have lived here until he passed to life beyond, Oct 13, 1913 aged 40 years 2 months and 12 days. He was the oldest of 3 children, the other two dying in child hood. He was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and was tenderly cared for by his fraternal brothers. While not a member of any church, he told his mother and friends that he was prepared to cross to that strange country, the Beyond.

He was of a bright and cheerful mind, casting sunshine into the lives of those he associated with ready at all times to assist in relieving the unfortunate. He was a man of sterling qualities, a genial companion and accomodating neighbor, making friends wherever he went.  He will be sadly missed in the community and especially in the once happy home . He leaves a wife, one daughter, a father, mother, and an aged grandmother, besides a host of other relatives and friends to mourn his loss. The funeral was held at the ME Church in Annapolis at 10:30 a. m. Wednesday conducted by Rev. Harvey. The IOOF [Independent Order of Odd Fellows] Lodge had charge of the burial services at Bloomingdale. The family have the sypathy of all in their bereavement. Those who attended the funeral from a distance were: Tom Wilder of Veedersburg and Mrs. John Snodgrass of Scotland, Ill; John McElwee of Wallace; Dr. CC Morris of Rockville, Mrs. Mary Alward his grandmother of Waveland, M/M Jess Alward, Mr. and Mrs. John Alward, Mrs. Lamson, Mrs. Seits, "Aunt" Bettie Chase, Henry McCarty, M/M Miles, Ray Sharp, and Charlie Williams of Waveland; M/M Martin, Mrs. Johnson and Mrs. Knapp of Danville, Ill. Thomas Martin of New Market; M/M Geo. Alward of Crawfordsville; Leslie Neff and Mr. Case of Ladoga; M/M Oscar Smith of Jimtown; M/M Elmo (Elmer?) of Alamo; Albert Seits and Wallace, M/M Jess Cox of Rockville, besides a number of friends and lodge members from Bloomingdale.