James Alderson 1857-1929
Rural Elgin, Nebraska
Died 06 January 1929
COUNTY MOURNS LOSS OF GREAT LEADER
The death of James Alderson, which occurred early Sunday morning at his
home northeast of Elgin, was not only a deep personal loss to the many
who enjoyed the privilege of his friendship, but it was an irreparable
loss to the agricultural interests of Antelope County. Mr. Alderson had
all of the qualities of a leader and his unselfish devotion to the
public good, together with his indomitable courage, perseverance and
tact brought success to practically every enterprise in which he
interested himself. Being relieved of much of his farm work in recent
years by his sons, Mr. Alderson was devoting himself unselfishly at the
time of his death to the upbuilding of those Antelope County enterprises
which he considered of benefit to the farm people.
Probably his most outstanding achievement was the building up of the
Antelope County Fair. For weeks at a time, during the summer months, he
devoted his entire time to this work, never receiving any remuneration
for his work except the satisfaction one derives from unselfish service.
Last fall, following the most successful fair ever held, "Jim" Alderson
radiated happiness, and he began at once to make plans for even greater
things in 1929. His death leaves a vacancy at the head of the fair
association which will be difficult to fill.
During the past two or three years, Mr. Alderson, devoted considerable
time to the organization of the Calf Clubs in Antelope county and the
successful work of these clubs is largely due to his untiring efforts.
At the time of his death, he was planning to assist in organizing Dairy
Calf and Pig Clubs.
At the time of the organization of the Elgin Co-Operative Creamery, Mr.
Alderson went out among the farmers and sold a majority of the stock
himself. He believed that the creamery was essential to the development
of the dairy industry in this locality and he did not wait for someone
else to accomplish its organization, and headed a subscription paper and
went out to sell the new concern to his farmer friends. The people had
great confidence in his judgment, his integrity and sincerity of
purpose, and within a short time the company was formed. Naturally, the
stock holders looked to Mr. Alderson for leadership and he was placed at
the head of the concern. In this position he served faithfully and - as
usual-without one cent of remuneration. The Elgin Creamery is another
monument to the vision, unselfishness, and perseverance of "Jim"
Alderson.
About a year ago, when the Elgin Cemetery Association was re-organized,
Mr. Alderson was elected president of the governing board, and the past
year has seen the Elgin Cemetery transformed from an ill-kept
disorganized burying ground into a beautiful, systematically operated
cemetery in with the community may well take pride. Again, Mr. Alderson
demonstrated his great constructive ability.
Pages might be written about the good works and the kind deed of "Jim"
Alderson; kindly, genial personality, his modesty and self-effacement.
The high esteem in which he was held by the people of Antelope County
was indicated by the throng which assembled at the Methodist Church
Tuesday afternoon to attend the services in his memory. The crowd could
not be accommodated within the church, and the church yard was well
filled during the services. The sermon by Rev. W. A. Rominger, a former
pastor of the Elgin church and friend of the deceased. The body was
laid at rest in the West Cedar Valley Cemetery. [Nebraska]
James Alderson's Obituary
James Alderson was born in Reeth, Yorkshire, England on April 27, 1857,
and died at his home near Elgin, Nebraska, on Jan. 6, 1929, at the age
of 71 years, 8 months and 9 days.
His parents immigrated to America when he was five years old and settled
at Shullsburg, Wisc. When a lad of twelve his parents moved to Argyle,
Wisconsin, and here he grew to manhood and received his education.
In 1879 he removed to Iowa and settled at Seney, Iowa, where he met and
was united in marriage to Miss Nannie Knewstubb on December 23, 1882.
Eight children came to bless their home; three sons and five daughters,
all of whom are still living. The daughters are Miss Myrtle, who is at
home; Mrs. Ellen Koehler of Rosebud, S.D.; Mrs. Bessie Edwards of
Portland, Ore; Mrs. Alydthe Carr of Elgin, Nebr.; Mrs. Mary Carpenter of
Neleigh, Nebr. The sons are Irving and Clifford, who are at home and
Leroy who lives at Pomona, Calif.
Mr. Alderson came to Antelope County in March 1888 and settled on the
farm near Elgin, Nebr., where for the last 41 years he and his faithful
wife have lived so happily. He has been identified with many public
enterprises and has contributed in a very large measure to the up
building of this community. A man of lofty ideals, high intellectual
attainments and sterling integrity, he won and held the respect of the
entire community.
Early in life he united with the Methodist church and lived a consistent
Christian life. He was a member of the KPMWAAOUW and Highlander
Fraternity and was active in support of many benevolent and charitable
organizations. Besides his wife and children he is survived by one
brother, George, who lives near his home and two sisters, Mrs. Alice
Lancaster, of Seney, Iowa, and Mrs. Lucinda Cooper of Elgin, Nebr.
Nineteen grandchildren and a host of friends who will sincerely mourn
his loss.
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Submitter: Linda Ziemann--From the Family Scrapbooks of my Grandmother's first cousin, Fern Chapman Cooper, who was a “keeper.” She kept scrapbooks for years.