1810-1881
James Raw Obituary
Mr. James Raw was born in Swaledale, Yorkshire, England, Feb. 22, 1810 and died in the town of Darlington, Wisconsin, November 12, 1881, aged 71 years, 8 months, and 20 days. He was married to Miss Mary Alderson in the year 1840 and followed at times both farming and mining.
He immigrated to America and landed at New Diggings, Wisconsin, April 2nd, 1855. He remained there and on the Blackstone farm, in White Oak Springs and Shullsburg, till April 3rd, 1867, when he removed to his place in the Wardsville neighborhood on which he died.
He was brought under the power of religious truth and the grace of God, at New Diggings in the P M church in 1853 or 1854 – deliberately went forward and consecrated himself to the service of God and continued faithful to the last. He was very diligent in the means of grace, especially at New Diggings, even when he had to go 8 miles to the house of prayer. He has been about fifteen years at Wardsville, and has made himself useful in leading a class, for a time at Stump Grove, and afterwards at Wardsville. He was also liberal in supporting the cause of Jesus, believing God’s word, which says, “He that soweth bountifully, shall reap also beautifully.”
Nearly four years ago he lost his beloved life companion and friend; no, not lost, she only went before. He told his children on Saturday morning the day on which he died, “I am going to see mother tonight.” He charged his children in his dying words to love and serve the Lord; to go into a secret place and pray. On being asked if he wanted anything, he replied, “I want you all to be Christians.”
He leaves behind him to mourn their loss, three sons and five daughters, as follows: Thomas and James, of the town of Seymour; Frank, of Darlington; Mrs. Alderson and Mrs. Hodgson, of Black Hawk, Colo.; Mrs. Gillet, of Mason City, Iowa; and Mrs. Rose and Mrs. Muxlow, of the town of Darlington. There are also twenty-four grandchildren, besides three who have died.
His loss will be felt in the church especially, and on the home place but we hope his children will endeavor faithfully to carry out their father’s dying wishes. May he rest in peace.
His funeral was numerously attended; his pastor, C. Dawson and Rev. C. Hendra officiating in the Wardsville church and at the grave. His body fittingly lies beside that of his beloved wife, as we believe their souls are happy together in Heaven.
~Copy of Probate, Bible Record, & Cemetery record
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Buried in Wardsville Cemetery, Wardsville, Wisconsin