James H. Fulwider 1832-1915

FULWIDER, BARCLAY, WIRICK, HARDMANN

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 11/15/2018 at 10:31:18

29 October 1915 - The Tipton Advertiser

One Of The Oldest Of The Pioneer Settlers Of the County Passes Away After Long Illness

James Henry Fulwider died at his home in this city last Tuesday after an illness of many weeks. He had lived in this community for 76 years and during his long life won the respect and esteem of all who knew him.

He was born in Virginia May 30, 1832 his parents being John and Sally Fulwider and came with them to Cedar county when a boy of seven years. At that time the country was but sparsely settled and he with other members of the family shared the hardships and privation of early pioneer life. At an early age he began breaking prairie driving four and six yokes of oxen.

When a boy of 22 years while engaged in operating a threshing machine he met with an accident which cost him the loss of his right leg. This serious physical handicap failed to daunt him in his determination to make of himself a useful citizen and he continued to work and prosper until he became one of the large landholders of the county. In 1861 he was married to Miss Martha E. Barclay. Three children were born to this union, Mrs. Thomas Wirick of California, J. B. Fulwider of Mt. Vernon and H. A. Fulwider of Tipton, all of whom survive him.

Mr. Fulwider was a life long member of the Methodist church and faithful and active in his relations to the church.

He was a member of Golden Rule Masonic lodge, which body was in charge of the ceremonies at the funeral held this afternoon.

5 November 1915 - The Tipton Advertiser

James Henry Fulwider, one of Virginia's native sons, was born the 30th of May, 1832, in Greenbrier Co., now a part of West Va.

His parents, John and Sally Fulwider, were also natives of the old Dominion. In 1836 they left Virginia and removed to Champaign Co., Ohio, where they made their home for nearly three years. They next moved to Missouri, but remained only a few months in that state, after which they came to Cedar Co., Ia., arriving in Dec. 1839.

James was a little lad of seven years when the family arrived in Cedar Co. Amid the conditions which existed during the pioneer epoch in the history of this country, he spent his youthful days.

With the older members of the family he shared in the hardships and privations incident to frontier life and assisted his father in the difficult task of opening up a new farm.

In 1854 he met with an accident while running a threshing machine which cost him the loss of his right leg. Nothing daunted, however, by this physical handicap, he continued in the business for sometime with the most gratifying success.

Subsequently he took up general farming, and, with energy and perseverence, characteristic of the old pioineers, carried on his agricultural pursuits with success.

He was a member of South Bethel M.E. church, and later his membership was changed to the M.E. church of Tipton, where he attended church as long as he was able.

In his fraternal relations he was a member of Golden Rule Lodge No. 24, A.F. & A. M., at Rochester, and also of Manitou Lodge No. 8, I.O.O.F., at Tipton, and was in hearty sympathy with the principle of brotherly love and helpfulness which underlie these orders.

In 1861 Mr. Fulwider was united in marriage to Miss Martha E. Barclay. Their home was blessed with three children--Mrs. Ella Wirick, of Los Angeles, Cal.; John Barclay Fulwider, of Mt. Vernon, Ia.; and Howard Anthony Fulwider of Tipton. Besides his wife and children he is survived by fifteen grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Mr. Fulwider had seven sisters and two brothers, all having departed this life excepting Mrs. Amanda Hardmann of Grandview, Iowa.

His last illness was of thirteen week's duration, during which time he was very patient and grateful for every kindness shown him. He passed from this life at 4 o'clock, Tuesday, Oct. 26th, 1915, aged 83 years, 4 months and 26 days.

Mr. Fulwider was widely known, and was respected for his manly qualitites. As a neighbor he was held in high esteem, being honorable, kind, helpful and sympathetic. In his home relations he was loving and tender, always thoughful for his wife and children, and never happier than when ministering to their comfort and welfare.

Funeral services were held in the Methodist church, Friday afternoon by Rev. W. E. Van Buren, assisted by Rev. O. C. Domer. Interment was made in Masonic cemetery, where the service was in charge of Golden Rule Lodge, Past Master W. E. Cottrell, of Tipton, conducting the service.