GWIN, James M. - b. July 19, 1840 - d. June 20, 1917

[genealogynut]

Howard Courant
June 29, 1917

James M. Gwin was born at Bloomington, Indiana, July 19, 1840.  When but a young man he heard the call of the flag to the service of his country.  Heeding the call in the year 1861, he was mustered into the 50th Regiment, Company 1st D Volunteer Indiana Infantry.  He served during the War of the Rebellion and until 1866.  He was then united in marriage to Martha A. Rice, February 14th, 1866.  She has preceded him across the silent stream several years ago.  In 1872 they came to the Big West buying a farm in Greenwood county and then taking a claim in Elk County near Cresco church.

He led a very active life.  Became a christian early in life. Was instructor and director of music at Cresco for several years and also served the Howard church in the capacity of choir leader for some time.  He was a member of the local church, a faithful attendant upon the services until a sickness made it impossible for him to attend longer, but he has always been faithful to the cause of Christ.

Uncle Jim has been identified with the Howard National Bank for some 26 years having served as president of that institution for the past nine years.  He was always considerate of those about him who were in need.  There are many who have the kind word to offer for Uncle Jim, because he was so good to them in their hour of distress and need.  Having served in the war it is quite natural that he would become a member of the Grand Army of the Republic.

He was a faithful, devoted, loving husband.

It was June the 20th, 1917, when God called our brother and friend home having lived with us 76 years, 11 months, and 11 days.  But while he is gone from our midst, the memory of the just shall never die.  His goodness is indelibly inscribed upon our hearts to be remembered until we all sit around the camp fires of the heaven where we again will talk of the bygones with joy unspeakable and full of glory.

Brother Gwin leaves to mourn their loss one sister, Mrs. M. E. Massey of Indianapolis, Indiana, who could not be present on account of the fact of her being paralyzed so that she cannot travel; four brothers, three of them of whom could not be with us, Thomas F. Gwin, Spencer, Indiana; John E. Gwin, Zenas, Indiana, R. B. Gwin, of Newpoint, Indiana; and D. E. Gwin of Indianapolis, Indiana, who is among us; also Bray M. Gwin, a cousin, who is a resident of Howard, beside other relatives and a host of friends.

Interment was made in Grace Lawn cemetery at Howard, Kansas, the G. A. R. having charge at the grave.

Glen C. Wade, minister of the Christian church, assisted by Rev. O.L. Weir, pastor of the First Baptist church, conducted the services.  The text upon which the pastor preached is found in I Cor. 15: 55