Preece Family Tree

Richard James.

Richard James was born at Lady Meadow Farm, Herefordshire, England, August 11, 1843, and died at his home in Clay Center, Kan., March 2, 1920, aged 76 years 6 months and 21 days. He married Mary Jane Dean at Thruxton Church, England, in 1865, and to this union eight children were born, all of whom were at his side in his last illness.

Mr. James came to Kansas with his wife and small family in 1870 and after spending a year in Junction City settled on his homestead in Athelstane township, where he remained for over thirty years. In 1904, Mr. James and wife retired and purchased a home in Clay Center.

For nearly a half-century he was an active member of the church and a consistent Christian.

He leaves to mourn, beside his widow and eight children, fifty grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren; three sisters, Mrs. R. Lloyd of Clay Center, Mrs. Mary Ann Griffeths, Mrs. Elizabeth Ann George and Mrs. Julia Frances Brown of England.

The funeral was held Friday afternoon, Rev. J. C. Mayos of Wheaton, Kan., conducting brief service at the home, after which the funeral was conducted at the Bethany chapel, by Rev. Wallace Carpenter, assisted by the pastor of the Wesleyan church. Sons and sons-in-law were pallbearers and music was furnished by the Bethany Chapel choir.