James H. Shumate

The Eskridge Tribune-Star, Thursday, April 11, 1912, Pg. 1

Vol. 12, No. 36

Obituary contributed by the Kansas Sons of Confederate Veterans Organization.

JAMES H. SHUMATE.

James H. Shumate was born in Giles county Virginia, Oct. 24, 1832, and died at the Masonic Home in Wichita, April 6, 1912, after a lingering illness of several years.

In 1854, Mr. Shumate was united in marriage to Miss Mary Swope of Meriden, West Virginia. The happy couple enjoyed the comforts of wedded life until the civil war broke out. Mr. Shumate believing the cause of the south just, allied himself with what is now known as the “Lost Cause”. Their home was located in disputed territory subject to the impoverishment and anxiety ever attendant upon the residents in the track of two hostile contending armies. Disheartened and wounded Mr. Shumate returned to his home after the close of the war where he renewed his health and proceeded to retrieve his losses incident to the war.

In 1869, Mr. Shumate with his family came to Kansas and settled in Doniphan county, removing from there to Missouri, where they lived eleven years, and then going to Texas. In 1880 they came back to Kansas, and settled in Wabaunsee county where they lived for many years. Mr. Shumate was united with the Baptist church in 1859, to which organization he had ever since been a faithful member. He was the postmaster at Eskridge during Cleveland’s first administration.

James H. Shumate was a fine old man, generous, kindhearted and true to his friends. He was a friend to everybody and everybody was his friend. To know him was to like him.

Mr. Shumate was preceded to the great beyond by the good wife and five children. His children now living are: Mrs. W. H. McMahan, of Okla., Mrs. R. H. McMaster, of Mission Creek; Mrs. Letha Finney and Clarence Shumate of Topeka, all of whom were present at the funeral except Mrs. Letha Finney. The body was brought here on the noon train and the funeral was held at the M. E. church under the auspices of the Masonic Lodge. The Rev. T. M. Bell preached the funeral sermon. The body was interred in the Eskridge cemetery.

We join the many friends in extending sympathy to the bereaved relatives.

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