Hon. James Monroe Gresham

Death of J. M. Gresham Has Caused Much Sorrow

The death of Hon. James Monroe Gresham at his home near Whitney Saturday evening at ten o'clock carried great sorrow to the hearts of all who knew him. Mr. Gresham had been in failing health ever since a severe attack of lagrippe which he suffered a few years ago, though he was confined to his bed but ten days before his death. About two weeks ago he was taken seriously ill, and though medical aid was promptly summoned and the best and most careful nursing given him, it was soon realized that it would be of no avail.

Mr. Gresham was 73 years of age, was a native of Walton county and was born and reared a short distance from where he died. He went to the war from this county as 1st Lieutenant of the 42d Georgia Regiment, which was attached to Henderson's division, Clayton's brigade. He served throughout that great struggle with the exception of a few months when he was in prison - ????? - until the close of the war. His comrades in war say that a better soldier never went from any state, and of them talking to us the other day said that a braver man nor a knightlier gentleman ever went forth to battle for any cause.

Returning home at the close of the war, Mr. Gresham took up the profession of teaching, which he followed successfully for several years. Later on he represented his county in the General Assembly for two terms, making a highly enviable record and always having the courage and conviction to stand and contend for those things he conceived to be right.

Mr. Gresham was a charter member of R. E. Lee Camp Confederate Veterans and held the position of Lieutenant Commander until the death of Hon. J. E. Nunnally a few years ago, when he was elected Commander. It is safe to say no member of this organization was more highly esteemed and loved than he, and his wise counsel and advice will be missed by them all.

Mr. Gresham had never united with any church, but inclined toward the Primitive Baptist. He was a man of high honor and integrity, of alert mind and splendid capacity, possessing fine intelligence and a congeniality of manner which endeared him to all. Generous to a fault, no on ever went away from his home empty-handed and he was always ready and anxious to contribute to every worthy cause. One of his neighbors, who has lived near him for forty years, told us Monday he that he never knew a better man, a truer friend or a kinder neighbor.

Prominent in the affairs of this county for a number of years, and always taking an active interest in everything affecting his people, Mr. Gresham's life was one of usefulness and unselfish service, and his death comes as a shock who knew and loved him. He was a sincere friend of the Tribune and its editor and in his death we feel a keen personal loss. He was a frequent contributor to our columns, his last communication being on account of the Chattanooga re-union published only a few weeks ago.

Mr. Gresham was twice married, first to Miss Kate Atkinson, of Morgan County. From this union four children were born, all which survive him as follows: Mr. W. J. Gresham of Bostwick; Mrs. Lena Brown, of Social Circle; Mr. J. O. Gresham of Whitney; and Mrs. C. R. Almand, of Atlanta. Mrs. Gresham died a number of years ago and several years later Mr. Gresham was married to Mrs. Cagle, of this county, who survives him. The funeral occurred from the home Sunday afternoon, being conducted by Rev. James M. Adams in the presence of a large gathering of grief-stricken relatives and friends. Interment followed at the family cemetery. The Tribune feels that in the death of Mr. Gresham the county has lost one of her very best citizen, and extending our tenderest sympathy to all who grieve, we mingle our love with the hundreds who mourn him.

   

Contributed by Annette Wade