James Everton

2023-11-24T15:50:31-06:00
Army Badge
  • Name: James Everton
  • Location of Birth: Canada
  • Date of Birth: August 8, 1840
  • Date of Death: September 11, 1909 (69 years old)
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  • Branch: Army
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  • Military Highlights:
    James served with the 11th Michigan Infantry.

  • Wars Involved:
    Civil War

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  • Civilian Life:
    Information from a news article from Grand Rapids Herald Review, dated September 15, 1909:

    James Everton of Deer River, soldier during the Civil War and an early settler of Itasca County passed away at his home Saturday morning.

    The Deer River News has the following to say.
    "After four years of feebleness, the result of a paralytic stroke and in the past year as helpless as an infant, James Everton came to his peaceful end at ten o'clock this morning surrounded by his family at his home.

    The end was not unexpected, for the old gentleman had become very feeble of late and for the past three days his family was constantly by his side.

    James Everton was one of the pioneer settlers of Deer River, an honest, upright and fearless citizen. He came with his family from Roscommon, Michigan to LaPrairie in 1891, settled on homestead land in Beltrami County and in 1897 established a store in Deer River and was appointed second postmaster, and has been a resident here ever since.
    He was 69 years old; was a member of Company A, 11th Regiment of Michigan, United States Volunteer Infantry, and a member of Huson Post, G.A.R. (Grand Army of the Republic) of Itasca County.

    Information from a news article from The Itasca News, dated September 18, 1909:

    "Uncle Jim"
    The funeral of James Everton last Sunday was one of the largest processions of the kind the village ever witnessed. The Methodist church was filled, and Pastor Boyle preached a touching sermon on the "Good Soldier." There was a modest display of flowers mingled with the country's flag draped about the bier, and four comrades grey, with forms erect and firm step bore the remains to the depot followed by old friends making a column four and five abreast two blocks long. The choir and solo singing was impressive.

    Many accompanied the remains to Grand Rapids where the same day interment was made in Soldiers Cemetery.

    The News joins feelingly, fully in the wave of sympathy extended the heart-broken widow and feels with her and her children that the departure of "Uncle Jim" to his reward, though expected, makes a vacancy in the circle of the older inhabitants that time cannot fill. May his ashes rest in peace and his soul endear to the Kingdom."

    Card of Thanks in The Itasca News, dated September 18, 1909:

    In memory of our dear husband and father we wish to express our sincere thanks to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Ladies of M.E. Aid society, Royal Neighbors of America, the G.A.R. post of Grand Rapids, and the dear neighbors and friends for their kindly sympathy and the many beautiful flower offerings.
    In sincerity,
    Mrs. James Everton
    Mrs. A. H. Johnson
    Warren A. Everton and Family"

    James was survived by his loving wife, a son, Warren; and a daughter, Mrs. H. A. Johnston.

    James is buried in Old Soldiers Cemetery at Grand Rapids, Minnesota. (Plot 36)


    Information from a news article in the Grand Rapids Herald Review, dated November 12, 2023; written by Chris Marcotte:
    James Everton is the only one of the Civil War soldiers I found living in our area who was born in Canada. By the time he was 20, Everton had immigrated to Michigan, and in 1861, he enlisted in Company A, 11th Regiment, Michigan Volunteer as a teamster. He was wounded at Missionary Ridge when a bullet entered his arm about eight inches below the shoulder. After a lengthy hospitalization, he was pronounced fit for duty and rejoined his company. Less than a month after, he mustered out in September, 1864. Everton married Rosanna Steinhoff at Burr Oak, Michigan.
    On the 1890 United States Veterans Schedule, the Everton family is living in Roscommon, Michigan. It was shortly after this that they moved to Deer River, Minnesota and built the Everton Hotel. He was appointed postmaster of Deer River on August 24, 1894 and served until July 22, 1897. Everton died in 1909 at the age of 69 and is buried in the Old Soldiers Cemetery in Grand Rapids, Minnesota.

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