James W Uttley – 1862-1894

Birth

James W Uttley was the second known child of Jonathan and Matilda Linder. He was born in November 25 of 1862. This date is derived by subtracting his age when he died, which is well documented to the day, from the date of death. His middle name was 'West' according to his death notice in the Berliner Journal. Who would have thought that it would not have been 'William' after Jonathan's father?

James W is included in the census of 1871 (age 9), 1881 (age 18) and 1891 (age 28), living at the family home each time.

James W was taken into his father's grocery business at a young age. The occupation of Grocer was written onto the 1881 census page as an afterthought by another hand.

The Elmira Assessment records for 1887 and for 1888 say that James W and Jonathan Uttley were partners and each had an occupation of merchant. His death record also says that he was a Merchant.

Death

The Berlin Daily Record reported James' death on Friday January 19, 1894 on page one:

----- Died.     At Elmira on Jan. 16th, 1894, Jas. W. Uttley, only son of Jonathan and Matilda Uttley, aged 31 years 2 mos. 21 days. Deceased was a quiet, genial-natured young man, who posessed good business qualities and was highly esteemed by his friends and acquaintances.

In the Elmira Signet Thursday January 18, 1894, page 4, we learn more:

-----     After a lingering and painful battle with rheumatism in its worst form, Mr. James Uttley, son of Mr. Johnathan [sp] Uttley, passed over to the great majority last Tuesday at noon. Having been a sufferer for years, many of the pleasures participated in by young people of his age, were denied him. Entertaining very little hope of recovery, he, nevertheless, kept himself up remarkably well; bore his cross in patience and endeavored to make himself useful. His familiar countenance will be missed by his many sympathizing friends. He had reached the age of 31 years. On worldly pleasures we well may frown If the end but brings for the cross a crown. Though hard to submit, we can forfeit the ease Of the world, if the end is "Eternal Peace."

The death notice also appeared in the Berliner Journal of January 25, 1894 on page 5:

Gestorben. Um 16. Jan. in Elmira, James West Uttley, im Alter von 31 Jahren, 2 Monaten und 21 Tagen. Translation: Deaths On 16 January in Elmira, James West Uttley, at age of 31 years, 2 months and 21 days.

From the Ontario Death Archive of 1894, reference #017-889, we read:

     Name:       James W. Uttley
     Date:       Jan 16, 1894
     Occupation: Merchant
     Born:       Elmira, ON
     Cause:      Phthisis Pulmonalis, one year
     Religion:   Methodist
     Remarks:    Deceased had suffered from
                 Gout for a number of years

James W is buried in St. James Cemetery, Elmira. He shares a marker with his father Jonathan and mother Matilda.

JAMES W. UTTLEY DIED JAN. 16 1894 AGED 31 YRS. 2 MS. St James Cemetery, Elmira

Notes:

• James' name is mentioned in the obituary of his mother Matilda when she died in 1918.
• No evidence has come to light to indicate that James was ever married.

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Most recent revision May 2003