A Sudden Death

1 September 1905

Clarence Courier.

 

            James H. Pollard one of the oldest citizens of our city and a pioneer citizen of the county, died suddenly last Saturday afternoon.  Mr. Pollard accompanied by W. K. Gunby went to John Porter’s east of Bacon Chapel, to get a cow which the former had purchased of Porter.  The animal was tied to the rear of the wagon, but did not lead good so Mr. Pollard walked behind to drive.  They had not gone but a quarter of a mile when Mr. Pollard complained of a pain in his side, and Mr. Gunby exchanged places, stating that he could walk all the way to town if necessary and Mr. Pollard could ride and drive the team.  The latter had no sooner than taken his seat and started the team than Mr. Gunby noticed him falling backward and jumped into the wagon and caught him before he reached the floor of the wagon box.  Mr. Pollard gasped a few times and died in Mr. Gunby’s arms.  A spring wagon was secured and Mr. Pollard’s remains brought to town.  The funeral took place Monday at 11 o’clock at the Presbyterian church, being conducted by Rev. W. B. Wheeler, an old time associate and playmate of Mr. Pollard’s.  The interment at the A. O. U. W. (Ancient Order of United Workmen) Cemetery was under the A. F. & A. M. (Ancient  Free and Accepted Masons) lodge, to which he belonged.  The deceased carried $2000 life insurance in the Court of Honor.

 

            Mr. Pollard was born in 1850 at Old Clinton, and was a son of Brackston Pollard, who represented Shelby county years ago in the legislature.  He moved to Shelby county in 1864, and located near Bacon Chapel.  He was married to Miss Emma Rutter in 1872 who died in 1881.  His second marriage took place in 1883 to Miss Mary H. Gray of Ralls county who survives him.

 

            He was a member of the Baptist church, the A. F. & A. M. lodge also the Court of Honor.  He leaves one son, James, two single daughters, Misses Pearl and Virgie, also two married daughters, Mrs. Hollyman and Mrs. Glynn