James Pinkerton (1847-1921)

Word reached here from Shelby Tuesday evening that James Pinkerton had been badly burned with kerosene. He went to kindle the fire in the stove and poured some kerosene from a two-gallon can into the stove. There were some live coals in the stove and almost immediately there was an explosion and the can burst throwing the oil over Mr. Pinkerton and into the room. It immediately caught fire and before any help could arrive, Mr. Pinkerton was a mass of flames. Mr. Pinkerton was badly burned but he was conscious to the end. He passed away about 2 a.m. yesterday morning. Two rooms in the house caught fire, but help soon arrived and the fire was put out, before it spread to other parts of the house.

Mr. Pinkerton was a man who enjoyed the friendship of every one whom he met. He was always of a jovial disposition and it was a pleasure to know and meet him.

Funeral services will be held at the Christian Church in Shelby at 1 p.m. Friday. Burial will be made at the Pine Grove cemetery.

James Pinkerton was born in County Down, Ireland, August 17, 1847, and died in Shelby February 9, 1921, at the age 73 years, 5 months and 23 days. He came to this country when three years old with his parents, Francis and Ellen Pinkerton, and settled in Ohio. Later they moved to Indiana where he has since resided. On September 13, 1866, he was united in marriage with Sarah Sanders of West Creek Township. To this union were born four children: Cassie Pinkerton, Mrs. Aman Nichols, Mrs. Bird Sisson, and Mrs. Grace Rumsey, all living near them. He united with the Church of Christ and was baptized by L.L. Shortridge, when twenty-two years of age. He was an active man in the church and up to the time of his death was one of its elders and teachers of the adult Bible Class. He was loyal to Christ in all his uncompromising attitude. His chief joy was in the home of the Lord and the Church of Christ at Shelby had his deepest love and solicitude. The pure gospel as given to the early Christians was ever upheld and defended by him in his church membership of fifty-one years.

He was with his class the last Lord's day before his death, which came suddenly after being badly burned. He was conscious to the last and showed perfect readiness to meet his God.

He is survived by his wife, four children and twenty-two grandchildren who were all permitted to be present except Mrs. Thorn Clark of Trempealeau, Wisconsin, and Dr. F.J. Pinkerton, of Honolulu, Hawaii. He also has fourteen great grand children and is deeply mourned by a large circle of relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held in the Christian church at Shelby, Friday, February 11, at 1 p.m., Rev. C.J. Sharpe officiating. Undertaker Sheets had charge of the burial service, interment in the Pine Grove cemetery.