The sad intelligence was received here Sunday that death had just ended the earthly career of James F. Fortner at Sterling, Colo., following a brief illness, although his health had been on the decline for years. Mr. Fortner was so well known to the people of this community and to most of our readers that comment on his life seems superfluous. He was a man of strict integrity, high ideals and a most useful citizen. His influence was cast on the side of the good and true, the pure and noble, and the world is better for his having lived in it. James Franklin Fortner was born in Clay County, Indiana, August 29th, 1839 and grew to manhood near the Bee Ridge Christian church, of which his parents were members and of which he became a member at the age of fourteen years. He came to western Illinois in 1857, and on to LeGrand, Iowa, in the spring of 1865. He became identified with the Christian church work of the state of Iowa, and also that of Palmer college at LeGrand of which he was for many years a member of the board of trustees, and was at the time of his death a deacon of the Christian church of LeGrand. His father, Hiram Fortner, was a minister of the Christian church, well known throughout western Illinois and central Iowa. He was married to Matilda C. Hilsabeck on August 24th, 1871. They established their home on a near LeGrand, Iowa, where they resided until the fall of 1910, when they moved to Colorado. They raised six children, all of whom are now living, and all of whom were with him during his last illness. He died August 20th, 1911, aged 71 years, 11 months and 22 days. The funeral was held Tuesday at 10 o'clock at the residence, with burial in the Sterling cemetery. -LeGrand Reporter, August 25, 1911
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L. A. Fortner, of Denver, son of J. F. Fortner of this city arrived in Sterling Tuesday, being called to the bedside of his father who is very ill at his home. The illness is of such serious nature that hopes of recovery have practically been abandoned. The old gentleman is seventy-three years of age. -The Sterling Democrat, Sterling, Colorado, August 18, 1911
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J. F. Fortner, notice of whose illness was made last week, died Sunday afternoon. The funeral was held Tuesday forenoon, interment being made at Riverside Cemetery. Mr. Fortner was advanced in years, and although he had not been confined to his bed for any great length of time, his illness was of such a nature that his death was expected. Mr. and Mrs. Fortner have resided in Sterling about a year or such a matter, removing here so as to be near their children, most of who reside here. He was a fine Christian gentleman and made a good many friends in his short residence in Sterling. His bereaved wife and children will have the sympathy of all. -The Sterling Democrat, Sterling, Colorado, August 24, 1911 - Notice