James Stiles, Esq., one of the well known citizens of Greene County, PA died suddenly near his home in Springhill Township, on October 10, 1914, at age 74. He had been moving some stone with a wheel-barrow earlier in the morning and the exertion apparently caused a stroke, from which he died. He was found lying on the ground a short distance from his house but was already deceased.

James was born January 4 1841, in Wana, Monongalia County, WV, the youngest son of Thomas and Frances (Cross) Stiles, both of whom died before his 13th birthday. He was thereafter raised by an older sister and her husband on their farm in the same county. Upon reaching his majority, he enlisted in the Union Army and served on active duty during the Civil War. For a short time after his discharge, he tried his hand at farming, but not being greatly interested in the endeavor, moved with his young bride to Deep Valley, in 1871. He opened a general mercantile store at Deep Valley, where he continued in business until his death. In partnership with J. K. Null he erected the flour mill at Deep Valley, in 1883.

He was successful in business and was esteemed by his neighbors and acquaintances. In 1875 he was elected a justice of the peace and served in that capacity for nearly thirty years. He was postmaster at Deep Valley for many years. He was also an active member of the local GAR.

James was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He was first married in 1869, to Jennie Charnock, daughter of Rev D Charnock, of Wheeling, but that gentle lady died only two years later. Their son, James Jr., died before his 10th birthday. In 1873, James married Emma Jane Wright, daughter of the former Sheriff of Greene County, the late George B Wright and Lucinda (Booher) Wright, by then remarried to Stephen White, a local farmer and businessman. Emma died in 1894, following a lengthy illness.

Five children survived at his passing: Ora Belle (Dr John H) Rinehart, Shinnston, WV; Pearl (Lot L) Thomas, Blacksville, WV; Christie (Dr Charles L) Kinney, Glover's Gap, WV; Florence (Claude S) Boggess, New Freeport; and Goldie Stiles, at home.

In addition to little James Jr., four children preceded him in death: Grace, twin to Goldie, died at 3 months; Lucie (J. Perry) Watson, New Freeport; Thomas, Springhill Township; and Nelle (James) Mitchell, Hastings, OK.

The funeral was held in the Laurel Run M. E. church on Monday. Interment was in Pleasant Hill cemetery.