Philip (who mostly went by Felix) James was born in Indiana (probably in either Jackson or Fairfield Townships, Tippecanoe County) in the month of April, 1864. His parents were Ralph L. James who was born in India, and Margaret McGinnis, a native of Ireland who came to America at 20 years of age. Margaret, whose occupation was listed as "servant", entered the New York, NY harbor on the "Constantine" in April of 1857 from Limerick, Ireland. She and Ralph married in Tippecanoe County, just over a year later in May of 1858.
In 1870 the James' were living in Fairfield Township (now a large part of Lafayette), Indiana. They were recorded as parents "Ralf", blacksmith shop worker, "Margareth", keeping house, and siblings Mary Anna, 11 and Thomas R. 9 (both schoolchildren), Patrick, 8, "Phelis", 7, and "Kathe", 5-years-old.
On 10 April, 1873, Felix's mother died of a "disease of the heart" shortly after delivering stillborn triplets, 2 girls and a boy. This was the same month as Felix's 9th birthday. The family also included toddler sister Phoebe, and was motherless.
Seven years later the family (minus Patrick who was listed as a penitentiary convict), was listed in Lafayette and Ralph, still single, was a fireman. Mary was single and keeping house, Thomas was a section hand (laying and maintaining railroad tracks), 16 year old Felix was a laborer, "Catharine" was at home, and Phoebe was a schoolgirl.
More tragedy befell the James family when Felix's brother Thomas Richard died 21 February, 1883. His death notice reported that he died of "lung fever" (pneumonia). Although the newspaper notice reported his age as 25, burial records noted that he was 22.
In 1885, Felix was a painter at the Lafayette Car Works. The "Car Works" was a 10 acre railroad car manufacturing business that was converted from being an agricultural complex. The facility employed hundreds of people and built freight cars and cabooses. Although production was down in 1884/1885, two years later they had 600 employees producing 25 units a day or some 7,000+ a year! Felix's father and brother Patrick were also employed at the "Works" in 1885. They, along with sister Phoebe, were living with Felix.
On 7 February, 1888, Ralph married Elizabeth Gailey at Lafayette. Ralph's mother was listed as "Phoeba" Dumond and his father as Richard L. James. As this information came from a transcribed record, "Phoeba" may have actually been Phoebe, which of course was the name of Felix's little sister. Ralph's baptismal record from India gives his birth date as 4 December, 1832, which matches the month and date recorded for him in the 1900 Census information below.
By 1891 Felix's occupation was listed as "machine hand", in the Lafayette City Directory. He was possibly still with the "Car Works" which closed the following year. He was living with his brother Patrick, who was working as a laborer. Listed between Felix and Patrick is "Lizzie (widow Ralph)" which is a mistake. Ralph had married Elizabeth (Lizzie) in 1888, but her name has not been found elsewhere in conjunction with Ralph, other than their marriage. So it was Elizabeth, not Ralph, who must have been deceased. The record should have read "Ralph (widower of Lizzie)."
Felix, at 31 years of age, married Jennie Crisp (16 years his junior, and 15 years old) on 15 October, 1895 in Tippecanoe County, Indiana. His occupation was listed as a bridge builder. Jennie was born in Vigo County, probably Terre Haute, Indiana, in about May of 1880. She was recorded in the US Census along with her parents Henry Crisp and Anna (Smith), her sister, Estella, and brother Leslie.
Felix and Jennie had four children; Philip (Felix) Jr. (later known as Harry Lawrence James) born in 1896, Margaret Catherine, born in 1899, Mary born 1901, and Helen born in 1904.
In June of 1900, Felix and Jennie's family were renting at 1534 Canal St. Felix was a common laborer and his father Ralph, now a widower as discussed above, was living with them. Ralph, 67, was listed as a locomotive engineer born December, 1832. He also reported that he had immigrated in 1844.
City Directory records recorded two more addresses for Felix and Jennie's family in Lafayette after 1900. They were 1510 Canal in 1901, and at 1515 N. 10th in 1903. Felix's occupation was again listed as laborer.
Felix tragically died of suicide (cutting his throat with a straight razor) on 5 April, 1906, possibly just days before his 42nd birthday. Grave records indicate his age as 41.
Newspaper reports following Felix's death reported some of the troubling dynamics within Felix and Jennie's marriage, and in their family. In addition to the posted newspaper report (memorial photo), a second, more detailed one in the Lafayette Morning News followed on the 6th.
The "Morning News" story included Jennie's many allegations against Felix. They included his excessive spending for and drinking of alcohol, his "not working", and his neglect in not caring for or supporting their family. She said she had relocated several times and that Felix would follow, knowing he was not wanted. She also said that Felix had never threatened her life. She claimed, however, that Felix told their son that someday he would be without a mama.
The piece goes on to say that Jennie filed an affidavit with the city court claiming Felix's failure to support their family. An interview between Felix and a city "Superintendent" allegedly followed, with Felix promising to do better, stop drinking, and support the family. The report says the charges were then dropped, but that Felix didn't make good and more complaints were made against him.
Additional details surrounding the suicide claimed that Felix left work before noon, claiming that he had a sick child. When Felix arrived home at about 1pm he went to his bedroom with Jennie in tow, and headed towards a dresser where he kept his razor. Jennie, realizing his intentions, started screaming, telling Felix not to do it. She ran out, gathering her kids and led them outside. It was said that their son looked back and witnessed the act.
The report then says Jennie and the kids stayed outside and the police were summoned. Police Captain Clark saw that Felix's wounds were grave and contacted a Dr. Hannell , who called for an ambulance when he arrived. Felix is said to have told the Captain that Jennie didn't have dinner made for him and that the same thing happened the day before. He also told him he had made up his mind to end his misery. He allegedly told Dr. Hannell that Jennie did not treat him right.
The story went on to mention that Felix told an attendee he was sorry he had cut his throat. He was reportedly conscious up until 20 minutes before his death, just before 3pm. His body was taken to Evans - Scheffee undertakers for burial preparation.
Jennie had many problems and a rough life after Felix's death. Tippecanoe County records from 3 July, 1906 recorded that Jennie was "altogether incompetent and teaching the children to drink and beg". The record goes on to say that Jennie seemed very anxious to keep the children together, and that she would try to get relatives of Mr. James in the Chicago area to take them.
The Circuit Court gave custody of all four children to the county. Admissions records go on to report that the four children were admitted to the children's home AKA "Cary Home" in Lafayette on 30 July, 1906.
Jennie married railroad brakeman William E. Sherwood on or after 27, August, 1906. This union may have resulted in a child, as Jennie's future daughter Doris (from a later marriage) recalled another unknown child that Jennie did not keep. The couple were living by themselves at 1828 Wilson St. in Lafayette, in the 1910 US Census.
County records from 9 November, 1906 indicate that Helen was placed in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Clem Watkins of 627 S. 15th St., Lafayette on the 9th of October. She was then formally adopted on the 8th of November that year.
The County Board of Children's Guardians minutes from 9 December, 1909 state that Mrs. Sherwood (Jennie) had gotten her boy from Julia Work Home (Julia E. Work Training School in Plymouth, Indiana) and he seemed glad to be with his mother again. The Tippecanoe County Juvenile Court had placed Philip in the home in July of 1907. She also asked to have her two girls back, if they were in the "Indianapolis Home".
Records from the same board dated 12 August, 1913 related that Mr. and Mrs. Clem Watkins, now of Illinois, wanted to give up Helen as "they could not make her mind." This, of course, was rejected as the county had no jurisdiction in Illinois. Helen remained with the family until at least 1920, where the family was living in the Kalamazoo, Michigan area. Helen led a very troubled life shortly afterward, marrying, having children, and divorcing many times. She apparently found some stability late in life, as her obituaries indicated she was married, had become a nurse, and had worked at a nursing home and hospital. (See her memorial for details).
The county board recorded that Margaret was placed with a Mr C.B. Kern on 31 October, 1917. Minutes from the board on 18 September, 1919 related that an agent had traveled to Washington, Indiana, and Flora, Illinois to check on Margaret. The agent reported that things were satisfactory, and that Margaret had married Earl Smith.
Mary reportedly ended up in Indianapolis, and was adopted by a couple named Uhels. She later married Robert Ogletree, had children, and apparently had a happy life in Georgia.
Jennie eventually surfaced in California. She began using the alias first name "Della," and married a younger Louie Fay Smith under the name "Della Sherwood" in January of 1913, in Fresno County, California. The couple had four children; Albert Walter, George Eldon, Doris Norma, and Ruth Lois.
Family correspondence says that Jennie also used the alias "Della Minnick," Minnick being her stepfather's name. Jennie's mother Anna did, in fact, remarry to a Joe Minnick. Louie's brother Earl Smith later married Margaret Catherine James (as stated above), Jennie and Felix's daughter!
Sadly, Jennie went missing while living with Louie and family, and was never heard from again. My attempts thus far to locate her whereabouts afterwards have come up empty.
For more details on Jennie's life with Louie see his Find A Grave memorial (link https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/76319926/louie-fay-smith).
Mitchell May
Great-great-grandson
Kennewick, WA
Updated 26 Aug. 2021
In 1870 the James' were living in Fairfield Township (now a large part of Lafayette), Indiana. They were recorded as parents "Ralf", blacksmith shop worker, "Margareth", keeping house, and siblings Mary Anna, 11 and Thomas R. 9 (both schoolchildren), Patrick, 8, "Phelis", 7, and "Kathe", 5-years-old.
On 10 April, 1873, Felix's mother died of a "disease of the heart" shortly after delivering stillborn triplets, 2 girls and a boy. This was the same month as Felix's 9th birthday. The family also included toddler sister Phoebe, and was motherless.
Seven years later the family (minus Patrick who was listed as a penitentiary convict), was listed in Lafayette and Ralph, still single, was a fireman. Mary was single and keeping house, Thomas was a section hand (laying and maintaining railroad tracks), 16 year old Felix was a laborer, "Catharine" was at home, and Phoebe was a schoolgirl.
More tragedy befell the James family when Felix's brother Thomas Richard died 21 February, 1883. His death notice reported that he died of "lung fever" (pneumonia). Although the newspaper notice reported his age as 25, burial records noted that he was 22.
In 1885, Felix was a painter at the Lafayette Car Works. The "Car Works" was a 10 acre railroad car manufacturing business that was converted from being an agricultural complex. The facility employed hundreds of people and built freight cars and cabooses. Although production was down in 1884/1885, two years later they had 600 employees producing 25 units a day or some 7,000+ a year! Felix's father and brother Patrick were also employed at the "Works" in 1885. They, along with sister Phoebe, were living with Felix.
On 7 February, 1888, Ralph married Elizabeth Gailey at Lafayette. Ralph's mother was listed as "Phoeba" Dumond and his father as Richard L. James. As this information came from a transcribed record, "Phoeba" may have actually been Phoebe, which of course was the name of Felix's little sister. Ralph's baptismal record from India gives his birth date as 4 December, 1832, which matches the month and date recorded for him in the 1900 Census information below.
By 1891 Felix's occupation was listed as "machine hand", in the Lafayette City Directory. He was possibly still with the "Car Works" which closed the following year. He was living with his brother Patrick, who was working as a laborer. Listed between Felix and Patrick is "Lizzie (widow Ralph)" which is a mistake. Ralph had married Elizabeth (Lizzie) in 1888, but her name has not been found elsewhere in conjunction with Ralph, other than their marriage. So it was Elizabeth, not Ralph, who must have been deceased. The record should have read "Ralph (widower of Lizzie)."
Felix, at 31 years of age, married Jennie Crisp (16 years his junior, and 15 years old) on 15 October, 1895 in Tippecanoe County, Indiana. His occupation was listed as a bridge builder. Jennie was born in Vigo County, probably Terre Haute, Indiana, in about May of 1880. She was recorded in the US Census along with her parents Henry Crisp and Anna (Smith), her sister, Estella, and brother Leslie.
Felix and Jennie had four children; Philip (Felix) Jr. (later known as Harry Lawrence James) born in 1896, Margaret Catherine, born in 1899, Mary born 1901, and Helen born in 1904.
In June of 1900, Felix and Jennie's family were renting at 1534 Canal St. Felix was a common laborer and his father Ralph, now a widower as discussed above, was living with them. Ralph, 67, was listed as a locomotive engineer born December, 1832. He also reported that he had immigrated in 1844.
City Directory records recorded two more addresses for Felix and Jennie's family in Lafayette after 1900. They were 1510 Canal in 1901, and at 1515 N. 10th in 1903. Felix's occupation was again listed as laborer.
Felix tragically died of suicide (cutting his throat with a straight razor) on 5 April, 1906, possibly just days before his 42nd birthday. Grave records indicate his age as 41.
Newspaper reports following Felix's death reported some of the troubling dynamics within Felix and Jennie's marriage, and in their family. In addition to the posted newspaper report (memorial photo), a second, more detailed one in the Lafayette Morning News followed on the 6th.
The "Morning News" story included Jennie's many allegations against Felix. They included his excessive spending for and drinking of alcohol, his "not working", and his neglect in not caring for or supporting their family. She said she had relocated several times and that Felix would follow, knowing he was not wanted. She also said that Felix had never threatened her life. She claimed, however, that Felix told their son that someday he would be without a mama.
The piece goes on to say that Jennie filed an affidavit with the city court claiming Felix's failure to support their family. An interview between Felix and a city "Superintendent" allegedly followed, with Felix promising to do better, stop drinking, and support the family. The report says the charges were then dropped, but that Felix didn't make good and more complaints were made against him.
Additional details surrounding the suicide claimed that Felix left work before noon, claiming that he had a sick child. When Felix arrived home at about 1pm he went to his bedroom with Jennie in tow, and headed towards a dresser where he kept his razor. Jennie, realizing his intentions, started screaming, telling Felix not to do it. She ran out, gathering her kids and led them outside. It was said that their son looked back and witnessed the act.
The report then says Jennie and the kids stayed outside and the police were summoned. Police Captain Clark saw that Felix's wounds were grave and contacted a Dr. Hannell , who called for an ambulance when he arrived. Felix is said to have told the Captain that Jennie didn't have dinner made for him and that the same thing happened the day before. He also told him he had made up his mind to end his misery. He allegedly told Dr. Hannell that Jennie did not treat him right.
The story went on to mention that Felix told an attendee he was sorry he had cut his throat. He was reportedly conscious up until 20 minutes before his death, just before 3pm. His body was taken to Evans - Scheffee undertakers for burial preparation.
Jennie had many problems and a rough life after Felix's death. Tippecanoe County records from 3 July, 1906 recorded that Jennie was "altogether incompetent and teaching the children to drink and beg". The record goes on to say that Jennie seemed very anxious to keep the children together, and that she would try to get relatives of Mr. James in the Chicago area to take them.
The Circuit Court gave custody of all four children to the county. Admissions records go on to report that the four children were admitted to the children's home AKA "Cary Home" in Lafayette on 30 July, 1906.
Jennie married railroad brakeman William E. Sherwood on or after 27, August, 1906. This union may have resulted in a child, as Jennie's future daughter Doris (from a later marriage) recalled another unknown child that Jennie did not keep. The couple were living by themselves at 1828 Wilson St. in Lafayette, in the 1910 US Census.
County records from 9 November, 1906 indicate that Helen was placed in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Clem Watkins of 627 S. 15th St., Lafayette on the 9th of October. She was then formally adopted on the 8th of November that year.
The County Board of Children's Guardians minutes from 9 December, 1909 state that Mrs. Sherwood (Jennie) had gotten her boy from Julia Work Home (Julia E. Work Training School in Plymouth, Indiana) and he seemed glad to be with his mother again. The Tippecanoe County Juvenile Court had placed Philip in the home in July of 1907. She also asked to have her two girls back, if they were in the "Indianapolis Home".
Records from the same board dated 12 August, 1913 related that Mr. and Mrs. Clem Watkins, now of Illinois, wanted to give up Helen as "they could not make her mind." This, of course, was rejected as the county had no jurisdiction in Illinois. Helen remained with the family until at least 1920, where the family was living in the Kalamazoo, Michigan area. Helen led a very troubled life shortly afterward, marrying, having children, and divorcing many times. She apparently found some stability late in life, as her obituaries indicated she was married, had become a nurse, and had worked at a nursing home and hospital. (See her memorial for details).
The county board recorded that Margaret was placed with a Mr C.B. Kern on 31 October, 1917. Minutes from the board on 18 September, 1919 related that an agent had traveled to Washington, Indiana, and Flora, Illinois to check on Margaret. The agent reported that things were satisfactory, and that Margaret had married Earl Smith.
Mary reportedly ended up in Indianapolis, and was adopted by a couple named Uhels. She later married Robert Ogletree, had children, and apparently had a happy life in Georgia.
Jennie eventually surfaced in California. She began using the alias first name "Della," and married a younger Louie Fay Smith under the name "Della Sherwood" in January of 1913, in Fresno County, California. The couple had four children; Albert Walter, George Eldon, Doris Norma, and Ruth Lois.
Family correspondence says that Jennie also used the alias "Della Minnick," Minnick being her stepfather's name. Jennie's mother Anna did, in fact, remarry to a Joe Minnick. Louie's brother Earl Smith later married Margaret Catherine James (as stated above), Jennie and Felix's daughter!
Sadly, Jennie went missing while living with Louie and family, and was never heard from again. My attempts thus far to locate her whereabouts afterwards have come up empty.
For more details on Jennie's life with Louie see his Find A Grave memorial (link https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/76319926/louie-fay-smith).
Mitchell May
Great-great-grandson
Kennewick, WA
Updated 26 Aug. 2021
Philip (who mostly went by Felix) James was born in Indiana (probably in either Jackson or Fairfield Townships, Tippecanoe County) in the month of April, 1864. His parents were Ralph L. James who was born in India, and Margaret McGinnis, a native of Ireland who came to America at 20 years of age. Margaret, whose occupation was listed as "servant", entered the New York, NY harbor on the "Constantine" in April of 1857 from Limerick, Ireland. She and Ralph married in Tippecanoe County, just over a year later in May of 1858.
In 1870 the James' were living in Fairfield Township (now a large part of Lafayette), Indiana. They were recorded as parents "Ralf", blacksmith shop worker, "Margareth", keeping house, and siblings Mary Anna, 11 and Thomas R. 9 (both schoolchildren), Patrick, 8, "Phelis", 7, and "Kathe", 5-years-old.
On 10 April, 1873, Felix's mother died of a "disease of the heart" shortly after delivering stillborn triplets, 2 girls and a boy. This was the same month as Felix's 9th birthday. The family also included toddler sister Phoebe, and was motherless.
Seven years later the family (minus Patrick who was listed as a penitentiary convict), was listed in Lafayette and Ralph, still single, was a fireman. Mary was single and keeping house, Thomas was a section hand (laying and maintaining railroad tracks), 16 year old Felix was a laborer, "Catharine" was at home, and Phoebe was a schoolgirl.
More tragedy befell the James family when Felix's brother Thomas Richard died 21 February, 1883. His death notice reported that he died of "lung fever" (pneumonia). Although the newspaper notice reported his age as 25, burial records noted that he was 22.
In 1885, Felix was a painter at the Lafayette Car Works. The "Car Works" was a 10 acre railroad car manufacturing business that was converted from being an agricultural complex. The facility employed hundreds of people and built freight cars and cabooses. Although production was down in 1884/1885, two years later they had 600 employees producing 25 units a day or some 7,000+ a year! Felix's father and brother Patrick were also employed at the "Works" in 1885. They, along with sister Phoebe, were living with Felix.
On 7 February, 1888, Ralph married Elizabeth Gailey at Lafayette. Ralph's mother was listed as "Phoeba" Dumond and his father as Richard L. James. As this information came from a transcribed record, "Phoeba" may have actually been Phoebe, which of course was the name of Felix's little sister. Ralph's baptismal record from India gives his birth date as 4 December, 1832, which matches the month and date recorded for him in the 1900 Census information below.
By 1891 Felix's occupation was listed as "machine hand", in the Lafayette City Directory. He was possibly still with the "Car Works" which closed the following year. He was living with his brother Patrick, who was working as a laborer. Listed between Felix and Patrick is "Lizzie (widow Ralph)" which is a mistake. Ralph had married Elizabeth (Lizzie) in 1888, but her name has not been found elsewhere in conjunction with Ralph, other than their marriage. So it was Elizabeth, not Ralph, who must have been deceased. The record should have read "Ralph (widower of Lizzie)."
Felix, at 31 years of age, married Jennie Crisp (16 years his junior, and 15 years old) on 15 October, 1895 in Tippecanoe County, Indiana. His occupation was listed as a bridge builder. Jennie was born in Vigo County, probably Terre Haute, Indiana, in about May of 1880. She was recorded in the US Census along with her parents Henry Crisp and Anna (Smith), her sister, Estella, and brother Leslie.
Felix and Jennie had four children; Philip (Felix) Jr. (later known as Harry Lawrence James) born in 1896, Margaret Catherine, born in 1899, Mary born 1901, and Helen born in 1904.
In June of 1900, Felix and Jennie's family were renting at 1534 Canal St. Felix was a common laborer and his father Ralph, now a widower as discussed above, was living with them. Ralph, 67, was listed as a locomotive engineer born December, 1832. He also reported that he had immigrated in 1844.
City Directory records recorded two more addresses for Felix and Jennie's family in Lafayette after 1900. They were 1510 Canal in 1901, and at 1515 N. 10th in 1903. Felix's occupation was again listed as laborer.
Felix tragically died of suicide (cutting his throat with a straight razor) on 5 April, 1906, possibly just days before his 42nd birthday. Grave records indicate his age as 41.
Newspaper reports following Felix's death reported some of the troubling dynamics within Felix and Jennie's marriage, and in their family. In addition to the posted newspaper report (memorial photo), a second, more detailed one in the Lafayette Morning News followed on the 6th.
The "Morning News" story included Jennie's many allegations against Felix. They included his excessive spending for and drinking of alcohol, his "not working", and his neglect in not caring for or supporting their family. She said she had relocated several times and that Felix would follow, knowing he was not wanted. She also said that Felix had never threatened her life. She claimed, however, that Felix told their son that someday he would be without a mama.
The piece goes on to say that Jennie filed an affidavit with the city court claiming Felix's failure to support their family. An interview between Felix and a city "Superintendent" allegedly followed, with Felix promising to do better, stop drinking, and support the family. The report says the charges were then dropped, but that Felix didn't make good and more complaints were made against him.
Additional details surrounding the suicide claimed that Felix left work before noon, claiming that he had a sick child. When Felix arrived home at about 1pm he went to his bedroom with Jennie in tow, and headed towards a dresser where he kept his razor. Jennie, realizing his intentions, started screaming, telling Felix not to do it. She ran out, gathering her kids and led them outside. It was said that their son looked back and witnessed the act.
The report then says Jennie and the kids stayed outside and the police were summoned. Police Captain Clark saw that Felix's wounds were grave and contacted a Dr. Hannell , who called for an ambulance when he arrived. Felix is said to have told the Captain that Jennie didn't have dinner made for him and that the same thing happened the day before. He also told him he had made up his mind to end his misery. He allegedly told Dr. Hannell that Jennie did not treat him right.
The story went on to mention that Felix told an attendee he was sorry he had cut his throat. He was reportedly conscious up until 20 minutes before his death, just before 3pm. His body was taken to Evans - Scheffee undertakers for burial preparation.
Jennie had many problems and a rough life after Felix's death. Tippecanoe County records from 3 July, 1906 recorded that Jennie was "altogether incompetent and teaching the children to drink and beg". The record goes on to say that Jennie seemed very anxious to keep the children together, and that she would try to get relatives of Mr. James in the Chicago area to take them.
The Circuit Court gave custody of all four children to the county. Admissions records go on to report that the four children were admitted to the children's home AKA "Cary Home" in Lafayette on 30 July, 1906.
Jennie married railroad brakeman William E. Sherwood on or after 27, August, 1906. This union may have resulted in a child, as Jennie's future daughter Doris (from a later marriage) recalled another unknown child that Jennie did not keep. The couple were living by themselves at 1828 Wilson St. in Lafayette, in the 1910 US Census.
County records from 9 November, 1906 indicate that Helen was placed in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Clem Watkins of 627 S. 15th St., Lafayette on the 9th of October. She was then formally adopted on the 8th of November that year.
The County Board of Children's Guardians minutes from 9 December, 1909 state that Mrs. Sherwood (Jennie) had gotten her boy from Julia Work Home (Julia E. Work Training School in Plymouth, Indiana) and he seemed glad to be with his mother again. The Tippecanoe County Juvenile Court had placed Philip in the home in July of 1907. She also asked to have her two girls back, if they were in the "Indianapolis Home".
Records from the same board dated 12 August, 1913 related that Mr. and Mrs. Clem Watkins, now of Illinois, wanted to give up Helen as "they could not make her mind." This, of course, was rejected as the county had no jurisdiction in Illinois. Helen remained with the family until at least 1920, where the family was living in the Kalamazoo, Michigan area. Helen led a very troubled life shortly afterward, marrying, having children, and divorcing many times. She apparently found some stability late in life, as her obituaries indicated she was married, had become a nurse, and had worked at a nursing home and hospital. (See her memorial for details).
The county board recorded that Margaret was placed with a Mr C.B. Kern on 31 October, 1917. Minutes from the board on 18 September, 1919 related that an agent had traveled to Washington, Indiana, and Flora, Illinois to check on Margaret. The agent reported that things were satisfactory, and that Margaret had married Earl Smith.
Mary reportedly ended up in Indianapolis, and was adopted by a couple named Uhels. She later married Robert Ogletree, had children, and apparently had a happy life in Georgia.
Jennie eventually surfaced in California. She began using the alias first name "Della," and married a younger Louie Fay Smith under the name "Della Sherwood" in January of 1913, in Fresno County, California. The couple had four children; Albert Walter, George Eldon, Doris Norma, and Ruth Lois.
Family correspondence says that Jennie also used the alias "Della Minnick," Minnick being her stepfather's name. Jennie's mother Anna did, in fact, remarry to a Joe Minnick. Louie's brother Earl Smith later married Margaret Catherine James (as stated above), Jennie and Felix's daughter!
Sadly, Jennie went missing while living with Louie and family, and was never heard from again. My attempts thus far to locate her whereabouts afterwards have come up empty.
For more details on Jennie's life with Louie see his Find A Grave memorial (link https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/76319926/louie-fay-smith).
Mitchell May
Great-great-grandson
Kennewick, WA
Updated 26 Aug. 2021
In 1870 the James' were living in Fairfield Township (now a large part of Lafayette), Indiana. They were recorded as parents "Ralf", blacksmith shop worker, "Margareth", keeping house, and siblings Mary Anna, 11 and Thomas R. 9 (both schoolchildren), Patrick, 8, "Phelis", 7, and "Kathe", 5-years-old.
On 10 April, 1873, Felix's mother died of a "disease of the heart" shortly after delivering stillborn triplets, 2 girls and a boy. This was the same month as Felix's 9th birthday. The family also included toddler sister Phoebe, and was motherless.
Seven years later the family (minus Patrick who was listed as a penitentiary convict), was listed in Lafayette and Ralph, still single, was a fireman. Mary was single and keeping house, Thomas was a section hand (laying and maintaining railroad tracks), 16 year old Felix was a laborer, "Catharine" was at home, and Phoebe was a schoolgirl.
More tragedy befell the James family when Felix's brother Thomas Richard died 21 February, 1883. His death notice reported that he died of "lung fever" (pneumonia). Although the newspaper notice reported his age as 25, burial records noted that he was 22.
In 1885, Felix was a painter at the Lafayette Car Works. The "Car Works" was a 10 acre railroad car manufacturing business that was converted from being an agricultural complex. The facility employed hundreds of people and built freight cars and cabooses. Although production was down in 1884/1885, two years later they had 600 employees producing 25 units a day or some 7,000+ a year! Felix's father and brother Patrick were also employed at the "Works" in 1885. They, along with sister Phoebe, were living with Felix.
On 7 February, 1888, Ralph married Elizabeth Gailey at Lafayette. Ralph's mother was listed as "Phoeba" Dumond and his father as Richard L. James. As this information came from a transcribed record, "Phoeba" may have actually been Phoebe, which of course was the name of Felix's little sister. Ralph's baptismal record from India gives his birth date as 4 December, 1832, which matches the month and date recorded for him in the 1900 Census information below.
By 1891 Felix's occupation was listed as "machine hand", in the Lafayette City Directory. He was possibly still with the "Car Works" which closed the following year. He was living with his brother Patrick, who was working as a laborer. Listed between Felix and Patrick is "Lizzie (widow Ralph)" which is a mistake. Ralph had married Elizabeth (Lizzie) in 1888, but her name has not been found elsewhere in conjunction with Ralph, other than their marriage. So it was Elizabeth, not Ralph, who must have been deceased. The record should have read "Ralph (widower of Lizzie)."
Felix, at 31 years of age, married Jennie Crisp (16 years his junior, and 15 years old) on 15 October, 1895 in Tippecanoe County, Indiana. His occupation was listed as a bridge builder. Jennie was born in Vigo County, probably Terre Haute, Indiana, in about May of 1880. She was recorded in the US Census along with her parents Henry Crisp and Anna (Smith), her sister, Estella, and brother Leslie.
Felix and Jennie had four children; Philip (Felix) Jr. (later known as Harry Lawrence James) born in 1896, Margaret Catherine, born in 1899, Mary born 1901, and Helen born in 1904.
In June of 1900, Felix and Jennie's family were renting at 1534 Canal St. Felix was a common laborer and his father Ralph, now a widower as discussed above, was living with them. Ralph, 67, was listed as a locomotive engineer born December, 1832. He also reported that he had immigrated in 1844.
City Directory records recorded two more addresses for Felix and Jennie's family in Lafayette after 1900. They were 1510 Canal in 1901, and at 1515 N. 10th in 1903. Felix's occupation was again listed as laborer.
Felix tragically died of suicide (cutting his throat with a straight razor) on 5 April, 1906, possibly just days before his 42nd birthday. Grave records indicate his age as 41.
Newspaper reports following Felix's death reported some of the troubling dynamics within Felix and Jennie's marriage, and in their family. In addition to the posted newspaper report (memorial photo), a second, more detailed one in the Lafayette Morning News followed on the 6th.
The "Morning News" story included Jennie's many allegations against Felix. They included his excessive spending for and drinking of alcohol, his "not working", and his neglect in not caring for or supporting their family. She said she had relocated several times and that Felix would follow, knowing he was not wanted. She also said that Felix had never threatened her life. She claimed, however, that Felix told their son that someday he would be without a mama.
The piece goes on to say that Jennie filed an affidavit with the city court claiming Felix's failure to support their family. An interview between Felix and a city "Superintendent" allegedly followed, with Felix promising to do better, stop drinking, and support the family. The report says the charges were then dropped, but that Felix didn't make good and more complaints were made against him.
Additional details surrounding the suicide claimed that Felix left work before noon, claiming that he had a sick child. When Felix arrived home at about 1pm he went to his bedroom with Jennie in tow, and headed towards a dresser where he kept his razor. Jennie, realizing his intentions, started screaming, telling Felix not to do it. She ran out, gathering her kids and led them outside. It was said that their son looked back and witnessed the act.
The report then says Jennie and the kids stayed outside and the police were summoned. Police Captain Clark saw that Felix's wounds were grave and contacted a Dr. Hannell , who called for an ambulance when he arrived. Felix is said to have told the Captain that Jennie didn't have dinner made for him and that the same thing happened the day before. He also told him he had made up his mind to end his misery. He allegedly told Dr. Hannell that Jennie did not treat him right.
The story went on to mention that Felix told an attendee he was sorry he had cut his throat. He was reportedly conscious up until 20 minutes before his death, just before 3pm. His body was taken to Evans - Scheffee undertakers for burial preparation.
Jennie had many problems and a rough life after Felix's death. Tippecanoe County records from 3 July, 1906 recorded that Jennie was "altogether incompetent and teaching the children to drink and beg". The record goes on to say that Jennie seemed very anxious to keep the children together, and that she would try to get relatives of Mr. James in the Chicago area to take them.
The Circuit Court gave custody of all four children to the county. Admissions records go on to report that the four children were admitted to the children's home AKA "Cary Home" in Lafayette on 30 July, 1906.
Jennie married railroad brakeman William E. Sherwood on or after 27, August, 1906. This union may have resulted in a child, as Jennie's future daughter Doris (from a later marriage) recalled another unknown child that Jennie did not keep. The couple were living by themselves at 1828 Wilson St. in Lafayette, in the 1910 US Census.
County records from 9 November, 1906 indicate that Helen was placed in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Clem Watkins of 627 S. 15th St., Lafayette on the 9th of October. She was then formally adopted on the 8th of November that year.
The County Board of Children's Guardians minutes from 9 December, 1909 state that Mrs. Sherwood (Jennie) had gotten her boy from Julia Work Home (Julia E. Work Training School in Plymouth, Indiana) and he seemed glad to be with his mother again. The Tippecanoe County Juvenile Court had placed Philip in the home in July of 1907. She also asked to have her two girls back, if they were in the "Indianapolis Home".
Records from the same board dated 12 August, 1913 related that Mr. and Mrs. Clem Watkins, now of Illinois, wanted to give up Helen as "they could not make her mind." This, of course, was rejected as the county had no jurisdiction in Illinois. Helen remained with the family until at least 1920, where the family was living in the Kalamazoo, Michigan area. Helen led a very troubled life shortly afterward, marrying, having children, and divorcing many times. She apparently found some stability late in life, as her obituaries indicated she was married, had become a nurse, and had worked at a nursing home and hospital. (See her memorial for details).
The county board recorded that Margaret was placed with a Mr C.B. Kern on 31 October, 1917. Minutes from the board on 18 September, 1919 related that an agent had traveled to Washington, Indiana, and Flora, Illinois to check on Margaret. The agent reported that things were satisfactory, and that Margaret had married Earl Smith.
Mary reportedly ended up in Indianapolis, and was adopted by a couple named Uhels. She later married Robert Ogletree, had children, and apparently had a happy life in Georgia.
Jennie eventually surfaced in California. She began using the alias first name "Della," and married a younger Louie Fay Smith under the name "Della Sherwood" in January of 1913, in Fresno County, California. The couple had four children; Albert Walter, George Eldon, Doris Norma, and Ruth Lois.
Family correspondence says that Jennie also used the alias "Della Minnick," Minnick being her stepfather's name. Jennie's mother Anna did, in fact, remarry to a Joe Minnick. Louie's brother Earl Smith later married Margaret Catherine James (as stated above), Jennie and Felix's daughter!
Sadly, Jennie went missing while living with Louie and family, and was never heard from again. My attempts thus far to locate her whereabouts afterwards have come up empty.
For more details on Jennie's life with Louie see his Find A Grave memorial (link https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/76319926/louie-fay-smith).
Mitchell May
Great-great-grandson
Kennewick, WA
Updated 26 Aug. 2021
Gravesite Details
age 41. Undertaker, Evans-Scheffee, Lafayette, Indiana.
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