James Bohall-Pioneer of Jackson County

It's fun when you run upon something by accident, particularly something very old, in this case an obituary. They are really hard to come by before 1900. Usually just a little blurb in a gossipy column is all you will find. In this case it was a Bohall obit. Most of my Bohalls are in an adjoining county, so I was surprised to find it.

James Bohall is the brother of my direct ancestor, George David Bohall. James was born on December 18, 1820 in Hardin County, Kentucky. He was the son of Joseph Bohall, born in New York, and Sarah Milstead, born in Kentucky.

James was an early pioneer of the county, the county came into being in 1816. His obit lists his living children at the time of his death. They are Vincent Joseph, William David, Angeline Campbelle, and Loretta Schipman. It also lists his 5 wives and the dates of marriage.

I hope this will help someone:

Jackson County Banner
Brownstown, Indiana
Thursday, December 24, 1896
Page 5

DEATH RECORD

BOHALL

James Bohall, whose death was briefly mentioned in last week's issue, was born in Kentucky, December 18, 1820, and died at his home in Brownstown, December 15, 1896, aged 75 years, 11 months and 27 days. Several months ago he received a paralytic stroke from which he never fully recovered, but the immediate cause of his death was rheumatism of the heart, from which he had suffered since the war.

He located in this county in 1835 and was a continuous resident here ever since. He was a soldier in the late war and served in Co. E, 67th Reg. Indiana Vols.

He was married five times as follows: On October 23rd, 1841, to Pelina J. Hobbs; October 29th, 1857, to Amanda Garret; November 22nd, 1860 to Eliza Jane Newby; November 23, 1864, to Margaret Miller; and January 31st, 1882 to Emily Goble, who still survives.

He was the father of seven children-three dead and four living, viz: W. D. Bohall, Vincent J. Bohall, Angeline Campbelle and Loretta Schipman.

"Dad" as he was so familiarly known was well-liked by all. He had a kind disposition, was agreeable to all and was exceedingly fond of children. He was at one time for five or six years-a member of the M.E. Church.

Thus is removed another of Jackson county's pioneer citizens and thus are being gradually diminished the ranks of the brave boys, who were willing to sacrifice the best days of their lives in serving their country, in order that the union of the states might be preserved that their descendants might continue to enjoy the blessings of liberty in these United States. Slowly but surely they are crossing the dark river but the memory of their noble deeds will live for generations.

The funeral services were held at the residence on Thursday afternoon, December 17th, 1896, at 2 o'clock, Rev. J.N. Thompson officiating after which the remains, followed by relatives, comrades, and friends, were laid to rest in the old cemetery by the side of his first wife who preceded him to the grave 49 years ago.

Source:

Jackson County Banner, Brownstown, Indiana, Thursday, December 24, 1896, Page 5; Newspapers.com