James' obituary, from Tim Pearson:
From a copy of a typewritten page sent by Rev. James Ross Lenington. It is probably from a newspaper in Centerville, Iowa. At the bottom of the page are the words "rest on back" but he did not send a copy of the back of the page.]
James R. Lenington Well Known Civil War Veteran Dead
Death Came At Midnight Friday, May 5, 1922.
Resident of Centerville for 40 Years and Prominent in G. A. R. Circles Until Death.
At the hour of midnight, Friday, May 5, 1922, when all nature and humans were peacefully slumbering, the death angel entered the James R. Lenington, blew taps, and the mortal body of one of Centerville's best and most staunch, patriotic characters, and war veteran, entered his long sleep. He has answered the last revielle.
Veteran of many battles on the field and strife when Union and
confederate armies met in combat, fighting agony and despair when death claimed his loved ones, waging a valiant battle against blindness--he ever won, but when ill health fastened its grip upon him last December he was unable to come back as on former occasions. Weakened by long illness he was prey for a complication of disease which resulted in a paralytic stroke shortly before his death. He has received his honorable discharge from the army in which all humanity is enlisted, and his fight against suffering, pain, sorrow and all the enemies of mankind is at an end. He enjoys peace.
James R. Lenington was born on March 1, 1844, at Wabash, Indiana. Later he came to Bushnell, Illinois. When the Civil war broke out he enlisted with the Union forces and served with Company I, 127 Illinois regiment. He was captured with other Union soldiers, by Confederate forces and taken a prisoner, spending nine months in military prison at Kahaba, Alabama. He was discharged in the early summer of 1865, with a brilliant record of military service behind him.
On July 29, 1866, he was married to Lois Devore, at Bushnell, Illinois, and for some time worked as a railroad man. About forty years ago the family came to Centerville, and this has since been their home.
Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Lenington, and with true parental guidance and care they raised them to manhood, only to see them taken away in the prime of life, with the future bright. Ross well known to many of the city, was killed in a railroad accident and Edward, also well known here a druggist, was called to the beyond in the prime of life. Only about two years separated their deaths which occured about 12 to 14 years ago. Mr. Lenington is survived by his wife and a sister, Mrs. Livina Hobart, of Spokane, Washington. The couple celebrated their golden wedding anniversary five years ago, and had he lived until next July it would have been their fifty-sixth wedding anniversary.
For many years after coming to Centerville Mr. Lenington was employed as a carpenter, but for the past few years his eyes had become weakened to the extent that he was compelled to remain idle much of the time.
It is in the G. A. R. circle that his death was most deeply mourned. He was ever to be depended upon to give any assistance possible to his comrades and if health permitted there were few meetings held that he did not attend.
His wife an active member of the Women's Relief Corps, both used their influence to further any patriotic movement and were depended upon to contribute much to the enjoyment of social functions of the
organizations. A patriot at heart he never regretted the years of his
life that he gave to his country when it needed him most, and was always ready to defend the principles upon which his nation is built, either by word or action.
A true civil soldier as well he was always found to be a kind and
helpful neighbor, lending aid where needed, sympathizing with those in distress, always willing to give his time and talent to relieving
suffering of those about him.
