Luther James

Luther James, the aunouncement of whose death at Waukesha, Wis., was made last week, came into Washtenaw county in 1835, and has been a familiar figure in this city and other portions of this county and of the state ever since. Having a quick discernment of the profitable channels of speculative commerce, his early ventures were in horses, of which there was a surplus in Ohio and a demand in Michigan. Soon, however, the farmers of this state turned their attention to wool-raising, to which he imparted an important stimulus by making for it a ready market. He was at one time the largest wool-buyer in the state. This speculation was a sure thing in those days, and very remunerativo. In later years Mr. James haa been an extensivo and successful broker, so that his financial standing has been among Washtenaw's richest men. Strictly honest, though carefully exact, Mr. James was also possessed of a very generoua nature. This fact manifested itself sometimes in public benefactions, as when he encouraged the building of our new court house by the donation of a town clock, costing $1,000, to both ornament and utilize its tower ; sometimes in secret assistance to worthy persons, who were struggling for better situations, in which he never let his left hand know what his right hand did ; and often in vlauableand substantial presents to his large circle of relatives, to whom he manifested the most ardent attachment. Although not a church member, he was, until disabled by age and inflrmity, a very regular attendant upon divine service at the Congregational church at Chelsea, where he had his home with his sister, Mrs. Dr. Sears, while she lived, and, since her death, with her son.Thos. S. Sears. Here he Bubscribed annually to the support of the gospel, and made annual contributions to certain church benevolences. For about a score of years, Mr. James has been in feeble health, during which time he has traveled a great deal, constantly attended by his nephew, James L. Babcock, whom, having no family of his own, hehasmade hisprinciple heir, and who by his faithfiilness, kindnes, patience and untiring devotion, has well merited the large reward. Luther James was the son of Malachi and Elizabeth (Lyman) James; was bom in the town of Goshen, Mass., on the 13th day of July, 1803, and died at Waukesha, Wis., July 25, 1888, ajjed 85 years, 12 days. His remains were taken to Williamsburg, Mass., for interinent;, accompanied by Thomas S. Sears, of Chelsea. He will be greatly missed by bis pioneer companions, by his relatives and by all who knew him.