McDERMOTT, GRIGSBY

Posted by Cathy Gowdy on Tuesday, January 15, 2008 at 10:29:32 :

The Marin Journal
Thursday, November 27, 1902
Page 3

JAMES M’DERMOTT LAID TO REST
Passed Away after a short illness

The many friends of James J. McDermott, son of our respected fellow townsman Patrick McDermott, and for two years past a trusted employee of Wells, Fargo & Co., were shocked last Friday to learn of his death on that day at Reno, Nevada, after an illness of a few days. For several months past young McDermott had been faithfully discharging his duties of express messenger between Reno and Madaline. A few days before his death severe cold brought him to his bed and quickly developed into pneumonia. His relatives here were notified of his critical condition, and his sister, Miss Agnes McDermott hastened to Reno, reaching his bedside a few hours before he breathed his last.

The remains accompanied by the heart broken sister, reached San Rafael at 10:30 Saturday evening, and were taken to Eden’s undertaking parlors, where they were prepared for burial and removed to the home of the deceased at B and Fourth streets. There they remained until Monday morning, surrounded by the afflicted father, brothers and sisters of the deceased, and visited by a host of friends who came to take a last look at the boy whom they knew and loved so well.

Many were the floral offerings that graced the bier of James McDermott. The employees of Wells, Fargo & Co. at Reno sent a tribute in form of an express treasure box, bearing the inscription “His last run checked in O.K.” From the Woodmen of the World of which organization the deceased was a member, came a bank of flowers in form of a clock, the hands pointing to 12:30, the hour of his death, and the inscription, “Rest Neighbor.” The San Rafael fire department sent a floral pillow bearing the initials S. R. F. D.

The funeral ceremonies, which took place Monday morning at 10:30, were most impressive. Followed by his weeping relatives and friends, by delegations from Mira Monte Camp W.O.W. and from the San Rafael fire department, the remains were taken from the home to St. Raphael’s church where a solemn requiem high mass for the repose of his soul was sung, Rev. Father Noland officiating. Thence still followed by his grieving friends the body was taken to Mt. Olivet cemetery, where amid the heart rending grief of his father, sisters and brothers, and the tears of his friends, James McDermott was laid to rest by the side of his dead mother, whose darling he had ever been.

There were many so came from afar to pay the last tribute to the departed boy. Among these were Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Grigsby of Stockton, the latter being a sister of the deceased. Many came from various parts of the county and from San Francisco.

To the sorrowing family of James McDermott this paper offers its deepest condolence. They have lost a loving son and devoted brother; his employers have lost a faithful servant whose future was prosperous and bright; his innumerable friends have lost a comrade whom to know was to love well.