James Alderson was born in Yorkshire, England, April 27, 1857. When he was five years old he immigrated to America with his parents and settled in Schullsburg, Wisconsin. When a lad of twelve, his parents moved to Argyle, Wisconsin, and here he made his home until he grew to manhood. He received his education there. In 1879, he moved and settled at Seney, Iowa where he met and married Nannie Knewstubb, December 23, 1882. Eight children blessed their home; Myrtle married Charles Wetzel, Irvin married Georgia Neafus, Ellen married Herman Koehler, LeRoy married Minerva Hunter, Bessie married Ray Edwards, Alydthe married Ora Carr, Mary married Ralph Carpenter and Cliff married Arlene Peterson. Mr and Mrs Alderson came to Antelope County in 1888. They settled on a farm near Elgin, Nebraska where they spent their remaining lives. Years ago, Mr. Alderson was president of the Antelope Agricultural and Livestock Association and largely through his efforts the annual county fair has been more successful. Early in life, Mr and Mrs Alderson were united with the Elgin Methodist Church and lived a consistent Christian life. ~Written by Mrs. Dewey Carr (Ruth)
Source: The History of Antelope County Nebraska 1868-1985 by the Antelope County Historical Society, 1986
The James Alderson home in Elgin, Nebraska
James & Nannie Alderson Family, Photograph done in Ewing, Nebraska studio.....six of their eight children are pictured.
Date of this photo unknown -- quite likely this photo shows the first six children, with the two youngest not born yet into the family.
COUNTY MOURNS LOSS OF GREAT LEADER
The death of James Alderson, which occurred early Sunday morning at his
home northeast of Elgin, was not only a deep personal loss to the many
who enjoyed the privilege of his friendship, but it was an irreparable
loss to the agricultural interests of Antelope County. Mr. Alderson had
all of the qualities of a leader and his unselfish devotion to the
public good, together with his indomitable courage, perseverance and
tact brought success to practically every enterprise in which he
interested himself. Being relieved of much of his farm work in recent
years by his sons, Mr. Alderson was devoting himself unselfishly at the
time of his death to the upbuilding of those Antelope County enterprises
which he considered of benefit to the farm people.
Probably his most outstanding achievement was the building up of the
Antelope County Fair. For weeks at a time, during the summer months, he
devoted his entire time to this work, never receiving any remuneration
for his work except the satisfaction one derives from unselfish service.
Last fall, following the most successful fair ever held, "Jim" Alderson
radiated happiness, and he began at once to make plans for even greater
things in 1929. His death leaves a vacancy at the head of the fair
association which will be difficult to fill.
During the past two or three years, Mr. Alderson, devoted considerable
time to the organization of the Calf Clubs in Antelope county and the
successful work of these clubs is largely due to his untiring efforts.
At the time of his death, he was planning to assist in organizing Dairy
Calf and Pig Clubs.
At the time of the organization of the Elgin Co-Operative Creamery, Mr.
Alderson went out among the farmers and sold a majority of the stock
himself. He believed that the creamery was essential to the development
of the dairy industry in this locality and he did not wait for someone
else to accomplish its organization, and headed a subscription paper and
went out to sell the new concern to his farmer friends. The people had
great confidence in his judgment, his integrity and sincerity of
purpose, and within a short time the company was formed. Naturally, the
stock holders looked to Mr. Alderson for leadership and he was placed at
the head of the concern. In this position he served faithfully and - as
usual-without one cent of remuneration. The Elgin Creamery is another
monument to the vision, unselfishness, and perseverance of "Jim"
Alderson.
About a year ago, when the Elgin Cemetery Association was re-organized,
Mr. Alderson was elected president of the governing board, and the past
year has seen the Elgin Cemetery transformed from an ill-kept
disorganized burying ground into a beautiful, systematically operated
cemetery in with the community may well take pride. Again, Mr. Alderson
demonstrated his great constructive ability.
Pages might be written about the good works and the kind deed of "Jim"
Alderson; kindly, genial personality, his modesty and self-effacement.
The high esteem in which he was held by the people of Antelope County
was indicated by the throng which assembled at the Methodist Church
Tuesday afternoon to attend the services in his memory. The crowd could
not be accommodated within the church, and the church yard was well
filled during the services. The sermon by Rev. W. A. Rominger, a former
pastor of the Elgin church and friend of the deceased. The body was
laid at rest in the West Cedar Valley Cemetery. [Nebraska]
NOTE: Date of death, January 6, 1929
Source: Unknown publication, January 1929