James B. C. Lutz, former Astorian, passed away in Chicago, at the Augustana hospital, July 6, at the age of 90 years and 25 days. Until within six weeks he had been in his usual good health except for a gradual weakness due to advanced age. Death was due to an acute heart attack. The remains were brought here Monday evening.
James Balser Curry Lutz was born near Staunton, Va., Augusta County, June 11, 1851, and was the son of Balser W. and Eliza J. (Ullery) Lutz. When a young boy, he came with his parents to Illinois, where the family settled on a farm west of, and near Astoria, in Fulton county. He was educated in the public schools of his day, and at Westfield College. For a number of years he taught school in Fulton and Schuyler counties and in the Academy at Greenville, Tenn., later becoming extensively engaged in farming and livestock business. On September 1, 1880, Mr. Lutz was united in marriage to Sarah Catherine Wetzel of Astoria. There were three children, Herschel C. Lutz of Galesburg and Mrs. Leclare H. Amrine, (Mabel Zeta Lutz) of Chicago. The youngest son, Judson B. Lutz, died when not quite seven years of age.
In 1903 Mr. Lutz with his family moved to Monmouth, at which time their home was built at 300 South B. street. On April 23, 1920, his beloved wife was taken by death, and since then, he has divided his time between his surviving son and daughter.
Until recent years, in addition to his business interests, Mr. Lutz was active in many organizations, which fostered the welfare of the communities in which he lived.
From early in life he was a devout church worker and was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Monmouth where he and his wife worshipped together for years prior to her death.
J. B. C. Lutz had been identified with the Republican party since the close of the Civil War, and cast his first presidential vote for Ulysses S. Grant. To the last he retained his great interest in national politics and civic affairs.
Mr. Lutz was truly a gentleman of the old school, and a man of strong convictions. His belief was in righteousness and justice, kindness, consideration of others, honesty and fairness to all. His most cherished treasures of this world were old friendships and family ties.
Mr. Lutz was Past Master of Monmouth Lodge, A. F. & A. M., member of Warren Chapter No. 30 R. A. M., Monmouth Low Twelve Club, Alpha Lodge No. 155 A. F. & A. M., Galesburg, Galesburg Men’s Low Twelve Club and Knoxville Council No. 1.
Funeral services were held this afternoon at 3:30, at the Horton Parlors, conducted by Dr. T. B. Lugg of Decatur, assisted by the Rev. C. A. Bennett, pastor of the Astoria Methodist church. Interment in the family lot in the Astoria cemetery. Pallbearers were grand-nephews.
Current Obituaries in the Astoria South Fulton Argus