Obituary Record
Sylvester , James H. A. - December 18, 1901
DEATH OF JAS. H. A. SYLVESTER
After an Illness of Short Duration Death Occurred Wednesday Night At His Home.
James H. A. Sylvester died from pneumonia on Wednesday night December 18, 1901, at 9:20 o'clock, at his home on the Blue Meadow Road, one mile west of this city.
Judge Sylvester, as be was widely and favorably known, having served with marked distinction in the capacity of a justice of the peace for this beat, was born at Charleston, South Carolina, July 14 seventy one years ago, and was reared at Fort Claiborne, Ala., where be resided till 1871, when be moved with his family to Bay St. Louis.
When the civil war broke out, he was one of the first to shoulder a musket and fight, for the cause so dear to every true Southerner. He was first lieutenant in the 23rd Alabama Regiment. Later he was forced to resign owing to ill health. However, he soon regained his health and joined the Fifteenth Confederate Regiment operating along the coast.
Besides justice of the peace he held the trust of supervisor. A good citizen, prominent Mason, alive to the best interests of the community, his demise is keenly regretted, and to his grief-striken family much sympathy is extended. An aged widow and five children (all married) are left deep in sorrow. The five are Mrs.Weir, of Florida; Mrs. H. L. Pledger. Mrs.B. Turner, Messrs. Howard and William Sylvester.
The funeral took place Thursday afternoon from the late residence, under the auspices of the Masonic fraternity.
Source: Sea Coast Echo 12-21-1901