Obituary for James Andrew Massie (1848-1916)
Uncited clipping.
From the papers of Mary Omahundro Hutt Walker

"FORMER RESIDENT FOUND DEAD"

"From the Redding (Cal) Searchlight of July 21, (1916, ed.) we reproduce the following account of the death of J A MASSIE, formerly a resident of this county.

James A MASSIE found murdered on the porch of his mining cabin three miles west of Redding on the road to Centreville. That was the startling but mistaken information brought to Redding at 3 o'clock Thursday afternoon by Joseph MARTIN, nephew of the venerable citizen.

The Sheriff's office, district attorney, coroner, under-taker and reporters hurried off by automobile to the scene.

It was soon determined that MASSIE had not be murdered, but he had been dead for several days. As far as appearances were concerned, Joseph MARTIN, the nephew, taking a hasty glance was justified in making the startling statement he did on his arrival at Redding.

The investigation resulted in determining quickly that Mr. MASSIE had doubtless died of apoplexy, falling backward on the rear porch of his cabin. The body lay in such a position that the rays of the setting sun struck the forehead and discolored it.

Nothing about the cabin was disturbed. The breakfast dishes were not cleaned away. The watch and coin in Massie's pocket were not disturbed. The clock was still running. The rifle was in its accustomed place and a dog was still by his master, faithful far beyond the end and keeping watchful guard.

Mr. MASSIE lived in his home in Railroad Avenue but during the summer he liked to go out to his cabin on what is called the old Sampson place. There he mined a little, cultivated a garden and dwelt alone. His nephews C G MASSIE and Joseph MARTIN, lived in the home in Redding.

MASSIE came home every other night. He was in Redding for the last time last Monday. He was due to come again on Wednesday. He did not come. The nephews concluded that it was wise to see what was the matter. Joseph MARTIN went out on Centerville Road on his wheel to investigate. Arriving at the cabin, which was at some distance from the road, he made the gruesome discovery and came to the awful conclusion that startled Redding when the announcement was made.

James Andrew MASSIE was born in Virginia seventy years ago. He came to Shasta Co, Ca in 1872. He soon married Miss Ella E DRYDEN, daughter of the pioneer Methodist pastor. She died several years ago, or after Orelle R MCCUTCHEON had been adopted. The adopted girl on Feb 16 of this year became the wife of Charles A MASSIE of Spokane, Washington. She is the nearest relative left by the pioneer. The descendant owned considerable property in Redding.

He was not rich, but he had ample to care for himself without work. Yet he liked to be alone and thus he died alone in his cabin on the mining claim. MASSIE suffered from heart weakness; and to a friend in Redding, he complained less than two weeks ago."

File submitted to HERITAGE PAGES of LINCOLN COUNTY, MISSOURI by June Groshong, 5 June, 2005.

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