James
Howard Piper
From: The
White Hall Register of Green County, IL; pub. September 3, 1909
James Howard Piper, aged nearly 58 years, Mayor of White Hall, leading grocer and business man for more than 25 years died rather suddenly at his home in this city, February 10, 1929, of neuralgia of the heart. During the nearly 40 years, Mr. Piper had been a resident of White Hall, he had always taken an active interest in the business and civic affairs of the community. At different times he served as tax collector, city clerk, member of board of education, Mayor, etc. At the time of his death he was President of the White Hall National Bank, member of MWA, Royal Neighbors and Court of Honor. Although he never united with the Christian Church, he was a regular attendant and a liberal contributor towards its financial support. In what ever place Mr. Piper was stationed he gave his best. James Howard Piper was the eldest child of Benjamin F. and Rachel Standifer Piper. Born on the farm north of Greenfield June 19, 1871 and at the time of death was 57 years, 7 months and 21 days of age. He attended school at Greenfield until February, 1889, when the family came to White Hall which has since been his home. As a young man he clerked in the store of his father, B. F. Piper and later for Fowler and Piper and in 1905 he engaged in grocery business for himself. On September 17, 1891, he married Miss Inez Fowler of White Hall. To this union three children were born: Francis B. Piper, White Hall; Georgine, wife of Lee Bridgewater, Mobile, Alabama; and Robert W. Piper at home, student at Illinois College, Jacksonville.
Besides the widow and children, he is survived by two grand children, Gloria and Linda Bridgewater. Also one brother Guy Piper of Michigan and Mrs. Elmer Langdon of the Roodhouse vicinity is his only sister. Funeral at Christian Church, burial in White Hall cemetery.
*Contributed by Mitzi Calbreath
