James L. Boling

James L. Boling

January 30, 1884 - March 11, 1942 

I've never seen a picture of Leona's maternal grandfather, and information about his life is sparse, but the little bit of information in his obituary printed in the Ashland Gazette, March 18, 1942, gives us a look into his life.

Home of James Boling at the time of his death
1919 Boyd Street, Ashland, Nebraska

"What is believed to have been a cerebral hemorrhage caused the sudden death of James L. Boling at his home about 7:00 Wednesday night.

1918 Boyd Street
Home of S.E. Merford Family in 1942

 "Mr. Boling had returned from his work at the National Guard Camp and had been at the SE Merford home – 1918 Boyd Street to do a piece of work. He started for his own home directly across the street and when he reached his yard was heard to utter a scream. Mr. and Mrs. B.A. Greenslit heard his cry and helped him into his house where he lived about 10 minutes.

"James Leonard Boling was born at Seymour, Jackson, Indiana on January 29, 1876 and passed away at Ashland March 11, 1942 at the age of 66 years, 1 month, 10 days. Thirty-four years ago he was united in marriage with Ruth Winger. She passed away March 1, 1928. To their union 11 children were born – all of whom are living. They are Mrs. Lorene Carpenter, Mrs. Bernice Bergerman, Mrs. Velma Reed, Miss Lydia Ruth Boling and Donald Boling all of Pueblo, Colorado. Nelson, Merrill and Robert Boling of Ashland, Charles Boling of Los Angeles, CA, Billy Dean Boling of San Diego, California and Sergeant James Boling Jr. of Camp Roberts, California.

"Mr. James Boling and his family came to Ashland from Graham, MO in May 1936 and had made this their home since that time. The family had resided some years at Valley and Freemont before going to Missouri.  Mr. Boling was an industrious man, well liked by all with whom he came to during his residence of nearly 6 years in this city and will be greatly missed by a wide circle of friends in addition to his family and other relatives.

James Boling's grave just inside the gates of the
Ashland Cemetery

James Boling
Final resting place

"Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon, March 16 at the Mercy Chapel and was conducted by Bishop Bell and Elder Abbott of the Church of Latter-day Saints at Lincoln. Pallbearers were Lewis R. Burley, Walter Buskirk, Elmer M. McFarland and Arthur Robinson and Jesse Roger and Virgil Shields. Interment was in the Ashland cemetery.

Happy Father's Day, Grandpa Boling! 

The birth date on his headstone was a point of "discussion" between Toodie and her brother, two of James' children.  Because the brother was in Ashland and had the final say, the head stone reflects his opinion.  However, Toodie insisted he was born in 1884, and his Draft Record for WWI confirms that she was right!

James Boling's draft record which he would have
completed in his own handwriting.

Signed 12 September 1918