James E. Jewel was born in Germantown, Ohio, October 19, 1847, and died
at his home in Fort Morgan, Colorado, November 8, 1939, aged 92 years.
He migrated with his parents to Iowa in 1854, receiving his early
education in the rural schools. Mr. Jewel enlisted with the Union Army
in Company C, 27th Iowa Infantry, October 27, 1864, just past 17 years
old. He served as color guard all the time he was in the Army, and was
honorably discharged November 17, 1864.
Mr. Jewel entered the University of Iowa to obtain his law degree,
graduating in 1877, and practiced law at Independence, Iowa, until 1901,
when he came to Colorado, and was interested in farming and stock
raising in addition to his law practice.
He joined the Grand Army of the Republic in 1878, serving in many
offices with credit to himself and to the organization. In 1921 Mr.
Jewel was elected Department Commander of Colorado and Wyoming. He
served as Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief in 1928 and Commander-in-Chief
In 1930. A loyal soldier of the Union cause, a Christian gentleman, a
loving husband and father, he was broad in his thinking and built his
own creed which contained the things that were essential and vital. A
natural leader, his counsel was always listened to with respect by his
associations.
On March 6, 1871, Mr. Jewel was united in marriage to Mahala E. Rozell.
Four children were born, all of whom, with their mother, had preceded
him in death. On November 30, 1919, Mr. Jewel was united in marriage to
Mary S. Jewel, who with 13 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren
remain to mourn and cherish his memory. Burial took place in Arlington
Cemetery, Washington, D.C.
E.H. Cowan,
Joshua C. Pearce
Committee
*****
Source:
Journal of the 74th National Encampment, Grand Army of the Republic,
Springfield, Illinois, September 8-13, 1940.
Photograph and Information submitted by:
George G. Kane
February 2002
