Corning, Feb. 5 – James Leroy Nixon, 82, long a prominent newspaper man in New York State, died at the Corning Hospital, Sunday at 12:27 p.m., after suffering a prolonged illness.
For the past several years Mr. Nixon has resided in West Caton, his birthplace, enjoying the fruits of a long and active life amid the scenes of his boyhood days. His home was the gathering place of his many friends who invariably received a hearty welcome and bountiful hospitality.
Mr. Nixon rose from obscurity as a poor farm boy to a position of prominence in newspaper circles. He was born Apr. 8, 1851, the son of George Patrick and Rachel Hunt Nixon, pioneer settlers in the Town of Caton. He attended a country school and spent many hours working on a farm, all the while laying plans for his future.
Fifty-three years ago, he came to this city to learn the printing trade at the office of the Corning Daily Journal which was owned by the late Dr. George W. Pratt, grandfather of the present district attorny of Steuben County. Not content to absorb the mechanics of a newspaper office, Mr. Nixon tried his hand at reporting, a business in which he soon became extremely proficient.
Having acquired a liberal education under the tutelage of Dr. Pratt, Mr. Nixon went to Spencer, N.Y. where he established the Spencer Herald. He later founded the Chemung Valley Reporter in Horseheads and subsequently entered the employ of the Elmira Star-Gazette, remaining with that paper until he became city editor of the Sunday Telegram, owned at that time by Harry Brooks.
Seeking new world’s to conquer, the capable young journalist went to Buffalo to accept the post of city editor of the Buffalo Courier. In this capacity he met with such conspicuous success that he was tendered and accepted the office of managing editor of the Buffalo Enquirer in which post he gained wide recognition. When the Enquirer was discontinued, Mr. Nixon went with the Buffalo Commercial in an official capacity.
Devoting all his spare time to writing, Mr. Nixon authored a number of books, including “The Maid of Ontario,” “The Life of Christ,” and “The Spirit of P.S.C..” The last named book dealt with the subject of chiropractics, to which Mr. Nixon turned his mind after middle age. His work is now being used as a text book in one of the large chiropractic schools, where he studied after leaving the newspaper profession.
Mr. Nixon spent some time in Davenport, Iowa, before coming to this city to open an office for the practice of chiropractics. In 1915, he was a member of the Constitutional Committee of New York State, being named from the Buffalo District, and during the World War he was chairman of the Draft Board in Buffalo.
Intimate with scores of statesmen and leading politicians he declined to accept public office. It is said that he was the clsoe friend of a number of governors and others in high official circles from whom he might have obtained any favor in the way of appointment to office. He waived the acceptance of such honors on the grounds that they might handicap him as a newspaper man and critic.
During his residence in Buffalo, Mr. Nixon, an ardent and enthusiastic Mason, founded Cushman Lodge No. 829 and became the first master of the unit, which was formed in his own home. He was a member of the Buffalo Consistory, Buffalo Shrine, Royal Arch Masons, and was patron of Osseo Chapter No. 386, of the Eastern Star Order in Buffalo.
Mr. Nixon was married twice and survived both of his wives. Fifty-six years ago, he was united in marriage with Miss Susie Cortright. Years after her death, he married Miss Sarah Compton, who has since passed away.
Survivors are two sons, George W., and D.C. Nixon, Elmira; three daughters, Mrs. Hugh B. Muisener, Hartford, Conn; Mrs. Stewart Aikenhead, Cleveland, and Mrs. J.C. Field, New York City. He leaves 6 grandchildren and several nieces and nephews including Mrs. Lewis Elliott, East Third Street, at whose home he was a frequent visitor.
The body has been removed to the Stover funeral home, 327 [number blurry] East Second Street, from which place the funeral will be held Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. with the Rev. Guy Ovenshire, pastor of the First Methodist Episcopal Church, officiating. Services at the grave in Hope Cemetery will be conducted by the Masonic Order, probably by the lodge founded by Mr. Nixon in Buffalo.
James Leroy Nixon was born on 8. Apr. 1851 at Caton, Steuben County, New York. He was the son of
George Patrick Nixon and
Rachael Manning Hunt. James Leroy Nixon married
Susie Courtright. James Leroy Nixon married
Sarah Compton c 1891. James Leroy Nixon was a telagraph editor on 8. Jun. 1900.
James Leroy Nixon and
Sarah Compton appeared on the census of 8. Jun. 1900 at Buffalo, Erie County, New York; she has 3 children, 3 living. James Leroy Nixon was a manager on 18. Apr. 1910.
James Leroy Nixon and
Sarah Compton appeared on the census of 18. Apr. 1910 at Buffalo, Erie County, New York; 4 children, 3 living. James Leroy Nixon died in 1933 at Corning, Steuben County, New York.