Non-Profit Organization near Houston, Texas - Sons of Union Veterans Of the Civil War

FRATERNITY

CHARITY

LOYALTY

James Herman Agen

James Herman Agen was born in Montpelier, Washington County, Vermont on April 29, 1847. His parents were David Agen Sr. and Elizabeth Donaghue - born in Wexford County, Ireland and Scotland, respectively. In 1850, when James, their third child, was a toddler, the Agen family migrated about 405 miles westward to Wyoming County, New York.

On August 28, 1850, James was two years old and living in the small town of Wethersfield in Wyoming County. He was living with his parents and two older brothers, Thomas (age 6) and David Jr. (age 4). The 1850 federal census for Wethersfield shows that the parents were both born in Ireland, and the three boys were all natives of New York (instead of Vermont). James began working as a farm laborer at age 9.

On June 16, 1860, James Agen was 13 years old and living with his parents in the small town of Eagle in Wyoming County - about 10 miles south of Wethersfield. The federal census enumerator noted that the household now included two additional younger brothers and two younger sisters for a total of seven children. Soon the Civil War broke out.

... though he was only fifteen years old in the fall of 1862, he enlisted in Wadsworth’s Guards and spent five months in the service of the State, but was discharged on account of his youth when the regiment was mustered into the service of the United States.

In August 1863, while still underage, but anxious to experience the excitement of battle, 15-year-old James ran away from home to again try to join the federal army. He made his way to Wethersfield and enlisted in Company C, 130th New York Volunteer Infantry. However, he remained in camp at Portage Bridge only a short while before being rejected again due to his young age. But James was not about to give up!

... in February 1864, [he] went to Lockport, New York and again tendered his services. Having ridden thither in a box car he had contracted a severe cold and was rejected as having unsound lungs by the examining Surgeon. Nothing daunted, he worked for his board in a hotel until he had recovered his health, and upon re-examination, he was mustered into Company C, First New York Dragoons.

So, on his third attempt, James finally was enrolled in the federal army. His term of service was three years. As a dragoon, he likely served as a mounted infantryman and remained a Private during the duration of his military service. His initiation into battlefield action came quickly.

In ten days from that time, [James] was facing the enemy on the banks of the Rapidan. He took part in engagements at Pine Mountain, Old Chancellorsville, and five days of the fight in the Wilderness, where his horse was shot under him after he was detailed to watch the prisoners.

Not long afterward, during a battle near Winchester, Virginia, James again became the target of hostile bullets. Although he was fortunate enough to avoid being wounded, his horse was not as lucky. As his horse went down, James was pinned to the ground and rendered helpless.

“... his second horse was shot. The horse fell upon his right leg and held him a prisoner for several hours, during which time he was wounded in the left leg by a bursting shell. He was finally released from his position by two wounded comrades......With his right hip dislocated and his left leg bleeding from his wounds, [James] mounted the nearest horse, which chanced to be one that was hobbling on three legs, and reached the camp of the 9th New York Volunteer Infantry, where he was sheltered in the major’s tent and next day was taken to the temporary hospital which had been established in a church in Winchester.”

After reaching relative safety at the hospital in Winchester, James’ soon discovered that his travails were not yet over. The temporary facility was overcrowded as incoming casualties continued to flood in. Learning that the medical staff would not be able to attend to his wounds until the next day, he decided not to wait. He left the temporary hospital to seek medical attention at his regiment.

Although it took two days because of unforeseen delays, James finally reached camp and was able to receive medical care from the regimental surgeon. "A dozen or more pieces of shell were removed from his [leg] wound and he remained for some time in the field hospital." While convalescing at the field hospital, James was reportedly visited by Mrs. Abraham Lincoln. James’ mother later received the following letter:

Camp Bell Hospital,
Washington, D.C., Aug. 10, 1864.
My Dear Mrs. Agen,
Eagle, N.Y.:
As I am sitting by the side of your dear boy I will write you for him. He is sick and wounded but is getting along nicely. He says don’t worry about him as he will come out all right.
Yours in love, Mrs. Abraham Lincoln*

James was still recuperating in October, 1864 when Confederate General Jubal Early’s Army made a surprise attack on Sheridan’s Union forces at Cedar Creek. James was able to escape the fury of battle by making a quick exit from the scene. He "...was mounted on a donkey by a friendly negro and succeeded in keeping out of danger.... The animal which he rode also carried a quantity of baggage, including a field glass, which enabled him to get a good view of the day’s engagement."

James eventually recovered sufficiently from his leg wounds to rejoin his regiment. He served until the end of the Shenandoah Valley Campaign, and was discharged July 17,1865 at West Superior in Douglas County, Wisconsin by General Order No. 94. James had served in twelve different battles and received a bounty of $300 from the County for his service upon his discharge. He apparently saw potential opportunity in Superior, for he would return years later with his future family.

But rather than returning home to New York after mustering out of the army, James ventured due south about 275 miles to settle in the relatively new town of Osage, “the City of Maples” in Mitchell County, Iowa. His decision to migrate to Iowa was reportedly influenced by outspoken newspaperman Horace Greeley, who penned the phrase, “Go West, young man”. James likely sought opportunities for employment and land as he began his post-war life. At any rate, he was apparently reluctant to return home to New York.

At Osage, James was initially hired by a mercantile firm. But since the firm was needing cash to continue operations, James loaned it all of his savings. But the firm folded anyway a few months later, leaving him penniless. To get back on his feet, James then found employment at a farm, and eventually saved enough to start his own draying business. He worked hard, hauling grain and lumber, and soon became prosperous.

On February 22, 1869, James Agen married Ezilda Lodena Hart in Osage. She was a native of Three Rivers, Michigan. Nine months later, they became the parents of the first of their five children, when Lillian Belle Agen was born in Osage on November 28, 1869.

On March 3, 1870, a Last Will and Testament was prepared for James’ dying father, David Agen, Sr. (spelled also as ‘Eagan’). The Will contains a telling clue to the Agen family interpersonal relations. The dying man bequeathed $100 or more to each of his children - except for James! Referring to James, without any explanation, the Will states: "…to my son James I beqeth the sum of one dollar eney time demanded after one year after my death." Perhaps lingering hard feelings and disappointment felt by his father after James ran away from home to join the Union Army as a 15-year-old lad seven years earlier had never healed.

On June 6 1870, James H. Agen was a 23-year-old drayman still living in Osage Township, Mitchell County, Iowa. His wartime service as a dragoon likely prepared him for this post-war occupation. The 1870 federal census again shows his birthplace as New York, instead of Vermont. His wife, ‘Zilda’, was 22 years old and keeping house. Their Iowa-born daughter, Lillie Belle, was now six months old. The young Agen family seemed to be firmly established, owning real estate valued at $500, and personal property worth $200.

In April 1875, their second child, Roy J. Agen, was born. And then in December 1879, their third child, Mildred Blanche Agen, was born. The family was steadily growing.

On June 18, 1880, James H. Agen was 33 years old and still living in Osage City, Iowa. He was living with his 32-year-old wife, Ezilda L., and their three children, schoolgirl Belle (age 10), schoolboy Roy (age 5), and baby Agen (age 5 months). The 1880 federal census correctly indicates Vermont as James’ place of birth, and Michigan as Ezilda’s place of birth. Their children were all listed as born in Iowa.

Six days later, on June 24, 1880, James filed an application (No. 385120) for an Invalid Pension from Iowa based on his Civil War service with Co. C, 19th New York Cavalry and Co. F, 104th New York Infantry. Apparently, he was successful, as he was issued Pension Certificate No. 232993. In July 1882, their fourth child, Grace Mae Agen, was born.

While living in Osage, James established a connection with other Union veterans living in the area by becoming a member of 1st Lt. F. A. Brush Post No. 77 of the Grand Army of the Republic at Osage. He was also apparently quite civic minded, serving six years as a member of the county board of Mitchell County and as an Alderman in Osage for two years. In addition, he was president of the Mitchell County Agricultural Society for two years.

On June 1, 1885, James was 38 years old and farming in Osage with his expectant 37-year-old wife, Ezilda, and their four children; L. Bell, Roy J., Millie M. and Gracie S. Agen. Their fifth and last child, Earl Vinton Agen, was born the following month, on July 11, 1885 in Osage.

In 1887, the Agen family packed up and moved north to relocate in the small town of West Superior in Douglas County, Wisconsin. It was a tiny settlement of about 300 people when he and his family arrived. James immediately engaged in Real Estate, loans, and fire insurance. He erected buildings and developed two business blocks in the town. In addition, he platted and subdivided several additions to the growing town and handled large tracts of timber and farm lands. He also acquired land holdings in Iowa and Texas. The Agens became one of the more prominent families in the area. They continued to live in Superior for about twenty years.

Meanwhile, James was again very active in local civic affairs. He helped reorganize the West Superior Chamber of Commerce and served at its first president afterward. He also organized the Douglas County Agricultural Society and served as its president, and was instrumental in organizing similar organizations in the surrounding counties. James was a member of the Knights Templar, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (I.O.O.F.), the Ancient Order of United Workmen (A.O.U.W.), the Iowa Legion of Honor, and was affiliated with the Methodist Church.

In June 1890, James was listed on the 1890 Federal Census Special Veterans Schedule as living in Superior, Wisconsin. He reported that he had served as a Private in Co. C, New York Dragoons, having enlisted August 22, 1862, and discharged July 17, 1865 - after serving 2 years, 10 months, and 25 days. He did not report any residual disabilities stemming from his leg injuries suffered during the war.

After moving to Wisconsin, James continued his affiliation with the Grand Army of the Republic. On January 3, 1891, he transferred his G.A.R. membership to the newly organized Alonzo Palmer Post No. 170 in Superior. James thus became a Charter Member of that new G.A.R. Post. He eventually was elected as Post Commander.

In 1893 and 1894, James served on the West Superior Common Council. He proved to be a man of uncommon vigor and zeal in promoting his adopted hometown.

In 1894, at his own expense, he made a collection of Douglas county products which he took to Milwaukee and exhibited at the State Fair, winning first premium for the best collection of agricultural products from any single county in the State, and demonstrating the wonderful possibilities of the county for development in that direction.

James was also was involved in State politics. In 1897 and 1898, he served as a Republican member of the Wisconsin State Assembly, representing his district. During his second term, he was elected as Sergeant-at-Arms of the Assembly.

Between 1896 and 1899, James traveled to Seattle, Washington to visit his younger brother, John Bernard Agen. His brother owned a wholesale produce and dairy commission business in Seattle and his warehouse served as an Alaska outfitting establishment. During one of those visits, James ventured north to Juneau, Alaska with a load of butter and eggs from his brother’s company to sell. This was during the Klondike Gold Rush, and James likely traveled to Alaska looking for opportunities, as well as to make a profit by selling those high-demand dairy products.

On June 19, 1900, James and Ezilda were living at 502 Hammond Ave. in Superior City, Wisconsin. He was 53 years old, working in Real Estate, and reported his birthplace as Vermont. His parents were listed on the census schedule as born in Ireland and Scotland, respectively. Ezilda was reportedly 48 years old (which was likely understated) and born in Michigan, as were her parents. The couple had been married 31 years, all five of their children were still living, and they owned their house free and clear.

It must have been a closely-knit family, as all five Agen children were still living with their parents in 1900. They included: unmarried Real Estate agent, Roy (age 25); unmarried schoolgirl, Millie (age 20); schoolgirl Grace (age 17); schoolboy Earl V. (age 14); and married and unemployed daughter, Belle Griffin Agen (age 30), with her 6-year-old daughter, Loraine Griffin. Belle had married 7 years earlier, but her husband was not enumerated with her in the Agen household. All five Agen children were correctly listed as born in Iowa.

The 1901 city directory for Superior, Wisconsin shows the Agen family was still living at 502 Hammond Avenue. The family unit was still together for the most part. James and his son, Roy J. Agen, were employed at James H. Agen Co., located at 601-602 Tower Avenue in Superior, selling real estate, loans, and insurance. Daughter Grace M. Agen was a student.

In 1902, James' standing and reputation as a member of the Grand Army of the Republic in Wisconsin was apparently quite strong. As a result, his comrades elected him as Commander of the Department of Wisconsin that year. His command encompassed over 16,000 G.A.R. veterans living in the state. As Department Commander, he traveled to Washington, DC in October 1892 to attend the 36th National Encampment of the G.A.R., representing the State of Wisconsin. He "served three terms on the staff of the National Commander, with the rank of Colonel.”

In June 1905, James was 59 years old and still living in Superior when the Wisconsin State Census was taken. He was still engaged in real estate and insurance, owned his home, and was living with his 58-year-old wife and 3 roomers. Four of their children were also living in the household, including: their widowed daughter, Belle L. Griffin (age 34); unmarried Millie B. Agen (age 25); unmarried Grace Mae Agen (age 22); and unmarried student, Earl Vinton Agen (age 19). James and everyone in his family was listed on the census page as born in Iowa, except for Earl, who was reportedly born in Wisconsin - which conflicts with the 1900 Wisconsin Federal census and Earl’s birth record, which both indicate he was born instead in Iowa in July 1885.

The 1906 city directory for Superior, Wisconsin shows that the Agen family had moved to a new residence. Their new address was 1417 N. 11th Street. The directory lists James H. Agen and two of his daughters, clerk Grace Agen and Millie Agen as living at that address. His son, Roy J. Agen, was living at 2128 Tower Avenue in Superior. James and Roy were still in business together at James H. Agen Co. selling real estate, loans, and insurance. Their office address was still 601-603 Tower Avenue.

Soon James received an offer from Colonel Wolvin of Texas City, Texas, inviting him to come help "clean up the town." James traveled alone to Texas to check out this opportunity, which must have been to his liking, because he later sent for his family to join him there.

After presumably finishing his business with Colonel Wolvin in Texas City, the Agen family settled in Houston, Harris County, Texas. James apparently recognized the golden opportunity of selling real estate on installment plans in the growing city. He continued in the real estate business until his death.

In the 1908-1909 Houston city directory, James is listed as living at 702 Francis Avenue with his son, Earl V. Agen, daughter Miss Grace M. Agen, and daughter Miss Mildred B. Agen. He was the principle at James H. Agen Company, and president of East Houston Development Company. His son, Earl, was also employed at James H. Agen Company, which was located at 10 Fox Building at 317½ Main SW in Houston, phone number 1095. They specialized in real estate, lands, and loans.

According to listings in Polk’s Douglas County Directory [Oregon] for 1910, members of the Agen family from West Superior, Wisconsin, were paying taxes on land they owned in Douglas County, Oregon. The names of record and affiliated assessment values were: James H. Agen, $1,600; Ezilda Agen, $500; Millie B. Agen, $2,370; and Ruby M. M. Agen, $2,760 (Ruby was the wife of James' son, Roy).

The 1910-1911 city directory for Houston lists most of the Agen family still living at 702 Francis Avenue. The household included James and his sons Roy J. and Earl V. Agen as associates of James H. Agen Company selling real estate, lands, and loans, and his two daughters, Grace and Mildred.

At this point, it seems that James' son, Earl, had the resources and desire to leave the Agen firm and strike out on his own. On May 28, 1910, he was 24 years old, still unmarried, and was living in Pct. 1 in Harris County, Texas. Like his new near neighbors, Earl was a farmer, specifically a fruit farmer. He was working on his own account and living alone. The 1910 census correctly notes he was born in Iowa, his father was born in Vermont, and his mother was born in Michigan. He owned his farm free and clear. (Note: On February 9, 1931, Earl V. Agen was 45 years old when he married 28-year-old Marie Roward Lester in Pima County, Arizona).

The 1911-1912 city directory for Houston shows James was still living at 702 Francis Avenue. Their adult daughter, Miss Millie Agen was also living in the household. His company, James H. and R. J. Agen Real Estate and Loans, was still located at 10 Fox Building, 317½ Main Street. His son and business partner, Roy J. Agen, was living at 109 Tuam Avenue in Houston with his wife, Ruby.

James continued his affiliation with the G.A.R. after arriving in Texas, becoming a member of George B. McClellan Post #9 of Houston. Even though he apparently did not serve as an elected or appointed Officer of the Post, he was named as a Trustee in 1913.

The 1913 city directory for Houston shows the James Agen family continued to live at 702 Francis Avenue. His business, James H. Agen Co., was still specializing in real estate, land, and loans, but had relocated to 310 Scanlan Bldg. James demonstrated aggressiveness with his Real Estate marketing efforts by mailing out an advertising postcard to his G.A.R. comrades in other parts of the country. He teamed up with a friend and former Confederate Corporal to invite former soldiers to relocate to Houston – and, of course, to buy property from him!

Photo james herman agen, mcclelland post 9 and james j. hall, dick dowling camp, ucv website

The front of the postcard has the following handwritten message:

Sent to me by Grace Agen Vallas July 6, 1942. Her father & my grandfather were very close friends even though they fought on opposite sides in the Civil War. Grandpa Hall was an officer in Green’s Texas Brigade. The Agens & Halls lived as neighbors in Texas City in the 90’s …. Hally Ruth Hall Mosely.

The reverse of the postcard back depicts two grizzled war veterans shaking hands - Pvt. James Herman Agen of Co. C, 1st New York Dragoons and Cpl. James Jones Hall of Co. C, 4th Texas Cavalry.

On Saturday, February 22, 1919, James and Ezilda celebrated their golden wedding anniversary with friends and family at their home in Houston. The event drew family members from across the country. Both the Houston Post and the Houston Chronicle noted the occasion the following day in lengthy columns.

Colonel and Mrs. James H. Agen celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary Saturday, February 22, at their home, 702 Francis Avenue, Houston, in company with their five children, Mrs. Belle Griffin and Mrs. Horace Vallas, both of Houston; Mrs. J. A. Brown of Denver, Colo.; one son, Roy J., of Superior, Wis.; another son, Earl from Denver, Colo.; one brother, N. D., New York, and a sister, Mrs. J. L. Branen of Denver, Colo., and other relatives will arrive during the week. ...... (Houston Chronicle, Feb. 23, 1919).

On January 13, 1920, James’ wife, Ezilda, was lodging with their 37-year-old married daughter, Grace Vallas, and real estate agent son-in-law, Horace A. Vallas. Their address was 610 Francis Avenue in Houston. Ezilda was 71 years old and, for some reason, was enumerated as a ‘widow’ - possibly as a more ‘socially-correct’ word for someone ‘divorced’ or in the process of divorcing. Ezilda reported Michigan as her place of birth, and New York as the birthplace of her parents. The glow of their recent 50-year wedding anniversary celebration must have faded.

On that same day, January 13, 1920, the same census enumerator interviewed James Agen a few doors away, at 702 Francis Avenue. James was 73 years old - and still very much alive. He was living alone and reported that he was a Vermont-born real estate agent, owned his house free and clear, and Ireland was the birthplace of his parents. But his health was apparently deteriorating.

The following year, on October 4, 1921, James Agen died at home at 702 Francis in Houston. He was 74 years, 5 months, and 6 days old. The primary cause of his death was liver cancer, aggravated by Bright’s disease. He was laid to rest in Glenwood Cemetery in Houston Heights on the north side of the city.

The informant on James’ death certificate was his eldest daughter, Lillie Belle Agen-Griffin of Kankakee, Illinois – instead of his wife, Ezilda. Belle reported that her father was a married real estate dealer who was born in Montpelier, Vermont on April 29, 1847, and his parents were David Agen and Elizabeth Donahue, both born in Ireland.

A month later, on November 3, 1921, James’ widow, Ezilda L. Agen, filed an application (No. 1180917) from Texas for or a Widow’s Pension based on her late husband’s Civil War service. She was successful and awarded pension Certificate No. 924484.

Rest in Pease, Comrade Agen!

Visit Our Social Media...and Feel Free to Share With Others!