James Andrew Pendroy

Known biographical Information.

James Andrew Pendroy one of 4 sons of James Martin and Sarah (Baldwin) Pendroy

James Andrew Pendroy was born 04/01/1863  in Marion Co. IA. He married Silda Masteller.

1902 Obituary of Mrs. James Andrew Pendroy states "Mrs. James Andrew Pendroy died at her home in Towner, North Dakota, May 5, at 8:00 PM.

Sildia A. Masteller was born in Knox County Ohio Jan 4, 1863; came with her parents to Otley Iowa in 1875; in 1879 they removed to a farm four miles south of Knoxville. For several years Sildia taught school in the schools of Marion County, winning lasting friends among scholars and parents. On Sept 18, 1892 she was married to James A. Pendroy,   at Minot North Dakota.Theirs was a union of more than ordinary happiness. To them three children were born, to whom she was a most devoted mother. The funeral services were held in the church in Towner and burial in the Towner Cemetery May 8, 1902. (Two sons and 1 daughter are named as are a sister married  at Monroe Iowa, and a brother in Knoxville, Iowa.

Author Note: The large oval portrait had the words "Jim Pendroy" written on it in ink. I had some concern about which of the numerous James Pendroys this was. Since the small photo above was positively identified  as James Andrew Pendroy  within the accompanying  family  portrait, it appears certain that the larger oval portrait is Jim Andrew Pendroy. He lived to 87 years of age.

Author note: About 15 years ago some of my relatives contacted some people in Pendroy, Montana asking about the town of Pendroy., Montana and  Levi Boots Pendroy. Of course we had just learned of the existence of the town with our last name.

According their family branch, both of the brothers James Andrew Pendroy and Levi Boots Pendroy started the town of Pendroy, Montana. I base this on the written comments by Mr. Charles Pendroy of Sauk Centre, Minnesota published in the article about his father James Martin Pendroy (born 1862) titled "He Rode at 86" in the March 1950 edition of "Bits and Spurs" magazine.

We were curious about how the town got its name and who the founder was. An older woman of the town of Pendroy Montana knew of them and this information was provided in the letter.

"L.B. also had a brother named Jim (James A. Pendroy) who lived and farmed in this area. ....LB and Jim were called the Wheat Kings of Montana". They were some of the first farmers in this area to own tractors or combines.  The Ritenour family bought the Pendroy land in 1924 and 1926. The original Pendroy home burnt down sometime in the late 20's or early 30's. It is believed that all the Pendroys moved to California."

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