James Priestley, died at his farm residence on Saturday, aged 74 yrs. His death cast a much bereaved appearance over his many friends. He came to this place in '34, and remained among us ever since with the exception of five years in Canada. Was a devout christian, and greatly respected for his always honest and quiet manner. A wife and six grown up children remain to mourn Mineral Point Tribune, Oct. 2, 1879 1875-10-07 Tribune Accident.— On Monday evening about five o’clock, as Mr. James Priestley was clearing straw from the cog wheels of some part of a threshing machine, he placed his hand so near the cogs that they seized and crushed it, tearing off the flesh and leaving the bone bare. The thumb will probably have to be removed. July 2000 letter in MPLA "correspondence" file from Guy Gregory re: securing replacement stone for James Priestley