Whiteside County Biographies 1908
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Whiteside Biographies 1908 > George James

History of Whiteside County 1908 (Davis)
23 Feb 2009

George James

History of Whiteside County 1908


 


Page  1209


GEORGE JAMES


George James, a successful agriculturist, owning one hundred and seventy-two acres of well improved land in Fenton township, was born in England in November, 1829, his parents being William and Sarah (Tucker) James, who died in that country when he was still very young. the only other member of the family was his sister, Eliza, who is also deceased.


George James acquired a common-school education and when fifteen years of age became a sailor following the sea for ten years. IN 1855, accompanied by his wife, he crossed the briny deep to the  new world, having heard many favorable reports of the business conditions and chances for advancement on this side of the Atlantic. After the brief period of three weeks spent in New Jersey, he came to Whiteside County, Illinois, where he has made his home ever since. Here he and his wife firs worked for his uncle for two years, receiving two hundred dollars per year, while subsequently he worked on Dr. Smith's farm of three hundred and eighty acres, later renting this property for a short time. After this he purchased seventy-two acres, on section 32, Fenton township, Whiteside county, and as his financial resources increased added to his holdings until he now owns one hundred and seventy-two acres of rich and productive farming land, which returns to him a gratifying annual income. The well tilled fields and modern improvements on the place give evidence of the enterprising and progressive spirit of the owner, who is widely recognized throughout the community as one of the county's worthy pioneers and well know agriculturists. The success which has come to him is attributable entirely to his own well=directed labor and unremitting industry, for he started out in life empty-handed and by determined and persistent effort gradually worked his way upward.


On the 19th of May, 1849, in England, Mr. James was united in marriage to Miss Mary Ann Milton, who was born August 30, 1829, a daughter of James and Ann Milton, both of whom are deceased. Unto our subject and his wife have been born eleven children, namely: George, deceased; Eliza A., at home; William H., of Erie township, Whiteside county; Elizabeth, the wife of J. C. Pratt, of Rock Island, Illinois; Louisa, who became the wife of H. D. Fadden and resides in Portland township, this county; Jettie J., the wife of Henry Pfundstein, of Fenton township, Whiteside county; Fred, of Erie township, this county; Emma, who has also passed away; Thomas, of Fenton township; Harriett, the wife of W. H. Pratt, of Erie Township; and John, who resides in Erie, Illinois, a member of the firm of Baxter & James, furnishing goods.


In his political views Mr. James is a stanch republican and his interest in the cause of education is indicated by his service as school director for three years. He has also been pathmaster and is actively interested in all measures or movements instituted to promote the general welfare, his influence being ever given on the side of reform, progress and improvement. He is a member of the Franklin Insurance Company of Springfield, Illinois. Having resided in this county for more than a half century, both he and his wife are well and favorably known here, receiving the veneration and respect which should ever be accorded those who have traveled thus far on life's journey and who in all relations have been guided by upright and honorable principles.


 

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