My Genealogy Hound

WILLIAM HENRY JAMES is one of the practical and successful young farmers who have been largely instrumental in the upbuilding and progress of Johnson County. His home is on section 35, township 47, range 27, a fine piece of land, comprising eighty acres, well adapted to general farming purposes. He became the owner of this homestead in the spring of 1893, and since that time has instituted many improvements.

Mr. James was born on a farm two miles and a-half east of his present residence, April 11, 1859. He is the elder of two children born to John N. and Ann (Claimich) James. The father was brought up to agricultural pursuits, but on reaching man’s estate he concluded to learn the plasterer’s trade, and served an apprenticeship to the same. Afterwards he resumed farming, and conducted a place in Crawford County, Kan., until 1876. At that time Kansas City appeared to be a good field of work for builders and tradesmen, and, leaving the farm, he went thither. For some six years he had all that he could do and was greatly prospered, but in 1882 the dread disease smallpox broke out in the city, and he was one of the victims. He was twice married, his second wife being a Miss Clara Smith, who still survives him. William H. is the only surviving child of the first marriage, but three of the five children born of the second union are now living.

Meeting with the great misfortune of losing his mother when he was but two years and a-half old, W. H. James was early compelled to enter the struggle of life on his own responsibility. When he was in his seventh year he found a home with a Mr. Campbell, working for him in the summer and attending the district schools in the winter. Little did he think at that time, a poor and almost friendless boy, that he would later own the farm on which he was growing up. He possessed the right qualifications, and adversity developed his inherent strength of character. After living with Mr. Campbell about three years he entered the employ of another man, and the rest of his youth was spent with different farmers in the neighborhood. When he was able to command wages he had learned the value of money and carefully husbanded his resources. Renting a piece of land from Mr. Marr, he proceeded to cultivate the tract, and at intervals worked by the day or month for other parties.

October 8, 1882, Mr. James married Frances V. Larkerbrink, daughter of the honored old pioneers, Henry and Catherine (McMahon) Larkerbrink. Mrs. James possesses an excellent education and unusual social ability and tact, and has been of material assistance to her husband in his efforts to obtain a competence. They have had two children, but have had the misfortune to lose both of them.

In his political affiliations Mr. James is a Republican and has always advocated the principles of his party. Upright and honorable in all of his business dealings, he bears an enviable reputation among his neighbors and has many friends in this community. He and his good wife are identified with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.