Biography of W. T. James, Saline Co, AR *********************************************************** Submitted by: Leon Rowland Moore Date: 5 Nov 2002 Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm *********************************************************** Source: Goodspeed's History of Saline County W. T. James, also numbered among the pioneers of Kentucky Township, Saline County, first saw the light of day in this county in 1848, as the son of Jesse and Fanny (Terry) James. Jesse James came to this State when but a lad with his father, who was known as Honor James, settling in this county. He was married twice: the first time to the mother of W.T., the subject of this sketch. Jesse was a farmer by occupation, and after his marriage bought land on Lee's Creek, where he lived for some twenty-five years. He sold this in 1886, and rented the Given Dyer farm. Her h kept boarding house on the stage route from Hot Springs, accumulating a large amount of money, frequently selling corn for $3 per bushel. He moved from there to where Charles James now lives, six miles went of Benton, Buying 300 acres of land with 100 acres under cultivation. This place he made his home until his death, which occurred in 1874. He was accidentally killed while out hunting, a man named James Kinkade having dropped his gun. The ball entered Mr. James' knee while he was in a sitting position, ranging upward and entering his body. He only survived twenty-four hours. As a farmer and trader he had been very successful. He died as a member of the Baptist Church. Seven children had been born to him, six living till maturity (and three still surviving): Martha (deceased, wife of Peter Staner), W.T. (our subject), Elizabeth (wife of P.M Wright), J.J. (resides in this county), Sarah (wife of John A. Moore), Frances (deceased, wife of John Wallice). Mrs. James was a member of the Baptist Church and died in 1854. Mrs. James was married about 1854 to Lucinda Staner, becoming by this marriage the father of six children, two dying when young. They are, James M., Minerva A. (deceased wife of Robert Wright), Mary D. (wife of Benjamin Donavant) and J. C. Mrs. James was married in 1886 to Dr. Barnes, but died the same year, a member of the Baptist Church. W.T. James was reared and educated in this county, receiving but a common- school education at the country schools. He was brought up to farm life and at the age of twenty-one began life for himself as a farmer on his father's land. In 1870, after only one year of renting, he bought property consisting of eighty acres, with twenty-five acres improved. He has since added 100 acres and now has eighty acres under cultivation, with splendid farm buildings, plenty of stock, etc. He raised many horses, cattle and mules, and has on hand some fifteen head of cows, four mules and a large number of hogs. In 1809, Mr. James was united in marriage to Miss Mary J. Moore, daughter of C. F. and Sarah (Freeman) Moore, natives of Tennessee, and the parents of ten children, six of whom lived to be grown: John A., Mary J. (wife of our subject), Paralee (wife of Robert Wright), Alphonso (farmer), and Julia A. (wife of Jeff Brady). Mrs. Moore died about 1861. Mr. Moore was married a second time, to Nicey E. Blackwell, who b ore him ten children, eight now living: Martha, Radford, Robert, T.F., Richard F., Bettie, Rebecca and Annice. Mr. Moore came to this State in 1844 and his wife still lives in this county. Mr. And Mrs. James were the parents of ten Children (four dying when young and six still living): Jessie F. (born May 15, 1870), William R. (Born January 20, 1874), J. C. and Sarah F. (born December 24, 1876), J. E. and J. A. (born October 10, 1880), J. A died in November, 1880, Mary (died December 1, 1886), Ada B. (born April 28, 1888). Mr. And Mrs. James are both members of the Baptist Church. He takes a lively interest in the public schools, having filled the office of school director for eight years. Politically he is Democratic and has served as postmaster at Owensville for two years.