Grundy County IL Archives Biographies.....James, Moses Freemont 
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Deb Haines ddhaines@gmail.com May 13, 2006, 6:21 pm

Author: History of Grundy County, 1914

James, Moses Freemont – The agricultural activities of Grundy County have 
assumed large proportions owing to the energy and foresight of the farmers of 
this locality, so that the State looks to the people here for heavy supplies 
of food.  Among those who have aided in bringing about this desirable 
condition, and are now engaged in maintaining this prestige is Moses Freemont 
James of Norman Township.  Mr. James was born in Norman Township, October 27, 
1856, son of Elisha B. and Margaret (Pyatt) James, the former of whom was born 
in Hamilton County, O.  In 1842, he crossed the country to Kendall County, 
Ill., driving a team of oxen.  Until 1847, he remained in that county, but in 
that year came to Norman Township, Grundy County, and with his brother Moses 
James, began farming.  In 1861, they divided their land, and Elisha B. James 
received 320 acres as his share, continuing to operate his farm until his 
retirement in 1891, devoting it to general farming and stock raising.  The 
death of this excellent man occurred January 12, 1906, his wife having passed 
away February 26, 1863, having been born April 10, 1824, while her husband was 
born November 19, 1824.  The children born to Elisha B. James and wife were:  
John Wesley, who died in the service of the Union army in 1865; Emily E., who 
is Mrs. W. H. Benson of Norman Township; Sarah F., who is Mrs. Jiles Whitten, 
widow of Jiles Whitten of Norman Township; Moses Freemont; Frank M., who died 
in the spring of 1912 at Beattie, Marshall County, Kan.; and Mary Alice, Mrs. 
Charles Flanders, who died at Harvey, Ill.

Moses Freemont James lived with his parents until he attended his majority, 
when he commenced operating the farm for his father.  Mr. James’ educational 
training was limited to the local schools, although he is a well informed man, 
having supplemented his schooling with close observation.  In 1883, he went to 
a farm in Livingston County, Ill., owned by his father and remained there 
until 1891, when he came back to the homestead.  This his father deeded to 
him, and in addition to it, he bought eighty acres additional, which adjoins 
his farm on the north.  Having devoted his energies and ability to general 
farming and stock raising, he has become an authority upon agricultural 
matters, and stands very high in his community both as a farmer and business 
man.

In March 1885, Mr. James was married (first) to Jennie Weirick, born in 
Pennsylvania, a daughter of John and Sarah A. Weirick of Pennsylvania.  Mr. 
and Mrs. James became the parents of a daughter, Anna May, who is now Mrs. G. 
A. McGuan of Norman Township, Mrs. James died on June 4, 1893.  On April 3, 
1895, Mr. James was married (second) to Mrs. Ida (Miner) Green, widow of 
George Green and daughter of John A. and Caroline (Rice) Miner.  Mrs. James 
was born in Dearborn County, Ind., while her parents were natives of Sullivan 
County, N. Y.  By her first marriage, Mrs. James had a son, - Fred Green, who 
is now of Chicago.  Mr. and Mrs. James have had two children:  Emily Margaret 
and Russell Freemont, both of whom are at home.  Mrs. James is a Methodist, 
and active in the work of her church.  Mr. James has served as a School 
Director and Assessor one term, was Road Commissioner for six years, and 
Supervisor for three years, being elected to all these offices on the 
Republican ticket.  Fraternally, he belongs to the Odd Fellows, Star Lodge No. 
75, and the Modern Woodmen of America of Wauponsee Township.  Both Mr. and 
Mrs. James are very popular in their neighborhood, where their many excellent 
characteristics are known and appreciated.

page 838

Additional Comments:
Source:  History of Grundy County, Illinois, Chicago: Munsell Publishing Co. 
Publishers; 1914

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