Biographical Sketch of William B. James - Chariton County, Missouri

William B. James.  Among others, in Chariton county yet in the prime of life, who have 
attained a reasonable degree of success in a  chosen line due to their persistent 
industry, is the subject of this sketch.  Being a gentleman with an extended circle of 
acquaintances, it is his pleasure to boast of as many friends as any one in the county. 
He was born near Roanoke, in Howard county, May 12, 1862, and was a son of Robert 
James, a prominent merchant of Roanoke, who with his family moved to Salisbury, in 
1866, where he again engaged in the mercantile business until his death in 1873.  
Robert James, grandfather of our subject of German descent and a Kentuckian by birth, 
was among the early settlers of Howard county, locating, near Roanoke in 1819. She who 
guided the early steps of our subject was in her maidenhood, Miss Sarah Twyman, 
daughter of a Virginian, who moved to Howard county in the 40's.  It was there she met 
and married Robert James, which union was blessed by the birth of two children, W. B., 
our subject, and a daughter, Allie, who died in her youth.  By a former marriage, 
Robert James, was the father of another son, Albert James, who now resides at Idaho 
Springs, Idaho.  Sometime after the death of her husband, the mother of our subject 
was united in marriage to Dr. J. W. Craig, with whom she now happily resides at 
Jefferson City. At the age of thirteen years, our subject, having chosen the drug 
business as his life's occupation, entered upon an apprenticeship in the establishment 
of W. H. Tindall, and by diligent study and improvement of every opportunity soon 
mastered the art of compounding medicine.  Ten years later, (1885,) Mr. James, by his 
frugality and business foresight, had accumulated sufficient means as to enable him to 
purchase a half interest in the establishment, which he has since owned and conducted 
with a commendable degree of sagacity.  The style of the firm is now James & Welch, Dr. 
J. F. Welch, of this city, a practicing physician and surgeon, with a generous 
clientage, being the junior members.  On March 4, 1885, Mr. James was united in 
marriage to Miss Ida E., the intelligent and accomplished daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. 
H. Green, well and favorably known in this city for a number of years.  This union has 
resulted in the birth of three bright and interesting girls, namely, Lizzie, age 9; 
Susie, 7; and Annie, now four.  Fate has dealt very kindly with our subject.  Blessed 
with a happy home, possessed of a good and paying business and enjoying the confidence 
and esteem of his friends, he may well congratulate himself that his lot has been cast 
alone, such pleasant lines.  Socially, he is an honored member of the Masonic and 
Knight of Pythias fraternities, while politically he is a pronounced democrat.

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