James Allan, Postmaster at Scales Mound, is also engaged in general merchandising and as a grain-dealer. He was born near the town of Wick, Caithnesshire, Scotland, May 23, 1831, and is the son of James and Diana (Williamson ) Allan, who were natives of the same place as their son, the father born in 1802, and the mother in 1825. The paternal grandfather, Jolnn Allan, also a native of Scotland, was engaged the greater part of his life as foreman on a large farm. He died in 1847 at the advanced age of eighty years, firm in the Presbyterian faith.

On the mother’s side Grandfather William Williamson was also of Scotch birth and parentage, and employed in a similar manner as grandfather Allan. The father of our subject was reared to farming pursuits, and also superintended a farm until 1840, when he rented land two years, and at the expiration of this time, enmigrated to America. He located near Millburn, in the woods of Canada, where he secured 100 acres of land and engaged in farming and stock—raising. He lived there until 1869; then selling out he came to this county, and purchasing a home in Scales Mound, lived thereafter retired from active labor, and died in 1886. The mother still survives and makes her home with her son, James. The father was an active member of the Presbyterian Church in which he officiated as Eider for many years.

Our subject was eleven years of age when he caine with his parents to America on the old whaler "Superior,” reaching land after a voyage of eleven weeks. He assisted his father in opening up the new land until the age of sixteen years, and thereafter was variously employed, mostly, however, on railroad work and bridge—building. He finally emigrated to New York State and in 1860 came to this county and engaged as clerk for his brother George iin Scales Mound. Upon the death of the latter, in 1863. our subject purchased the business, which he continued at the old stand about ten years and then, in 1873, erected his present store—building. He keeps a full line of general merchandise, has been quite successful, and is the owner of a farm adjoining the town. He also owns 2,000 acres of land in Sioux County, Iowa, a part of which he rents, and upon the balance carries on stock-raising, keeping about 200 head of cattle.

Mr. Allan was appointed Postmaster of Scales Mound in 1885. His grain operations are quite extensive. He has his own elevator, and probably ships 100 car loads annually. He was first married in Scales Mound, April 18, 1871, to Miss E. C. Phillips, who died the following year, leaving one child, Elizabeth C. The pesent wife of our subject, to whom he was married in November 1874, was formerly Miss Sibella Phillips, a native of Scales Mound. They have two sons—William and George. Mr. A. has officiated as Town Clerk five years. He assisted in the organization of the village, has been Road Supervisor, and conducts the express office. Socially, he belongs to the Masonic fraternity, has filled all of the Chairs of his lodge at Apple River, and is identified with the Chapter and Commandery at Galena. Politically, he affiliates with the Democratic party, in which he has been quite prominent, acting as Chairman of the County Convention, and holding other positions of trust and responsibility.

Portraits & Biographical Jo Daviess Co IL 1889 Pg 793