Joseph James was born in Bristol, England, on the 21st of April, 1814, and emigrated to America in May, 1830, settling first at Flemington, New Jersey. In May, 1836, he came to Whiteside county, and located a homestead on section 33, in Fenton township, upon which he resided until his death, October 9, 1875. He helped put up the first log cabin in Erie township, and at the time of his decease was one of the oldest settlers in the south part of Whiteside county. On the 9th of March, 1843, he was united in marriagc to Miss Jane Medhurst, in Monmouth, Warren county, Illinois, who still survives him. Their union was blessed with eight children, five of whom are yet living. Mr. James was a kind and affectionate husband, an indulgent father, a genial and accommodating neighbor, a patriotic citizen, and a whole-souled, upright man.
Bent & Wilson History of Whiteside County Page 202
