James M. DORTON, of Section 34, Carson Township, was born in Decatur County, Indiana, March 29, 1847, the son of Harrison and Nancy (MULLIN) DORTON, the former a native of Union County, Indiana, whose father was born in New Jersey, and the mother was also a native of Indiana. They reared five children, of whom James M. was the third of three sons and two daughters. He resided in Decatur County, Indiana, until 1874, when he removed to Woodford County, Illinois, and then moved upon his present farm of eighty acres, which was then partly improved. He has since made many improvements, and everything about the farm shows the enterprise of the proprietor.

He was married in Decatur County, Indiana, August 29, 1870, to Miss Elizabeth E. HARDING, who was born and educated in that county, and the daughter of Israel and Jane (HAWKENS) HARDING, both natives of Indiana.

Mr. and Mrs. DORTON have two children: Nellie May and James Arthur. They have lost one by death, who died at the age of one year and nine months.

Politically Mr. DORTON is a Republican, and has served the township as Assessor and as a member and president of the School Board.

The family are members of the Presbyterian Church of Carson. He is a member of the I.O.O.F., Lodge No. 444, at Carson, Iowa. He is numbered socially, politically and financially among the solid men of the township.

Contributed By: Mona Sarratt-Knight