Biography - James Seymour
JAMES R. SEYMOUR, a popular young physician of Raymond, was born in Montgomery County, on the 22nd of September, 1859. We do not know much concerning the early history of the Seymour family, but the grandfather, Wesley Seymour, was a native of South Carolina and was of Irish extraction. His son, William Dixon Seymour, the father of our subject, was born in South Carolina, in 1823, and with his parents emigrated to Montgomery County, Ill., in 1827, the family locating on Government land near Hillsboro, where William spent the remainder of his life. He married Elizabeth A. Christian, a native of Kentucky. She also went to Montgomery County with her parents, locating there in the pioneer days. The Doctor's father was a man of fine education and at one time was Superintendent of the schools of his county. His wife died in Hillsboro in March, 1892. Both were prominent and highly respected citizens. Their family numbered eight children.
The Doctor was the fifth in order of birth. He was born and reared on his father's farm and was educated in the Hillsboro Academy. At the age of nineteen we find him a teacher in the public schools, and he followed that profession for two years, during which time he began the study of medicine in the office of Dr. McLean, of Hillsboro. He determined to make the practice of medicine his life work, and to fit himself to that end, in the fall of 1881 he entered the Eclectic Medical Institute of Cincinnati, Ohio, from which he was graduated in 1883. Immediately afterward he formed a partnership and embarked in the practice of his chosen profession in Murphysborough, this State, He afterward practiced in Reno, Bond County, and in March, 1888, in company with his brother, William L. Seymour, he purchased the drug store in Raymond, which they still own and carry on under the firm name of Seymour Brothers. The Doctor has also continued the practice of medicine with marked success.
Dr. Seymour has been twice married. On the 17th of February, 1892, was celebrated his last union, Mrs. Ida Tilden, a widow, becoming his wife. She is the daughter of William Bolles, a prominent citizen of this county. In social circles this worthy couple rank high, and their circle of friends throughout the community is indeed large.
The Doctor is a leading member of the Modern Woodmen and is examiner for his camp. In politics, he is a strong Republican, and takes quite an active part in political affairs. In 1890, he was elected Mayor of Raymond, re-elected in 1891, and the position was again offered to him in 1892, but he declined the honor of serving for a third term. His skill and ability as a medical practitioner are well recognized, and a liberal patronage which he well deserves has crowned his efforts.
Extracted 10 Jan 2017 by Norma Hass from 1892 Portrait and Biographical Record of Montgomery and Bond Counties, Illinois, page 430.
