Biography - James White
JAMES W. WHITE. In writing the biographies of the citizens of the Prairie State, it is remarkable how many of its men have been loyal to the State in which they have been born and reared. Under the genial skies of Illinois, the restless, dissatisfied longing for new fields, which is characteristic of the citizens of so many other States, is found wanting, nor can the reader wonder when the advantages and resources of this favored locality are taken into consideration. Our subject is a prominent pioneer of Montgomery County, and is a resident of Pitman Township, having a fine farm on section 9. He was born in Pike County, this State, August 14, 1835. His parents were James and Elizabeth (Browning) White, both natives of Kentucky.
Our subject's ancestry is not without its stories of heroism and loyalty. An uncle on the maternal side, a Mr. Browning, is said to have been a soldier in the War of 1812, and he distinguished himself in the Quebec Campaign. James and Elizabeth White came to Pike County in 1833. There they secured a tract of Government land, which was improved and cultivated, and made a valuable farm, which was later traded for other property. In 1854, our subject, with his parents, removed to Macoupin County. While there, both father and mother died, the former in 1879, and the latter in 1881. They reared five children, and of these three survive: James W.; Elizabeth, wife of George Merryweather; and Charles E.
Mr. White practically received his rearing and education in Pike County, and there were inculcated in his youthful mind the lessons usually learned by a farmer lad. He attended the early subscription schools of the district and fitted himself for the later duties of life. The original of this sketch was married January 14, 1858, his bride being Miss Susan Cromwell, a native of Greene County, Ohio. To them have been born eight children, three of whom are living: Lydia, wife of Richard Carroll; Albert, and John C. Mrs. White was born on the 11th of May, 1838, a daughter of Richard and Caroline (Eichalbergar) Cromwell. Her parents were natives of Maryland, and on the paternal side she is of English ancestry, being a lineal descendant of Oliver Cromwell, the Lord Protector of England. Her maternal ancestors were German. When she was but six years of age, the family came to Macoupin County, this State, and were there numbered among the early settlers. Her father died at Bunker Hill, July 1, 1889, and her mother passed away October 17, 1892.
Our subject came to Montgomery County in the year 1858, and located in what is now known as Harvel Township. He there remained until the year 1865, when he came to Pitman Township, of which he has been a resident ever since. His farm comprises four hundred and seventy-five acres of very fertile and well-cultivated land. He has introduced into the work of farming all the latest improvements in machinery and has made a thorough trial of the labor-saving implements of to-day. He has been ably assisted in all his work by his wife, who is his prudent counselor and loving helpmate.
Mr. White is a thoroughly wide-awake and progressive citizen. He has introduced among his fine stock the celebrated grade of Cotswold sheep, and also has five Belgium horses. In his political sentiments, Mr. While is independent, voting for whatever he believes to be for the best interests of his locality and the country at large.
Extracted 10 Jan 2017 by Norma Hass from 1892 Portrait and Biographical Record of Montgomery and Bond Counties, Illinois, pages 404-405.
