John R. James
John R. James, farmer, P. O. Freedom, was born September 14, 1813, in Hampshire County, Mass.; son of Aaron and Irena (Willcutt) James, natives of same county, and where they were married; in 1817 they moved to Charlestown Township, this county, and settled upon land formerly purchased by their forefathers. Of their family three survive: Joel W., John R. and Catherine W. Peebles. Our subject remained upon and operated the home farm until about 1855, and then came to Freedom Township, this county, where he now resides. He was twice married, first on May 30, 1838. to Elsie Prentice, also of Charlestown Township, this county, a native of Connecticut, daughter of Elisha and Betsey (Frisby) Prentice, who settled in this county about 1823 and here died. To our subject and wife were born three children: Albert P., Laura A. and Rosa C. The mother died September 5, 1847, aged thirty-six years, and our subject then married, May 1, 1854, Prudence D. Colton, of Freedom Township, this county, born in Hartford County, Conn., January 11, 1824, daughter of Jeremiah and Lucy (Lusk) Colton, natives of Massachusetts and Connecticut, respectively, and who were married in Hartlord County, Conn., May 29, 1814. In 1825 they came to Freedom Township, tihis county, where they died, Mr. Colton in 1867, his widow in 1868, aged seventy-five and seventy-seven years respectively. Their family of five are all now deceased except the wife of our subject. By this union were born four children: Mary E., Willis C, Lucy J. and Flora I. Mrs. James is a member of the Congregational Church. In politics he is a Republican.
From History of Portage County, Ohio, Warner, Beers & Co., Chicago, 1885