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JAMES R. HARTLEY, one of the enterprising and successful farmers of Grand Prairie Township, Jefferson County, residing on section 16, was born February 10, 1831, in Charleston, Clark County, Ind., and is a son of Hugh S. Hartley, an honored pioneer of the county, who is represented elsewhere in this work. When a child of nine years he came to Illinois with his parents, and in the usual manner of farmer lads the days of his boyhood and youth were passed. He attended the district schools of the neighborhood through the winter season, and in the summer months worked upon the farm. On attaining his majority, however, he left the old home, not wishing to longer engage in agricultural pursuits, and sought employment in other fields of business. After spending some time in seeking a location, he finally settled in Decatur, where he engaged in a restaurant for two years. He then sold out and removed to Centralia, where he accepted a position as clerk in the store of William O'Melveny, with whom he continued for a year. He then resigned and served an apprenticeship to the painter's trade. He soon became an expert workman, and for twenty-eight years carried on business along that line. July 3, 1857, Mr. Hartley was united in marriage with Miss Margaret A. Lafarty, who died in 1861, leaving two children: Nancy J., the elder, who is now the wife of Charles Connors, a highly respected and prosperous fruit-grower of Centralia Township, Marion County; and Benjamin W., who married a lady in Rochester, ILL., and now resides in Springfield, where he carries on a tile factory. Mr. Hartley took for his second wife Lavina Reed, by whom he has one child living, Catherine Jessie, who is in the millinery business in Odin, ILL. Mrs. Hartley died in 1887. Our subject is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and of the Farmers' Mutual Benefit Association. In his political views he was formerly a Democrat, but is now a supporter of the Populist party. He has been honored with some local offices, having served as Constable in Centralia Township, Marion County, in 1856, while in Grand Prairie Township he has for four terms served as Town Clerk. In 1885 he removed to the old home farm, on which his father settled in an early day, and took up general farming and fruit-growing. He has made a success of this enterprise, and the fine fruit which he raises finds a ready sale on the market, and therefore a good income is derived from the business. lie is held in high esteem by his neighbors for his many good traits of character, and in the community has a large circle of warm friends.
"Portrait and Biographical Record of Clinton,
Washington, Marion and Jefferson Counties, Illinois" |
For corrections or additions, please contact me: Sandy Bauer