JAMES LEMON. Among the foreign-born citizens who have contributed their quota toward the development of our native land and who by patience and perseverance have made America what it is, may be properly mentioned this gentleman, who is well known for his integrity as a citizen and his public spirit as a patriot. He is one of the active and successful farmers in Bald Hill Township, Jefferson County, and is carrying on his operations with more than ordinary thrift and sagacity. He has become prosperous in the pursuit of his calling, establishing what is considered one of the model farms of the county, and which consists of one hundred and fourteen acres of well tilled land.

Mr. Lemmon was born in the city of Norwich, England, November 16, 1836, to James and Charlotte (Barnes) Lemmon, also natives of the Mother Country, where they lived and died. James of this sketch received his education in Norwich, and up to the age of fifteen years worked in a printing establishment of his father's. He then left home, and entering the English navy, served his country as a sailor for five years, and after his discharge emigrated to America. Landing in New York City, he obtained work in a printing establishment and remained there for some months, when he went to New Haven, Conn., and was similarly employed for a short time, when he returned to the metropolis and remained until 1857.

In the fall of the above year Mr. Lemmon traveled over a considerable portion of the United States, and finally landing in Butler County, Pa., was there engaged in farming for two years. At the end of that time he came west, and after making a tour through Missouri, finally stopped in Randolph County, this state, where he was engaged in working on a farm until 1861. October 19 of that year he enlisted as a member of Company K, Forty-ninth Illinois Infantry, and was mustered into service at Camp Butler.

The first engagement in which Mr. Lemmon participated was at Ft. Donelson, which was followed by Shiloh and Little Rock, Ark. He formed one of the thousands who took part in the Red River expedition, and in fact was engaged in all the battles in which his regiment fought. After three years of hard service he was mustered out, in January, 1865, with the commission of First Lieutenant, which position was tendered him on account of his valiant service at the battle of Shiloh. On the close of the war our subject came to Jefferson County, where he located on Knob Prairie, and engaged in farming pursuits, which occupation he has since followed. His first purchase of land consisted of eighty acres, and to this he has since added until he now owns one hundred and fourteen acres, the greater portion of which is under a fine state of cultivation.

In January, 1866, James Lemmon was united in marriage with Miss Josephine B., daughter of Sidney and Rhoda (Duffer) Place. The latter were natives respectively of Vermont and New York, who after their marriage moved to Ohio, thence later to this state.

To Mr. and Mrs. Lemmon was born a family of live children, of whom Florence M. died when a young lady of twenty-one years, and Rhoda departed this life aged five years. Charles S. married Laura E. Newell and resides in Jefferson County; Lola L. and Emma H. are at home. The wife and mother departed this life in April, 1882, firm in the faith of the Universalist Church.

Our subject socially is a member of Stephen Place Post No. 581, G. A. K., of which he is Commander. This lodge was named in honor of Mr. Place, who was the brother of Mrs. Lemmon, and who died in Andersonville Prison.

Our subject is and always has been a strong Republican, and has served his township in the capacity of Clerk, Justice of the Peace and Supervisor.