James WATERS, farmer, Moore's Prairie born 12 miles east of Lebanon, the county seat of Wilson Co., Tenn., Mar. 7, 1817, and was a son of Shelleah and Nancy (TURNER) WATERS, both natives of Maryland. He was next to the youngest of 13 children, and of that number our subject is the only one now living. After receiving a fair education, he assisted on the home farm until the age of 24, and then came to Jefferson Co., ILL.

On July 15, 1839, he settled on his present farm, and there remained eight years, and then went back to Wilson Co., Tenn. There he remained until Aug. 27, 1860, and then returned to Illinois, and again settled on the farm in this county Sept 5 of the same year. He now owns 280 ac; 160 are in Sec 18, 80 in Sec 29, and 40 in Sec 33. Of this all is in cultivation except about 60 ac; there are also 4 ac in orchard.

Mr WATERS was married, July 7, 1842, to Sarah Ann ESTES, a daughter of John and Dicia M. (JORDAN) ESTES; the father was one of the oldest settlers in Pendleton Township. To this lady were born 3 children, one of who is now living--John Thomas.

Mr WATERS is a member of the United Baptist Church; he is a Republican in politics.

SOURCE: "The History of Jefferson County, Illinois"
by Wm Henry Perrin
Submitted by Carol Cicotte Feb 2, 1998