My Genealogy Hound

A. W. James is a man who has been exceptionally successful in his career as a planter, and owing to his desire to keep out of the old ruts, and to his ready adoption of new and improved methods, together with energy and shrewd business tactics, he has acquired an extensive land area embracing at least 1,400 acres. Many of his broad acres are devoted to the culture of cotton, and his plantation is one of the finest in the State. He was born in Smith County, Tenn., October 18, 1826, but grew to maturity in the State of Arkansas (Phillips County), whither his parents moved in 1840. At the breaking out of the Mexican War he joined the service, and was on active duty for one year. He was not wounded while on duty, but now receives a pension for his services. In 1848 his marriage with Miss Elizabeth Slaten was consummated. She was born in 1848, and bore following children: Bartlett, Mary, Daniel, Laura, Martha and Jehu. Mr. James did not side with either faction during the late war, but after the close of hostilities he settled in Randolph County, where he has since made his home. He has always cast his vote with the Democratic party, and for the past thirty years has been a minister in the Baptist Church, but has not preached a great deal during the last few years. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M. His parents, Alexander and Elizabeth (Brookshire) James were born, reared and married in North Carolina, and as stated above moved to North Carolina in 1840. The father served in the War of 1812, and was a participant in the battle of New Orleans. He and wife both died in Phillips County, Ark., the latter being sixty years of age at the time of her death. Only two of their ten children are now living. The paternal grandfather was a North Carolinian, who died in Smith County, Tenn.