My Genealogy Hound

JAMES LEES, one of the leading citizens of Cannelton, was born in Ireland, July 15, 1824. His parents were English and his father was at the time in the British Army. At the age of four years he went with his parents to British America, where he remained until 1836. He then went to England and resided until 1849, receiving his education in that country. In the year 1842, at the town of Duckinfield, he began the trade of a machinist and ever since then he has followed that occupation. In 1849 he came to America and for one year remained in the Eastern States. In the fall of 1850 he came to Cannelton, and was given charge of the repair shop, in the cotton-mill. This he held until August, 1860, at which time he became engineer, a position he has filled ever since. His nuptials with Mary Shaples were celebrated in England, April 18, 1849. Of their family of seven children, these five are now living: John E. William F., Sarah J., James and Jessie A. Mr. Lees is owner of the foundry and machine shops, at Cannelton, which are conducted by two of his sons. He and wife are members of the Episcopal Church, and he belongs to the Blue Lodge in Masonry. In politics he is a Republican. He was major of the Fifth Regiment of the Indiana Legion during the war.