Biography - JAMES H. WHITE

We are pleased to present among the highly esteemed residents of Shelby County the name of James H. White, who resides on section 13, Rose Township. His father, William White, was born in Perry County, La., and his mother, Hannah Milligan, was a native of the same county. Their first home after marriage was in that State, from which they afterward removed to Montgomery County, Ind., and later to Christian County, Ill., where they located in Pana, and there they spent the remainder of their days. They were the happy parents of ten children, of whom our subject is the second.

James H. White was born in Perry County, La., July 16, 1829. There he received his early education and his practical training upon a farm and grew up to a vigorous young manhood. In 1851 he removed to Montgomery County, Ind., and engaged in the mercantile business in Waveland for about fifteen years. He sold out his business in 1865, and coining to Shelby County, located on section 13, Rose Township. Since his removal to this place he has devoted himself entirely to farming and dealing in stock. His rich farm comprises one hundred and twenty acres upon which he has placed good improvements.

The marriage of this gentleman took place in Crawfordsville, Ind., October 3, 1854, his bride being Miss Mildred Canine, a daughter of Richard and Eliza (Gwynn) Canine, both natives of Kentucky. The mother died in Crawfordsville, Ind., and the father still survives. Eight children completed this family circle and Mrs. White was next to the eldest of them. Her birth took place in Crawfordsville, Ind., April 2, 1835, and there she was reared to womanhood.

The children who came to bless the home of Mr. and Mrs. White are seven in number, namely: Albert T., who married Miss Fannie Durkee; Clara S.; William R., who married Miss Fannie Smith, of Frankfort, Clinton County, Ind.; James; Walter; Minnie, who died when ten years old; and Alta P. Mr. White has the profound respect and esteem of of his fellow-citizens and they have placed him in several offices of responsibility, all of which he has filled with real benefit to the community. He has for four terms been Supervisor of Rose Township and for several years has acted as Justice of the Peace and Township Clerk. He is Secretary for Rose Township of the Farmers' Mutual Insurance Company. He is independent in his political views and does not ally himself with any of the existing parties, as he prefers to he free to follow his own judgment and convictions rather than to be guided by the party leaders.

Mrs. White is a woman of more than ordinary capability and influence and is the efficient and judicious President of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Moulton. They have brought up their children in the faith and practice of the Christian religion and the whole family are united in the membership of the Presbyterian Church. The pleasant home of our subject has attractive surroundings and the farm buildings are excellent. Such a family as this is one of the greatest advantages which any township can have. as their industry and enterprise tend to its material prosperity and their character and intelligence make an influence for good in every way.

Extracted 17 Dec 2018 by Norma Hass from 1891 Portrait and Biographical Record of Shelby and Moultrie Counties Illinois, pages 557-558.

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