Addison

JAMES, John A.

1st Biography of John A. JAMES

Men of Vermont: Illustrated Biographical History of Vermonters & Sons of 
Vermont. Ullery. Brattleboro: Transcript Publishing Company, 1894, pp 219-220 
(portrait p 220)

John A. JAMES, of Middlebury [Addison County, Vermont], was born 07 April 
1853 in Weybridge [Addison County, Vermont], son of Samuel and Susan (PAYNE) 
JAMES. Descended from a family of undoubted worth and respectability, he 
received his earlier education in the schools of Weybridge and afterwards 
studied at the high school of Middlebury. His chief occupation has ever been 
that of a farmer, and he resides on the old homestead which has been in the 
possession of the JAMES family since 1788. Here he has steadily pursued his 
calling, and like many farmers of his county gave much attention to sheep 
breeding, but in recent years he has devoted more effort to the dairy, and 
breeding of fine horses. His property yields him fine returns and he is one 
of those who find farming renumerative. Republican; has been honored by his 
fellow citizens with more offices than he cared to accept; was chosen 
representative of the town of Weybridge in 1890, and served on the committee 
on agriculture. While in the House he was an intelligent and conservative 
member. Is a member and liberal supporter of the Congregational church of 
his town, to which the JAMES family has ever been attached. He is esteemed a 
true and hearty supporter of the principles he professes, and all who know 
him predict for him a useful and honorable career in his county and the 
state. On 15 April 1874 in Weybridge [Addison County, Vermont] he [John A. 
JAMES] married Orpha, daughter of Philo and Eliza (LANDON) JEWETT. Four 
children have blessed their union: Grace E., Emma C., J. Perry (died in 
youth), and Samuel E.



2nd Biography of John A. JAMES

Encyclopedia Vermont Biography: A Series of Authentic Biographical Sketches 
of the Representative Men of Vermont and Sons of Vermont in Other States. 
Dodge. Burlington: Ullery Publishing Company, 1912, p 235

John A. JAMES, farmer, Weybridge, was born 07 April 1853 at Weybridge 
[Addison County], Vermont, son of Samuel and Susan (PAYNE) JAMES. Educated 
in the public schools of Weybridge, and at Middlebury High School [Addison 
County]. In the past had given much attention to sheep breeding, but in 
recent years has confined his efforts to the breeding of high grade horses 
and cattle. Is director of the Middlebury Creamery Association. Was 
president of the Addison County Agricultural Society from 1909 to 1910; has 
been a member of that organization for many years. Republican; has held many 
town offices; represented Weybridge in the state Legislature in 1910. Also 
served as Senator from Addison County, Vermont, in 1904. Member of the 
Congregational Church. In 1874 John A. JAMES married [Miss?] Orpha [nee 
JEWETT], daughter of Philo and Eliza (LANDON) JEWETT of Weybridge [Addison 
County, Vermont]; they had four children: Grace E. (Mrs. Lemuel R. BROWN), 
Emma C. (deceased), J. Perry (deceased), and Samuel E.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly