For
Muscatine County Iowa
1911
| Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1911 | |
Source: History of Muscatine County Iowa, Volume II, Biographical, 1911, page 325
CURTIS W. JAMES....Recognized as one of the capable and energetic farmers of Wapsinonoc township, Curtis W. James, whose home is on section 32, has gained a name as one of the substantial citizens of the locality. He has passed his enture life in Muscatine county, having been born on the old family homestead in Wapsinonoc township, February 19, 1869, the second in a family of nine children. He is the son of Gad James, a record of whom appears elsewhere in this work.Curtis W. James received his early education in the district schools and later attended a business college for a short time, being enabled to acquire the foundation of an education which he has greatly broadened by reading and observation. He assisted in the work of the home farm until twenty-one years of age and then for two years worked for his father, who was one of the successful farmers of the locality. At the age of twenty-three years he began farming on his own account by renting land and he so conducted his affairs that after six years he was able to purchase eighty acres, and in 1904 added eighty acres, making one hundred and sixty in all, which he has highly improved by erecting a comfortable residence, a commodious barn and other buildings. Everything about the place is in excellent order and indicates that he has prospered in his calling. He has engaged in general farming, but has made a specialty of raising and breeding shorthorn cattle. He also fattens cattle and hogs for market.
On the 1st of March, 1905, Mr. James was united in marriage to Miss Nettie May Ripley, a native of Missouri and a daughter of G. L. and Hattie ( Metcalf ) Ripley, the former a native of Muscatine county and the latter of Ohio. Her parents removed to South Dakota in 1908 and are now residing in that state. There were six children in their family, five of whom are now living. Three children have come to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. James : Harriet B., who was born September 21, 1906; Eveline B., born February 7, 1908 ; and Ruby J., born August 29, 1910.
Mr. James is not identified with any religious denomination, but his wife is a consistent member of the Christian church. He is a stanch supporter of the candidates and principles of the republican party. He has not taken any prominent part in political affairs as his interests center in his home, his family and the duties which arise from day to day in connection with the business to which he has devoted his life. He has many friends in Muscatine county who have been attracted by his manly attributes of sincerity and fidelity in the discharge of every responsibility.
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