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FOUNTAIN E. JAMES.
Born on a farm near Cobden, Union county, Illinois, on September 28, 1874, Fountain E. James is the son of George W. James and Mamie (Condon) James, and the grandson of Wilson
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James, who first settled in Union county in the early pioneer days. For fifteen years Fountain James has been an esteemed and honored citizen of Alto Pass, where he is known as one of the most progressive and representative fruit growers in Union county, with a reputation for skill and adeptness in the business that.is second to none in that district.
The early schooling of Fountain E. James was secured through the avenues of the common schools of his home town. When he attained his majority he started life for himself by acquiring a farm of one hundred and forty-six acres in Alto Pass, and there he has lived since that time, cultivating his land and building up a business that has placed him among the first rank in the producers of Union county. On one hundred acres planted to apples and peaches, mostly young trees just coming into bearing, in 1911 he harvested a yield of four thousand bushels each of apples and peaches; an average crop, all things considered. On his place he has erected a fine modern dwelling on a high ridge overlooking the town. It is a thoroughly up-to-date and modern residence in every respect, costing him something over $4,000 when completed. His other buildings compare favorably with the' best in his locality.
In 1894 Mr. James married Miss Ava Asbury, the daughter of Charles and Edna Asbury, and they have been the parents of four children: Layman and Norma, deceased; Herbert, aged seventeen, and Louise, now ten years of age.