Hello All, The following is a biographical sketch for James Gordon from the "History of Edgar County, Illinois", 1879. I hope that this helps someone out there searching for their family. Sincerely, Jane ILTrails, Edgar Co. Host www.iltrails.org/edgar Please keep in mind this was published in 1879. JAMES GORDON, retired, Paris, is a pioneer; was born in Mason Co., Ky., May 4, 1800. Nov. 11, 1824, he married Miss Mary Riley, daughter of Rev. G. Riley, of Cynthiana, Ky,; they emigrated to Illinois in 1829, locating in Bloomfield, Edgar Co. He, in partnership with his brother, built and operated a tannery, and continued in that business about eight years, then removed to Paris and opened and run what he called the Tremont Hotel for two years, and in 1842, was elected County Sheriff, and re-elected in 1844. At the expiration of that term, he engaged in keeping a hotel; then, in 1852, was again elected to the office of County Sheriff, after which he engaged in the clothing business, and after a continuance of two years, again assumed the position of landlord of the Tremont for a time, then retired. He has served as a member of the City Council, and has always felt an interest in all public matters pertaining to the good of the town. Mr. and Mrs. G. have been intimately! connected with the growth and prosperity of the Baptist Church for a number of years. They are among the first early settlers of Edgar County, and clearly remember when the beautiful land was an unbroken waste, inhabited by roving bands of Indians, with here and there an occasional adventurous pioneer. In those early days inconveniences and disappointments were not uncommon, but through industry and unswerving integrity they have won the respect of all who know them. They are the parents of six children--Elizabeth F. (now Mrs. L. B. Huston), Emily E., (deceased--was Mrs. J. D. Jaquith), Almira F. (now Mrs. J. A. Peck), James M., Mary M. (now Mrs. J. C. Palmer) and Oliver B.