The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
James R. White was born in Franklin County, Pennsylvania in 1818.
His early life was spent on a farm and he obtained a good common school education.
In his younger years he studied civil engineering and after coming to Henderson County in 1853, he served as deputy county surveyor and was elected as county surveyor soon after.
This, however, he abandoned in 1859 and went to the Colorado mountains where he engaged in mining.
When the Civil War erupted, he enlisted in Co.C, 2d Colo. Cav. and went South in defense of his country's flag.
After following the fortunes of war over three years, making many tedious marches and running many narrow escapes, he was honorably discharged and returned to Oquawka.
He was engaged as a salesman and bookkeeper for R.Hodson.
His first wife, Lydia Jacoby White died in 1868 and he married Mrs. Mary J. Bigelow.
1882 History of Henderson County