James L. DeWitt Biographical Review

JAMES L. DEWITT, a son of the Rev. James DeWitt, whose biography appears on another page of this history, was born in Rushville township, Schuyler county, Illinois, April 30, 1845. He remained at home and led the life which usually falls to the pioneer farmer’s son, until twenty-five years of age, when he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah F. Ross, who was born in this township and county, October 6, 1850. Her parents, Talbart and Catharine (Snyder) Ross, were natives of Kentucky and Virginia respectively. The father emigrated to Illinois about the year 1830, and died here at the age of forty-five years; he purchased land and left one of the finest farms in this locality. His wife was a native of the Shenandoah valley, and died in Adams county, Illinois, at the age of fifty-six years. They had born to them a family of nine children, eight of whom are living. In his political opinions Mr. Ross affiliated with the Democratic party until 1844; he then united with the Whigs, to whom he gave his support until 1856; he then cast his suffrage with the Republican party. He and his wife belonged to the Methodist Episcopal Church, and were members of the Rev. James DeWitt’s congregation, in Littleton township; they were zealous workers in the Sabbath school, and were among the pioneers in establishing and keeping up organizations. Mr. DeWitt has been a citizen of this community all his life. He has represented the people in the various local offices; has been town Clerk, Justice of the Peace, and Collector, rendering entire satisfaction in his methods of conducting the business of these offices; it should not be omitted that he has filled the position of Supervisor three terms, giving the same faithful service that has characterized his transaction of business, both public and private. Mr. and Mrs. DeWitt are the parents of two children: Jessie R. was born February 26, 1875; Clyde L. was born January 1, 1882.