Biography - JAMES MONROE BOSTON

The third generation of the Boston family in Macoupin county finds a worthy representative in James Monroe Boston, who was born in Nilwood township, November 19, 1850, and has been a resident of the county during his entire life. He is a son of Benjamin A. and Martha E. (Parker) Boston, the former of whom was born in Indiana in 1815 and the latter in Virginia. The grandfather on the paternal side was Beverly B. Boston, a native of Virginia. The father of our subject was one of the pioneers of Macoupin county, arriving here with his parents in 1832. He engaged successfully in farming and continued in his adopted home until his death, which occurred in 1873.

James Monroe Boston secured his preliminary education in the district schools of Nilwood township. He devoted his attention to the home farm from 1868 until 1871 and, having then arrived at maturity, began farming upon his own account. He has applied himself as a general farmer and stock-raiser and by skilful management has made steady headway in his calling, being regarded as one of the most thorough farmers in this section. He takes a lively interest in the promotion of worthy enterprises and is a stockholder in the Farmers Mutual Telephone Company and a member of the board of directors of the Farmers Mutual Insurance Company.

On the 25th of January, 1871, Mr. Boston was married, in Barton county, Missouri, to Miss Phoebe J. Hinkle, who was born in Ohio, a daughter of Jacob B. and Mary Hinkle, both of whom were natives of the Buckeye state. Seven children have come to this union: James B., of Montgomery county, who married Fannie M. Brown and has four children, Roy Monroe, Clyde, Lola and Dessie; Lee B., of Nilwood township, who married Mary Gilbert and also has four children, Wilma, Wilburn, Mary Lee and Alice; Herbert E., of Nilwood township, who married Fanny Weller and has one son, Walter; Fred E., also of Nilwood township, who married Luetta Grimmet, by whom he has three-children, Blanche, Ruth and Andrey; Oscar L., of Nilwood township, who married Maud Kelly and has one son, Edwin Hinkle; Leslie O., who wedded Estella Boston and resides in Nilwood township; and Julia M., who is at home.

Mr. Boston is an active worker in fraternal organizations and is venerable consul of McVey Camp, No. 3065, M. W. A., and is a member of Wagoner Council, No. 156, M. P. L., of which he served for several terms as president. He holds membership in the Christian church and is now filling the position of clerk. Politically he adheres to the democratic party and has-served as assessor, highway commissioner and member of the school board. He is justly proud of his seven children and thirteen grandchildren. He has a wide acquaintance in Macoupin and adjoining counties and is held in high esteem on account of his admirable traits of character and genuine personal worth.

Extracted 18 Nov 2018 by Norma Hass from History of Macoupin County, Illinois: Biographical and Pictorial, by Charles A. Walker, published in 1911, Volume 2, pages 702-703.