James W. Craig, attorney at law, Mattoon; was born in Morgan Tp., Coles Co., Ill., June 29, 1844; his early life was that of a farmer’s son; his education was obtained in the common schools; in 1864, he began the study of law with Col. O. B. Ficklin, of Charleston; in the fall of 1865, he matriculated in the law department of the Michigan University, from which he graduated in March, 1867; in April, following, he was admitted to the State and Federal Courts; he began the practice of his profession in v, forming a copartnership with Col. Ficklin; in May, 1868, he located in Mattoon, retaining his partnership with Col. Ficklin two years; in 1872, he was chosen State’s Attorney for Coles Co., and retained the office until 1876; the firm of Craig & Craig was formed in 1877. He was married in June, 1868, to Mary Chilton, a native of Scott Co., Ill.; has two children – Edward C. and Lizzie I. Owns eighty acres near the city, real estate in Mattoon and near Charleston.
