The subject of this sketch was born in Putnam County, Ohio, March 26, 1840. His father, Isaac Critten, is a native of Ohio, as was also his mother, Mary Nichols Critten; they are now residents of Daviess County, having left Ohio when our subject was but fifteen years of age, and settled in this County where the father is a well-to-do and respected farmer. James was reared on a farm and received his education in the common schools of this County. He enlisted in the Missouri State Militia in 1861, for six months, which time lie served and then reenlisted in the First Missouri State Militia under Col. J. H. B. McFerran and served three years. Returning home after his honorable discharge, he engaged in farming. He now owns an excellent farm of 160 acres, eighty of which are under cultivation and yield a handsome harvest. His farm is all under fence, and he deals to some extent iii stock.
Mr. Critten and Miss Samanthe Macy, daughter of Captain Seth Macy, of this County, were united in marriage, September 13, 1868. They have two children; namely, Mary M. and Otto E. Mr. and Mrs. Critten are highly esteemed members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He is, politically, a Republican, and held the office of justice of the peace in 1871, giving perfect satisfaction to the citizens of the township.