JAMES CHILTON. This descendant of one of the most prominent families of Shannon County first saw the light of day on the old homestead near Eminence, his birth occurring April 3, 1854. He was but about eight years of age when his father was killed, and he attended the schools in the county until fifteen years of age. After this he commenced farming for himself and has continued this occupation up to the present time. He bought a farm near where his brother Perry now lives, 200 acres, and this he improved and resided on for some time. From there he moved to Willow Springs and after running a hotel for one winter, returned to Shannon County, and for some time resided on the old home place.
In 189- he bought the place where he now lives and has as fine land as is to be found on Current River. He is wide-awake and progressive, his house and outbuildings are all in good condition, and it needs but a glance to show that an experienced hand is at the helm. Mr. Chilton enjoys not only the reputation of being a substantial and thorough-going farmer, but of an intelligent and thoroughly posted man on all the current events of the day. He chose his wife in the person of Miss Mary E. De Priest, daughter of Abraham De Priest, and their nuptials were celebrated in 1876. Mrs. Chilton passed away to that borne whence no traveler returns, on April 15, 1884. She was the mother of four children, three now living: Charles O., Nora E. and Isaac M. One, Walter S., died when six years of age. On September 24, 1891, Mr. Chilton married Miss Anna Laura McCaskill, and to them have been born two children: Caladonia and Pearl. Like his father and brothers, Mr. Chilton is a pronounced Democrat in politics.