~Page 333~

James Jamison

JAMES JAMISON, an early settler of Fayette County was a native of County Down, Ireland, born in 1806. His father died while James was a child, and the son was left at a tender age to make how own way in the world. He learned the carpenter's trade in the old country but thinking the new world furnished better advantages, while still a youth he emigrated to America, settling in Mercer County, Pa. He was an expert mechanic and was appointed superintendent of construction of the Allegheny bridge which is still standing.

On the 18th of April, 1843, Mr. Jamison secured for himself a helpmate by his marriage with Miss Jane Boale, daughter of John and Grace (McWha) Boale. The lady was also a native of County Down, Ireland, born on the 18th of May, 1825, and with her parents she emigrated to America in a sailing vessel in 1839. After a short time spent in Virginia (now West Virginia), the family settled near Mercer, Mercer County, Pa., where the father followed his chosen occupation of farming. Her parents were of Scotch descent and were members of the United Presbyterian Church. In 1852 they came to Iowa and settled on a farm in Fayette County, situated about two and one-half miles northwest of West Union, where Mr. Boale died in 1859 at the age of sixty-one years, his wife departing this life in 1860, at the age of sixty-three years. There were born unto them seven children, but only three are living at this writing - Mrs. Jamison; George H., a farmer residing near Warren, Ohio; and Elizabeth, widow of Hiram Hoagland, residing in West Union.

After his marriage Mr. Jamison continued work at his trade in Pennsylvania until 1846, when he turned his attention to farming. Some six years later we find him enroute for Iowa, traveling with the Boale family. He settled at Auburn, Fayette County, where he was engaged in merchandising in company with his brother-in-law, James Boale. Some two years later he purchased a farm near West Union containing three hundred and twenty acres and to its cultivation and improvement devoted his energies until his death, which occurred on the 3d of March, 1861. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Jamison were born six children: John, the eldest, is a merchant and banker of Oelwein and his sketch is given elsewhere in this work; Grace M., is the wife of William Colby of West Union; Sarah M. is single; George W. is engaged in the drug business at Oelwein; and Samuel B., the youngest, is also numbered among the leading business men of Oelwein.

Mr. Jamison was a successful farmer and was highly respected. Both he and his wife were actively identified with the United Presbyterian Church throughout their lives. Mrs. Jamison removed to West Union the year following her husband's death, and is still an honored and respected resident of that city, her friends in the community being many.