In the book's own words, not ours, with obvious scanning errors fixed. A few names of people born after 1905 are withheld for privacy. Families often supplied these stories to the publisher, so check key dates.
Born 1869, Wapsinonoc township
From History of Muscatine County, Iowa, from the earliest settlements to the present time; (1911)
CURTIS W. JAMES.
Recognized as one of the capable and energetic farmers of Wapsinonoc township, Curtis W. James, whose home is on section 32, has gained a name as one of the substantial citizens of the locality. He has passed his entire life in Muscatine county, having been born on the old family homestead in Wapsinonoc township, February 19, 1869, the second in a family of nine children. He is the son of Gad James, a record of whom appears elsewhere in this work.
Curtis W. James received his early education in the district schools and later attended a business college for a short time, being enabled to acquire the foundation of an education which he has greatly broadened by reading and observation. He assisted in the work of the home farm until twenty-one years of age and then for two years worked for his father, who was one of the successful farmers of the locality. At the age of twenty-three years he began farming on his own account by renting land and he so conducted his affairs that after six years he was able to purchase eighty acres, and in 1904 added eighty acres, making one hundred and sixty in all, which he has highly improved by erecting a comfortable residence, a commodious barn and other buildings. Everything about the place is in excellent order and indicates that he has prospered in his calling. He has engaged in general farming, but has made a specialty of raising and breeding shorthorn cattle. He also fatten cattle and hogs for market.
On the ist of March, 1905, Mr. James was united in marriage to Miss Nettie May Ripley, a native of Missouri and a daughter of G. L. and Hattie (Metcalf) Ripley, the former a native of Muscatine county and the latter of Ohio. Her parents removed to South Dakota in 1908 and are now residing in that state. There were six children in their family, five of whom are now living. Three children have come to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. James: [name withheld], who was born September 21, 1906; [name withheld], born February 7, 1908; and [name withheld], born August 29, 1910.
Mr. James is not identified with any religious denomination, but his wife is a consistent member of the Qiristian church. He is a stanch supporter of the candidates and principles of the republican party. He has not taken any prominent part in political affairs as his interests center in his home, his family and the duties which arise from day to day in connection with the business to which he has devoted his life. He has many friends in Muscatine county who have been attracted by his many attributes of sincerity and fidelity in the discharge of every responsibility.
As printed in History of Muscatine County, Iowa, from the earliest settlements to the present time; (1911). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
The printed record stops around 1911. We trace your line from there down to you, with every source cited.