In the book's own words, not ours, with obvious scanning errors fixed. Families often supplied these stories to the publisher, so check key dates.
Born 1873
From Leading events in Johnson County, Iowa, history (1912)
EDWIN G. JAMES
Edwin G. James was born in Muscatine, Iowa, May 20, 1873. He is a son of Gad and Harriet (Kile) James and a brother of George E. James. (For a more extended description of the family see sketch of George E. James published herewith. — Ed
At twenty-five years of age Mr. James commenced farming on his own account and has continued in the business until the present time. He bought his home farm of 160 acres in the fall of 1903. Under its owner's careful cultivation and management it has become one of the most productive and attractive places in the township (Lincoln).
Mr. James was married in February, 1899, to Miss Carrie M. Herr, daughter of Benjamin and Rebecca (Wilson) Herr, of Muscatine county. There were four children: Fannie, now Mrs. Ed. Wells, living in Scott township; George and Bertha, living at home; and Carrie M., wife of our subject.
As printed in Leading events in Johnson County, Iowa, history (1912). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
The printed record stops around 1912. We trace your line from there down to you, with every source cited.