LAMONT, James - 1914

DAVIDSON, LEVITT, ALDERSON

Posted By: Volunteer
Date: 5/5/2010 at 03:47:46

HISTORY OF
Cherokee County
IOWA
VOLUME II
ILLUSTRATED
CHICAGO
THE S. J. CLARKE PUBLISHING COMPANY
1914
by Thomas McCulla

James Lamont, who has been actively identified with general agricultural pursuits in Cherokee county for more than a quarter of a century, is the owner of a well improved farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 27, Liberty township, and makes a specialty of thoroughbred shorthorn cattle and Duroc Jersey hogs. His birth occurred near Belfast, Ireland, on the 20th of March, 1863, his parents being Hugh and Ann (Davidson) Lamont, more extended mention of whom is made on another page of this work in connection with the sketch of W. H. Lamont, brother of our subject.

James Lamont was reared to manhood at Apple River, Illinois, and there attended school in the acquirement of an education. After putting aside his text•books he worked as a farm hand for two seasons and in 1886 came to Cherokee county, Iowa, here cultivating rented land for four years. On the expiration of that period, in 1890, he purchased a tract of eighty acres on section 27, Liberty township, and began the improvement of the property. Subsequently he bought a tract of similar size adjoining, so that his farm now embraces one hundred and sixty acres of rich and productive land. He cultivates the cereals best adapted to soil and climate and also makes a specialty of the raising of thoroughbred shorthorn cattle and Duroc Jersey hogs, both branches of his business returning to him a gratifying annual income. His place is well improved and thoroughly modern in every respect and is equipped with an electric plant which furnishes light to the residence and outbuildings.

In February, 1890, Mr. Lamont was united in marriage to Miss Alice B. Levitt, who was born on the 5th of October, 1867, her parents being John and Sarah (Alderson) Levitt, natives of England. The father emigrated to the United States in an early day and made his way to Wisconsin, spending the remainder of his life on a farm in that state. He passed away in the spring of 1897, when eighty•four years of age, while the demise of his wife occurred in 1900. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Lamont were born four children, as follows: Charles Edward, who is twenty•two years of age; Lela H., twenty years old; and Josephine M. and Myrtle Alice, who are eighteen and sixteen years of age respectively. The wife and mother was called to her final rest on the 3d of May, 1907, at the age of thirty•nine years and seven months, passing away after about six months" illness.

Politically Mr. Lamont is a stanch republican, exercising his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of that party. The cause of education has ever found in him a stalwart champion, and for about twenty years he has done able service as a school director. Fraternally he is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America at Cleghorn, while his religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church. He is a man well liked and highly esteemed, and his efforts contribute substantially to the upbuilding and promotion of the interests of his community.