Biography of James Marks
From HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY
W. H. Beers [Chicago, 1883]
Page 758
James Marks was born in Kentucky on February 14, 1782, and married Nancy Van Kirk, who was born in Virginia November 25, 1787; they were married September 3, 1809. Mr. Marks came to Monroe Township in 1807 or 1808, and purchased a tract of land on the east side of the Little Darby, upon which he settled, and commenced in a log cabin without any floor, door or chimney, and had no furniture. But they had the will, energy and strength, and went to work in earnest. Success followed their efforts, and he became owner of nearly 1,000 acres of land in Madison County; also a large amount of Western lands. On his home place he made fine improvements; had a good brick house and other good buildings, with a fine fruit orchard, and everything comfortable and convenient around them; quite in contrast to their condition when they first settled here. He served as Justice of the Peace several years. They were members of the Baptist Church. Their children were Washington (who married Hannah Hayden), he died September 19, 1868, being killed by the cars; Eliza (married John Tayolr); Elizabeth (married James L. Bradley); Jefferson (died in infancy); Sarah (married William Foos, and resides in Springfield); Lucinda (married Rev. Jesse Ferguson, is now deceased); Jackson (died in childhood); Matilda (married Gustavus Foos, is now deceased); James (died young); and Mathias (married Jennie Long, of London, is now deceased).
This is a volunteer project. We depend upon feedback from our visitors. If you have information to share or have resources relating to Madison County, we would love to hear from you.
