James W. McAllister
James W. McAllister, farmer, section 36, Clinton Township, is a son of James and Jennie (Dobbins) McAllister, natives of Scotland and Ireland respectively. They were married and emigrated to the United States about the year 1822, and settled in Washington Co, N.Y. From there they moved to Ohio, and thence, in 1849, came to this county and settled in Clinton Township, where they died. They were the parents of 12 children, namely: Margaret, Mary, Eliza, Martha, William, James W., Sarah, Ellen, Esther, Anna, Bell and Samuel. Samuel and William are deceased.
James W. McAllister, the subject of this biographical notice, was born in Washington Co., N.Y., July 1, 1834, went with his parents to Ohio, and when 15 years of age accompanied them to this county., He lived at home, assisting on the farm and attending the common schools in Ohio and this county, until he was 25 years of age. On arriving at the age stated, Mr. McAllister purchased 80 acres of land on section 36, Clinton Township, where he at present resides. His present landed possessions consist of 160 acres, all of which is in a good tillable condition.
Mr. McAllister was married Dec. 18, 1864, to Miss Mary A. Graham, in Victor Township, this county. She is a daughter of Robert and Sarah (Williamson) Graham, and a sister of Mrs. James McCleery, whose biography appears in this ALBUM. She was born in Franklin Co., Ohio, Dec. 5, 1841, and is the mother of seven children by Mr. McAllister, namely: Ward, born Dec. 4, 1866; Hellen, Nov. 9, 1868; Robert J., Nov. 4, 1871; Margaret, Dec. 25, 1873; Russell, June 11, 1876; Mary B., Dec. 15, 1878; and Sarah J., Dec. 24, 1881.
Mr. McAllister affiliates with the Republican Party. Religiously, he and his wife are members of the United Presbyterian Church.
Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of DeKalb County Illinois; Chapman Brothers, 1885, Chicago, IL
