James P. Randall, a goodly land-owner and successful farmer and stock raiser, residing on section 28, Flagg Township, was born in Newfield, Tompkins Co., N. Y., December 8, 1813, and there resided until he was 13 years of age. At that age in life his parents moved to Lorain Co., Ohio, young Randall accompanying them. Mr. Randall resided in the latter county 11 years, receiving his education in the common schools and assisting his father in the labors on the farm.

In 1835, Mr. Randall came to this state and county, and for five years made his home in Rochelle. He then purchased a claim consisting of one-half section of land, where he resides at the present writing and on which he located in 1842. He is at this writing the proprietor of 560 acres, all of which is tillable and under cultivation except 60 acres. In addition to the cultivation of his land, Mr. Randall is one of the most extensive stock dealers in the county, and in both branches of his vocation has met and is meeting with that success which energy and perseverance are sure to bring. He keeps on his farm an average of 35 head of horses, 100 head of cattle, and fattens about 200 head of cattle annually. He has erected a fine residence on his place, and his land has been enhanced in value since his first settlement theron, in 1842, until at the present time it is not only one of the finest appearing farms in Flagg Township, but one of the most valuable.

Mr. Randall was united in marriage in this county with Miss Eleanor Stewart, July 4, 1840. She was a native of Cayuga Co., N. Y., having been born there September 4, 1816, and has borne her husband eight children, seven of whom survive-Osborne R. (served in Co. E, 140th Ill. Col. Inf.); Josephine, Angeline, William, Alice, Frederick, Orrin and Frances. Angeline died of consumption when 18 years of age. Josephine became the wife of Alexander Downey, who resides in Kansas, and their family consists of two children-Lizzie and Oliver. Osborne and Frederick also reside in Kansas. William lives on the parental homestead. Alice is the wife of George Cramer, a resident of this county and Frances and Orrin live at home.

Mrs. Randall died in Flagg Township in July 1875, mourned as a loving wife, a kind mother and a generous friend. Mr. Randall has held numerous offices within the gift of the citizens of his township, such as Commissioner of Highways, Justice of the Peace and others of minor import. In his political views, he supports the principles advocated by the Republican Party. The mother of Mr. Randall died in Lorain Co., Ohio. His father came to this county in 1836, settled in Flagg Township and there lived for about ten years, when he removed to Wisconsin and there died.

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