James K. was born in Decatur County, June 13, 1844. He was named after his uncle. January 25, 1871, he married Maggie A. Sherdon, born March 12, 1852, in Sciota County, Ohio. Her father, Daniel Sherdon, was a native of Pennsylvania. Her mother, Jane E. (Reynolds) Sherdon was from Ohio. They were the parents of 4 daughters : Carrie P. born at Oak Grove, January 27, 1872 ; Lucy Bell, born May 12, 1875 at Sulphur Springs; Maggie May, born March 24, 1877 at Sulphur Springs ; and Lena H. born September 29, 1878 at Sulphur Springs.