James H. McLemore’s birth occurred in Halifax County, N. C., in 1826, and he came to Tennessee in 1844, with his mother and step-father. His own father, Joel H. McLemore, was a tailor by trade, and followed that occupation for many years. He died on a farm to which he had retired in 1835. His widow, Betsey (Pullen) McLemore, then married John Whitaker, and after coming to Tennessee died in 1858. Our subject was married February 1, 1849, to Sallie A. Whitaker, daughter James C. and Delphia (Lyon)Whitaker. She was born in North Carolina in 1828, and came to Tennessee with her parents in 1844, and is the mother of ten children: Virginia W., Richard M., James W. (who died September 13, 1858), Mary E. (who died June 11, 1886), Delphia D., Anna, Sallie H., Robert L. (who died October 14, 1867), John Pullen and Nora. Our subject lived with his father in North Carolina until the later’s death. He acquired a good education, and after his mother’s second marriage continued to reside with her until 1849, when he began life for himself. He purchased his present farm in 1849 and has ever since been a tiller of the soil. His farm consists of 412 acres of well improved and exceptionally fertile land in a good state of cultivation. He and his wife are church members, and he is a Mason and a stanch Democrat.