HOPE, James A. - Putnam

JAMES A. HOPE, of Marion Township, is an old settler and representative farmer of Putnam County, and was born in Shelby County, Kentucky, October 22, 1834. his father, Isaac Hope, was born in Maryland, and his mother, Susan [Ellis] Hope, was born in Kentucky. The Hope family came from Scotland to America about 200 years ago, settling in Maryland. Tradition says that they participated in the battle of the Boyne in Ireland. Isaac Hope came with his family from Kentucky to this county in 1835, settling on the farm on section 12, Marion Township, that is now occupied by our subject. The country was then a dense wilderness. He first erected a log cabin, and began in a rude way to make a home. At the same time he carried on a blacksmith's shop, having learned the blacksmith's tread, and his was one of the first shops in the township. He was the father of three children, our subject being the only one that survives. He died in 1866, honored and esteemed by all who knew him. When he first came to Putnam County he found it extremely difficult to furnish his family with the necessaries of life; but with maturer years prosperity came, and when he died he left a good property. James A. Hope, the subject of this sketch, has been reared to manhood in this county, and received a rudimentary education in early schools of his time. He was married August 11, 1863, to Miss Elizabeth Newman, daughter of William and Rachel Newman, of Fillmore, Putnam County. To this union have been born three children--Charles F., born September 12, 1867; Ollie, born February 11, 1871, and Daniel K., born September 6, 1879. Mr. Hope owns 240 acres of good land, and has been very successful as a farmer, having been a life-long resident of Putnam County. Politically he affiliates with the Democratic party. Both are respected members of society.