Cottonwood Twp. -
JAMES A. CARRELL, farmer and stock-raiser, was born Nov. 9, 1841 (forty-two years ago this day), in Morgan County, Ind.  His parents are John H. and Catherine E. (Laughlin) Carrell, the former a native of Kentucky, the latter of Indiana.  The father was a farmer, a member with his wife of the Society of Friends, and in politics a Democrat.  He is living at present with his son James; is in a helpless condition; his age, sixty-five.  The mother is still living at the age of sixty.  These parents had fifteen children, five of whom are now living.  James A. made his father's house his home until he was twenty-one.  The following five years he spent in traveling; was in Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa, Colorado, Arkansas, etc.  He was married in September, 1866, to Sarah A. Heddins, of this county.  At this time he owned no land, but farmed near where he now lives.  He bought a small farm of twenty acres in 1869, and has been adding since, until he now owns 100 acres of good land.  He has been quite successful, all things considered, in his business relations.  IN 1874 he was elected Collector of this township.  He served as Commissioner of Highways the three years following.  He is at present Supervisor of his township.  All the above offices he filled to the satisfaction of his constituency.  He is classed among the responsible, well-to-do farmers of the county.  By his first wife he had five children - Thomas C., Luther F., Eleazer O., Parmelia J. and Edwin J.  Thomas C. died at the age of nine months, in 1868.  Eleazer died in 1875, at the age of four years.  Mrs. C. died July 29, 1876, at the age of thirty-four years.  Mr. C. married, for his second wife, Hepsy J. Starbuck, of this county.  Their children are Letha, who died in infancy; Ross and Horra M.  Mr. C. is a member of the K. of H., and in politics a Democrat.
Source:  Counties of Cumberland, Jasper and Richland, Illinois - Historical and Biographical - Publ. Chicago: F. A. Battey & Co. - 1884 - Page 303