Aaron Chamberlain, the father of James W. Chamberlain, was born in New Jersey in 1787, and in 1822 he emigrated
with his family to Ohio, and lived in Butler county until 1835, when he moved to Pike county, Illinois, and purchased
land on section 24 in David township, on which he lived and made good improvements until his death, which occurred
in 1850. In his younger years he was a sea captain. His father, Aaron Chamberlain, served his country in the revolutionary
war under General Washington, was honorably discharged at the close of the war, and settled on a farm near the
Monmouth battle-ground, where he remained until his death, which occurred at the advanced age of one hundred and
one years.
James W. was born in Butler county, Ohio, in the year 1828, and remained with his parents until 1851, when he married
Miss Jane Veal, and moved on a part of the old homestead farm, and engaged successfully in farming and stock raising
until 1862, when his wife died, leaving him with three children. In 1864 he married for his second wife Miss Mary
F. Harris. Mr Chamberlain is, and always has been, largely engaged in farming, and has prospered well. He has frequently
held office in his township, and has always been considered very competent. He is a good moral man, and stands
well in his community. He is the father of five children, two sons and three daughters, all living and at home.