Chapter V. Early Settlers to St Claire County
James Lemen was born in Berkley Co., VA in the year 1760. He served two years in the War of the Revolution, after which he went to the vicinity of Wheeling WV, where he met and married Catherine Ogle, an older daughter of Captain Joseph Ogle. he came to Illinois in 1786, the year after his father-in-law. His trip to the new country was an eventful one. He came down the Ohio River with his family and housefold goods on a flat boat. One night while the boat was tird to the shore, the river fell considerably, and the boat lodging on a stump was overturned and sunk, and thus all his provisions and goods were lost. His oldest son, Robert, then three years old, floated out in the stream on the bed on which he lay. By strenuous effort he was rescued and his life was saved. Notwithstanding, this discouraging misfortune, the family proceeded on their journey, and arrived at Kaskaskia, July 1 0, 1786, and shortly afterward settled New Design, in the present county of Monroe. After a few years he was a citizen of prominence and usefulness. He served in the office of Justice of the Peace and County Judge. He was also a prominent religious leader among the Baptists. His religious labors are referred to elsewhere.
