My Genealogy Hound

James E. Chambless, planter, Hempstead County. Although a comparatively young man, Mr. Chambless has, by his native energy and progressive ideas, put into execution, won for himself an enviable reputation that entitles him to a place among the representative citizens of the county. He owes his nativity to this county, where he was born in 1852, being a son of Ansel E. and Elizabeth (Camp) Chambless. Ansel E. Chambless was born in Indiana in 1817, but when he was still a child his parents came to Hempstead County and located on a farm, where their son grew to mature years. Being reared on a farm, he conceived a liking for agricultural life, and upon reaching manhood and starting out in life on his own responsibility, he engaged in the occupation of farming, and pursued that calling all his life. He was married in Hempstead County, about 1841, and he and wife became the parents of nine children— four sons and five daughters—six of whom survive. Those living are James E., Sarah J. (wife of James M. Chamberlain), Isabella (widow of B. O. Ames), Nancy C. (wife of I. H. Brooks), Robert L. and Samuel W. The mother died in 1865, in full communion with the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. The father remained a widower until 1867, and then wedded Miss Susannah Jones, by whom he became the father of four children: Laura (wife of James Watts), Ferelender, Thomas D. and John F. She died in 1882, and he took a third wife in 1885, in the person of Mrs. Sarah Butcher, widow of Parsons Butcher. He and wife both belong to the Baptist Church. The marriage of our subject occurred on December 3, 1874, Miss Permelia C. Dickey, daughter of John and Margarette (Grey) Dickey, being the contracting party. She was born on May 8, 1851. They are the parents of six children, only two of whom survive, Jessie R. and Permelia C. Thomas A., Edna, Essie and one unnamed are deceased. Mr. Chambless’ fine farm comprises 620 acres of excellent land, and this he has well improved and under a high state of cultivation. He is a Democrat, politically.