James L. Ham, one of the largest farmers in this county, was born June 15, 1832, in this township ; his parents came here in 1830 from Rutherford county, Tenn.; their names were James and Mary (Broiles) Ham, one a native of S. C. and the other of Tenn., and of German descent,—both were very old families in those States, and took part in the Revolulionary war, their great-grandfather, Gen. Williams, serving under Washington. James Ham, the father of our subject, during his life-time was a very large and successful farmer, owning and working 1,500 acres of land in this township at the time of his death, which occurred in 1868. He began life in 1830 with a team and 33 cents. He raised a large family of eight children, seven of whom lived to be grown,—four now living in this county and one in Stark county. James L. was married Sept. 25, 1853, to Julia A. Wells, daughter of James Wells, the oldest settler in this township. He had a family of four children —John H., who is married and lives on sec. 20, Henry A., Marshall A. and Reuben L. Mr. Ham has served the township for several years as Supervisor, and was Chairman of that body : he is now acting as Justice of the Peace. He has been a member of the Christian Church for many years. He is also a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows fraternities, and has been prominently connected with the Pike County Agricultural Society, being President, Vice-President or Director for the last fifteen years, and is now Vice-President.

History of Pike County Chapman & Co. 1880 (People/ Towns / Religion/ )