Transcribed by Patty Gaddis

WALDRON, JAMES - Now living retired from active life at his pleasant home at 2015 Peoria Road, Springfield, is a representative English-American citizen and is interested in every measure affecting the general welfare of his community. He is a native of Worcestershire, England, born April 25, 1836, a son of John and Mary (Nicklin) Waldron, also born in England. The father was a mine superintendent by occupation and he and his wife were parents of four sons and four daughters, of whom two sons are now surviving. Thomas, living at Scranton, Kan., and James, of Springfield.

In boyhood James received a rudimentary education in the public schools of his native land, and while yet a boy began learning the trade of miner, which he followed all his active life. He worked many years at mining in England, rose to the position of a foreman, and eventually became a mine superintendent. In 1881, being at that time thirty-five years of age, he sailed from Liverpool to America, landing in New York City. He came on to Bloomington, Ill, where he worked three years, then came to Barclay, Sangamon County. He followed mining in that town three years, then removed to Streator, and two years later to Dawson, where he remained three years before coming to Springfield, which has since been his home. He has lived retired from active life since 1891 and owns the home he now occupies, where he has lived a number of years. He was at one time connected with the old North Shaft, and was for several years engaged as Mine Examiner.

Mr. Waldron was married in England, December 25, 1854, to Miss Sophia Southall, also a native of that country, born August 8, 1836, whose parents spent their entire lives there. No children were born of this union. Mr. Waldron is recognized as a useful and public-spirited citizen, well known as a man of integrity and stability. He is a member of the Third Presbyterian Church and in politics espouses the cause of the Republican party. He has many firm friends in the city, which has been his home for the past twenty years.