----Source: 1891 Bio. Hist. Of Clark Jackson Co., Wisconsin, pg.s 200 201

ALBION K. JAMES, of Melrose, Jackson County, was born in New Hampshire, October 3, 1849, the son of Alonzo G. James, who was born in Deerfield, New Hapmshire, in 1826. In 1855 he came to Richland Center, Richland County, Wisconsin, where he died, at the age of sixty years. He was a dealer in boots and shoes by occupation, and was a Prohibitionist politically, but in early years was a Republican. He was a very prominent man, and was President of the village of Richland Center, and also a member of the town board of Supervisors for several years. Our subject's mother, nee Eliza Knowlton, was also born in Deerfield, New Hampshire, and is now living at Richland Center, Richland County, Wisconsin. She is a daughter of Nathaniel and Eliza Knowlton, natives of New Hampshire. Mr. and Mrs. James had seven children, viz.: Albion K., Emma J., Lewis E., Charles F., Minnie, Mary and Anna, all of whom are living except Mary.

The subject of this sketch, Albion K., the eldest child, was reared and educated in Richland Center. In 1873 he went to Hillsborough, Wisconsin, and in 1875 came to Jackson County, locating in the town of Millston. While residing at Millston he was elected Town Clerk. In 1878 he removed to Melrose, where he engaged in the mercantile business, which he still continues. He is also proprietor of the Exchange Bank of Melrose. He is a prominent man, and has held a number of important offices. He was Postmaster here for six years. He is treasurer of the Irving Insurance Company, of $500,000 capital, which he has held for four years. Politically he is independent, but he was formerly a Republican. He has represented his town and county in several county and senatorial conventions at different times. He has been twice elected Clerk of the School Board of Melrose graded school. He is a member of the Good Templars' Lodge, at Melrose, and is also a member of the Baptist Church. He was treasurer of the Melrose Creamery Association for two years, and disbursed nearly 40,000 among the patrons of the company, to their satisfaction.

Mr. James was married March 22, 1883, to Kate Tuttle, who was born in Black River Falls, January 10, 1860, the daughter of Albert and Emeline (Jean) Tuttle. The mother was born in Ohio, in 1822, and died at the age of fifty-nine years, at Merrillon, in Jackson County, Wisconsin. The father was born in Connecticut in 1815, and died at Arcadia, Trempeauleau County, this State, on February 6, 1891. He was among the early settlers of Jackson County, having located at Black River Falls in 1850. Mr. and Mrs. James have had two children: Bessie, born September 2, 1884, and Carrie, born February 14, 1887, who died August 7, 1887.