James A. Jarboe

JAMES A. JARBOE, treasurer of Walton township, occupies an enviable position among the worthy men of Labette county, and owns one of the most productive farms in Southern Kansas. Mr. Jarboe was born in Hart county, Kentucky, in 1844. He is the youngest of six children born to Benjamin and Ellen (Horrell) Jarboe, both of whom were natives of the state of Maryland. Other members of the family are H. B.; Anna M.; Benjamin; J. F.; and W. J.

James A. Jarboe attended the schools of his native county and remained in Kentucky until he reached the age of twenty-four years. In August, 1863, he enlisted in Company B, 8th Reg., Kentucky Mounted Infantry, Forrest's Division, and served until the close of the war. In 1868 he came west as far as Illinois, and made his home within that state's borders for a couple of years. Believing in still greater possibilities farther west, he left Illinois, in 1870, and located permanently in Kansas. He took up a claim in Walton township, Labette county, which is now his home. It is one of the most productive farms in Walton township, and comprises the northwest quarter of section 20, and the southwest quarter of section 17. On this farm Mr. Jarboe has carried on general farming for about a third of a century, and has also raised and dealt in stock, to a considerable extent. He is earnestly interested in everything pertaining to the welfare of his township, and is rightly considered one of its most progressive citizens. His union with Elizabeth E. White, who was born in Kentucky in 1850, resulted in a large family of children, namely: Benjamin A.; Mary; John H.; W. J.; Rosa H.; Mattie; Gertrude; William; and Daniel.

In 1890 their present large, two-story frame house, containing 14 rooms, was erected, and adds not a little to the imposing appearance of the place, besides enhancing the comfort of the family.

Mr. Jarboe is a man of good principles and strict integrity, and is always willing to support any measure which is for the good of the people. He is a man of great energy and will power, and these qualities have been instrumental in carrying him to the front, in both his township and his county. Politically, he is an unswerving Democrat, and takes an active part in all the affairs of that party. He is intensely interested in educational matters and has been a faithful and valued member of the school board far eighteen years. He served as county, commissioner three years. At the present writing he is also serving as treasurer of Walton township, of which he held the office of clerk for fifteen years. He is a member of the Anti-Horsethief Association, and belongs to the Sons and Daughters of Justice, - an insurance organization. The family adhere to the Catholic faith.