James McNabb, editor of the Carrollton Gazette, was born in Clarksville, Missouri, and in early childhood was taken by his parents to Calhoun county, Illinois. His boyhood days were spent upon the home farm and in the Oak Grove school he acquired his education. On the 7th of March, 1874, after successfully passing an examination, he was granted a teacher's certificate and for twelve years followed the profession of teaching, spending seven years of that time as principal of the Hardin school. On the 17th of March, 1877, he was appointed county superintendent of schools for Calhoun county by the board of county commissioners. He was twice re-elected to this office, serving ten years, and then declined a third term. His active identification with journalism dates from the 10th of March, 1881, when he purchased the Calhoun Herald, editing it for six years in addition to his other duties. In 1886 he became half owner of the Carrollton Gazette and removed to Carrollton, assuming editorial charge of the paper on the 19th of July. This has since been his connection with the journal, which under his able direction has become one of the leading papers in this part of the state, having a large local patronage.

Mr. McNabb has been active and prominent in other lines, especially in matters relating to progressive citizenship. He served one year as president of the board of education of Carrollton, and in April, 1892, he was appointed a member of the state board of public charities by Governor Altgeld, filling the position for four years. Having studied law he was admitted to the bar by the supreme court at Springfield on the 11th of January, 1895, and on the 10th of March, 1895, by Judge George W. Herdman, and was reappointed March 10, 1899, by Judge O.P. Thompson, which position he is still occupying. In September, 1897, he became a student in the College of Physicians and Surgeons in St. Louis, and during three succeeding years attended lectures at that institution when business conditions permitted. He is thus continually broadening his knowledge, keeping in touch with not only the general questions of the day but with the advancement along many scientific lines as well. He is a student by nature, and his love of research and investigation has carried him into various fields of knowledge> Being interested in the political situation of the county, he has labored for Democratic principles and was Democratic presidential elector for the twentieth congressional district in 1904.

On the 26th of June, 1889, Mr. McNabb was married to Miss Louise Pierson, of Carrollton. He belongs to Carrollton Lodge, No. 50, A.F.& A.M.; Carrollton Chapter No. 77, R.A.M.; Hugh DePayens Commandery, No. 29, K.T.; Americana Lodge, No. 99, K.P.; and Carrollton Camp, No. 476, M.W.A. His influence in public affairs has been for all beneficial measures and his activity has been a resultant force in promoting local progress.

Transcribed by: Carole Ann Heller