James A. Craven of Texas County, Missouri

James A. Craven, merchant at Licking, Mo., was born March 28, 1848, in Randolph County, N. C., and is the son of John W. and Henrietta R. (Johnson) Craven. He was reared to agricultural pursuits, and received a very limited education in the old-time schools. At the age of nineteen he began clerking for Dr. D. T. Collier for $13 per month, and two years later he became a partner of his father in the store at Licking. In all he was in partnership with his father for about twelve years, and with the exception of about six months he has been engaged in merchandising in this town since, keeping a general store. The firm has changed names several times, his last partner being Joel Sherrill. In 1888 Mr. Craven became sole proprietor, and now runs one of the most extensive stores in Licking. He was married September 8, 1879, to Miss Mary E. Sherrill, daughter of Joel Sherrill. Ten children were born to this marriage, eight now living: Rosa D., Joel W., Elbert E., Wesley H., James M., Eunice, Helen and Alfred F. July 23, 1888, Mrs. Craven died. Both he and wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. He is a Mason, being Chaplain of Latimer Lodge No. 395, and is a Democrat in politics. In connection with merchandising he also runs a farm, and is the owner of 262 acres. As a business man he has been quite successful, having made most all he has by his own efforts. He has never aspired to any official position, but for eight years he has been notary public.