Biographies - Elmira Township

James Cinnamon, son of John and Sarah (McGinnis) Cinnamon, was born in Down county, Ireland, in March, 1826. His ancestors are said to have settled there during the invasion of England by "William the Conqueror," and today several representatives of the family may be found there.

James left Ireland in 1817, and coming to Canada, settled at Kingston. Eighteen months later we find him at Chicago, and January 1, 1819, at Lacon, Ill., engaged as house carpenter.

On May 8, 1851, he married Miss Flora A., daughter of Robert and Phoebe (Newton) Sharer, the father a native of New York and the mother of Luzerne county, Pa.

Robert Sharer, son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Taylor) Sharer, was born April 13, 1803. Samuel was a native of Ireland and his wife of England. Of their children, Robert, William and James were born in York state, and Joseph, David, Samuel, Thomas, Elias and Sarah A. after their removal into Luzerne county, Pa. Robert Sharer married Phoebe Newton July 5, 1830, to whom live children, Mrs. Flora A. Cinnamon being the only one now living. He and family moved to Wyoming, this county, in 1835; established a shoemaker's shop here, but after a short time took up a claim of 100 acres in Elmira township, on Section 35; remained there for eleven years, when he purchased 80 acres on Section 34, where he resided until his death, February 3, 1873. His wife died August 4, 1878. Her father was a soldier of 1812.

James Cinnamon, after his marriage, remained at Lacon a few years, moved in April, 1857, to Elmira township, purchased 80 acres on Section 33, and farmed up to 1861, when he, being a member of the " Elmira Rifles,'' was mustered into the United States service on June I7, with Company B, Nineteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served until mustered out July 9, 1864. He resumed farming here that year, and now owns 403 acres of land in this township. Mr. C. is a Royal Arch Mason, supports the Presbyterian church, although not a member, has served several terms as school director, was Commander of James Jackson Post No. 37, G. A. R., for one year. He is Republican in politics.

Mr. and Mrs. Cinnamon are the parents of eleven children, seven of whom are living, namely: George, married, and now living in Clay county, Nebraska ; William James, residing at home; Mary B., married, and is living in this county; Hugh, Flora E., Edwin and Thomas A., all residing at home.

Mr. Cinnamon was one of eight children, namely: William, married, and lives in Canada, East; John, deceased ; George and Joseph, deceased; James, herein named; Robert, married, and lives in Marshall county, this state; Elizabeth and Jane, married, and living at London, England.