JAMES M. AKIN, superintendent of schools of Henderson county, is the oldest in a family of ten children. His parents, John G. and Eliza (Connell) Akin, are natives of Columbiana, but reside in Muskingum county. The Akin family, four generations ago, came from Ireland , but were more remotely Scotch. They are a long lived people, the mother of John G., and grandmother of James M., yet living and active, at nearly a hundred years of age. James M., the principal subject of these memoirs, was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio , February 14, 1845 .

His educational training was acquired in the common schools near his home, and in the academy of Cam­ bridge , Guernsey county, Ohio . Before seventeen years of age he began teaching in the common schools of the country. He was a pupil when the directors, for cause, dismissed the teacher, and requested James to finish the term of school. James hesitated, and sent them to his father, who allowed the youth to choose for himself. The school was taught successfully five months. He continued his school work, and in 1866 came to Warren county, Illinois , where he taught till 1870. He then became principal of the Biggsville schools, retaining the position for three years.

He then taught at Olena, and in 1875 was elected principal of the Oquawka public schools. In 1877 Mr. Akin was elected to the county superintendency, for the duties of which he is eminently fitted. Mr. Akin was married August 3, 1871 , to Miss Lizzie, daughter of Samuel and Ortha (Callahan) Arthurs, and a native of Pennsylvania . They have one child, Orlando H. Mr. and Mrs. Akin are connected with the Presb yterian church. He is a member of the order of Odd-Fellows.

 

History of Mercer and Henderson Counties.

 

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