The History of Hendricks County (Chicago: Interstate Publishing, 1885)--Eel River Township, page 571
James M. Emmons was born Oct 8, 1828, in Giles County, Va., a son of Jayhew and Sarah Emmons. His parents came to Hendricks County, Ind., in 1838, locating in Marion Township. In 1840 they settled in Eel River Township and here our subject grew to manhood. He learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed alternately with farming until 1878, in which year he was elected by the Republican party, Sheriff of Hendricks County, serving as such two terms. He resided in North Salem from 1849 till 1878 when he removed to Danville, but in March, 1883, he returned to Eel River Township and has since resided in the southern portion of it. He was married Jan. 20, 1853, to Elizabeth J. Trotter, daughter of James and Sarah Trotter, natives of Virginia, and early settlers of this county. To Mr. and Mrs. Emmons have been born eleven children--Sarah C., James O., Charles E., Lon D., Ida M., Oliver J., Eldred E., Lulu G., Adinah D., John W., and Stanley. The last two mentioned are deceased. Mr. Emmons enlisted in May, 1864, as Second Lieutenant of Company H, One Hundred and Thirty-second Indiana Infantry, in the 100-days service, and served principally in Tennessee and Alabama. In February, 1865, he re-enlisted, this time in Company E, One Hundred and Forty-eighth Regiment, and served until the following September, principally in Tennessee, when he received an honorable discharge at Nashville. Both Mr. Emmons and his wife are members of the Christian church, and respected members of society.