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Historical Records of Simon Cleo James (1905-1954)

Below follows the only historic record of mon Cleo James (1905-1953) of Strawn, Palo Pinto County, Texas held by the James Family Archives. Simon, or “Leonard” as he was known by, was born on January 10, 1905 to Leroy Campbell “Leonard” James (1858-1937) of Commerce, Hunt County, Texas and Minnie Lee Draper (1875-1953) of Cass County, Texas. Simon was also the grandson of William George James (1832-1908) of Bedford County, Virginia and the 5x patrilineal great grandson of David James (1660-1739) of Llandelgely and Glascwm parishes in Radnorshire, Wales who migrated to Pennsylvania with William Penn in 1682.

On September 20, 1932, Simon Married Margaret Vida Cecillia Besse (1907-1985), daughter of Joseph Ernest Besse (1871-1961) and Susan Alice Whitfill (1874-1968) in Hood County, Texas. To this union, there were no children.

Simon died on October 22, 1954 at the age of 49 in Mineral Wells, Palo Pinto County, Texas. He is buried at Elmwood Cemetery in Mineral Wells. See below, Certificate of Death for Simon Cleo James (1905-1954), Issued by the Texas Department of Heath, Bureau of Vital Statistics, Recorded December 8, 1954.

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DOCUMENT

1.   Certificate of Death for Simon Cleo James (1905-1954), Issued by the Texas Department of Heath, Bureau of Vital Statistics, Recorded December 8, 1954

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Updated: February 9, 2026