James M. Divine, sheriff of Dade County, Mo., was born in Monroe County, Tenn., in 1842, and is one of the representative men of the county. He is the son of Alfred and Artemissa (McNabb) Divine, the grandson of James Divine, and the great-grandson of Thomas Divine, who, though a native of Ireland, came to America previous to the Revolutionary War, and was a soldier in the same. James Divine was a soldier in the War of 1812, and in 1822 emigrated to East Tennessee, carrying his two children, Alfred and a sister, on a pack-horse, while he and his wife walked the entire distance. In 1854 James Divine removed to Dade County, Mo., and died in 1871. Alfred Divine was born in South Carolina, in 1817, and was of Irish descent. He came to Dade County, Mo., in 1852, and located in Sac Township, where he followed farming. He is yet living, is the owner of eighty acres of land, and is one of the old and prominent citizens. His wife, Artemissa (McNabb) Divine, was born in East Tennessee in 1816, and was the daughter of Baptist McNabb, who was a soldier in the War of 1812. Her grandfather was a native of Ireland, and was a soldier in the War for Independence, and in the War of 1812. Mrs. Divine is yet living. Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Divine: Elvira, wife of Andrew Smith, at Corry, Mo.; James M.; Orzina, wife of James P. Fanning, of Dade County; William T.; Nancy A., wife of J. B. Remington, of Hickory County; Margaret, wife of John Friend, of Dade County; Martha, wife of J. A. Fanning, of Lamar, Barton County, and Harriet, wife of Joseph A. Fanning, of Dade County. James M. Divine was ten years of age when he came with his parents to Dade County, Mo., was reared to manhood on a farm, and remained with his parents until twenty-one years of age. In August, 1861, he enlisted in Company E, Seventh Provisional Regiment, Missouri Mounted Cavalry, and was in the fight at Springfield and Humansville. He was in service until March, 1864, was deputy sergeant of his company, and was discharged at Springfield, Mo. June 3, 1863, Mr. Divine married Miss Parthina Fanning, a native of Dade County, Mo., born in 1847, and the daughter of Thomas Fanning. Eight living children were born to this union: Horace G., Alice M., Fred, Mike, Mease, Alfred, Lydia and Blaine. After the war Mr. Divine began tilling the soil, which he continued until 1886, when he was elected sheriff of Dade County, and re-elected in 1888, on the Republican ticket, his majority being 172 the first time, and the last time 322. Mr. Divine owns eighty acres of land, and a house and lot in Greenfield. His wife belongs to the Presbyterian Church.
