JAMES R. VERNON, deceased, was for many years a representative and respected farmer of Muskingum county.  He was born June 30, 1828, on the old family homestead, a son of Joseph and Margaret (Yering) Vernon.  The father was a native of Pennsylvania and served his country as a soldier in the war of 1812.  He came to Ohio about 1816, and settled in Muskingum county, where for many years he made his home, departing this life about 1862, when eighty-three years of age.  In his family were nine children but all are now deceased with the exception of two sons.
     James R. Vernon is indebted to the public-school system of the county for the educational privileges enjoyed in his youth.  He was largely reared amid frontier surroundings, for the work of progress and improvement was yet in its initial stage during the period of his boyhood.  He early learned the best methods of caring for the farm and of tilling the soil and always remained upon the old homestead, following farming as a mans of livelihood, thereby providing for his wife and children.
     On the 27th of February, 1873, Mr. Vernon was married to Miss Mariva E. Funk, who was old Denison farm.  Her parents were John and Margaret (Lull) Funk.  Her father, who devoted his active business life to agricultural pursuits, is now living with Mrs. Vernon and although eighty-nine years of age is still a hale and hearty man and quite active.  His wife died Jan. 9, 1892.  Unto Mr. and Mrs. Vernon were born two children:  James, Milton, who was born May 11, 1874, wedded Georgia Darner and is living with his mother, operating the farm for her; John N., born Dec. 16, 1877, married Anna Boal and lives near the old home.  Mrs. Vernon now owns eight hundred acres of land four miles from Adamsville and rents a part of this, while her son cultivates the remainder.  Mr. Vernon was a republican in his political views but cared nothing for office, preferring to devote his attention to his business affairs in which he won very gratifying success.  Mrs. Vernon has long been a devoted member of the Baptist church at Adamsville and is actively interested in its work and growth.
Source:  Past and Present of the City of Zanesville, and Muskingum Co., Ohio - Published Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. - 1905 - Page 418