James A. Lakin

James Alfred Lakin was born 30 October 1841 in Boston, Massachusetts, son of Jonas Rainford Lakin of Boston, Massachusetts and Sarah E. of Boston, Massachusetts.

He enlisted in Company E, Massachusetts 1st Infantry Regiment on 25 May 1861. And was promoted to Full Corporal. He was mustered out on 12 March 1863 at Boston, Massachusetts. He was a member of St. Paul's Masonic Lodge, initiated on 4 November 1862, also affiliated with Mt. Moriah Lodge. He was variously a jeweler, watchmaker, manufacturer and inventor. He served in the Massachusetts Legislature on the Railroad and Insurance Committee.

James married Henrietta J. Wolcott (b. about 1841-1869) of Sandisfield, Massachusetts on 29 November 1865 in Springfield, Massachusetts. She was born in Litchfield, Connecticut, the daughter of daughter of Theron R. and Cynthia A. Wolcott. They had at least one son, Harry A. Lakin born in Enfield, Connecticut (b. about 1867- d. 1908).

He was married again on 3 July 1870, to Lucy Adelaide (Addie) Tower (1845-1924) of North Bridgewater, daughter of Luther and Ada W. Tower. The had two children, daughters Beula May Lakin (1877-1964) and Bertha Addie Lakin (b. 1880)

James died on 2 October 1998 in Westfield, Massachusetts, he is buried at Pine Hill Cemetery, Westfield, Massachusetts.