Submitted By: M Bradley
J. H. Earnest, farmer,. born Jan 11 1818 in Simpson Co. Kentucky came to Springfield Illinois in 1833 and then Iowa Co. Wisconsin Territory. He engaged in mining and then in 1844 opened a store in New Diggings and continued there for eight years. He then sold out his stock and continued farming. He owned 855 acres and had been the Chairman of the Town of New Diggings. He also served in the Wisconsin State Legislature for 14 years in both the State Senate and House of Representatives. He married Mary E. McCown ( of Mercer Co. Kentucky) in 1847 and they had 8 children.

Submitted By: Mary Bradley
The general contour of this town (Shullsburg) is of a gently rolling surface, except in the vicinity of the streams, where it is broken and uncultivated. It is well adapted for stock-raising, as well as being one of the best farming or grain-raising towns in the county. Among the number engaged in the cultivation of blooded stock are James H. Earnest, Samuel Scales and John Matthews. "History of Lafayette County Wisconsin 1881" page 657