One of the most attentive men to his duties in the House is James D. Lasher who represents the Second District of Oswego County. He is of German descent and was born in 1814 in the town of Manlius, Onondaga County New York. He was educated mostly in the common schools of his native place. He spent several years of his early life in New York City and subsequently some time in the South. For many years, he was a merchant tailor in the Village of Fulton, but his health demanding the change he retired upon a farm. He was also at one time quite extensively engaged in the lumbering business. During the past few years he has resumed his old avocation and is now extensively engaged in the clothing business in Fulton. Mr. Lasher very early took an active part in politics, always until a recent period, being attached to the principles and fortunes of the Democratic Party. In his own locality, he has always been prominent in party matters. During his early residence in Fulton, he was often elected Town Clerk and frequently to offices under the village organization. After his removal to his farm, he was elected Supervisor of the Town of Granby in 1849 and was again elected in 1850 and 1858 and again in 1864. As a member of the Local Legislature, Mr. Lasher always held a prominent position. He was a faithful and influential officer and in 1853, presided over the deliberations of the Board. Mr. Lasher continued to act with the Democratic party until 1860. When the rebels fired upon Fort Sumter and the secessionists plunged the country into a war in the mad attempt to destroy the Union, he entered the ranks of the Republican Party. Of the principles and measures of that party, he has since been a consistent and earnest supporter. During the war, he was very active in the support of the Government and was very efficient in raising companies and filling the various quotas of soldiers asked of his own locality. Mr. Lasher is a genial gentleman of strong, sound sense and diligent and persevering in the support of any cause or measure which meets his approbation. As has been intimated, above he is attentive to his duties and looks well to the interests of his constituents. He is a member of the Canal Committee.

*Life sketches of the state officers, senators, and members of the Assembly of the State of New York 1868*