Source material extracted from:

Hon. James Cruikshank of the firm of Cruikshank & Co., Danville, was born in Berks County, Penn., September 18, 1836, a son of James and Margaret (McFarland) Cruikshank, natives of Scotland. His father was an iron molder and came from Scotland to Philadelphia in 1830, where he worked at his trade for a time. Our subject is the eldest of five children, and received his education in the common schools. In 1837 he was brought by his parents to Pottsville, where he was reared. In early life he learned the trade of iron molder, at which he worked until coming to Danville in 1873, and soon after embarked in his present business. The firm is among the most flourishing in Danville and its members are all energetic and enterprising. They divide the business and each is eminently fitted for the department under his care. Mr. Cruikshank may usually be found in the shop, where from forty to sixty men are employed.

Politically Mr. Cruikshank is a Republican, and in 1875 and 1876 represented Montour County in the State Legislature; is now a member of the water committee of the borough of Danville. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the I. O. O. F. Encampment, also K. of P., and has served as Past Master in three secret societies. In 1856 he married Sarah J., daughter of Joseph Walton. She is of English descent; has borne her husband five children: Ida M., wife of John F. Miller; William; John C.; Emma F. and Charles W.