James E. Mcclure

As printed in 1902

JAMES E. McCLURE.

James E. McClure, a retired farmer now engaged in the grocery business in Springfield, has spent his entire life in Clark county, his birth having occurred in Mad River township on the 5th of December, 1868. He is a son of George and Harriet A. (Dory) McClure. ` The father was born in Mad River township in 1833, and the mother in Springfield, in 1839. The paternal grandfather, Jefferson McClure, was of Scotch-Irish parentage, and came from Maryland to Ohio in his early boyhood days, being reared to manhood in Clark county. - He worked as a farm hand and teamster in early life, and during pioneer times in this locality he purchased land in Mad River township and there carried on farming until his death. He and his wife were buried in the cemetery at Ebenezer. In their family were four children who are yet living: William, a resident of Springfield; George, the father of our subject; Samuel J., a dairyman residing west of Springfield; and Addie, the wife of Cyrus Kissell, of Mad River township. These children were all educated in the public schools of the locality and reared upon the home farm.

George McClure spent his boyhood days in the usual manner of farmer lads of the period, and when he attained to man’s estate he continued to follow the occupation to which he had been reared, making it his life work. At length he retired from active business cares, and is now living retired in Springfield, having purchased a home in the city. He was a good business man, energetic and resolute, and his success is attributable to his own efforts. In politics he is a Democrat, and both he and his wife are highly esteemed people of the community in which they make their home. This worthy couple became the parents of twelve children, all of whom reached adult age, although three are now deceased. The others are: D. Dory, who is a gardener of Springfield township; Rosa, the wife of Samuel Arthur; Charles J., who is living in Pueblo, Colorado; Harriet A.; William; J. E., of this review; Seth, also of Pueblo; Mary, the wife of Elmer Cale; and Thomas. All were educated in the district schools, and Harriet was a student in Nelson's Business College.

James E. McClure of this review attended the country schools through the winter months, and in the periods of vacation worked upon the home farm, continuing to assist in its cultivation until he had attained the age of twenty-two years. During the last two years of that time he had charge of the farm work, successfully carrying on He general farming and stock-raising.

cultivated one hundred and seventy acres of land, improving it and bringing it to a high state of production. His farming operations were continued until December, 1901, when he sold his property and came to Springfield to make his home. On the 17th of January, 1902, he established a grocery at his present location, purchasing a new and complete line of groceries, provisions, and feed. He has since been increasing his stock as the trade demanded, and is now well fixed to meet the demands of his growing trade. He delivers to any part of the city, and has gained the confidence, good will and therefore the patronage of a large number of the residents in his part of the town.

On the 15th of March, 1888, Mr. Mc- Clure was united in marriage to Miss Fannie Johnson, a daughter of Eli Johnson, who was a farmer of Mad River township. Mrs. McClure was educated the common schools and by her marriage became the mother of one son, Arthur J., who was born December 30, 1892. On the 6th of January following, Mrs. McClure died. In 1895 our subject was again married, his second union being with Elizabeth Geron, a daughter of Jacob Geron, who was born in Germany. The lady was educated in Springfield township and has two daughters— Gertrude, born December 15, 1896; and Margaret, born September 3,

In his political views Mr. McClure is known to be independent, casting his ballot for the men and measures that he deems best calculated and qualified to promote the general welfare. - To and charitable work he gives hearty endorsement. He is a member of Lincoln Castle, No. 49, K. T. E., and while at Enon served as keeper of who was church the exchequer. While there is nothing in the life history of Mr. McClure to attract the reader who delights in a sensational:

chapter, there ‘is nevertheless in his career much that is commendable and worthy of emulation, for he has always been found industrious, honest and straightforward, and these qualities should ever be cultivated by men who wish to attain success and at the same time enjoy the respect of their fellow men. ALN

As printed in A Biographical Record of Clark County Ohio (1902). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.