O. L. McCLAIN

MCCLAIN, PURDY, SWICK

Posted By: Norma Nielson (email)
Date: 5/16/2004 at 16:58:29

"O. L. McClain, who has spent his entire life in Adair county and has devoted his attention to general agricultural pursuits throughout his business career, is now the owner of a well improved farm comprising one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 26, Orient township. His birth occurred in that township on the 12th of May, 1876, his parents being Harrison and Amy (Purdy) McClain, both of whom were natives of Ohio. They came to Iowa in an early day with their respective parents, who settled in Warren county, where Harrison McClain and Amy Purdy were afterward married. A short time later they took up their abode in Adair county, Mr. McClain here cultivating rented land for some years or until about 1888, when he purchased a tract of one hundred and sixty acres in Orient township, which is still owned by the state. His demise occurred in 1913, buthis widow survives and resides on the old home farm.

O. L. McClain was reared under the parental roof and attended the district schools in the acquirement of an education. After reaching maturity he worked as a farm hand at a wage of eighteen dollars per month for two years and in February, 1899, wedded Miss Lottie Swick, of Creston, Iowa. The following spring he started out as an agriculturist on his own account by cultivating rented land and at the end of nine years, in 1908, had accumulated sufficient capital to purchase a tract of one hundred and twenty acres on section 1, Orient township, which he then began operating. However, he never lived on the place, making his home on the adjoining farm, which he cultivated as a renter. In 1910 he sold the property and bought his present home farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 26, Orient township, in the operation of which he has won a gratifying measure of success. He cultivates the cereals best adapted to soil and climate and annually gathers rich crops which find a ready sale on the market.

To Mr. and Mrs. McClain have been born three children, namely: Everett, Leta and Arden. Mr. McClain gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and is ably serving as a member of the board of township trustees. Both he and his wife anre devoted and consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is well known among his fellow citizens and the fact that many of his best friends are those who have known him longest is an indication that his salient characteristics are such as inspire and hold regard, esteem and goodwill."

Source: The "History of Adair County Iowa and its People," Volume II. (Chicago, The Pioneer Publishing Company) 1915.