James Barclay

BARCLAY

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 3/20/2009 at 00:13:55

James Barclay, On the home farm on Sec 15, Garden township, James Barclay is successfully carrying on agricultural pursuits, being widely recognized as one of the thrifty farmer and stock raisers of this portion of the state. The month of December 1865, witnessed his arrival I Boone county and during the period which has since elapsed he has advance to a very creditable position as a man of business ability, and his farm of 160 acres is the visible evidence of his life of energy and good management. A native of Ohio he was born in Carroll county June 24, 1839, and is a son of Joseph Barclay a native of Scotland, born and reared in the land of hills and heather.
When a young man the father came to the new world and was classed among the early settlers of the portion of Pennsylvania in which he made his home. He was merchant in Pittsburg when Indians still visited the locality. He was married there to Janette Noble, also a native of Scotland, and subsequently they removed to Oho, becoming pioneer settlers of Carroll county, where in the midst of the dense forests Joseph Barclay hewed out a farm. Cutting away the timber he placed the land under cultivation and there made a good farm of 400 acres becoming the owner of one of the best farming properties in Carroll county. Upon that place he reared his family and spent his remaining days, passing away in 1851.
James Barclay was reared there and in his youth early became familiar with the labors of field and meadow. He had but common school advantages, but his training at farm work was not meager. In August 1862 he enlisted, joining the One Hundred and Fifteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, as a member of Company A. He went south and was one “ Pap Thomas’ boys.” He participated in numerous engagements, also did scouting duty and was in the battle at Nashville. He afterward engaged in doing guard duty along the railroads and in guarding government property, serving until the close of the war, when he was mustered out at Murfreesboro, receiving an honorable discharge at Cleveland, Ohio in July 1865.
Mr Barclay then returned to his home and n the fall of the same year came west to Boone county, Iowa arriving in December 1865. The railroads terminated here at that time. He purchased40 acres of land near Boone and engaged in taking out coal, carrying on that business for two years. On selling his interest there he purchased 80 acres of land constituting the nucleus of his present farm. Only slight improvements had been made, a little house had been erected while a few acres had been broken. He located thereon in the spring of 1868 and began the further improvement of the land to which he added until he now has 160 acres of rich farming land under a very high state of cultivation, the well tilled fields bringing to him an excellent return for his labor. He has erected a good house and barns and substantial outbuildings and has three flowing wells. He has also planted a grove and has made substantial improvements along all lines indicating progress and advancement. He has also been engaged in raising good graded stock and this branch of his business has contributed in no small degree to his success. A poor man when he came to Boone county, his advancement in life has been achieved through is own efforts and today he is the possessor of a very valuable farm and a good home. His life record should serve to inspire and encourage others, who starting out in life empty handed often lack the courage and perseverance necessary to the pursuit of fortune.
Mr Barclay was married Boone county December 27, 1866 to Rebecca E Hoyer, who was born in Wayne county, Ohio a daughter of George Hoyer, whose birth occurred in Pennsylvania, and who was one of the first settlers of Boone county, settling near the city of Boone in 1856. Mrs Barclay spent her girlhood days in this county and was successfully engaged in teaching school prior to her marriage. Five children have blessed this union: Salemma the wife of Emerson Hazen who is residing in Polk county, Iowa Charles who assists in carrying on the home farm, Bertha, Angus, and Fern all at home. A lifelong Republican, Mr Barclay has voted with the party since Abraham Lincoln became its second candidate in 1860, and his ballot has been given to each presidential candidate since that time. He believes in good schools, in the employment of competent teachers and in a high standard of education. He served for some years as a director of the home schools, but otherwise has never held or desired office. He and his wife are members of the Congregational church at Garden Prairie, and he belongs to the Grand Army Post at Madrid. A faithful soldier of the Civil war, loyal to the old flag, he is as true today to his country as when he followed the starry banner upon the battlefields of the south.

1902 Boone County History Book