James McClure (1824-1914)

MCCLURE

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 3/24/2022 at 16:31:38

James McClure
(December 17, 1824 – August 21, 1914)

In business and public affairs which have contributed to the prosperity and progress of Calhoun County, James McClure has taken an active part. He was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, in the town of Bart, December 17, 1824, his parents being John and Susan (Hull) McClure. John McClure, the grandfather of our subject, was born in the north of England, and his wife, Eliza, was a native of Scotland. When a young man he became a resident of Pennsylvania, and there followed the blacksmith's trade, which he had learned in his native
country. He also owned a farm in Bart Township, and there both he and his wife died at an advanced age, both having passed the eightieth milestone on life's journey when called to their final rest. The father of our subject was also a native of the town of Bart, while the mother was born in Strasburg Township, Lancaster County. The former followed the occupation of farming
and spent his entire life in Bart Township, where his diligence and unremitting labor enabled him to acquire a good living for himself and family. Both he and his wife were more than eighty years of age when called to their final rest. In religious faith they were Presbyterians and in political views the father of our subject was a Demorcrat. This worthy couple were the parents of twelve children: John, Eliza and Samuel, who are now deceased: David ; Christiana; Martha; James, our subject; Francis; Joseph ; Amanda ; Jane ; and one who died in infancy.
James McClure resided in his native town until after the close of the Civil War. He obtained his education in the schools of the neighborhood and in Strasburg College, in which he was graduated with the class of 1850. Having thus obtained a good education, he was well fitted to instruct others, and engaged in teaching school in both Bart and Strasburg Townships for a number of terms. Learning the profession of civil engineering, he has followed it to the present day, although other business has occupied his attention to some extent. On leaving the Keystone state, in 1865, he made his way westward to Illinois, taking up his abode in Sterling, where he was engaged in business as a contractor and civil engineer. For six and one-half years he remained in Sterling and thence came to Calhoun County, lowa, in the spring of 1872, locating one mile south of the village of Lohrville, although the town had not been established at that time. Only at rare intervals were homes found, for all was wild and new, and the work of civilization and progress seemed scarcely begun. Securing land from the speculators he at once began the task of developing a new farm upon the frontier. He secured two hundred acres of land at a cost of four dollars per acre. His nearest neighbor was three miles distant and that family had also just arrived in the county. Mr. McClure made the journey to Iowa by team and lived in true pioneer style for many years until advancing civilization had brought all the comforts and conveniences known to the older east. He remained upon the old homestead until 1888, and he still owns that property. During all these years he carried on general farming and also engaged in civil engineering. He placed his land under a high state of cultivation and in early spring time the fields were green, giving promise of golden harvests in the autumn. In the year 1888 he removed to Lohrville, where he erected his present residence, renting his farm, from which he derives a good income.
On the 11th of November, 1853, Mr. McCIure was united in marriage to Joanna
Wilkinson, who was born in Paradise. Pennsylvania, in November, 1831. For thirty-five years she traveled life's journey by his side, but on the 8th of November, 1899, they were separated by death, his wife being called to her final rest. Unto this worthy couple were born seven children, and with
the exception of Frazer, who died in infancy, all are yet living. The others are : Franklin, who is engaged in the real-estate business in Chicago and married Nellie Way, by whom he has one child. Earl ; Charles, who follows general merchandising in Lohrville and wedded Fanny Campbell, by whom he has five children, Guy, Lee, Frazer, Oscar and Elmer, but Oscar died at the age
of one year; Aldus, who is engaged in carpentering in Lohrville and married Alma Moriarity, who died leaving a daughter. Addie; William, who is a civil engineer of Lohrville and married Nora Christman, by whom he has two children, Julia and De Los ; Mary, the wife of Fred Hulett, a fanner residing near Lohrville, by whom she has six children, Carrie, Gordon, Jessie. Ray,
Alva and Lee : and Anna, the wife of Ed Richey, a merchant owning and conducting a department store in Somers, Iowa, by whom she has four children, Ethel and Roy, now deceased, and Floyd and Frank, who are with their parents.
Mr. McClure has led a very busy and useful life. Indolence and idleness are utterly foreign to his nature, and although he has put aside the arduous cares of the farm, he has few leisure moments, his attention being occupied by civil engineering and many other interests. He is a member of the Civil Engineers' Association of Iowa. In his political views he is a stalwart Republican and for ten years he has filled the office of county surveyor. For four years
he acted as postmaster in his own home before the village of Lohrville was founded. As a member of the Presbyterian church he is very active and earnest in advancing its work and he does everything in his power to promote public progress along all lines of general good. He is today one of the oldest residents of his township, but is a hale and hearty man although almost an octogenarian. In manner he is pleasant and genial, and he receives the veneration and respect which should ever be accorded to one of his years. In public office he has been most faithful to the trust reposed in him and his
life has at all times been worthy of the highest regard. [Source – Biographical Record of Calhoun County, Iowa, by S. J. Clarke, 1902, p.237]