McClaran, John E.

MCCLARAN, CLARK, MARTIN, LASLEY

Posted By: Mary H. Cochrane, Volunteer
Date: 7/2/2019 at 11:53:14

History of Decatur County Iowa and Its People
Illustrated, Volumne II.
Prof. J. M. Howell and Heman C. Smith
Supervising Editors
The S.J. Clarke Publishing Company. p.323. Chicago. 1915

John E. McClaran
John E. McClaran, a worthy native son and representative agriculturist of Decatur county, is now the owner of four hundred acres of valuable land on section 32, Burrell township. His birth occurred in Hamilton township, this county, in June, 1868, his parents being James and Gussella (Clark) McClaran, both natives of Ohio . The father, a farmer by occupation, removed to Indiana in an early day and in that state followed farming for some time. Subsequently he came to Decatur county, Iowa, purchasing a tract of land in Hamilton township which he cultivated for a good many years, later removing to New Buda township and afterward to Burrell township, where he was actively identified with agricultural pursuits until his demise in October, 1897. His undertakings were attended with a most gratifying measure of success and at the time of his death he owned about six hundred acres of rich and productive land. His wife was called to her final rest in November, 1911.

John E. McClaran was reared and educated in this county and after attaining his majority cultivated a rented tract of land for one year. Subsequently he bought and began the improvement of eighty acres of land on section 32, Burrell township, and later augmented his holdings by additional purchase from time to time until he now owns four hundred acres on that section. He leases the greater part of the land but is still actively connected with farming and live-stock interests, raising high grade stock and deriving a gratifying income from both branches of his business.

In April, 1891, Mr. McClaran was united in marriage to Miss Ellen Martin, daughter of Julius and Sarah (Lasley) Martin, who were natives of Ohio and became pioneer settlers of Decatur county. The father followed farming in New Buda township until the time of his death in 1896, but the mother survives and lives on the old home place. Mr. and Mrs. McClaran have two daughters, Una and Helen, who are twenty and eighteen years of age respectively.

Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. McClaran has supported the men and measures of the republican party and he has ably served as trustee of Burrell township for some time. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the United Brethren church and he is also a worthy exemplar of the Masonic fraternity. His entire life has been spent within the borders of Decatur county and he is well known and highly esteemed as one of its substantial agriculturists and representative citizens.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, August of 2013