Chalmers Orlando Clements

CLEMENTS, HAXTON, HAYS, MILLIGAN

Posted By: Judy Wight Branson (email)
Date: 8/4/2004 at 19:34:36

Chalmers 0. Clements has resided in this county since early boyhood, or for nearly a half century, and has devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits throughout his entire business career with excellent success, now owning six hundred and forty acres of rich and productive land on sections 29, 30, 31 and 32, Madison township, and section 32. Jefferson township. His birth occurred in Henderson county, Illinois on the 7th of November, 1859, his parents being George and Nancy (Milligan) Clements who were natives of Kentucky and Indiana respectively. The father, an agriculturist by occupation, removed to Illinois in a very early day and followed farming in that state until 1865, when he made his way to Jasper county, Iowa, while the following year he took up his abode in Polk county, this state. There he was engaged in agriculture pursuits until March, 1867, when he came to Madison county, here cultivating rented land until 1873. In that year he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land on sections 30 and 31, Madison township, now in possession of our subject, improved the property and continued its operation until 1898, when he purchased and settled on a farm in Jefferson township whereon he remained until his death on the 29th of August, 1900. His demise was the occasion of deep and widespread regret, for during the long period of his residence in this county, covering about a third of a century, he had won an extensive circle of warm friends His wife was called to her final rest in December, 1880.

Chalmers 0. Clements, who was in his eighth year when brought to Madison county by his parents, acquired his education here and remained on the home farm until twenty years of age. Subsequently he cultivated rented land until 1887 and then purchased eighty acres on section 31, Madison township, to the further cultivation and improvement of which he has since devoted his attention. As time has passed and his financial resources have increased, owing to his indefatigable industry and capable management, he has augmented his holdings by additional purchase until at the present t time he owns six hundred and forty acres of land on sections 29, 30. 31 and 32. Madison township, and section 32, Jefferson township. In connection with the cultivation of cereals best adapted to soil and climate he aLso raises thoroughbred shorthorn cattle, and both branches of his business yield him a gratifying annual income. He is a stockholder and director in the Bank of Earlham and has long been numbered among the prosperous and enterprising citizens of the community.

On the 24th of December, 1879, Mr. Clements was united in marriage to Miss Ora Haxton, a daughter of Oliver Perry and Emily (Tracey) Haxton, both of whom were natives of Indiana. The father followed farming in Illinois until 1875, when he came to Madison county, Iowa, and here carried on agricultural pursuits until called to his final rest in 1900. His wife passed away on the 9th of January, 1909. To Mr. and Mrs. Clements have been born ten children, as follows: Bertha G., whose demise occurred in 1881; William W., an agriculturist of this county; Julia, who is the wife of Waldo Hadley and resides in Oskaloosa, Iowa; Arthur, who passed away on the 25th of April, 1908; Maude who gave her hand in marriage to Charles McBride, a farmer of this county; Laura, who is the wife of G. M. Hayes, also an agriculturist of Madison county; Hortense, a school teacher of this county and Emily, Elma and Lucille, all of whom are attending school.

In politics Mr. Clements is a republican and he is now serving as a trustee, to which position he was elected in the fall of 1914 and in which he had previously served for six years. He has also acted in the capacity of assessor for five years and his record in public office is most commendable. His religious faith is that of the Methodist church and he is also a worthy exemplar of the Masonic fraternity. He is highly respected and esteemed in his community and enjoys the confidence and goodwill of a large circle of friends, who have learned to appreciate his worth and his high qualities of mind and character.

Taken from the book, "The History of Madison County, Iowa, 1915" pages 8, 9