James C. CLAYPOOL

CLAYPOOL, HANEY, MCGAFFEY, TOLMAN, SOULE, LONG, HATHAWAY, EDMONSON

Posted By: Valorie Richards (email)
Date: 8/6/2004 at 17:36:36

James Clark CLAYPOOL

James Clark Claypool, was born in Springfield, Illinois Nov. 22, 1829, the son of Jesse and Matilda Claypool, natives of Bourbon and Warren counties, Ky.

His father settled in Van Buren County, Iowa in 1840, his occupation being that of farming which he pursued up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1862.

James C. was brought up and educated in Iowa. He became interested in the printing business at an early age and followed the trade in the State of Iowa principally in Keokuk, having been connected with the Gate City in the early days of its existence.

In 1867 he came to Edina, Missouri, and was employed as foreman on different papers until 1873 when he bought the “Sentinel” (Edina). Mr. Claypool edited the Sentinel for a number of years and won for it many friends as well as credit to himself as a journalist. Mr. Claypool was a staunch Republican from the time of the organization of the party and it is in the interests of this party that the “Sentinel” has always been published.

Mr. Claypool served the Union Army at Camp Roberts, Davenport, Iowa as Post Hospital Steward and Regimental Post Master but was never actually engaged in field service on account of physical disability. In 1858 he was married to Miss Mary L. Tolman, a native of Urbana, Ohio. This lady died in Edina, Missouri a number or years ago, leaving five children. They are:

Carrie B- wife of Eugene Soule of Portland, Oregon

Low Wallace- deceased

Cora M- wife of Wm. Long of Portland, Oregon

James, N. C.
George W.

Mr. Claypool was afterward married to Miss Ella Hathaway, a native of Indiana. To this union were born five sons- Benjamon H., John H., Andrew F., Edward C., Thomas E., all of whom were present at his bedside in his sickness and at the last hour.

Besides these he leaves one sister Mrs. Aaron Haney (Melissa Jane Claypool) of Keosauqua, Iowa.

Mr. Claypool having sold the Sentinel, moved with his family to Ottumwa, Iowa about ten years ago. Here his health gradually failed and for two years preceding his death he had been an invalid. He died on Sunday March 7th at about 9 o’clock P. M. (1909). Funeral service were held at the home in Ottumwa after which the remains were brought to Edina, Missouri for interment, accompanied by his bereaved wife and his sons Andrew F. and Edward C. and Mrs. Edmonson, a sister of Mrs. Claypool. The remains were laid to rest in Linville Cemetery on Tuesday afternoon, Rev. Gray being in charge of the last sad ceremony.

Mr. Claypool was widely known and had many friends. His work as an editor in this county brought him in touch with a majority of our people by whom he will be long and kindly remembered. As postmaster in this city he pleased the people whom he so faithfully served in that capacity.

The “Sentinel” realized that one once so closely identified with its interest had passed away and we desire to express our sincere sympathy with the bereaved family who are left to mourn. We cannot forget them nor their loss so long as our files record the name of James C. Claypool.

The above was taken from the “Sentinel”- Edina, Missouri

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James C. CLAYPOOL

In these columns last week we noted the death of James C. Claypool at his home in Ottumwa, Iowa in his 81st year. His death occurred March 7, 1909. He was born in Springfield, Illinois November 22, 1828-9. Just when he came to Iowa we do not know, but for a long series of years he resided in Van Buren Co. most of that time at Keosauqua, Iowa. He was a printer by trade and helped to set the type and pull the press for the first issue of the “Keosauqua Republican” which was August 5, 1855.

Mr. Claypool always liked to visit this office when he came to Keosauqua of late years and in 1902 while visiting here and at Pittsburg vicinity, visiting relative, he helped for a few days in the Republican composing room, during which time he and the rest of the office fore had their pictures taken together in the press room by a traveling photographer. He was an uncle of Mrs. Chas. McGaffey of Keosauqua who was at his bedside when he passed away.

He was married twice: four children were born to the first union. His wife (2nd) and five children survive. He was a man of high character and was the soul of kindness. All who knew him mourn his death.

There were brief funeral services at the Ottumwa home, after which the body was taken to Edina, Missouri for burial.

Keosauqua Republican March, 1909