CLINTON M. BUFFINGTON

Clinton M. Buffington, proprietor of an extensive furniture store in Mechanicsville, in which connection he is also conducting the only undertaking business in the city, has attained a high position in mercantile circles here, his wise management and well directed efforts bringing him substantial success. A native son of Illinois, his birth occurred in Ogle county on the 7th of August, 1849, a son of Jonas and Emeline (Boddiger) Buffington, natives of Pennsylvania. The father, a carpenter and cabinet-maker by trade, followed that occupation in his native state until 1856, when he removed to Ogle county, Illinois, locating at Brookville. Later he removed to Lanark, Carroll county, that state, and there worked at his trade throughout his remaining days, his death occurring in May, 1908. He is survived by his wife, five sons, and a daughter, the family originally consisting of six sons and one daughter. Of this number one child was born ere the parents left Pennsylvania.

Spending the period of his boyhood and youth in his parents’ home in Ogle and Carroll counties, Illinois, Clinton M. Buffington remained a resident of the last named county until eighteen years of age. In the meantime he had acquired a common-school education. In the practical school of experience he also learned many lessons concerning the value of industry, energy and perseverance, early becoming familiar with the tasks that fall to the lot of the country lad. Later he learned the baker’s trade and as a young man of eighteen years came to Iowa, where he followed that trade in Maquoketa, Jackson county, for a time, and also was similarly engaged in Monticello, Jones county, for about two years and six months. He subsequently purchased an interest in a bakery business in Wyoming, Jones county, and was thus identified with that place until March 4, 1884.

Mr. Buffington was united in marriage May 10, 1882, the lady of his choice being Miss Elva Campbell, of Monticello. She is a native of Wisconsin, however, but was reared and educated at Monticello, where she also taught school for several terms. Her father, J. H. Campbell, was one of the early settlers of Wisconsin.

In the spring of 1885 Mr. Buffington located at Springville, Linn county, there opening up a bakery business, which he conducted successfully for twelve years, when he sold out in January, and February of that year witnessed his arrival in Mechanicsville. Here he purchased a furniture and undertaking business and in this connection has since been identified with the mercantile interests of this city. He has a well appointed store, handling a large stock of all that is latest and best in the furniture line, and in this connection has built up a most enviable trade, while as the proprietor of the only undertaking establishment of the place he is also meeting with success in that direction. Realizing that satisfied patrons are the best advertisement, he has ever striven to meet popular demand in every respect, while the policy of the house is such as has inspired the confidence and trust of the general public. With keen business discernment, supplemented by unfaltering energy and unflagging determination, he has utilized the innate talents which are his and made the best of the opportunities that have come to him, and thus with the passing years has built up a business which in its extent and importance ranks him among the enterprising and successful business men of Mechanicsville.

Nor have Mr. Buffington’s efforts been directed toward the accomplishment of individual success alone, for he has ever been a most public-spirited citizen, cooperating in many measures which have been of material benefit to the community at large. He was one of the promoters of the local telephone company and a stockholder and director of the same since its organization, while he was likewise a promoter of the savings bank of Mechanicsville, of which he is also a stockholder. A stalwart champion of the cause of education, he served for some years as a member of the school board and was president of that body at the time of the erection of the new school building.

As the years passed the home of Mr. and Mrs. Buffington was blessed by the birth of two daughters. Ruth, the elder, is a graduate of the high school and also pursued a course of two years in Coe College. She is now employed in Chicago, Illinois. The younger daughter, Beulah, is a high-school graduate and is now at Coe College. Mrs. Buffington and her daughter Ruth are members of the Presbyterian church and are also identified with the Order of the Eastern Star, while in his fraternal relations Mr. Buffington is a member of the blue lodge and chapter of Mechanicsville; of the commandery at Anamosa; and the Temple of the Mystic Shrine at Cedar Rapids. Politically he is a republican where national issues are involved, but in local elections he casts an independent ballot, supporting the men and measures which is his opinion are best adapted to conserve the public welfare. The honors and emoluments of office have never had attraction for him, as he has preferred to concentrate his time and energies upon the development of business interests. With him perseverance, diligence and integrity have constituted the guiding posts of life, bringing him to the honorable position which he now occupies in the opinion of his fellow citizens, and he has won his success as the legitimate and logical result of intelligence and well directed effort.