James M. Clendennen has throughout his life worked untiringly and persistently and has also lived economically and the result of his industry and thrift is seen in the well improved farm which he owns in Oneida township. He is a native son of that township, born on the 27th of March, 1865 of the marriage of James and Johanna (Sparks) Clendennen, natives of Pennsylvania and Scotland respectively. The father came to Iowa in the early '50s and located in Oneida township upon a farm which he purchased. On the 20th of October, 1890, he answered the last call and his demise was sincerely regretted by his many friends. The mother was brought to this county by her parents when a small child, and the family home was subsequently established in Delaware county, where her marriage occurred. She survives her husband and makes her home in Colesburg, this state. Of the eight children born to Mr. and Mrs. James Clendennen seven survive.
     James M. Clendennen remained at home with his parents until he was twenty years of age and when not busy assisting his father with the farm work attended the local schools in the acquirement of his scholastic education. Upon leaving home he became a farm hand in the employ of William Hockaday, but after a few years rented the old home stead. After cultivating the home farm under lease for twenty years he purchased the eighty acre tract on section 10, Oneida township, where he now resides. The land is of great natural fertility, is in a high state of cultivation and produces good crops annually. He makes a specialty of dairy farming, but also raises grain for sale. He has improved his place with a number of substantial buildings and keeps everything in excellent repair, so that the property presents a pleasing appearance and deterioration and waste are prevented.
      Mr. Clendennen was united in marriage in 1894 to Miss Ida Dodge, a native of Clayton county, Iowa, born on the l0th of January, 1872. Her parents were Trustum and Adaline (Harvey) Dodge, the former a native of Canada and the latter of New York. In an early day in the history of this state they removed to Clayton county, but both passed away in Delaware county. Ten children were born to their union and all survive. Mr. and Mrs. Clendennen have two daughters: Aggie Belle, born December 11, 1895, and now a student in the high school at Manchester; and Nettie E., whose birth occurred September 7, 1903. The parents are faithful attendants of the Congregational church.
      Mr. Clendennen is a republican and has served as a school director, having at heart the best interests of the educational system of the county. All of his life has been passed in this county, and he has so consistently conformed his conduct to high ethical standards that those who have known him intimately since boyhood are his staunchest friends and esteem him most highly.