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    ABRAM MCCLEARY, one of the most prominent agriculturists of this county, and now residing in Grandview, was one of the first pioneers in the county. He came here in the month of May, 1836. He was born on the 15th day of October, 1805, in Jefferson County, Ohio. He was the fifth of nine children, whose parent were Robert McCleary and Ann Crow. His father was a native of Maryland, and was one of the early and brave pioneers of the State of Ohio. He lived in Ohio a farmer, and died in that state in 1815. The mother of Abram was a native Pennsylvania, and died in this s county.

    Abram was but ten years of age when his father died, and was soon thrown on his own resources. In introducing his occupation in life it will be in taste to here observe that at a very early date after his father’s death he started on a keel-boat on the Ohio River and continued to St. Louis, from which place he walked by land back to his home. From this time till he reached the age of twenty-five he followed river navigation as a pursuit, traveling from Pittsburgh to New Orleans. He then gave up the occupation he had followed so long, and bought a farm in Jefferson County, Ohio, where he resided as an agriculturist till he came to this state. He came by steamboat to this state in 1830, and immediately settled on section thirty-four, Grandview Township, where he has resided ever since, and where in all probability he will pass the balance of his days.

    The early education of Mr. McCleary was merely of the common school, and very limited at that; but it will be in taste to observe that the occupations of his life-time have given him what is far better than book-culture—a keen knowledge of human nature. He has always been a close and keen observer. He started in life without any money, and his property is now an evidence of what can be acquired by perseverance, industry, and integrity.

    On the 20th day of December, 1809, he was united in marriage to Sarah Trimble, a native of Pennsylvania, by whom he has nine children, five of whom are living. Politically, Mr. McCleary is a strong Democrat; voted fir for General Jackson. He has always been remarkable for the enthusiasm with which he has supported the tenets of that democracy whose true and patriotic exponents were Jackson and Douglas. Religiously, his views are by no means circumscribed by the doctrines of any particular church. He is a man of quick and generous sensibilities, and a friend to any one in distress. He believes that true religion will advance in the world just in proportion as the true character of our Savious and his mission on earth are understood. Socially, he is very frank and courteous; has rather the style of a genuine western man, and is entirely devoid of anything that is sinister. His constitution is robust for one so old, and plainly indicates a sound mind in a sound body.