My Genealogy Hound

Joseph McClure, classed with the energetic, progressive young farmers and stock-raisers of Union county, stands for all that is expedient in modern methods of agriculture, keeping in touch with the twentieth century ideas which have brought a knowledge of farming in its scientific phases as well as its practical purposes. Since 1906 he has lived on his present farm, on section 35, Jones township, but since 1881 has made his home in the county. Here a well kept farm of one hundred and forty-five acres claims his constant time and attention in its further development and cultivation. A native of Mount Pleasant, Henry county, Iowa, Mr. McClure was born on the 27th of March, 1870, of the marriage of Abner L. and Eunice B. (Morley) McClure, both of whom were natives of Henry county. The father was born May 13, 1845, and after the outbreak of the Civil war he enlisted in defense of the Union, enrolling his name at Mount Pleasant as a member of Company B, Eighth Iowa Cavalry. A sword which was carried by his grandfather, who was an officer in the Civil war, is now in possession of our subject. Abner L. McClure was a butcher by trade and for years carried on business in this line at Mount Pleasant and at Chariton, Iowa. He was married in Henry county to Miss Eunice B. Morley and they became the parents of six children, five of whom reached adult age.

Joseph McClure, the second in this family, was reared in his native town and also in Chariton and in Leon, Iowa. The public-school system of the state afforded him his educational privileges. He was eleven years of age when he arrived in Union county, his father here purchasing eighty acres of land, on which he made his home but later in the same year passed away at the age of thirty-six. His wife died January 7, 1899, at the age of fifty-three. She had carefully reared her family, taking the place of father as well as mother in as far as possible. After her death Joseph McClure purchased the interest of the other heirs in the home property and later bought twenty-five acres more adjoining this place and forty acres on section 25, Jones township. In 1906 he erected a good two-story residence which is one of the fine homes in this part of the state. In fact it is a model house with furnace heat and all modern conveniences. There is a good barn and outbuildings and none of the accessories of the model farm are lacking. He has grubbed out fifteen acres of stumps; has fenced the fields and has improved the place, which indicates his careful supervision and progressive methods. He has raised good grades of stock and carries on a dairy business, keeping from ten to fifteen head of cows for this purpose. He makes a specialty of the raising of shorthorn cattle and also raises thoroughbred Poland China hogs, feeding about a carload each year.

On the 24th of December, 1892, Mr. McClure was married to Miss Maggie E. Holcomb, a native of Ohio and a daughter of Thomas Holcomb, a resident farmer of Jones township. This marriage was blessed with six children but two of the number died in infancy. Those still living are Nettie May, Carmie Dell, Albert Dewey, and Arthur Wayne, all of whom are now in school.

Mr. McClure votes independently at local elections but casts his ballot in support of the men and measures of the republican party in state and national elections. He has served as a member of the school board for many years and is deeply interested in the advancement of education. He has been township trustee for four years and is still filling that office, being the only republican elected in Jones township in 1906, a fact which indicates his personal popularity and the confidence reposed in him by his fellow townsmen. He has been a delegate to the district conventions and gives unequivocal support to every cause or movement which he believes to be right. He belongs to the Evangelical church but also attends the services of other churches. There is nothing narrow or sectarian in his belief and his influence is always found on the side of right, justice and truth. Having spent almost his entire life in this county, his acquaintance is very wide and the regard in which he is held is altogether favorable. He possesses a genial nature and his many good qualities have gained him a constantly growing circle of friends.