JOHN R. McCLURE. A successful general grocery man, doing business on the east side of the public square at Sullivan, Moultrie County has recently erected a fine, two-story brick building, 70 x 25 1/2 feet with a basement, where he is carrying on an extensive business. His first store was opened in January, 1857, since which time he has been a successful merchant, with the exception of fourteen years, during which time he engaged in farming in Sullivan Township. He has lived in this county since October, 1853, making his home either in Sullivan or vicinity, and ever showing himself an energetic and public-spirited citizen.

Mr. McClure is active in local politics, being warmly attached to the Democratic party, and was at one time an Alderman of the city. He is deeply interested in schools and a promoter of the cause of education. He was born in Franklin County, Ind., August 8, 1835. His father, Lewis D. McClure being also a native of that county and a son of William McClure, a Kentuckian who came of Scotch-Irish descent, but whose parents were born in Virginia. They came to Kentucky in the time of Daniel Boone and became pioneers near Lexington.

William McClure became a farmer and was married in Butler County, Ohio, to Miss Phebe Eads, an aunt of the late Capt. Eads who built the great bridge at St. Louis, and also the builder of the Mississippi River jetties. Some years after marriage this couple, about the beginning of the century, moved to Franklin County, Ind., and there spent the remainder of their days, being past middle life at the time of their decease. They were consistent and earnest members of the old-school Baptist Church. Lewis D. McClure, the father of our subject, was born and reared in Franklin County, Ind., and learned the trade of a blacksmith which he followed for a number of years, after which he undertook farming. He was married in Franklin County to Miss Elizabeth Rockefellar, a kinswoman of the great oil speculator. Her parents, John and Mary (Thorp) Rockefellar, were early settlers in Franklin County, coming there in 1805 from Trenton, N.J., and there remaining through life. They were Methodists in their religious convictions.

After the birth of three children Lewis D. McClure and wife left Indiana with a team and wagon and after a long and tedious journey landed in Clark County, Ill., where they settled upon the farm where they now reside, Mr. McClure having reached the age of seventy-eight years and his wife being now eighty-two. They have both been active workers in the Methodist Episcopal Church throughout life and they are enjoying a quiet and peaceful old age.

John R. McClure is the eldest of six children, all but one of whom are still living. When eighteen years old he set out for himself, coming to Sullivan County, where he began life as a poor boy with but little means, and has now accumulated a comfortable but modest fortune. His marriage to Miss Sophronia Tichenor, a native of Sullivan County, Ind., occurred in this county. She died in the prime of life, leaving two children--Edgar who is at home and assists his father; and William, who took to wife Laura Matterson, and lives in Sullivan City, although he also assists his father a part of the time, but is a printer by trade. Mr. McClure was the second time married in Sullivan. Miss Julia Calkins, who was born in Licking County, Ohio, becoming his wife. Her father, Uranius Calkins, lived to the age of four-score years, and her mother is still living in Licking County, being now about three-score and ten. Mr. and Mrs. Calkins were efficient and consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mrs. McClure, like her husband, is a member of the Methodist Chruch, and is a true and good woman. She is bringing up her five children in the Christian faith and giving them the best advantages possible for an educational and domestic training. Their names are Charlie, Ida, Cora, Flora and Elmer. Mr. McClure is a charter member of the lodge of Odd Fellows, and also of the Masonic lodge at Sullivan.

Portrait and Biographical Record of Shelby and Moultrie Counties, 1891 - p. 209/210

Transcription copyright 2003/2007, Moultrie County ILGenWeb/USGenWeb