Born in Dundee, Illinois, on the 15th of November, 1859, and was a son of William and Maria (Wesson) McClure. He attended the public schools although he was largely a self educated man, continually promoting his knowledge through reading, experience and observation. During his boyhood he worked alternately as a printer and painter, but at length concentrated his efforts along the former line and in 1886 purchased a half interest in the Audubon Iowa Republican, being connected with that paper until 1894, when he sold out. He was then employed for four months on the Creston Advertiser and in July, 1894, became editor and proprietor of the Fontanelle Observer. He made this one of the leading country papers of the state, its large circulation indicating that it was highly satisfactory to the public in its methods of treating matters of general and local interest, while in mechanical construction the Observer showed the results of the speedy adoption of the latest improved equipments of the newspaper office. In addition to his business as a newspaper editor and owner Mr. McClure was a stockholder in the First National Bank of Fontanelle, of which he served as a director for several years. On the 16th of October, 1879, at Maquoketa, Iowa, Mr. McClure was united in marriage to Miss Kate Pratt Holmes, a daughter of W. H. and Electa D. Holmes. For many years Mr. McClure was connected with the Knights of Pythias. He belonged to the Presbyterian church while at Wyoming and at Audubon. In politics he was a strong and active republican and was largely instrumental in molding public thought and action in Adair County. In 1897 he was called to the office of postmaster, which position he filled until 1914. Within that period he served for two years, in 1902-03, as state representative from Adair County. Throughout his entire public life he was faultless in honor, fearless in conduct and stainless in reputation, and Adair County numbered him as one of its most valued citizens.
If you would like to get the permanent link to a url other than the page you are currently viewing you can paste
a url inside of the destination box and hit regenerate
Print
Permanent Link