Grundy County IL Archives Biographies.....Claypool, John E 1868 - 
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Deb Haines ddhaines@gmail.com March 25, 2006, 3:45 pm

Author: Bio/Gen Record LaSalle/Grundy 1900

John E. Claypool


A representative of one of the oldest families of Grundy county, John E. 
Claypool is now engaged in farming in Wauponsee township. He was born in that 
township, in 1868, on the farm occupied by his father before moving to the old 
homestead, his parents being John and Elizabeth (Hume) Claypool. His great-
grandfather, Jacob Claypool, was a pioneer settler there and removed from Ohio 
to Illinois in 1834. He secured a grant of land from the government which 
still remains in the possession of his descendants, and throughout the 
remainder of his life was connected with the agricultural interests of Grundy 
county. His son, Perry A. Claypool, was born in Brown county, Ohio, June 5, 
1815, and with his parents came to the west. He was a man of great energy, 
strong determination and much force of character, and in the community where 
he resided was recognized as a leading and influential citizen. At the age of 
twenty years he was married in his native county to Miss Mary Halstead, who 
also was born in the Buckeye state. In 1847 he was instantly killed by the 
kick of a horse, leaving a wife and four children.  At that time he was 
holding a responsible position as assessor and treasurer of Grundy county, and 
in the discharge of his duties manifested the promptness and fidelity which 
were numbered among his chief characteristics.

John Claypool, the father of our subject, was born on the old family homestead 
in Wauponsee township in 1837, being the third white child born in Grundy 
county.  He was reared on the farm and upon attaining his majority he 
purchased and located on a tract of land in Wauponsee township, where he made 
his home till the death of his grandfather, when he returned to the old family 
homestead, there remaining throughout the residue of his days.  He received 
his education in the country schools, but was a man of marked intellectuality 
and through his own efforts gained a broad knowledge, and in his young days 
engaged in teaching school.  His political support was given to the Republican 
party and he was an active and loyal advocate of its doctrines.  He held a 
number of township offices and for several years faithfully discharged the 
duties of township supervisor.  His death occurred in 1886, but his widow 
still survives and is living in Morris.

John E. Claypool is indebted to the common schools of the neighborhood for the 
educational privileges he received.  His training at farm labor was not meager 
and from an early age he was familiar with the duties and tasks which fall to 
the lot of the agriculturist.  He has always engaged in farming and is now 
living at the old place, occupying the brick dwelling that was erected by 
Jacob Claypool, the bricks used therein being made from clay obtained upon the 
farm.  This is the oldest brick dwelling in the county, but is still in a 
state of good preservation.  The farm is rich and highly cultivated, the well 
tilled fields yielding to the owner a golden tribute for the care and labor 
bestowed upon them.

In 1891 Mr. Claypool was united in marriage to Miss Eva May Harney, a daughter 
of Daniel Harney, of LaSalle county.  To them were born five children - 
Charlotte E., Daniel E., Jennie B., Pearl M. and Victoria May.  In his 
political views Mr. Claypool is a Republican, but has never sought or desired 
office, preferring to devote his time and energies to his business interests.  
His methods of farming are progressive and commend themselves to all wide-
awake and enterprising agriculturists.  He is both widely and favorably known 
in the county where his entire life has been passed and has a large circle of 
friends.

Additional Comments:
Source:  Biographical and Genealogical Record of La Salle and Grundy Counties 
Illinois, Volume 11, Chicago, 1900, pages 454-455


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