BIOGRAPHY: James K. McCLURE, Juniata Co., PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Mike W*illiamson Transcribed by Patty F*rank Copyright 2006. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/juniata/ _____________________________________________________________________ The Commemorative Biographical Encyclopedia of the Juniata Valley, Comprising the Counties of Huntingdon, Mifflin, Juniata, and Perry, Pennsylvania. Chambersburg, Pa.: J. M. Runk & Co., 1897, Volume II, pages 865-866. _____________________________________________________________________ JAMES K. McCLURE, Honey Grove, Juniata county, Pa., was born in Tuscarora township, Juniata county, Pa., August 29, 1830, son of Thomas and Margaret (Kirk) McClure. Thomas McClure was born in Tuscarora township, and received a common school education. He owned 250 acres of land in Tuscarora township, which he cleared and cultivated. Orchards were planted, and the first building, which were of round logs, gave place to a fine frame dwelling house and a bank barn. Mr. McClure took an active part in the work of the church. He had the respect and esteem of all who knew him. He was an old school Democrat. Mr. McClure was married to Margaret, daughter of William Kirk, a farmer and shoemaker of Lack township. Their children are: William, of Tuscarora township; Margaret, (Mrs. John Seibert), of Illinois; James K.; Alexander, on the homestead; Thomas H., deceased; Samuel, a traveling salesman; John deceased; Rebecca (Mrs. John Barton), of Illinois, deceased; Mary S. (Mrs. David Barton), deceased; and Jesse, of Tuscarora township, Mr. McClure died in 1862; his wife died on the homestead in 1887. Mr. McClure was a member of the Methodist church. He served as a trustee, a class-leader and steward; he was also a teacher in the Sabbath-school and its superintendent. James K. McClure attended school in his native township in a log school house with slab seats; his teachers were William Coan and Joseph Stewart. He remained on the homestead farm until he was twenty-five years of age, when he began farming in Beale township. After one year he removed to the farm, which he bought and upon which he resides at the present time. He built a large dwelling house and barn, and made other improvements. He is a successful stock raiser. Mr. McClure has been actively engaged in the business of agriculture for nearly fifty years; he is one of the progressive farmers of the township. He enjoys the confidence and respect of the community. He takes an interest in the educational work of the township; and has served three years as a member of the board of school directors. He has also held the office of supervisor and overseer of the poor. He is a Democrat. In 1862, Mr. McClure enlisted in Company I, Eighteenth Pennsylvania Volunteers. He was on guard duty six months in Harrisburg, when he became ill, and was granted a furlough; he was afterwards mustered out on account of disability. He receives no pension. James K. McClure married in 1858, to Ellen, born in Perry county, daughter of William Ewing, a farmer of Beale township, Juniata county. Their children are: Lowery, of Blairs Mills, Huntingdon county, Pa.; Jennie (Mrs. Mack Eaton), of Franklin county, Pa.; Thomas H., of Tuscarora township; Howard at home; Sarah (Mrs. David Clark), of Tuscarora township; Minnie (Mrs. Howard Clark), of Lack township; Bowden, married and at home; and Ettie (Mrs. Jesse Water), of Blairs Mills. Mr. McClure is a member of the church at Honey Grove. He has been a class leader for a number of years; is a trustee and member of the building committee, and superintendent of the Sabbath-school.