My Genealogy Hound

James Clinton McGuire, a prominent and successful farmer of Independence County, is a son of Edwin R. and Emeline (Craig) McGuire, of North Carolina and Missouri, respectively, and is the oldest of four children born to the parents, the next in order being Mary E., Cordelia and William E. The father was one of the earlier settlers of this county, having come here in 1837, and locating at Oil Trough Bottom. He was one of the largest land-owners in Independence County at that period, owning about 1,700 acres, with some 600 acres under cultivation, and resided there in contentment and prosperity from 1837 to 1864, when he was burned out of house and home by a band of marauding jayhawkers, who were roaming over the country plundering honest settlers. He was well known and active in political circles, as well as all public enterprises, and was a man who commanded considerable influence in his day. He attended service at the Methodist Episcopal Church, and was an honorable man in every action. Mr. McGuire was also a member of the Masonic fraternity, and took an active part in developing and organizing lodges. He belonged to Mount Zion Lodge No. 10, and was also a member of Batesville Chapter No. 9, besides being at one time a member of DeMolay Commandery, at Louisville, Ky. His son, James Clinton McGuire, was born at Oil Trough on the 17th of October, 1839, and received his education at that place. In early life he showed some of his father’s characteristics, and the course he pursued in after life fully entitles him to be “a chip o’ the old block.’’ He is a member of the same Lodge and Chapter as his father was before him, and the same iron will and determined character, mark his career as they did the older man. He now owns about 700 acres of land, and has placed some 500 acres under cultivation, and is a true representative of the progressive farmer. In 1871 he was married to Miss Mattie E. Erwin, who has been a devoted wife. She is a member of the Presbyterian Church, while her husband attends the Methodist Episcopal Church.