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Below is a family biography included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Jefferson County, Arkansas published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1889.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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J. W. D. McClure, dealer in pianos, organs, sewing machines, books and stationery, and one of the leading citizens of Pine Bluff, was born in Bartow County, Ga., on the 8th of September, 1844, and is a son of John and Nancy (Beauchamp) McClure, both natives of the same State, of Irish and French origin, respectively. The father was an expert mechanic by trade, and a well-known man in that section of country. Both parents died in Georgia, leaving three children living out of six born to them: Amanda (wife of R. M. Hardy), James W. D., and Mrs. Olive Hammet. J. W. D. McClure, whose name heads this sketch, was reared and educated in his native county, attending the public schools of that place. He was apprenticed at an early age at the machinist trade, but did not complete his time. He then learned the carpenter trade, which calling he followed until leaving the State. In 1877, coming to Johnson County, Ark., he located at Old Hill, and entered into commercial life, there remaining for three years, when he was employed by H. G. Hollenburg as traveling salesman for musical instruments, and continued with this gentleman one year. Later, he was employed by Smith & Co., for the same length of time, as traveling salesman, and then took charge of the branch office of this firm at Pine Bluff. They afterward sold out their business to Mr. Jesse French, with whom Mr. McClure remained until June, 1889, when he embarked in the same business on his own account. He carries a full line of instruments, all of the very best make, and has established a very successful patronage. His musical house is the only one in Pine Bluff, and he has a monopoly of the business, within the reach of everyone. His trade has assumed extensive proportions, and he is one of the busiest men in Pine Bluff, hardly having time to look after his real estate interests, of which he owns considerable in that city. As a salesman and a thorough business man, Mr. McClure has attained well-deserved reputation. In 1866 he was married to Miss Alta McDowell, of Bartow County, Ga., by whom he has had five children, only one yet living, Lillie. Mr. and Mrs. McClure are both members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and are deeply interested in all religious and educational matters. In secret orders he is a member of the Odd Fellows, Knights Templar, and Knights and Ladies of Honor. During the Civil War he enlisted in Company A, Eighth Georgia Battalion, and served until the surrender. He was appointed chief of scouts in the latter part of that event, but the war was over before he received his commission. Mr. McClure was a brave and gallant soldier in those trying times, and took part in the principal battles of Mississippi and Georgia, and was also in Sherman’s march to the sea.

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This family biography is one of 136 biographies included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Jefferson County, Arkansas published in 1889.  For the complete description, click here: Jefferson County, Arkansas History, Genealogy, and Maps

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