My Genealogy Hound

JOHN C. McELRATH was born in Marshall County, now Calloway County, Ky., September 6, 1831, a son of John T. and Jane (McCorkle) McElrath, both of whom were natives of South Carolina. The father was a farmer, and gave, during his life, some attention also to real estate dealings. He came west in 1805, with his father, William McElrath, and located first in Montgomery County, Tenn., and in 1821 removed to Marshall County, Ky. The father of William McElrath was born in Ireland, of Scotch parentage; came to America at an early date and served in the Revolutionary war. The subject of this sketch is the sixth of eleven children born to his parents, and was reared on the home farm, attending the common schools of the vicinity until seventeen years of age, when he was given a position in a store at Benton, Ky., and served a year and a half. Then he came to Murray, opened a drug store on his own account, and continued in this business five years. Then he entered the dry goods trade, and with the exception of the years during the war, has since carried on business in this line, with an average stock of $18,000. The firm is at present known as McElrath & Graham, who have a branch store in the country in charge of Mr. McElrath’s son. Mr. McElrath made his own start in life, and his success is due alone to his own energy. He is a member of the Odd Fellows and Masonic fraternities, and is one of the trustees of the Murray Institute, and has contributed largely to many educational measures. He is a Democrat in politics. September 25, 1861, he married Miss Rella Atkisson, of Murray. There are three children of this marriage: John T., Jessie and Lenona. Mrs. McElrath died January 5, 1869, and he was subsequently married June 30, 1873, to Miss Fannie Nold. Of this union there are three children living: Henry P., William W. and Helen. Mr. McElrath has taken a great interest in the education of his children, having graduated his two eldest daughters at Miss Knowles’ female seminary, Louisville, Ky.