My Genealogy Hound

JAMES O. CLEPPER, one of the prosperous business men of Mt. Holly Springs, South Middleton township, is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Adams county, Aug. 23, 1848, son of the highly respected Philip Clepper.

Philip Clepper was born in Cumberland county, Pa., March 15, 1813, but went to Adams county with his father when a boy, and there learned the shoemaker’s trade. In 1835, he located at Mt. Holly Springs, where he followed his trade on Baltimore street, until his death in 1900. On July 11, 1832, he married Rachel Rockey, of Cumberland county, who died in 1884, at Mt. Holly Springs. Five children were born to them: William, a saddler, who lives at Carlisle; George W., who lives in Illinois and is a tailor by trade; John A., a hotel keeper, who died at Mt. Holly Springs; Rebecca, widow of William Johnson, and now living at Mt. Holly Springs; and James O.

James O. Clepper attended the public schools of his locality. He came to Cumberland county with his father, and finished his education at the excellent schools of Mt. Holly Springs, and there learned the trade of shoemaking, following it with his father until 1885, when he started in business for himself on Baltimore street, Mt. Holly Springs, where he has since continued.

In 1 886, Mr. Clepper married Mary F. Richwine, daughter of Thomas A. and Agnes E. (Mullen) Richwine, of Cumberland county, and they have seven children: James O., Jr., engaged in a mercantile line at home; and Lydia A., A. Brady, Mary M., W. J. Bryan, Ruby F. and Edward Biddle, at home. Mr. Clepper votes the People’s ticket, and is quite active in the ranks of that party. His family attend the services of the Lutheran Church of Mt. Holly Springs. They are all very highly respected among a wide circle of friends, and Mr. Clepper is an important factor in the business life of Mt. Holly Springs.