My Genealogy Hound

JOHN McCLINTON is one of the native sons of Randolph County, and a leading and influential farmer of township 5, range 5. He was born here September 22, 1822, his parents being Samuel and Nancy (Miller) McClinton. His grandfather, John McClinton, was a native of Ireland, and when a small boy was brought by his parents to this country, the family locating in South Carolina. He came to Randolph County in 1802, and his death occurred the following year. He was a blacksmith and farmer, and on removing westward, bought Government land near Kaskaskia, becoming one of the first settlers of that locality.

Samuel McClinton was born in the Abbeyville District of South Carolina in the year 1800, and was brought by his parents to Illinois, where he spent the remainder of his days. Throughout life he followed the occupation of farming. He died in 1856, on the old homestead, three miles north of Sparta. His wife, who was also born in the Abbeyville District, passed away in Randolph County in 1841. Both were faithful members of the United Presbyterian Church, and were highly respected. Their family numbered six sons and five daughters, and with one exception the children are all yet living, namely: John, Jurenda, William, James, Berele, David, Joseph, Serena, Mary, Betsy J. and Nancy J.

In the county of his birth, John McClinton spent the days of his boyhood and youth. The subscription schools afforded him his educational privileges, and he remained with his parents until he had attained his majority. He thus became familiar with all the duties of farm life, and to agricultural pursuits has since devoted his energies. As a companion and helpmate on life’s journey he chose Miss Mary Kennedy, who was born near Fayetteville, Tenn. They were married in 1844, and became the parents of six sons and two daughters: William T., now residing in Kansas; James R.; Mary, deceased; Samuel, also of Kansas; Joseph C., who is living in Indian Territory; John F.; Clinton A., of Idaho; and Millie V., the wife of James W. Hood.

Soon after his marriage, Mr. McClinton purchased forty acres of land and began farming for himself. He cultivated that tract until 1856, when he purchased his present farm. He now owns one hundred and thirty acres of rich and highly cultivated land, pleasantly situated four miles south east of Sparta, and the farm is one of the finest in the community. The owner is recognized as a progressive agriculturist, and the neat appearance of his place indicates to the passer-by his enterprise. In politics, Mr. McClinton has been a Republican since the organization of the party. His first Presidential vote was cast for John P. Hale. He and his family are members of the United Presbyterian Church, and are people of prominence in this community, holding an enviable position in social circles where true worth and intelligence are received as the passports into good society.