A beautiful farm of more than four hundred acres, comprising some of
the best land in Macoupin county, is evidence of the industry and
business ability of John Ota Clemmons, who lives near Virden. As a
breeder of live stock he has been thoroughly successful and as a general
farmer ranks among the leaders in this section. Born in Macoupin county,
September 26, 1865, he is a son of John R. and Elizabeth A. (Thomas)
Clemmons, the former of whom was a native of North Carolina and'the
latter of Illinois. In their family were six children: Eunice B., who is
deceased; Samuel T.; Lewis H. and Jane E., both of whom are deceased;
Laura C., who is the wife of Frank P. Babbitt, of Macoupin; and John
Ota, of this review.
After receiving the foundation of an
education in the common schools John Ota Clemmons pursued his studies
further in the high school and business college and a goodly measure of
his success may be ascribed to the thorough mental training received
under competent instructors. From his boyhood he showed a marked
adaptability to farming pursuits. He applied himself with an unalterable
determination to succeed and is now the owner of four hundred and two
acres, the place being provided with a comfortable residence and all the
accessories of a modern farming establishment. He has specialized in
raising shorthorn cattle and thoroughbred road horses and some of the
finest specimens in those lines seen in Macoupin county have been bred
and raised under his supervision.
On the 30th of September,
1885, Mr. Clemmons was married to Miss Mary L. Chedister, a daughter of
Guy M. and Martha (Vail) Chedister. The mother was a native of New
Jersey and a daughter of Dr. Israel Vail. She died in 1868, leaving two
children: Mary L., now Mrs. John O. Clemmons; and Sarah, who is the wife
of Alvah Ross, of Virden. In 1872 Dr. Vail married Mary Huntoon, by whom
he had two children, one who died in infancy; and Grace, the wife of
Fred W. Burett, of Hancock, Michigan. To Mr. and Mrs. Clemmons five
children were born, one of whom died in infancy, the others being: John
Gregory, who is now living at Jacksonville, Illinois; and Lynne C.,
Edith E. and Elwyn Ota, all of whom are at home.
Although
greatly devoted to his business, Mr. Clemmons has not neglected his
duties as an intelligent citizen of a progressive community and has
served most acceptably as member of the school board. His study of
politics led him to adopt the principles of the democratic party as his
guide in deciding public questions and he is an earnest supporter of its
candidates. He is a firm believer in the Bible and is a valued member of
the Christian church. He is also a member of Virden Lodge, No. 161, A.
F. & A. M., and he and his wife are both members of the Order of Eastern
Star. He also belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America. In all the
relations of life he has shown an interest and efficiency which have
placed him among the honored citizens of Macoupin county.
Extracted 18 Nov 2018 by Norma Hass from History of Macoupin County, Illinois: Biographical and Pictorial, by Charles A. Walker, published in 1911, Volume 2, pages 661-662.
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