Springfield-Greene
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HUGH McCLERNON. The career of Hugh McClernon, a retired farmer of Springfield, is a splendid example of what many of the thrifty sons of Erin's Green Isle have accomplished in this great western republic, after landing within our borders with little capital and being compelled to start out in a strange environment without sympathetic and helpful friends. There have been many such during the past century or more, and we have always welcomed them, knowing that most of them would turn out to be good citizens and be beneficial to us in a general way.
Mr. McClernon was born in County Dary, Ireland, March 12,1850. He is a son of Hugh and Margaret (McElwee) McClernon, both natives of Ireland, where they grew up, received meager educations and were married and established their home. The father was a stone mason by trade, also engaged in farming. His family consisted of nine children, two of whom are still living, Hugh, of this sketch, and a sister who has remained in Ireland, A brother of our subject came to America in an early day, but the rest of the family remained in the old country.
Hugh McClernon grew to manhood in his native land, and, when a boy, assisted his father with his work. He received a common school education, and there, when about twenty years of age, he was united in marriage with Margaret McElhone, a daughter of James and Sarah (McKenna) McElhone. Soon thereafter he brought his bride to the United States, about 1870. They landed in New York, but came on west to St. Louis, where they lived three years, where our subject worked as a stone mason, which trade he had learned under his father when a boy. He then came to Springfield and purchased a farm in Campbell township, then about two miles northeast of Springfield, but now only about one mile northeast of here. He went to work with a will, and from a small beginning forged to the front as a general farmer, later being able to add to his original purchase. It was his custom to buy land, improve it, and when the price raised on land in his community, sell out at a profit. In this way he became a man of comfortable financial circumstances. After living here several years he engaged in the dairy business, selling his products in Springfield, and became known as one of the successful dairymen of Greene county. Under his able training his sons all took up this line of business and have done well with it. He also became a successful dealer in live stock, trading extensively in horses and mules. He still owns his productive, well improved and most desirable farm, but in the autumn of 1914 he retired from active life, having accumulated a handsome competency through his good management and, close application to details, and purchased a fine residence on Cherry street, Springfield, where he now resides, surrounded by all the comforts of life. He also owns considerable other real estate in this city.
To Mr. McClernon and wife nine children have been born, namely: Hugh, Jr., the eldest, is deceased; Henry is a retired stockman; Mrs. Maggie Boll is the wife of a brick manufacturer; Patrick J. is engaged in the dairy business; Sarah married Con Shay, who died in 1913, she lives with her father and has one child, Nora Marie, five years of age; Jane and Mary are living at home; John is engaged in the dairy business, living on his father's farm; Annie is at home. These children were given excellent educational advantages; the girls have all been trained in music.
Politically, Mr. McClernon is a Democrat. He was a member of the county school board for a period of nine years; he was road overseer for four years in his district, and also served four years as road commissioner. He proved to be a most faithful, able and conscientious public servant, always looking closely to the interests of his locality and county. He is a member of the Catholic church and is a charter member of the local lodge of the Knights of Columbus.
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