Transcribed by Larry Fearneyhough

Page 116

This gentleman was born on a farm near where he now resides, April 19, 1857. He is one of the family of nine children born to William Jasper and Permelia (Peak) Claywell. His father and mother were both natives of Scott county, their parents coming to this section of Illinois at an early day. John F. Claywell was born and reared on the farm and was educated at the district schools of Scott county. With the exception of two years, when he resided at White Hall, he has lived in Scott county all his life. In 1883 he went to Winchester and embarked in the grocery business with David Kirkman and there he remained until late in 1884 when he closed out and accepted a position as traveling-salesman with the Walter A. Woods Harvesting Machine Company. This he followed for fifteen years, but retained his home in Scott county.

September 15, 1882, he was married to Miss Martha A. New, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. New, and to them have been born four children. One of the children died in infancy and the remaining three are: William, Jasper, Minnie E., and Joseph K. Mrs. Claywell was born in Scott county, December 27, 1862.

Mr. Claywell has a nice little farm about four miles southeast of Winchester and is living quietly there. He is devoting considerable attention to breeding and raising thoroughbred Poland-China hogs and fine poultry. He has some good stock; finds ready sale for it, and out of the venture is making a good thing. He believes in Scott county and is contributing his mite to keep it on the boom.