Biographical Sketch of

William McClelland

Transcribed by Barbara Voss for the Marquette Co WI Pages


Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 665 - 666 


William McClelland, who is engaged in farming and stock raising on section 27, in the town of Berlin, Green Lake 
County, is a son of Thomas and Mary (Wilson) McClelland, and was born in Knox County, Ohio, February 28, 1836. 
When about ten years old he came with his parents to this county, hence his education was limited to the pioneer 
district schools. On attaining his majority he left home and went to Minnesota, where he worked as a farm hand 
for about a year, at the expiration of which time he returned and assisted his father in cultivating the old home 
farm for the succeeding twelve months. In company with his brother, he then purchased 240 acres of land, which 
they operated conjointly for a time, when he became sole owner. The pioneer cabin continued to be his home until 
1873, when he erected his present magnificent residence, a fine brick veneered dwelling. The other, buildings are 
also in keeping with the house; and the many improvements which he has added have made his farm one of the best 
in the county. Its boundaries have also been extended until it comprises 385 acres, and he has improved the grade 
of his stock until he now has some of the finest cattle and hogs to be seen in this section of the State. His hogs 
are of such a fine grade that he receives the highest market price paid in Chicago, which has been his shipping 
market for sixteen years. Such men as Mr. McClelland all communities need. He possesses excellent business ability, 
judicious management and enterprise, and labors not alone for his own interests, but is ever ready to promote the 
general welfare. He is charitable and benevolent, and the poor and needy find in him a true friend. At an appeal 
for aid he does not respond with words of sympathy alone, but gives liberally of the more substantial things of 
life and many a one has reason to bless him for his timely aid in their hours of need. 

On New Year�s Day, of 1862, Mr. McClelland led to the marriage altar Miss Mary Crimmings, who was born in Cabotsville, 
Mass., May 16, 1844. They have two children: Charles F. and Lillie F. 

The parents of Mrs. McClelland are Patrick and Mary Crimmings. The former was born in Ireland, on the 17th of November 
1806 and the later was born in England in March, 1807. When seven years of age her parents emigrated to Ireland, where 
she grew to womanhood and married Mr. Crimmings. Soon afterwards the young couple sailed for this country, landing in 
Maine, where they remained for a short time and then became residents of Cabotsville, Mass., where they made their home 
until coming to Wisconsin. He was employed as section boss on the railroad for some fourteen years and at the expiration 
of that time. In 1855, removed to Waushara County, Wisconsin, where he engaged in farming on a small scale. He died 
February 20, 1882, but Mrs. Crimmings still survives and is living in Waushara County. They were parents of seven 
children, five of whom, two sons and three daughters are yet living. Mrs. McClelland is the third in order of birth.







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