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.

Transcribed by Barbara Voss for the Marquette Co WI Pages

This site is maintained by Joan and this page last updated January 2006

Click here to send Joan an e-mail
Back to the Marquette pages Menu