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John Clinton McConaughy
Born February 1, 1875


John Clinton McConaughy, a native of Greenfield township and one of its successful farmers, was born February 1, 1875, and is a son of Ard D. and Minerva (Ernsbarger) McConaugby. The father was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, June 29, 1837, and was about five years old when, in 1842, his parents removed to Delaware county, Ohio. In 1856 he came to Jones county, Iowa, settling in Greenfield township, about a half a mile from his son's present home. In 1861, after he had endured the hardships of the life here alone for five years, he married Miss Minerva Ernsbarger, who was born in Hancock county, Ohio, June 12, 1842. For more than four decades they traversed together in the highway of life, sharing the privations of early days and enjoying the comforts with which later years were graced, until October 19, 1905, when Mr. McConaughy died. His widow is now living in Martelle, and, at the age of sixty-seven, is one year younger than her husband when his life was ended. Six children were born to them: Francis, who died in infancy; Herbin S., of Greenfield township; George Willis, of Des Moines, Iowa; Clarence E., of Greenfield township; John Clinton, of this sketch; and Archie D., who died in infancy. The three brothers, Herbin, Clarence and John live near the old homestead and within half a mile of one another.
Reared in Greenfield township, John Clinton McConaughy early became familiar with the duties which fall to the lot of the agriculturist. Even through his school period he participated in the work of the home farm, and when he embarked upon his own career as a tiller of the soil he was fully versed in means and methods of obtaining the best returns from his efforts. He has not been content, however, to follow the methods of the past alone, but as the times have advanced be has progressed, and modern buildings, up-to-date machinery and scientific agriculture have been accountable for his success. The homestead consists of two hundred and ninety-five acres, and the excellent condition of its fields bespeaks the good farming of the man who is concerned for its productiveness.
On the 22d of September 1903, Mr. McConaughy wedded Miss Cleo V. Murfield, who was born in Greenfield township, March 2, 1884. Her father, C. W. Murfield, is one of the most prominent farmers of Jones county. He was born January 1, 1851, and on the 22d of February 1874, he married Miss Passy Newman, whose birth occurred December 3I, 1854. Ten daughters were born of this union: Ada Grace, Millie Malvina, and Lulu Elizabeth, all three deceased; Mrs. Amy Abigail Holcomb, of Greenfield township; Tracy Delia, deceased; Cleo V., Mrs. McConaughy; Mrs. Bessie Beulah Zimmerman, of Greenfield; Mrs. Ola Florence Dumont, of Greenfield; Elva, deceased; and Avenel, also deceased. Mr. and Mrs. McConaughy have one daughter, Tracy Geneva, who was born August 20, 1904. In their religious views both husband and wife incline towards the church of Christ and guide their lives by its teachings. Politically Mr. McConaughy is a democrat, but has taken no part in local affairs. He has, however, been appointed treasurer of the Cherry Grove independent school district and as another proof of the position he holds in the minds of the citizens of this township was made treasurer of the Cherry Grove Telephone Company. In White Rose Lodge, NO. 279, K.P., of Martelle, Iowa, he has made many sincere friends, for he has ever been found loyal and upright, and willing to assist others in the time of need.

Source: History of Jones County, Iowa, Past and Present, R. M. Corbitt, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, 1910, p. 626.

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