Biographies

JOHN FREDERICK CLOVER, who is living on section 3, Lomax Township, Henderson County, has the honor of being a native of Illinois, for he was born in Warren County, November 9, 1843.

His father, Cornelius Clover, was born in Oneida County, N. Y., March 21,1794, and was of German descent. Having attained to mature years, he married Narcissa Billingsly, who was born near Greensboro, N. C, March 14, 1813. Six children grace this union: La Fayette, now a farmer of Henderson County; Josephus, who died December 15, 1889; Merritt A., an agriculturist of Neosha, Kan.; John, of this sketch; Marcellus, a resident farmer of Henderson County; and Lucina, who is living on the old homestead. Ere his marriage to the mother of our subject, Cornelius Clover had married Miss Rebecca Persons, and to them were born eight children, but the eldest died in infancy, seven growing to maturity, namely: Armenia, of Henderson County; J. Perry, who died December 26, 1877; Clarissa N., wife of J. P, White, of Oklahoma; Elizabeth, who died October 31, 1855; Jane, who died March 16, 1885; Cornelius T., an agriculturist of Henderson County; and Rebecca, widow of John Kays, and a resident of Oregon.

The father of this family was a millwright by trade, and followed that business for some years. On the breaking out of the War of 18 12, he enlisted, and served until its close. He then returned to the Empire State, where he made his home for some time, after which he removed to Indiana and engaged in keeping a hotel until 1843. That year witnessed his removal to Warren County, Ill.. He settled near Avon, and took up land from the Government, upon which he made his home until 1852, when he came to Henderson County, and located upon the farm which is now the home of our subject. He first purchased one hundred and sixty acres on section 3, Lomax Township, upon which only a few acres had been broken, while a log cabin constituted the only improvements. To the further development of the place he then devoted his energies until his death, which occurred April 5, 1863.

He was a member of the Christian Church, and his life was a straightforward and honorable one, which gained him the confidence and high regard of all with whom he was brought in contact. His wife survived him about thirty years, and died February 9, 1893. She too was a member of the Christian Church, and was interred in the family burying-ground by the side of her husband.

Mr. Clover of this notice has always lived in this State, and since the age of nine years he has been a resident of Henderson County. In the usual manner of farm lads he was reared to manhood, aiding in the labors of the farm through the summer months, while in the winter season he attended the common schools of the neighborhood. Upon his father's death he took charge of the old home farm, which he has since operated. In connection with his sister he owns one hundred and sixty acres of rich land, and the place is now under a high state of cultivation and well improved.

During the late war, Mr. Clover entered the country's service, enlisting September 17, 1861, as a private of Company E, Tenth Illinois Infantry . He was mustered into the service at Cairo, and the first engagement in which he participated was at New Madrid, Mo. He took part in many of the most important battles of the war, and when his first term of service had expired re-enlisted, serving until July 4, 1865, when he was discharged at Louisville, Ky., with the rank of Corporal. He was a valiant defender of the Union, and one of the bravest of the boys in blue.

When his country no longer needed his service, he returned to the farm, and has since devoted his time and attention to agricultural pursuits. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and the Grand Army of the Republic, and is a highly respected citizen.

From the Portrait and biographical record of Hancock, McDonough and Henderson counties, Illinois : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county (1894)
May, 1894. Lake City Publishing Co.