Untitled From Commemorative Biographical Record of the Counties of Rock, Green, Grant, Iowa and Lafayette, Wisconsin, publ. 1901- page 394-395

JOHN CLEMENS, a retired merchant, and one of the wealthy residents of the city of Cuba, is well known throughout Grant county as a thoroughly reliable man, and one well worthy the esteem of his fellow townsmen. By his own industry and thrift he has gained a comfortable competence, and is now enjoying the result of his efforts in peace and plenty.

Mr. CLEMENS was born on a farm in Grant county, near Cuba, in June 1849, a son of Christopher and Annie (TRIPP) CLEMENS, who were born, reared and married in Cornwall, England. Christopher CLEMENS came to Grant county, Wis., in 1842, and engaged in mining two years. He then went to the island of Cuba, where he engaged in the copper mines, owned and operated by a company of Americans, for five years. From Cuba he went to England, was married, immigrated to Grant county, and worked in the lead mines until 1849. At that time he started across the Plains to California, remained one year, and returned to Grant county. After a short time he again set out for the gold fields, and worked in the mines of California for a short time. He then formed one of a company which went to California, thence to Vancouver, this company making the first trail to the Fraser river known to white men. Here Mr. CLEMENS was very successful, planning out a large quantity of gold, but his heart yearned for his loved ones, and as soon as he felt he had secured a sufficient amount he finally returned to Wisconsin, where he purchased 400 acres of land, all in one piece in 1860. This property, located near Cuba, is now one of the finest farms in Grant county. After working upon the farm for a number of years Mr. CLEMENS finally retired, locating in Cuba. The following year he and his wife made a trip to England, visiting among their friends, and soon after their return, in 1876, she died. Later Mr. CLEMENS remarried, and he resided in Cuba until the day of his death, in 1894, when he was eighty years of age. Six children were born of this first union: John. William, born in Grant county, and settled on the old CLEMENS homestead, where he and his wife both died in 1894, leaving six children. Albert, born in Grant county, married Miss Rena WILLS, and settled on a part of his father's farm, where he died, leaving a wife and one son, Albert. Samuel, born in Grant county, married Miss Lizzie WILLS, and now resides in Cuba City; he owns a part of the home farm in Hazel Green township (they have no family). Mary A., born in Grant county, died in 1876, while yet a young lady, at the old homestead. Naomi, born in Grant county, married Lester JACKSON, now resides on a portion of the old homestead, and has two sons. All of the family have been, and are now, a credit to the worthy parents.

Our subject grew to manhood on the old home farm, received a district-school education, and later a thorough business course. In 1869 he purchased 160 acres of farm land, adjoining the city of Cuba, and he also owns a large farm in Hazel Green township, having in all over 400 acres of the best farm land to be found in Grant county, if not in the United States. Since 1881 Mr. CLEMENS has resided in Cuba, engaged in the general merchandise, livestock and grain business, until December, 1898, when he retired from active life. Having erected a fine residence in 1888, in Cuba, the family reside in this modern, comfortable home. In addition to his farms and residence Mr. CLEMENS owns a large amount of real estate in Cuba, including four houses and a modern equipped creamery, which he rents.

In 1869 Mr. CLEMENS married Miss Sarah NICHOLS, daughter of Isaac and Jane NICHOLS, prominent pioneers of Grant county, who came from England at a very early date in the history of Wisconsin. Mrs. CLEMENS was born in 1855, and was educated in the schools of the home neighborhood. To Mr. and Mrs. CLEMENS five children have been born: Mabel J. died when twelve years of age. Clinton died in March, 1896, aged eight. Laura, born in Cuba City, in June, 1872, educated in the schools of Cuba, was married in 1889 to Samuel STEPHENS, agent and operator for the Chicago & Northwestern railroad at Cuba, where they reside; they have two children, Freddie and Dwight. John A., born in August, 1874, grew up on the farm, and in 1900 married Miss Bessie SMALLEY, of Cuba, daughter of Daniel SMALLEY, postmaster at the city. C. C., born in Cuba in May 1881, is single, and resides at the old homestead.

Politically Mr. CLEMENS has always been identified with the Republican party, serving as a member of the Smelser town board for fifteen years; also as member of the city council; member and treasurer of the school board; as well as in other local offices, in all of which he performed his duties in a manner most acceptable to the public. Mr. and Mrs. CLEMENS are active workers in the M. E. Church, toward which he is a liberal supporter. Being identified with the best interests of the city, Mr. CLEMENS holds a very enviable position among his fellow townsmen, and is as popular as he is deservedly respected.



This biography generously submitted by Carol Holmbeck