CLARY, JOHN WILLIAM , County Treasurer of Morgan County, Jacksonville, Ill., was born on his father's farm west of Jacksonville, June 1, 1867, a son of John and Mary Jane (Killam) Clary. He received his education in the country schools and the Jacksonville Business College, from which he was graduated in the class of 1884. After the completion of his college course he returned to the farm, where he continued to assist his father until he became of age. In 1890 he removed to a farm located about three miles northwest of Jacksonville, which his father had given to him, and there began agricultural operation son his own account. There he has since conducted general farming and stock-raising with good success. On his farm he has raised many finely bred road and draft horses, and much pacing and trotting stock, for which he has received high prices in the market. Of these horses, one has a mark of 2:17�. He has also been unusually successful as a stock-feeder, much of the stock from his farm bringing the highest prices in the Chicago market. He has attended numerous farmers' institutes during recent years and delivered addresses on scientific stock-feeding, in which department of agriculture life he has become known as a careful student and expert.

Mr. Clary is a Democrat in politics, and has always taken an active interest in the work of his part in the county. For ten years or more he has been a member of the Democratic County Central Committee, and on several occasions has represented his district at State and county conventions. In 1898 he was elected Township Assessor, serving until 1902, when he was nominated for the office of County Assessor and Treasurer, to which he was elected for a term of four years. His administration of the affairs of this important office has been characterized by good business judgment, as he employs the same careful methods in looking after the business interests of the county that have marked the management of his personal affairs.

Fraternally Mr. Clary is identified with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Court of Honor and the Modern American. He is also Secretary of the Illinois Branch of the American Anti-Horse Thief Association. In religion he is a member of the Catholic Church of Jacksonville. His interest in educational affairs is illustrated by the fact that for twelve years he has served as a School Director in his district. He was married August 27, 1891, to Ellen E. McSherry, a native of Morgan County and a daughter of John and Mary (Allen) McSherry, an old established family of Morgan County. Mr. Clary is a representative of the best class of the younger representative men of Morgan County, and can always be depended upon to perform his share of the work which has for an end the advancement of the best interests of his community.