My Genealogy Hound

John E. Cleveland, groceryman, and dealer in boots and shoes at Lamar, Mo., is a native of Orleans County, N. Y., where he was born January 6, 1841, being a son of John F. and Margaret (Lawrence) Cleveland, who were born in Massachusetts and York State, respectively. After their marriage they resided in York State until 1847, when the father died, having been a mechanic throughout life. In the fall of the same year the mother and her four children moved to Michigan, where she died. John E. is the eldest child, and, as his father died a poor man, he was put out to work at the early age of seven years. When sixteen years of age, he began working for wages, and after he was twenty-one he learned the mason’s trade, at which he worked somewhat irregularly for eighteen years, carrying on farming at the same time. In 1862 he married Maria Flatt, a native of Michigan, by whom he is the father of three children: George H. (deceased), Lillie M. and Willie H. Both he and wife are members of the Methodist Church, although in early life he united with the United Brethren Church. In 1865 he and wife moved to Hancock County, Ill., and here he worked at his trade until 1871, when he came to Barton County, and bought a farm, on which he worked until 1883, since which time he has resided in Lamar. In connection with S. J. Minnice he opened a grocery store, but in 1888 sold out to his partner, and bought another stock, which he is managing, and is doing a good business. He is a member of the A. O. U. W., and in his political views supports the principles of the Republican party. Through his mother he inherits English blood.