James and Clara Rowland

James A. Rowland was born on October 18, 1875, the son of Thomas D. and Harriet McClain Rowland. As one of six children, he learned the necessity and value of hard work on the farm.

On December 25, 1898, he was married of Clara Christine Miller, born March 10, 1879. Clara was the daughter of Martin and Mary Ann Balmer Miller. They lived on the Rowland home farm for some time where a son, Carl E., was born November 2, 1899. Later they bought a farm southeast of McClure where a daughter, Norma E., was born on February 21, 1905.

The family were faithful members of St. Paul Lutheran Church, McClure, and both children were baptized and confirmed there.

James was an industrious farmer and also worked at road and ditch work with team and scraper for additional income.

Clara, a sweet and gentle woman, was greatly loved. She was often ill and after a long and painful illness, she died on July 21, 1911.

James continued to farm, and kept his family together with the help of numerous housekeepers, but ill health forced him to retire at an early age to live in McClure. He spent his last years between Ohio and New Mexico in an effort to regain his health. He died on September 26, 1920, at the age of 45 years.

Submitted by: Mildred Rowland