James W. McClure, a well-known plumber and dealer in electrical fixtures at Tippecanoe City, is one of the substantial business men of his community. He was born at Iola, Kans., September 17, 1870, a son of William H. and Charlotte (Neff) McClure. His father, a native of Ohio, was a soldier during the Civil war, who served fifty-eight months as a member of Company A, Seventy-first regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. At the close of the war he went to Kansas, where he rounded out an honorable career. James W. McClure, one of a family of five children, secured his education in the public schools of lola, Kans., and in 1889 came to Tippecanoe City and began learning the trade of plumber and steamfitter with an uncle, Fred Hogendorfer. He remained with him a s his employee, assistant and associate until about 1910, when he assumed full control of the business, and in addition to conducting a well established plumbing and tinning business, installed a complete line of electrical fixtures. January 1, 1919, Mr. McClure took two partners, the Schultz brothers. Mr. McClure has taken an active and helpful part in civic affairs, and during the past twenty years has been chief of the Tippecanoe City fire department. He was a liberal contributor to all war movements and has played the role of a public-spirited citizen when progressive enterprises have been launched. As a fraternalist he belongs to the Masons, in which he has advanced to membership in the commandery; the Modern Woodmen of America and the Woodmen of the World, in all of which he is popular and has numerous friends. Mr. McClure married Gusta, daughter of Henry Eickmeyer, of Tippecanoe City, and to this union there has been born one son, Clyde, who is now attending the Ohio State University and specializes in chemical engineering.