Andrew J. Clingan
Andrew J. Clingan, who won a good record while fighting for his adopted country in the late war, and has since acquired a high reputation as a useful citizen of Madison County, is a prominent member of his community, being at the present time Justice of the Peace of Summerford. He is an adopted son of William Clingan, who died in Maryland at an early day. Andrew J. was born in Washington County, that State, August 21, 1820, and, when reaching mature years, learned the trade of a tailor. He resided in his native place until 1839, when he came to Springfield, Ohio, and there carried on his trade until 1842, at which time he came to West Jefferson, this county, and was similarly employed for the following seven years.
In the spring of 1850, he of whom we write made his home in Summerford, where he was established as a merchant tailor until 1865, and for the three succeeding years was engaged in the grocery business. Mr. Clingan then became the proprietor of a clothing store, which he carried on successfully for two years, his ability in business affairs enabling him to accumulate a handsome competence. He has served his fellow-townsmen in different capacities, and is the incumbent at the present time of the office of Justice of the Peace. During the administration of President Hayes, he was Postmaster at Summerford, when, by his genial and cordial manners, he prepossessed people in his favor. He has also been Township Clerk for five years, and Constable for a number of terms, in which positions he discharged his obligations in a most creditable and satisfactory manner.
The lady to whom Mr. Clingan was married, February 17, 1842, was Miss Elizabeth Ann Clark, who was born in Maryland, January 24, 1824. To them have been granted a family of seven children: Alonzo, Laura V., Mary, William, Ida F., James and Frances. During the late war, Alonzo served in the Union army as a member of Company K, Twenty-sixth Ohio Regiment. He was taken prisoner at the battle of Chickamauga and confined in Andersonville, where he died October 30, 1864. Laura Y., the second child of our subject, is the wife of J. T. Arnold, of Troy, this State; Mary married Frank Weller, and William married Emma Eckls; Ida is the wife of T. C. Foster; James married Addie Cartzdafner, and Frances became Mrs. Thomas Welch. Mrs, Clingan is a devoted member of the Christian Church, with which denomination she has worshipped for a quarter of a century.
Mr. Clingan enlisted in July, 1861, joining Company K, Twenty-sixth Ohio Infantry, and did brave and efficient service for twenty-nine months. He participated in many of the important battles of the war, and received his discharge from Gen. Rosecrans on account of physical disability. His long residence in this county has made him well known throughout its borders and an upright life has won him universal esteem.
From PORTRAIT & BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF FAYETTE, PICKAWAY AND MADISON COUNTIES, OHIO - Chapman Bros. [Chicago, 1892]