J. P. Clemmons, farmer, sec. 3; P. O. Milton; is the son of Ezekiel and Phoebe (Reed) Clemmons, natives of Rouen Co., N.C., where the subject of this sketch was born in 1814. The family emigrated to Illinois in 1823 and settled in Lawrence county. In 1825 they moved to this county and settled in Detroit tp., and 3 years afterward settled in this tp., where his parents both died. Mr. C. moved on his present farm in 1836, consisting of 196 acres, valued at $60 per acre. The same year he was married to Miss Jane, daughter of Wm. Hayden, and they had 3 children, 2 of whom are living, Mary and Phoebe. His present wife, Polly, nee Grimes, is a native of White county, Ill., and they have had 2 children, - Henry and Sarah. Mr. C. had no opportunities for an early education, and at the age of 21 years he was enabled to purchase 40 acres of land, which by his energy and perseverance he had accumulated. To him belongs the honor of being the oldest living settler in Montezuma, a record which he may value, and to which his posterity ever look with pride. He built the first school-house erected in Detroit tp., and has experienced all the hardships of pioneer life.

Source: History of Pike County by Charles M. CHapman 1880