"An Illustrated history of Baker, Grant, Malheur and Harney Counties : with a
brief outline of the early history of the state of Oregon." Chicago?: Western
Historical Pub. Co., 1902.  Page 619.  Malheur County.

JUDGE JAMES T. CLEMENT

     It is truly gratifying that we are enabled to chronicle the career of this
esteemed and prominent gentleman of Malheur county, being a man who wears the
crown of success, having been especially prosperous in the affairs of business,
one who has the entire confidence of the people, which is properly reposed, has
manifested those virtues of manly uprightness and sagacity, coupled with
enterprise and keen business discrimination and at this moment enjoys the
prestige that talent and virtue produce.
     James T. Clement was born in Pulaski township, Jackson county, Michigan, on
May 31, 1840, being the son of Theophilus and Cleora (Webster) Clement.  His
mother was a second cousin to the noted Daniel Webster.  Our subject grew up on
the farm, received his education from the schools of his native place and on
October 24, 1860, was married to Lucy E., daughter of Eli and Anna Hayes, and a
native of Ohio.  He settled down to farming until 1867, then drove a team
Mitchell county, Iowa, and two years later drove on to Lancaster county,
Nebraska, and thence in 1881, he came by team to Canyon county, Idaho.  He
settled near Payette, where he entered government land and now owns a fine farm
there of two hundred acres of fertile soil, watered by his own ditch, and
improved with orchards, elegant residence, barns, and so forth, which make it an
ideal retreat and rural home.  Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Clement,
namely:  Roswell W., married to Hattie Neal, near Ontario; J. Buell, deceased,
was married to Helen Plummer; Hattie L., wife of Richard Waters, near
Waterville, Washington; Edna, wife of D. C. Boyd, of Ontario.  In February,
1884, Mrs. Clement died at the farm home in Idaho.  In September, of the same
year, Mr. Clement moved to Ontario, where his sister kept house for him.  She
has the distinction of being the second woman in Ontario.  Mr. Clement then
engaged in the lumber business, having yards at Payette, Ontario, and Weiser.
This business occupied him until 1895, when he sold out and afterward engaged in
general merchandise business with R. D. Greer & Company.  This was likewise sold
out and in 1900, the year following.  Mr. Clement purchased, in connection with
his son-in-law, D. C. Boyd, the Ontario Argus, a weekly Republican newspaper,
which they handle with credit to themselves, it being a sheet of distinct
vitality and merit and fearless in championing the principles of right and
progress.  In 1888 Mr. Clement was elected the first county judge of Malheur
county on the Democratic ticket and for four years he served with ability and in
such a manner that all were satisfied and approved his wise and faithful course.
Formerly he had served as justice of the peace.
     In fraternal relations the Judge is popularly allied, being a member of the
I.O.O.F., Ontario Lodge, No. 90, and past grand, also, having been
representative to the grand lodge a couple of times and is also elected to the
same position for this year; he is also a member of the Encampment of Ontario,
No. 45, and is the present scribe; and is a member of the Rebekahs.  The
marriage of Judge Clement and Mrs. Emma Hall, the first whit child born in
Layton, Michigan, was solemnized on December 23, 1884, and the family home is
one of the most palatial and comely residences in eastern Oregon, being situated
in lovely grounds, which partake of the practical, having fine gardens and
orchards, and also of the beautiful and decorative, being tastily and skillfully
laid out and handled.  This lovely home is one of the refined hospitality, and
with graciousness it is presided over by Mrs. Clement.  In addition, the Judge
has much other valuable property.  It would not be fitting to close this brief
article without referring to the pleasant fact that Judge Clement is a member of
the Congregational church, and for nine years was superintendent of the
Sunday-school, and in all that period he missed his accustomed place at the head
of the school but nine Sundays.  He is a man of ability, integrity, and is
happily possessed of an amiable nature and an affability that have won him hosts
of friends from all classes, and he is highly respected.

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Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in January 2006 by Diana Smith.  Submitter
has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned
above.