Hunt, Herbert and Floyd C. Kaylor. Washington: West of the Cascades. Vol. III. Chicago: S.J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1917. p.579-580. MCCLEARY, THOMAS H. Thomas H. McCleary, the well known and popular postmaster of Centralia, Washington, is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Sharon, May 11, 1853. His parents, James and Martha (Stewart) McCleary, were both natives of the north of Ireland and after coming to the new world made their home in Pennsylvania for some years but subsequently removed to Iowa. On his father's farm in the latter state Thomas H. McCleary grew to manhood, receiving the usual educational advantages of the country boy, which were supplemented by a course at the Northwestern Natural School at Atchison, Kanasas. For eight years he successfully folllowed the teacher's profession in Kansas and also taught for five years in Iowa but after the death of his father he purchased the old home farm and for six years turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. On selling the farm he located in Keokuk, Iowa, where he was engaged in real estate and insurance business until coming to Centralia, Washington, in February, 1890. Here he also opened a real estate and insurance office and has continued business along these lines up to the present time, although his son, Perry L. McCleary, now has the management of affairs, while our subject devotes his entire time and attention to his official duties. In 1888 at Canton, Missouri, Mr. McCleary was united in marriage to Miss Olive E. Black, a daughter of Hamilton Black, who was a farmer of that locality. Tho this union has been born a son, Perry L., who is now engaged in the real estate and insurance business with his father. The family residence is at 515 South Tower avenue, Centralia. Mr. McCleary is a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Masonic fraternity and has filled all the chairs up to senior warden in the latter organization. He is also connected with the Commercial Club of Centralia and is an earnest and consistent member of the Christian church. Since casting his first vote he has affiliated with the democratic party and during his residence in Washington has served almost continuously as a delegate to the state convention of his party. He has also been a member of the national committee for several years and has been called upon to fill the office of city assessor for one term and of city treasurer for two terms. In March, 1915, he was appointed postmaster of Centralia and entered upon the duties of that office on the 21st of the following April. He has since filled the position most acceptably. He is a very public-spirited and influential citizen who gives his hearty support and assistance to any worthy enterprise for the public good and he is held in the highest esteem by all who know him. Submitted by: Jenny Tenlen * * * * Notice: These biographies were transcribed for the Washington Biographies Project. Unless otherwise stated, no further information is available on the individual featured in the biographies.