Source: The Biographical Record of Bureau, Marshall and Putnam Counties, IL; Originally published 1896; S. J. Clarke Pub. Co.; Chicago, IL

Transcribed by: Denise McLoughlin, Tampico Area Historical Society, www.tampicohistoricalsociety.citymax.com

CLAYTON C. PERVIER, a man who has been useful in his community and ever taken a prominent art in the enterprises tending to the enlightenment of the people, the fried of education, and active in political affairs, is now engaged in farming and stock-raising on section 17, Concord township. The old idea that the farmer requres little beyond his muscle to enable him to battle successfully with the elements of the soil is fast passing away, and the fact is everywhere recognized by intelligent men that experience and education go hand in hand in achieving the best results in this as well as other employments of life.

A native of Bureau county, Mr. PERVIER was born in Mineral township, March 4, 1857, a son of Rev. Sylvester L. PERVIER, a native of Andover, New Hampshire, where he was reared on a farm in the midst of the pineries. The father's birth occurred September 16, 1816, and in the common schools he acquired his education. Going to Monroe county, New York, he there became acquainted with Miss Philena COVAL, who on the 2d of February, 1843, became his wife. He had previously entered the ministry of the Christian or Union church, and engaged in preaching in various counties of the empire state until 1845, when he removed to Janesville, Wisconsin. At that place and Beloit, Wisconsin, he had charge of churches for two years, and then came to Henry, Marshall county, Illinois, where he was pastor of the Union church for four years, and later was engaged in the work of the ministry at Prophetstown, Whiteside county, Illinois. From that place he removed to his farm in Mineral township, Bureau county, having purchased a tract of government land at one dollar and a quarter per acre. There his death occurred February 7, 1892, and his remains were interred in Mineral cemetery. Privious to the war he was a stong abolitionist and took an active part in opposition to slavery. In his family were five children - Melvin, who lives upon the old home farm; Myron, also at home; Donna, who graduated at the Annawan high school, and is now successfully engaged in teaching; Clayton, of this review, and one who died in infancy.

The boyhood and youth of our subject were passed in the usual manner of farmer lads, assisting in the labors of the fields and attending the district schools. Later he was a student in the school of Annawan, Illinois, and at the early age of sixteen began teaching, his first school being north of Kawanee, where he had forty-two pupils, many of whom were much older than himself. Meeting with success in this venture, he continued to follow the profession through the winter seasons for a period of sixteen years. In the meantime, however, when eighteen years of age, he entered the University of Illinois at Champaign, which he attended for four terms.

On the 16th of March, 1881, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. PERVIER and Miss Jessie M. CURTIS, a native of Concord township, and a daughter of James M. and Helen M. (STEVENSON) CURTIS. She is a graduate of the Sheffield high school. Four children grace their union, namely: Raymond C., Edgar M., Mabel Inez and Carrie May. For six years after his marriage Mr. PERVIER operated the old home farm, but in 1887 removed to the farm he is now cultivating, comprising a half section of valuable land, which he has placed under excellent cultivation.

Since casting his first presidential vote for James A. GARFIELD in 1880 he has been a recognized leader in the ranks of the republican party in his locality. In the spring that he attained his majority he was sent as a delgate to the county convention and has since continually served in that capacity, being chairman of the convention in 1894, and in 1896 refusing to accept the same position. Being well versed in parliamentary rules, he makes a most efficient presiding officer/ He has also served as a elegate to the various district conventions of his party. While a resident of Mineral township he was nominated by the the republican party for justice of the peace, and was also elected assessor, receiving the nomination of the democratic or people's party. In 1892 he was appointed collector to fill a vacancy. In 1894 he was elected supervisor by the republican party and re-elected in 1896, a fact which plainly indicates his popularity and the confidence and trust reposed in him. He also served as school trustee in Mineral township. He is now acceptably serving his second term as supervisor, supporting all measures calulated to benefit the community. He wa appointed one of the commissioners to levy the special tax for the extension of the mains in the town of Buda, which work has recently been completed. He has been a member of county republican committee for the past eight years, and is a member of the present executive committee who have charge of the campaign work.

Mr. PERVIER holds membership in the Unitarian church at Sheffield. In June, 1892, he was initiated into the mysteries of the Masonic order, becoming a member of Ames lodge, No. 142, F. & A. M., at the first election was made senior warden, one year later junior warden, and is now worthy master. Both himself and wife are connected with Ames Chapter of the Eastern Star. They joined the order at Buda in 1895, but have since been transferred to Sheffield. They are worthy and valued members of society, and hold an enviable position among the intelligent and enterprising citizens of their native county.