Archibald McKellar, one of Clayton County's prominent farmers, was born in County Lanark, Scotland, Dec. 24, 1832. He was one of a family of five children, he being the only surviving one. Mrs. McKellar died in Scotland in 1838. In 1848 Mr. McKellar emigrated to the United States, locating in Farmerburg Township in 1851. He again married, Mrs. Jane Havens, a widow of John Havens. One child was born of this union--Duncan, of Richardson County, Neb. Archibald received his early education in his native country, coming to this county with his father in 1848. He went to Minnesota soon after and engaged in the lumber trade, where he remained five years. In 1858 he married Christine Nelson. She was born in Sweden in 1839. Five children blessed this union--Margaret J., Peter D., Alice J., Laura A. and John F. Mr. McKellar owns a farm of 142 acres, under cultivation, and valued at $40 per acre. Himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church of Luana. source: History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1051 |