John M. Cleary

John M. Cleary was born on August 21, 1869, near Odell, Illinois. He grew up on a farm, received his early education in district schools and at Odell High School. He attended Illinois State Normal School at Dixon and took a literary course at St. Victeur College in Kankakee, Illinois. He then studied law at Illinois Wesleyan University; graduating in 1893.[1][2]

Cleary joined Stevenson & Ewing. Adlai Stevenson encouraged Cleary to join him in Washington, D.C., but Cleary declined.[2] In 1894, Cleary moved to Kansas City, Missouri. Cleary was a Democrat. He was elected to the Missouri House of Representatives, representing the 4th District, in 1898.[1][2] Cleary supported organized labor legislation and was credited with the state barber inspection law.[2]

Cleary continued his law practice after his term expired.[1] Cleary was appointed by Governor Lloyd C. Stark in 1938 to replace Daniel Bird as judge of the Jackson County Circuit Court.[2] He was defeated for election as judge in 1940 to Paul A. Buzard.[2] He became law partners with his son on October 1, 1947.[2]

Cleary married Mollie O'Rourke on June 30, 1902.[1] They had one son, John M. Cleary Jr.[2]

Cleary died on December 28, 1948, at his home on 6028 Cherry Street in Kansas City.[2]