J. N. CLEMENS, M. D., is a native of Livingston County, Ky., and was born April 5, 1835. His father, Jonathan E. Clemens, was born in Livingston County, May 24, 1811, and died in 1862. Subject's grandfather, Guershom Clemens, was a native of Virginia; he came West in an early day, setling [sic] in Livingston County, near the village of Carrsville, where he followed his trade of wagon-making and farming, and died as early as 1840. The maiden name of subject's mother was Minerva Robertson; she is the daughter of Walter Robertson, one of the early settlers of Livingston County; was born in 1815 and is still living, making her home in subject's family. Mr. and Mrs. Clemens were the parents of seven children, as follows: W. P., J. N. (subject), W. W. and infants deceased. Dr. Clemens was reared on a farm, where he early learned those lessons of thrift and industry which have characterized his later years. In the common schools of the country he received a good practical education, and in 1853 entered Princeton College from which he graduated with the class of 1857. After graduating, Mr. Clemens engaged in teaching, which profession he followed for a period of two years in Livingston and other counties, reading medicine in the meantime under the preceptorship of Dr. F. L. Sim, of Golconda, Ill. In 1858 he entered the Louisville University, graduating from the medical department of that institution in the year 1860. After completing his medical course the Doctor commenced the practice of the healing art at the village of Weston, Crittenden Co., Ky., where he remained one year, and at the end of that time came to Carrsville where he has since resided. In 1863 the Doctor opened a drug and grocery store, which he still conducts in connection with the practice of his profession, in both of which he has been remarkably successful. The Doctor was married May 24, 1867, to Sophia, daughter of Allen Crotser of Livingston County. Dr. C. is an active member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and for a period of sixteen years has held the position of deputy clerk of Livingston County and notary public. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity, and is a Democrat.
Source: J. H. Battle, W. H. Perrin, & G. C. Kniffin. Kentucky. A History of the State. Louisville, KY, Chicago, IL: Battey, 1885. Page 814.