Marion County >> 1915 Index

The History of Marion County, Iowa
John W. Wright and W. A. Young, supervising eds. 2 vols. Chicago: S. J. Clarke Pub. Co., 1915.

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John Wesley McClain, Jr. - page 203

John Wesley McClain, Jr., owns and operates a finely improved farm of eighty acres on section 5, Knoxville township, where he has resided since 1902. He was born on a farm just south of his present home on the 4th of April, 1872, a son of John Wesley and Lucinda (Saha) McClain, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. They had seven children, all of whom are still living.

John W. McClain, Jr., was reared in Knoxville township and attended the Lincoln school in the acquirement of an education. During the years of his boyhood and youth he also gained a practical knowledge of agriculture through assisting his father with the work of the homestead and by the time that he was grown he had become an efficient farmer. He has never seen any reason to change his occupation and is today recognized as one of the successful agriculturists of his township. He not only raises grain but also feeds considerable stock annually and finds both branches of his work profitable. His present farm has been in his possession since 1902 and is in a high state of cultivation, while everything upon the place is kept in a fine condition.

On the 19th of February, 1896, Mr. McClain was united in marriage with Miss Cora Pitman, who is a representative of a pioneer family of the county and was reared near Pleasantville. They have a daughter, Lorene, born February 1, 1899, and is attending St. Joseph's Academy at Des Moines.

The family attend the Eden Methodist Episcopal church, of which the daughter is a member. Mr. McClain is a democrat and has held various local offices, including that of member of the school board. Socially he belongs to the Masonic order and has attained the Knight Templar degree therein, being a charter member of the commandery at Knoxville. Both he and his wife are members of the Order of the Eastern Star. He was formerly identified with the Modern Woodmen of America, but is not now a member of that organization. His father was one of those pioneers who laid the foundation for the development of the county and he is just as efficiently performing the work that it is given to the present generation to do in advancing the interests of his locality. All who know him hold him in high esteem and his friends are many.

John Wesley McClain, Sr., who died on the 7th of February, 1906, was for over six decades a resident of Iowa and for forty-six years made his home in Marion county, where he was widely known and greatly respected. He was born on the 19th of July, 1834, in Hendricks county, Indiana, a son of Phillip and Rachel (Jenkins) McClain, who removed to Wapello county, Iowa, when their son John Wesley was but eight years of age. Some years later the family came to this county, locating in Knoxville township, west of the city of Knoxville. Phillip McClain owned a farm and resided thereon until his death, which occurred on the 6th of July, 1873, when he was about seventy-two years of age. His wife died in Wapello county, leaving ten children, all of whom are deceased.

John W. McClain grew to manhood in this state and here acquired his education. A great deal of his training for the duties of life was of a practical nature and gained by work in the fields, as he early began to assist in the cultivation of the homestead. When he reached manhood he decided to follow the occupation to which he had been reared as it was both profitable and congenial, and in time he purchased the home farm, five miles west of Knoxville. He lived there in all for forty-six years. At one time he owned a quarter section and as he was efficient in the management of his interests and energetic in the cultivation of his land he received a good income from his farm.

On the 18th of March, 1855, Mr. McClain was united in marriage to Miss Lucinda Saha, a native of Jackson county, Ohio, born on the 6th of August, 1837. Her parents, John and Hannah (Richabaugh) Saha, died in the Buckeye state when comparatively young. The father was a native of Ireland and the mother of Virginia. She was a Methodist in her religious faith. The maternal grandfather of Mrs. McClain, Reuben Richabaugh, served in the Revolutionary army. Mrs. McClain came to Knoxville in 1853 with her brothers, Jackson and James Saha, both of whom died when about eighty years of age, while a younger brother, Franklin, who enlisted from Ohio and served under Sherman in the Civil war, died at Nashville, Tennessee, of typhoid fever and was buried there.

Mr. and Mrs. McClain became the parents of seven children, four sons and three daughters. Richard T., born on the 2d of October, 1856, resides at Carlisle, Iowa. He married Miss Mary Courtney, by whom he has had four children, two sons and a daughter who are still living, and a daughter, deceased. William J., born April 9, 1860, owns and operates a farm in Polk county, Iowa. He married Miss Fannie Chaffey and they have a daughter and two sons. Flora E., who was born on the 3d of December, 1862, is the widow of Edward Derrickson and resides at Swan, this county. She has four daughters and two sons. Lydia Ann, born July 29, 1868, is the wife of William Hyer, a farmer living in Minnesota, and they have five sons and two daughters. A sketch of John Wesley, Jr., the next in order of birth, appears elsewhere in this work. Charles P., born February 7, 1874, resides in Omaha, Nebraska, and is successfully engaged in the grain business. He married Miss Dora Murphy and they have one son. Mettie A., who was born December 10, 1876, resides with her widowed mother at No. 803 Robinson street, Knoxville. Both are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Mr. McClain exercised his right of franchise in support of the democratic party and manifests a citizen's interest in public affairs. His boyhood was passed amid pioneer conditions in Iowa but at the time of his death the state had become one of the most prosperous of the Union and villages and cities existed where in the early days there was nothing but the prairie covered with wild grass. He was not only an interested witness of the many and swift changes which have wrought this transformation but did his share to bring it about, aiding in the agricultural development of his county and seeking always to advance those phases of civilization represented by the schools, church and state.

Edmund McCoy - page 130

Edmund McCoy, who served for four years as treasurer of Marion county and is now living retired in Knoxville, was born in Dallas township, this county, July 9, 1860, a son of Henry W. and Margaret E. (Willis) McCoy. His father entered land in this county in the early days, having come here when a young man from Coshocton county, Ohio. He improved his land and added to it until at the time of his death he owned four hundred and forty acres, which for many years he personally operated, but some time before his death he gave each of his children eighty acres and kept one hundred and twenty acres for himself. He was a self-made man, as he left his home when fifteen years of age and thereafter provided for his own support. His father, Edmund McCoy, was a farmer in Ohio, and Henry W. was the only one of the family to locate in this county. The latter devoted his life to farming and stock-raising and was much interested in the latter occupation, it being generally conceded that he had the finest cattle in his section of the county. He was a stanch republican in his political belief and manifested a keen interest in public affairs. He died in April, 1901, when seventy-eight years of age. His wife was born and reared in Coshocton county, Ohio, but came to this county in her youth and here they were married. She survives and makes her home in Dallas at the age of eighty years. To them were born four children. Edmund is the oldest. Mrs. Allie Millen for the past ten years has resided in the vicinity of Sheridan, Lucas county, Iowa. R. G., who is now a resident of this county, although for twelve years he lived in Kansas and farmed in that state and in Iowa, is now living in Melcher and is cashier of the bank there. Mrs. Mary V. Damon is also a resident of Melcher.

Edmund McCoy has always lived in this county. He was educated in the district schools near his home and as a boy learned farming. For many years he continued to follow that occupation and gave special attention to the raising of cattle and hogs. He also bought stock which he fattened and then marketed. For a long time he resided upon a farm comprising three hundred and twenty acres on sections 7 and 8, Washington township, but eight years ago he sold that land and purchased his present farm, which comprises four hundred and twenty acres and is situated in Knoxville township. At the time he removed to the city of Knoxville, where he still resides, as he was elected county treasurer and found it necessary to live in the county seat. He served in that office for four years, or two terms, and proved a systematic and reliable official. Although he has largely retired from active life, he still supervises the operation of his farm and the raising of live stock.

On the 27th of January, 1884, Mr. McCoy was married in Washington township to Miss Nancy J. Hunt, who was born in this county in June, 1863, a daughter of Jefferson and Annie Maria (White) Hunt. After farming for many years they retired to Knoxville, where they died, the former when seventy-eight years of age and the latter when seventy-two. Both died in 1911, the father in November of that year and her mother in June. Mrs. McCoy was reared and educated in this county and by her marriage has become the mother of two children. Herbert D., a farmer and stockman, owns and operates two hundred and forty acres of fine land in Knoxville township. He married Miss Carrie M. Dear, whose father lives at Dallas. Marjorie G., born on St. Valentines day, 1894, is now attending college at Ames, Iowa.

The family were members of the Methodist Protestant church, but as there is no church of that denomination in Knoxville they affiliate with the Congregational church here. Mr. McCoy is a republican in his political belief and has held a number of offices. Fraternally he belongs to the Masonic order and has filled all chairs in the blue lodge, and also holds membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the modern Woodmen of America. His daughter belongs to the Eastern Star and the Rebekahs and his wife to the latter organization. He has not only won financial prosperity but has also made many friends who hold him in warm regard, and all respect and esteem him.

John McMillan - page 233

John McMillan, who is a successful farmer of Marion county, was born March 24, 1867, in Clay township, this county, a son of T. T. McMillan, a well known general merchant of Durham. Our subject grew to manhood in his native township and received his education in the district schools. Upon reaching years of maturity he decided to make agricultural pursuits his life work and is now the owner of one hundred and twenty-three acres of find land in this county. He carries on general farming and stock-raising and as his methods are progressive and his industry untiring he is meeting with marked success.

Mr. McMillan was married on the 23d of January, 1895, to Miss Nora A. Parsons, a daughter of Handy and Easter Parsons. Mr. McMillan gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is never remiss in any of the duties of citizenship. He is an enthusiastic member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and finds the guiding rule of his life in the teaching of that order, that men are brothers and that a fraternal spirit should govern their relations with each other. His ability as an agriculturist is conceded by all and the number of his friends leaves no doubt as to his attractive social qualities and the integrity of his character.

Thomas T. McMillan - page 242

Thomas T. McMillan, who has continuously resided in Marion county for the past six decades, was identified with agricultural and mercantile pursuits while still an active factor in the business world, but for the past three years has lived retired in the enjoyment of well earned rest. His birth occurred in Indiana on the 10th of February, 1840, his parents being Thomas and Mary (Breckenridge) McMillan, both of whom were natives of Scotland. They emigrated to the United States about 1834, first locating in Dayton, Ohio, and subsequently removing to Indiana. In 1854 they came to Marion county, Iowa, and took up their abode on a farm in Clay township, while later they removed to Knoxville, this county, where both passed away. They were the parents of five children, four of whom survive.

Thomas T. McMillan received his education in the common schools and was a youth of fourteen when his parents established their home in his county. In October, 1861, when twenty-one years of age, he joined the Union army as a member of Company K, Third Iowa Cavalry, with which command he served for three years. At the end of that time he was mustered out at Davenport, Iowa, and though often in the thickest of the fight and never faltering in the performance of any task assigned him, he escaped injury of any kind. After returning to Marion county he turned his attention to general agricultural pursuits and subsequently opened a general store at Durham which he conducted successfully for a period of thirty years. In 1911 he disposed of his mercantile interests and has since lived retired, enjoying the fruits of his former labor in well earned ease. He owns a nice residence in the village of Durham and is widely recognized as one of the substantial and respected citizens of the community.

Mr. McMillan has been married twice. In 1861 he wedded Miss Jennie Jones, by whom he had one child, Mary, who is now the wife of O. W. Squires and resides in New York city. The mother passed away in 1862 and four years later Mr. McMillan was again married, his second union being with Miss Sarah C. Monroe, a native of Ohio and a daughter of Duncan and Janet (Loynachan) Monroe, who were born in Scotland. They came to Iowa in 1854 and in this state spent the remainder of their lives. To Thomas T. and Sarah C. (Monroe) McMillan have been born the following children: John, who is married and makes his home in Marion county, Iowa; Fred, of Regina, Canada, a yardmaster with the Canadian Pacific Railroad; James, who has passed away, leaving a widow and two children living at Boulder, Colorado; Jean, the wife of L. A. Whaley, of Burlington, Iowa; Thomas, who is deceased; Charles, who is married and resides in Keokuk, Iowa; Jennie, who gave her hand in marriage to R. J. McLees; and Frank D., who travels from Keokuk, Iowa.

In his political views Mr. McMillan is a republican, ever remaining a stanch supporter of the party which was the defense of the Union during the dark days of the Civil war. He has held several township offices and has ever discharged his public duties in a prompt and capable manner. Fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and he still maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades through his membership in the Knoxville post of the Grand Army of the Republic. His wife is a devoted and consistent member of the Presbyterian church. Mr. McMillan has now passed the seventy-fourth milestone on life's journey and receives the respect and veneration which should ever be accorded one who has traveled thus far on this early pilgrimage and whose career has been at all time upright and honorable.

Daniel A. McTaggart - page 220

For the past seventeen years Daniel A. McTaggart has lived retired in Knoxville but for many years was actively engaged as a farmer and stockman. He has lived in Marion county since 1864 and is widely known and highly respected. He was born in Washington county, Ohio, in 1846, a son of Neil and Catherine (Loynachan) McTaggart, who were born on Argyleshire, Scotland, and came to America in their youth, settling in Washington county, Ohio, where they were married. The father followed farming there until 1864, when he removed to this county, where he likewise devoted his time to agricultural pursuits. He died here in 1894, when eighty-three years of age. The mother passed away in Ohio while still young. Both were Presbyterians but the father in his later life became a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. To their union were born nine children, of whom four sons survive, the brothers of our subject being: A. H., a resident of Illinois; and E. D. and E. H., both living in Omaha, Nebraska.

Daniel A McTaggart was reared and educated in Ohio and there learned approved methods of agriculture under the instruction of his father. He accompanied the latter to this county in 1864, when a youth of eighteen years, and has since resided here. After his marriage, which occurred in 1871, he purchased a tract of land eight miles east of Knoxville, paying twelve dollars and a half per acre. He began with limited resources but as he worked industriously, managed his business affairs well and saved something every year, he prospered financially and from time to time added to his land until he eventually became one of the substantial residents of the county. He still owns four hundred acres of land in Knoxville and Clay townships and owns his fine residence in the city of Knoxville, which he erected himself, and also has other residence property in the city.

Mr. McTaggart was married in 1871 to Miss Louisa J. Harsin, who was born in this county, April 17, 1851, a daughter of G. W. and Emily (Iler) Harsin. Her father was born and reared in Kentucky but in 1843 came to this county and took up a claim two miles north of the present site of Durham and nine miles east of Knoxville. His farm comprised some three hundred acres of land. He resided there until his death, which occurred in 1893, when he was seventy-two years of age. His enterprise is indicated by the fact that in order to be able to do business with the Dutch colony in this county he assisted the Rev. Mr. Scholte and learned the Dutch language from him. Mr. Harsin was a Methodist in his religious belief, as was his wife, who was of English descent and died November 30, 1914, at eight-five years of age. Her memory was unimpaired and she was remarkably active for one of her years. In the Harsin family were five children including Mrs. McTaggart, the others being: F. M., of Rocky Ford, Colorado; G. G., of Nampa, Idaho; J. D., living near Durham, this county; and Minnie, who resides in Knoxville. Mrs. McTaggart was reared in this county and was a school teacher for a number of years. She and her sisters were taught to card wool and also to spin and weave, an accomplishment rare in this day. Mr. and Mrs. McTaggart have two children: Blanche, who is at home and is teaching school in Knoxville; and Katie, also at home.

Mr. McTaggart is a republican and is keenly interested in matters of public concern. Fraternally he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and his wife and daughters are members of the Rebekahs. His residence, which is at No. 702 Roche street, is one of the commodious and well designed homes of Knoxville and is a frequent meeting place for the many friends of the family. The parents and daughters are all identified with the forces that make for civic advancement and the welfare of the community are esteemed by all who know them.

E. W. McVay - page 190

E. W. McVay is a self-made man who started out in life empty-handed and has worked his way steadily upward through his energy and persistency of purpose until he is now the owner of three hundred and seventy-seven acres of valuable farm land lying on sections 11 and 12, Liberty township. He was born in Marion county, Iowa, October 23, 1867, and is a son of Jacob and Mary (Gregory) McVay, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Marion county.

The father came to Iowa in 1849 and lived for about a year in this county, after which he resumed his travels westward with California as his destination. He had been attracted by the discovery of gold on the Pacific coast and with ox teams started for the far west, journeying by slow stages across the plains, over the hot stretches of sand and through the mountain passes until at the end of six months he reached the gold fields. There had been much trouble with the Indians while en route but their journey was at length safely accomplished. Mr. McVay remained for ten years in California and then returned to Iowa. Following the outbreak of the Civil war his patriotic spirit was aroused and he enlisted in response to the country's call for aid, becoming a member of the Fifteenth Iowa Infantry, with which he served until the close of the war, participating in a number of hotly contested engagements. Although he was frequently on the firing line he was never wounded and at the close of the war he returned with a most creditable military record to Marion county. He then purchased a farm, was soon afterward married and devoted his remaining days to general agricultural pursuits in this county, his death here occurring in 1880. His widow survives. In their family were six children, of whom five are yet living.

E. W. McVay remained at home until he attained his majority and then rented land for a year, at the end of which time he purchased a part of the old homestead in Clay township and began its further development and improvement. After living thereon for a decade he sold out and purchased the farm which he now owns and occupies, on sections 11 and 12, Liberty township, comprising three hundred and seventy-seven acres, which was only partially under cultivation. With characteristic energy he undertook the work of converting the entire tract into a rich and productive property and the result of his labors were soon manifest in highly cultivated fields, from which he annually gathers rich harvests. He has ever been practical in his farm work and at the same time has employed progressive methods.

In 1893 Mr. McVay was united in marriage to Miss Valeria Stafford, who was born in Monroe county, Iowa, a daughter of J. C. and Elmira (Hoagland) Stafford, the former a native of Marion county and the latter of Monroe county. The father has passed away but the mother survives and is now residing in Lovilia. In their family were five children, all of whom are yet living. Mr. and Mrs. McVay became the parents of six children: Guy and Mary, both deceased; Mildred F., now attending high school at Lovilia, Iowa; Gladys N.; Edith E. W.; and Jacob P. R.

The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and Mr. McVay belongs also the Modern Woodmen camp at Tracy, in which he has filled all of the chairs. He has served on the school board, of which he is now the secretary, and he is a stalwart champion of the cause of education. He votes with the republican party but does not seek nor desire office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs. He is a representative of one of the pioneer families of the county and has ever been an interested witness of its growth and development, while through his chosen life work he has contributed much to its agricultural progress.