Edwin B. McClure (1865-1942)

MCCLURE

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 3/24/2022 at 21:31:29

Edwin Boynton McClure
(November 29, 1865 – August 29, 1942)

One of the most reliable and capable representatives of the active working service of the Sioux City division of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad Company is E. B. McClure, who since the 27th of June, 1882, has been a representative of this line. He was born in Wyoming, Jones County, Iowa,
November 29, 1865, and is a son of William and Maria (Wesson) McClure. The father was born in Bath, Steuben County. New York, February 3, 1819, and was a son of General George McClure, a native of Ireland, who when nineteen years of age, left the green isle of Erin and crossed the broad Atlantic to the new world. The year 1790 witnessed his arrival, and when the United States became engaged in a second war with England he espoused the cause of his adopted land. With his family he removed to Illinois at a very early date, settling in Elgin. He first wedded Eleanor Bole and their marriage, which occurred in 1795, was blessed with four children : Finley, who was born in 1796, died October 18, 1847, at Bath, New York; Mary, born July 18, 1798, died at the age of sixteen months; James Bole, born February 16, 1800. died May 5, 1826. Sarah, born February 16. 1803. died August 1, 1846, in Chicago. The mother of this family passed away on the 16th of June, 1807, and on the 28th of January, 1808, General McClure was again married, his second union being with Sarah Eliza Wells, who was born November 17, 1793, and died in 1873. She was a daughter of Major Benjamin and Sarah Wells, the former a surgeon in General Washington's army during the war of the Revolution. By the second marriage of General McClure there were born the following named : George Wells, who was born April 25, 1809, was killed by the Indians, July 22, 1834, while on a trip to California; Eleanor, born September 17, 1810, became the wife of Stephen K. Toulellot and removed to Wyoming, Iowa, where she died in January 1901; Julia, born December 14, 1812, died in Wyoming, Iowa, April 19, 1891; Mary Eliza, born May 10, 1815, became Mrs. Jennison and died in Nacogdoches, Texas, July 19, 1839; Benjamin Wells, born October 11, 1816, died in Wyoming, Iowa, May 2, 1875; William, born February 3, 1819, was the father of our subject; Henry, born August 31, 1821, died June 7. 1823; Henry C, born August 26, 1823. is now residing in Reading, Shasta County, California; Margaret, born May 14, 1826, is living in Dundee, Illinois. The father of this family spent his remaining days in Elgin, Illinois, where he died August 15, 1851, at the age of eighty years.
William McClure accompanied his parents on their removal westward and for
sometime resided in Elgin. Illinois. At the time of the excitement attending the discovery of gold in California, he went to that State and was engaged in the search for the precious metal until 1851, when he returned to the Mississippi valley, settling in Dundee, Illinois, where he remained until 1858, when he removed to Jones County, Iowa. There he purchased a tract of land, and in connection with its cultivation engaged in the conduct of a grocery store in the town of Wyoming. He married Miss Maria Wesson, who was born October 27, 1827, in Canada, and spent her last days in Wyoming, Iowa,
where her death occurred April 15, 1869. Four children were born unto William McClure and his wife, two of whom are still living, the brother of our subject being W. H. McClure, who resides in Fontanelle, Adair county, where he is publishing a newspaper. He formerly served as postmaster and at the present time is representing his district in the state legislature.
E. B. McClure, whose name introduces this record, obtained his early education in the schools of Wyoming, Iowa, and in Turner Junction, Illinois. Subsequently, he went to Clinton, this state, where he maintained his residence until his removal to Lake City, in December 1886. He served an apprenticeship as a machinist in the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad shops at Clinton, completing a full term of four years. He then was made fireman on the main line of
the Chicago & Eastern Iowa division, serving in that capacity for three years, when on the 7th of October, 1889, he was promoted to engineer on the northern Iowa division, his run being mostly from Lake City to Tama. On the 16th of November, 1901, he was made road foreman of engines and enginemen on the Sioux City division, and under his supervision there are forty-six engines, fifty-seven engineers and fifty-five firemen. During the entire time he was running upon a locomotive he was never injured and nothing could induce him to leave his engine during his hours of duty. His advancement has come in recognition of his faithfulness and fidelity.
On the 3d of October, 1888, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. McClure and
Miss Edna Toliver, of Lake City, a daughter of J. M. Toliver, lawyer and civil engineer of that place. They have two sons: Lu Marion, born September 1, 1889, and Neal William, born May 20, 1892, both now with their grandparents. Mrs. McClure was born January 2, 1867, in Jefferson, Iowa, and with her parents came to Lake City in 1870. She died February 2, 1902. We quote the following: "A true wife and mother, she gave inspiration, energy and joy continuously to the home, and as the days went by larger and purer thoughts came and life seemed sweeter, and the home and family hearth more and more attractive. She united with the Presbyterian church of this city, February 27, 1887, and lived an exemplary Christian life, always active in the church
when free from the cares at home. As a daughter she was obedient, thoughtful and loving, as a wife she was devoted and true, as a mother consecrated and faithful. The highest exemplification of her character was in the role of wife and mother, where she attained the ideal. Her Christian character was reflected in the home and home life. Maintaining her interest and activity in the
church and society circles she made her chief object the maintenance and beautification of the home. It was always a safe and sure refuge from the cares of his occupation for the now bereaved husband. It was a home of comfort and sympathy for the husband and sons. She brought to domestic relations a large and natural talent and liberal education in music, both vocal and instrumental, as well as taste for art and literature, and had always in reserve her best efforts in these lines for those who were admitted to
the home circle. Cheerful and companionable, it was a privilege to know her, but only those who enjoyed an intimate acquaintance knew the breadth, strength and beauty of the lovely and lovable character. That she should have been called away from family and home while life was at its meridian is beyond the discernment of the finite mind, when human judgment is bowed in humble submission and through its tears says, “Thy will be Done.” The funeral
services were held in the Presbyterian church by the pastor who received her into the church and officiated at her marriage. There has never been a larger or finer floral display at any funeral in the county and this indicated how sincere was the regard of Mrs. McClure's many friends. The remains were interred in the cemetery at Lake City, but for years to come the influence of her beautiful home and Christian life will remain as a benediction to all who knew her. Mr. McClure belongs to Zerubbabel Lodge, No. 240, F. & A. M., and also to Cypress Chapter, No. 99, R. A. M., and to the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. He has continuously remained in the railroad service since entering upon his business career and has splendidly combatted with the work which he has chosen and in which he has won advancement.
[Source – Biographical Record of Calhoun County, Iowa, by S. J. Clarke, 1902, p.248]