Delorum McClellan 1832-1909

MCCLELLAN, HANSON, STUART

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 5/21/2018 at 09:51:32

21 October 1909 - West Branch Times

Delorum Elizur McClellan was born Dec. 16, 1832, at Tonawanda, Niagara Co., N.Y. He was married to Miss Cornelia P. Hanson June 1st, 1859, at Battle Creek, Michigan. There was born to this union one child, Mattie G. Stuart, who, with her mother, survive him. There was also an adopted child, Katie Hanson, who died several years ago. Bro. McClellan died on Tuesday evening, Oct. 18,. at 10 o'clock p.m., of complications of long standing and incident to old age, surrounded by those he most loved, in the happy consciousness of a well spent life and a hope of a glorious immortality. He was aged 76 years, 10 months and 2 days. He came to Iowa May 1, 1865, and for a few years resided on a farm near Downey, which he later sold and removed to West Branch, where he has been a continuous resident with the exception of a short time that he conducted a general store at Oasis. Bro. McClellan was a long time member of the Presbyterian church, and served his church in the capacity of Ruling Elder, Trustee, Clerk of Sessions and Sunday School Superintendent.

He was West Branch's first Mayor, and served the state as Justice of the Peace for many years; also was Township Trustee and Assessor.

Bro. McClellan was made a Mason Oct. 10, 1854, at Climax Lodge No. 49, Climax, Michigan, when but twenty-one years of age, since which time he has been an active, working member. He is one of the last of the charter members of Wapsinonoc Lodge No. 381, located at this place and has served this lodge in all of the offices with credit and ability. For the past 15 years he has been it's Secretary and was holding this office at the time of his death, and the records he has kept will go down in lodge history as the best kept records in the state.

He was a man of affairs and took an interest in the welfare of his country, state and town. As a business man he was strictly honest and every one was his friend, and he befreinded many, even to his own financial undoing. He did not accumulate much of this worlds goods but has left an honorable record that is better than riches.

With the heavens weeping in sympathy with the sad occasion, the funeral was held on Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock. The services were conducted at the Presbyterian church by Rev. G. H. Furniss of West Liberty, assisted by Rev. W. A. Montgomery. The Masonic Order conducted the services at the grave and laid to rest one of the most valued of their members. The pall bearers were selected from the membership of the Masonic Order and were: Thos. Moore, C. H. Wickersham, E. C. Shafer, V. S. McKarahan, J. J. Gamble and R. Leech.