THOMAS McCULLA (1855 - 1936)

MCCULLA, CLEAVES

Posted By: County Coordinator (email)
Date: 5/11/2020 at 10:33:34

Thomas McCulla, Pioneer Attorney Here, Succumbs

Thomas McCulla, pioneer attorney of Cherokee and a man who had played a prominent part in development of the community over a period of more than half a century, passed away at 12:30 Friday afternoon at his residence at 601 West Main street. Mr. McCulla, who attained his eightieth birthday November 29, had been ill for a number of weeks.

Mr. McCulla, following graduation from Iowa State university, came to Cherokee in 1879 to engage in the practice of law and continued actively in that profession until a few years ago. He became one of the most active boosters the city has ever known. It was largely through his effort that this city was selected as the site for the Cherokee State hospital. He occupied many positions of honor and trust, served as county attorney for three terms, was city attorney, and filled the position of mayor for three successive terms, during which period the waterworks and electric light systems were installed.

In addition to the law practice he was engaged in the newspaper business for a number of years, editing The Times from 1884 to 1890 and from 1908 to 1912.

He was a moving factor in the organization of the movement that resulted in erection of the opera house now known as the Rialto, which at the time of its erection was one of the finest to be found in a city of similar size in Iowa. Mr. McCulla continued supervision of the property throughout all these years.

Mr. McCulla was the oldest living past master of Speculative lodge No. 307, the A.F. & A.M., serving during the years of 1887-88, and two years ago was honored by members of that lodge with the presentation of a medal commemorating his fifty years of service as a Master Mason.

He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Carrie Ellen Cleaves McCulla, and two sons, Lawrence C., now a practicing attorney in Cherokee, and Royal Thomas who is located at Wadena, Minn.

Source: Former Cherokee County Historical Society Scrapbook. Article from Cherokee Daily Times, dated Jan 3, 1936.