McWilliams, James B. 'Brown' died 1896

MCWILLIAMS, NEELING

Posted By: S. Ferrall - IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 10/13/2009 at 19:41:51

Died,at his residence, just east of Postville, on Wednesday morning, March 11th, 1896, Brown McWilliams, aged 61 years, one month and seven days.

Mr. McWilliams, with other members of his family, was poisoned about two weeks ago by eating canned tomatoes. The others vomited thoroughly and were not very sick. Mr. McWilliams did not vomit, and was more seriously affected from the start, but was not considered in a very dangerous condition until about three days before his death. Even as late as Tuesday evening his family were hopeful, as he seemed to rally on Monday and appeared better. But he grew worse in the night and died at five o'clock on Wednesday morning.

Mr. McWilliams was what may be considered a pioneer of this part of the state, having come to Clayton county 37 years ago. Most of this time he resided on a farm near Postville, and a short time, a number of years ago, he lived in town.

Brown McWilliams was a straight-forward, reliable and honorable man in all his dealings with his neighbors and others. He leaves a wife, five sons and two daughters to mourn his sudden and unnatural death. He leaves his family in good circumstances. Besides his home property he leaves a policy in the Iowa Workmen good for $2,000. In this hour of sad affliction to the wife and children may a consolation come that earth cannot afford and friends cannot give. It is only going a little before, that is all. In a few more days or years we shall all follow to the same silent land. May a kind Providence smooth the passage that the end may be peace. Funeral from the house at 10:30 o'clock this Friday morning, Rev. L. S. Hand officiating. Interment in the Postville cemetery.

~Postville Review, 3/14/1896

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At 3 a.m. Wednesday, James B. McWilliams, aged 61 years, 1 month and 7 days, died at his home just southeast of town. Several days ago the family at home were taken violently ill after a meal in which canned tomatoes was a dish. One son who did not eat of the tomatoes escaped the sickness. Mr. McWilliams could not throw off the poisonous lead, as the others were successful in doing, and paralysis settling in, his earthly career came to a sudden end. "Brown" McWilliams, as he was familiarly known, was born in Fayette county, Penn., and in his early manhood came to Iowa, forty years of his life having been spent in Clayton and Allamakee counties. Two brothers and a sister reside in Pennsylvania. He leaves a wife, five sons and two daughters to hallow the memory of a godd and faithful husband and father. Deceased was a member of the A.O.U.W. of Iowa, and highly esteemed in the community where he has lived so many years. Funeral services will take place at 10:30 a.m. to-morrow, conducted by Rev. L.S. Hand.

~Postville Graphic, March 12, 1896

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Note: wife was Sarah E. Neeling