Fay, James M'Coy 1845 - 1902

FAY, SHRINER

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 8/5/2021 at 20:31:23

Elkader Register, Thur., 16 Oct. 1902. From the Postville Review, undated.

JAMES M'COY FAY.

Was born Jan. 18, 1845, in Fayette Co., Penn., and came to Grand Meadow township, Clayton county, Iowa, with his father in 1850, by way of steamer up the Allegheny river to Ohio, on the Ohio to the Mississippi, up the Mississippi to McGregor. At that time but a single farmhouse was to be found between McGregor and the old Fry Tavern. Coming to this section at such an early day he faced all the hardships of the pioneer and with his own hands felled the timber with which were constructed their log cabin home. He has, with the exception of a few months last past, when he removed to Postville, been a resident of Grand Meadow township, which makes him one of its oldest settlers.

The subject of the above sketch was a man known and respected by all as an honest, upright and loyal citizen, an untiring worker and a friend of humanity. He knew by experience what hardships were and ever bent a listening ear to those distressed and by timely aid and advice has assisted many a struggling settler through the Slough of Despond into the pathway that has since led them to prosperity. He was one of those who cleared away the forests and tilled the virgin soil of Iowa till it blossomed as the rose. But human endurance has its limit and he at last, tired and worn out by his years of incessant toil, must at last refrain. So on November last he bought a fine home in this city and moved in to enjoy the competence he had achieved through the years of toil. But the Fates had decreed he should not live long to enjoy his coveted rest, and a few weeks ago he was stricken with diabetes, and despite the tender nursing and the medical skill he on Thursday morning, Oct. 2, 1902, at the age of 57 years, 9 months and 14 days, fell into that dreamless sleep called death that kisses down his eyelids still. Peace to his ashes.

He was married July 4, 1868, to Elizabeth Shriner, who with the five children - four sons and a daughter - mourn the loss of a kind and faithful husband and loving father. He also leaves two brothers and four sisters and innumerable friends to mourn his untimely death.

The funeral was held from the Congregational church at 2 o'clock last Sunday afternoon and was largely attended. Interment in the Postville cemetery. - Review.