Elmer Ellsworth McCall (1931)

GRAHAM, HUNTOON, MCCALL, SPRAGUE

Posted By: Linda Brittain
Date: 11/11/2006 at 17:52:37

The Winterset Madisonian
Winterset, Iowa
Thursday, April 2, 1931
Page 1

E. E. McCALL DIES. LONG ILLNESS

Was Prominent in Banking and Real Estate Business and an Early Pioneer

Elmer E. McCall, widely known throughout this section of the state on account of his success and prominence in the banking and real estate business, died at his home on West Washington street on Sunday afternoon.

His health failed several years ago. An indomitable will power, a cheerful optimism and the best of medical care and nursing undoubtedly prolonged his life beyond the usual termination of a critical illness.

Mr. McCall was born in Madison county nearly 70 years ago – May 23, 1861. His parents, John R. and Mary McCall, were among the county’s early settlers and for years resided on what is known as the Brown farm, just south of Winterset on the Afton road.

After graduating from the Winterset high school, he attended the state University at Iowa City. Soon afterward he entered the employ of Mr. Graham in the land loan and abstract business. His application to the business soon brought promotion, and later he became full owner of one of the most successful abstract, real estate and loan offices in this part of Iowa.

He was elected president of the Madison County bank in 1905, which was incorporated as a state bank in 1915 with a capital and surplus of $200,000. In the same year he incorporated his land abstract and loan business as the McCall Land and Loan Co.

Mr. McCall was married to Blanche B. Sprague in 1888. Mrs. McCall and one daughter, Helen McCall Huntoon are the remaining members of the family. One son, Eugene R., died on October 2, 1916.

Mr. McCall was extremely modest and retiring in disposition. While he shunned notoriety, he was deeply interested in public affairs and was unusually well informed on political and economic questions. His home life was ideal and his intimate friends knew the warmth and loyalty of a friendship that, on account of extreme modesty, was not revealed to his less intimate acquaintances. For nearly 50 years he was active in the business affairs of the community. His counsel was valued, and his passing will be a distinct loss to the community in which he had spent his life.

Rev. Pam Main Fowler, pastor of the Presbyterian church, conducted his funeral services Wednesday morning, April 1st, at 10:30 o’clock, at the home and burial was made in the Winterset cemetery.

Mr. McCall was a member of the Masonic lodge, of the Consistory, Za Ga Zig temple, Shrine, and Knights of Pythias lodge. He was a charter member of the local Golf and Country club, and served as president for many years.

Gravesite
 

Madison Obituaries maintained by Linda Griffith Smith.
WebBBS 4.33 Genealogy Modification Package by WebJourneymen