McCLAIN, Arthur (1837-1918)

MCCLAIN, LEWIS, MURRAY

Posted By: Kathy Weaver (email)
Date: 5/21/2016 at 21:51:25

Malvern Leader
Thursday, October 17, 1918

FUNERAL SERVICES ARTHUR McCLAIN
Well Known Resident Of Emerson Laid To Rest Thursday, October 10

The funeral service of Arthur McClain mention of whose death was made in last week's Leader was held at his late home at 2:30 Thursday afternoon. The plan had been at first to hold the service at the Presbyterian Church, but owing to Influenza epidemic, that was given up and a beautiful and impressive service on the porch and lawn of the home substituted. Mr. LeRoy Comer of Malvern had all arrangements well in hand, and promptly at the hour given a choir from the Presbyterian Church consisting of Mr. and Mrs. Stewart Honeyman, Miss Edith Bixby and Mr. Robert Honeyman sang, "All the Way My Savior Leads me," in a very comforting manner. The casket, covered and surrounded by beautiful flowers, was placed on the porch and Rev. West stood by it and conducted the service. He used the words, "Well done good and faithful servant", and gave a tender message to the burdened hearts, paying high tribute to Mr. McClain's constant faithfulness in every relation of life.

Then the Commander of G.A.R. Post from Red Oak to which Post Mr. McClain belonged added his tribute to the dear comrade and then the hymn, "Take the name of Jesus with you", was softly sung and the procession left the home for the cemetery. There gathered the G.A.R. members and the Masons and each conducted their own special burial service, which was then concluded by benediction by Rev. R. Bruce West.

Besides Mrs. McClain, and Mrs. Anna McClain and children of Emerson, were two of the four living children, Mrs. Donald Lewis from Dayton, Washington and Carl McClain of Eugene, Oregon, and a friend, Harry McDill of Mound City, Kansas.

Arthur McClain was born in Knox County, Ohio, April 16, 1837. In 1852 he moved with his parents to Adams County, Indiana. He later returned to Ohio for a year and then back to Rush county, Indiana.

In 1861, he enlisted, September 18, in the 37th Indiana Infantry and remained in the service three years, participating in many of the leading battles of the great Civil War and one time being taken prisoner.

After being mustered out of service he returned to Indiana and in May, 1866 was united in marriage to Miss Caroline C. Murray who survives him. Five children were born to this union, Rev. Albert McClain, a prominent Presbyterian minister located in Idaho, Henry McClain who passed away May 21, 1914, at his home near Emerson, Carl and Marion McClain of Eugene, Oregon and Mrs. Lula Lewis of Dayton, Wash.

A very happy event of their married life was the celebration of their Golden Wedding in May, 1916.

They came to Mills County, Iowa, in 1875 locating on a fine farm near Emerson, where he made his home for many years and which he still owned at the time of his death.

Mr. McClain was a leader in every good movement tending toward the betterment of community or people. He was an active member of the local Masonic lodge, living up to its teachings and enjoying its fellowship.

He was an honored and consistent member of the Presbyterian church of Emerson, faithful in his attendance and work and living a true and consecrated Christian life.

He was a charter member of the G.A.R. established at Emerson and later when for lack of members it was abandoned he went in with the organization of Malvern and later at Red Oak, and in all the years never failed in his duties or obligations towards his old comrades.

Few men in this community meant more to the community as a whole than did Mr. McClain and his influence for good will live long years after his passing. We will all miss him and his pleasant daily companionship, but we are most of us better for having known him. He was a good man.

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From previous week's newspaper: Arthur died at his home in Emerson from pneumonia.

Served with Co K 37th Indiana Infantry.