McLain, George W. 1845-1919

MCLAIN, SIBLEY

Posted By: Mary Holub, volunteer (email)
Date: 3/31/2020 at 15:31:28

From: Le Mars Semi-Weekly Sentinel, August 1, 1919

Obituary of Late Mayor

Contributed by a Member of His Family.

G. W. McLain was born in Wyandott county, Ohio, November 17, 1845.

At the age of five years the family came west, settling in Ogle county, Ill., on a farm. In the year 1859 the family again faced the setting sun, locating on a farm in Story county, Ia. In 1868 Mr. McLain was united in marriage to a daughter of the late L. W. Sibley of this county.

In the spring of 1870, accompanied by his wife, Mr. McLain left home and friends and settled on a farm in Stanton township in this county. One son was born, F. C. McLain, who with his wife resides at Osage, Ia.

In the year 1884 the family took up their residence in Le Mars. At the election of 1894 Mr. McLain was elected to the office of county recorder in which capacity he served six years.

In the year 1898 death entered the home, the wife and other being called to a higher life. After the death of Mrs. McLain the home fires were kept burning by Mrs. George Burt, who made her home with the family after the death of her husband, until she too, responded to the Master’s call

At the election in March, 1917, Mr. McLain was elected mayor of the city. After serving two years and refusing a second nomination he spent a few weeks in looking after his private affairs, intending to spend his remaining years a the home of his son. Desiring once more to visit his brother-in-law, Dr. S. E. Sibley, of Sioux City, about the middle of May he went there. While at the home of Dr. Sibley he was stricken with what proved to be his last illness and was taken to St. Joseph’s Mercy hospital, where he passed away at 4:15 p.m. on July 24.

Note: His name was George W. McLain and his wife’s name was Ada R. Sibley McLain (1850-1898.