McKeag, John 1844-1930

MCKEAG, RUTHERFORD, MCKNIGHT, SKIDMORE, DITZLER, CLELAND, HARRIS, GRANT

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 7/13/2010 at 09:13:01

Grinnell Herald (Grinnell, Iowa) Oct. 10, 1930

JOHN MCKEAG IS CALLED BY DEATH

Respected Citizen of Grinnell Passes Away Wednesday Night Aged 86 Years

FUNERAL SERVICES WERE HELD THIS AFTERNOON

Conducted by His Pastor, Rev. W.J. Stewart--Burial in Cemetery at Ewart

John McKeag, who has lived in Grinnell for many years and in Poweshiek county since 1869, reached the end of life's pilgrimage when he passed away Wednesday night at 11:55 o'clock. He was 86 years old in July.

Mr. McKeag was one of Grinnell's solid, responsible men. He was universally liked and respected and those who knew him best valued him the most for his many fine qualities of mind and heart.

He was born in County Down, Ireland, July 20, 1844. Here he received his education and grew to young manhood. In 1866, when he was 22 years old, he came to the United States to try his fortune, locating first near Rock Island, Ill. Three years later his parents came to join him and he settled with them on the farm 11 miles southeast of Grinnell, which is still known as the McKeag farm. In the spring of 1903 the family moved to Grinnell where their home has been ever since in the residence at 524 High street.

In November 1879 Mr. McKeag was married to Margaret Jane Rutherford. Five children were born to them of whom one daughter, Mary, passed away at the age of two years. He is survived by his wife, one son, James, a successful attorney in Chicago, and three daughters, Mrs. H.T. McKnight of Valley Junction, Mrs. Jayne Skidmore of Grinnell and Mrs. A.E. Ditzler of Oskaloosa, two granddaughters, Louise and Helen Skidmore and two sisters, Mrs. Sarah Cleland of Ewart and Mrs. Jane Harris of Broomfield, Colo. Among the group who earnestly sorrow in his passing is also a niece, Mrs. Mary Grant of Grinnell to whom Mr. and Mrs. McKeag stood in the place of parents and who grew up in their home.

Mr. McKeag was a member of the Grinnell Lodge of Elks No. 1266 and of the United Presbyterian church. Although for a number of years he has been infirm, he was often to be found in his place of worship and was always cordially greeted and welcomed by his brother Elks when he came to the club room, which he did on frequent occasions. A quiet man,he was none the less likeable and the friendship which all who knew him well entertained for him was built on firm and enduring foundations of respect, confidence and esteem.

Funeral services conducted by his pastor, Rev. W.J. Stewart, were held from the home at 2 o'clock this afternoon. Interment was in the cemetery at Ewart. Pall bearers were James Buswell, John and Charles Manly, Wm. Hamilton, C.K. Needham and W.J. Nelson.