McElwee, James 1884-1965

MCELWEE, WILKINS, TRAVIS, ALLEN, COX, RODGERS, JOHNSON, PRESCOTT, PHILLIPS, SMITH, COOPER

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes
Date: 7/5/2013 at 08:11:32

The Grinnell (IA) Herald-Register
July 12, 1965

CONDUCT RITES
HERE TODAY FOR
JAMES MCELWEE

James McElwee, 81, of 301 Pearl St., died Friday evening at a local hospital after an extended illness.

Services were held this afternoon (Monday) from the Smith Funeral Home with the Rev. Ralph Beebe of the Mayflower Home officiating. Vocal music was provided by Mrs. Mac Molison accompanied by Mrs. Willard Heffner at the organ. Flower bearers were Mrs. Eugene Staecker and Mrs. Maurice Douglas.

Serving as pallbearers were Eugene Staecker, Lester Johnson, Lyle Wedgewood, Bill Ritter, Maurice Douglas and Wesley Ahrens. Interment was in Jackson Township cemetery at Montezuma.

He was the son of William H. and Alice Wilkins McElwee and was born March 25, 1884 in Jasper county, Illinois, one of a family of seven children. He received his education in the schools of that area and on November 25, 1906, in Cumberland county, Ill, was united in marriage with Laura Travis, by the Rev. Ishler.

To this union were born two daughters, Mrs. Homer (Grace) Allen and Mrs. Ray (Edna) Cox, both of Grinnell. In addition to his widow and daughters, he is survived by four grandchildren--Wendell Rodgers of Denver, Colo., Gerald Allen and Mrs. William G. (Nona) Johnson of Oakland Acres west of Grinnell, and Mrs. Joel (Juanita) Prescott of Pittsfield, Mass.

Also surviving are 13 great grandchildren; three brothers--Harry McElwee of Collins, Iowa, Frederick McElwee of Houston, Texas, and Clarence McElwee of Willow Hill, Ill.; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters, Mrs. Ella Philips, Mrs. Molly Smith, and Mrs. Pearl Cooper.

Mr. McElwee had been self-employed as a broom manufacturer and farmer most of his life. He and his family moved to Iowa in 1929 and moved to Grinnell to make their home in 1937.

He was a member of the Christian church in Jasper county, Ill. Mr. and Mrs. McElwee had celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 1956.