John "Jack" McCaffrey

MCCAFFREY

Posted By: Rebecca Foster (email)
Date: 9/17/2014 at 13:07:11

CAPTAIN JACK M’CAFFREY DIES AT BATTLE CREEK

Was One of the Pioneer Raft Pilots on the Upper Mississippi River.

Captain Jack McCaffrey, for many years one of the best known raft boat pilots on the Upper Mississippi river, died Sunday at the sanitarium at Battle Creek, Mich. He was 74 years old.

Some five years ago Captain McCaffrey went to Louisiana where he purchased a large plantation. This he has conducted since. His wife died there within the past two years.

Captain McCaffrey was born in Dublin, Ireland , and came to America when a mere boy. The family settled in LeClaire and here Captain McCaffrey resided for many years. He was regarded as one of the most skilled pilots on the Upper Mississippi.

With the decline of this industry Captain McCaffrey retired from active river pursuit and moved to Davenport. For a number of years the family home was at Tenth and Brady streets.

The deceased had been in failing health for some time and last week was taken to the Battle Creek sanitarium by his son, Duke. The latter returned South Saturday, not realizing the serious condition of his father. Another son, Captain Jack McCaffrey, Jr., passed down the river the same day in charge of the steamer Quincy.

Surviving are the three sons, Frank, Jack and Duke and a niece, Mrs. Minnie McCraney of Davenport. The remains will be brought to LeClaire for burial, the time of the funeral to be announced later.

Source: The Davenport Democrat and Leader, Davenport, Ia., 30 Jul 1917, p. 12.

DEATH SUMMONS CAPT. MCCAFFREY
WELL KNOWN OLD RAFT PILOT DIES AT BATTLE CREEK, MICH.

Captain Jack McCaffrey, well known raft pilot on the Mississippi River, who for years resided in Davenport and LeClaire, died Sunday at Battle Creek, Mich. According to word received in Davenport today. Captain McCaffrey was 75 years old at the time of his death. Death was due to heart trouble. The body will probably be taken to LeClaire where Interment will take place.

Captain McCaffrey was a well known raft pilot in the early days on the Mississippi. He had the reputation of knowing every inch of the river north of St. Louis. For Years he resided in Davenport and LeClaire. About eight years ago he removed to Louisiana where he purchased a plantation. Since the death of Captain McCaffrey’s wife, which occurred about three years ago, his son, Duke, had been making his home with his father. A week ago Captain McCaffrey’s illness took a turn for the worse and it was decided to take him to Battle Creek for treatment. He gradually became worse, however, until Sunday when his death occurred.

Captain McCaffrey’s first boat was the steam James Means which he owned and operated for a number of years. Later he purchased the boats owned by Schuenburg & Buckler, of St. Louis. He retired from the steamboat business about 25 years ago.

He is survived by three sons, Frank, Jack and Duke, a sister, Mrs. Sarah Rhoads and a niece, Mrs. Minnie McCraney. The body will probably arrive in LeClaire Wednesday.

Source: The Daily Times, Davenport, Ia., 30 Jul 1917, p. 14.

McCaffrey Funeral

Funeral services of Captain John McCaffrey, pioneer raft pilot, whose death occurred at Battle Creek, Mich., Sunday, will be held Wednesday morning at 10:30 o’clock from the M. V. Bois chapel, 323 Perry Street.

The body will be shipped to LeClaire, the former home of the family, where Interment will take place in the LeClaire Cemetery.

The pallbearers will be E. M. Sharon, William Chamberlin, T. J. Stebbins, Waldo Becker, W. D. Petersen and O. B. Grant. Bishop Morrison will officiate at the chapel and at the grave. Friends are invited to attend the services at the chapel, but Interment will be private.

Source: The Davenport Democrat and Leader, Davenport, Ia., 31 Jul 1917, p. 11.

McCaffrey Funeral

The funeral services of Capt. John McCaffrey will be held at 10:30 o’clock Wednesday morning from the M. V. Boies chapel, 323 Perry Street. Bishop T. N. Morrison is to officiate. Friends are invited to the services at the chapel, but the burial services at LeClaire, Capt. McCaffrey’s former home, will be private.

Source: The Daily Times, Davenport, Ia., 31 Jul 1917, p.7.

The McCaffrey Funeral

Funeral services of Captain John McCaffrey, pioneer raft pilot, were held at the M. V. Boies chapel, 323 Perry Street, this morning at 10:30 o’clock. There were many beautiful floral offerings. Bishop T. N. Morrison officiated at the chapel and at the grave in LeClaire cemetery, where Interment took place.

Pallbearers were E. M. Sharon, Wm. Chamberlin, T. J. Stebbins, Waldo Becker, W. D. Petersen and O. B. Grant.

Source: The Davenport Democrat and Leader, Davenport, Ia., 01 Aug, 1917, p.11.

McCaffrey Funeral

The funeral of Captain John McCaffrey, the aged river captain, whose death occurred early this week, was held this morning at 10:30 o’clock from the M. V. Bois Co. chapel, 323 Perry Street. Bishop T. N. Morrison officiated.

E. M. Sharon, Wm. Chamberlain, T. J. Stebbins, Waldo Becker, W. D. Petersen, and O. B. Grant served as pallbearers. The services in LeClaire cemetery, where burial was made, were private.

Source: The Daily Times, Davenport, Ia., Davenport, Ia., 01 Aug 1917, p. 7.