McCRARY, James Cephas: Died 1907

MCCRARY, COOLEY

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri
Date: 5/12/2013 at 13:09:50

JAMES C. MCCRARY.

James Cephas McCrary, an honored citizen of Van Buren county, died suddenly at his home in Vernon, on Thursday evening, December 19, 1907, of heart trouble. His remains were laid to rest in the Vernon cemetery, on Sunday, December 22, after a sermon had been preached at the M.E. church in his home town by Rev. C.S. McElhinny. His remains were escorted to the church by the comrades of Shriver Post, No. 177, G.A.R. assisted by comrades from other posts. He was a member of Shriver Post and was in attendance at a meeting held on the evening preceding his death. He leaves to mourn his loss a wife and one sister and one brother, the only near relatives, who have the sympathy and condolence of a wide circle of neighbors and friends.

The deceased was the son of James McCrary, an early pioneer of this county and was born on a farm in what is now Henry township, Nov. 25, 1841. All of the brothers and sisters were born in this county except the eldest brother George W. McCrary, who was born in Indiana. The latter member of the family rose to prominence in the councils of the Nation, succeeding James F. Wilson as member of congress from the First district of Iowa, was a member of President Hays; cabinet as Secretary of War, and in latter life filled the position of Judge of the United States Circuit Court, which position he was filling at the time of his death.

Only Mrs. Nancy Cooley and Miner McCrary of Farmington remain alive of the family. James McCrary enlisted in 1861, in a regiment that afterwards became the 7th Missouri cavalry. He, with a large number of young men of this county being in Company A. After three years of service with the forces operating in Missouri and Arkansas, the regiment was mustered out in the fall of 1864, its term of enlistment having expired. The regiment did not re-enlist in the veteran service. He returned from the service much broken in health and it took many weeks to regain his normal health.

On the 30th of March, 1870, he was united in marriage to Miss Malcinna E. George, who was a loving wife and faithful helpmate until death separated them. Three daughters were born to them: Bertha May, Mary M and Maud Ethel, all of whom preceded the father tothe better world. Deceased was a member of the Congregational church, and was faithful to its teachings to the end. He was a loving husband and father, a useful citizen, and exemplary neighbor and friend, a patriotic soldier and a good christian man.

He never rose to prominence in the annals of the state or Nation, but was one of the rank and file of the citizens. He never shirked duty when called upon, but was ever ready to do his part in any emergency. He was just such a person as goes to make up the bone and sinew of a great republic and make its defense in times of need. Although he lived a a rather obscure life, with name unhearlded, he did not live in vain, and the annals of a quiet neighborhood will record of him "faithful and true."

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book C, Page 56, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA