E. E. McElwain
E. E. McElwain comes of good stock, as is shown in the history of the family on both sides of the house, and in his battle with the world, although now only thirty-three years of age, he has most creditably acquitted himself.
He was born in Oakland, Iowa, May 5, 1878, son of Myron L. and Lydia M. (Muns) McElwain. The father was born in Michigan, May 25, 1843, and accompanied his parents on their removal to Wisconsin, locating near Lancaster, where Myron L. McElwain lived until the outbreak of the Civil war, when he enlisted in the Iron Brigade under General George B. McClellan. In a night action he had his leg broken, the bone protruding through the flesh, which wound made him a cripple for life. He served for two years and after leaving the army spent two years at his old home in Wisconsin and then removed to Minnesota.
Two years later he came to Iowa and lived in Pottawattamie county until 1881, when he located in Willow township, Crawford county. For ten years past he and his wife have resided at Denison. He is a veterinarian and has engaged in that profession ever since early manhood.
Marshall McElwain, a brother of Myron L. McElwain, also served in the Union army during the Civil war. He was wounded and died near St. Louis, Missouri. Another brother, Marcus, was a soldier during the latter part of the war and passed through uninjured. Our subject's great-grandfather fought during the entire period of the American Revolution. On his mother's side three brothers fought under the stars and stripes. Henry Muns enlisted at the age of sixteen and was killed at the battle of Atlanta.
There were nine children in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Myron L. McElwain, namely: Jay B., who is now editor of the Moorehead Times, of Moorehead, Iowa; Ed R., who is engaged in the elevator business at Blencoe, Iowa; Bert M. and A. L., who live at Kenwood, Iowa; E. E., of this review; Arthur, of Moorehead; Ora, of Charter Oak; Emma; and Laura, who is engaged in the millinery business at Denison. Edward R. McElwain served for five years in the regular army of the United States in various parts of the country and participated in the Sioux Indian war in the Black Hills, being twice shot through the body. His recovery appeared almost miraculous.
E. E. McElwain was educated in the public schools of Willow township and the graded school at Charter Oak, later attending college at Denison. He remained at home until twenty-two years of age and then began farming on rented land in Willow township. He conducted his business to such good advantage that after eight years he was able to purchase land and now owns three hundred and twenty acres, which he has transformed into productive fields. He is a feeder of stock and also an extensive raiser of thoroughbred Hampshire hogs, and the interest and ability he has shown in the various departments of his work have resulted in marked success financially.
In 1903 Mr. McElwain was united in marriage to Miss Clarissa Haworth, a native of Crawford county, and they have three children, namely: Myron, Loa and Vernon.
Politically, Mr. McElwain gives his allegiance to the republican party and although he' has never aspired to the honors of public life he has held several township offices. He was reared in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal church, and in his various relations with others he has always aimed to be just and fair, performing his duties conscientiously and ever mindful of the welfare of the community. He dearly deserves the reputation he has achieved as a progressive and public-spirited citizen.
Source: History of Crawford County, Iowa. Vol. II. Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1911.