For
Muscatine County Iowa
1911
| Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1911 | |
Source: History of Muscatine County Iowa, Volume II, Biographical, 1911, page 119
JAMES McELRAVY. When the tenor of public peace is undisturbed one does not stop to consider that back of this is the eternal, unrelaxing vigilance of men who are constantly engaged in the duty of suppressing crime and lawlessness, and that peace, liberty and protection are fruits of a well organized police system. Such, however, is the case, and at the present writing James McElravy is filling the position of chief of police of Muscatine, his loyalty and capability in office proving of the utmost benefit to the city. He was born in Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, October 8, 1855, a son of James and Jane ( McCormick ) McElravy, both of whom were natives of Scotland. The father was a coal miner and coming to America, settled in Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, whence he removed westward to Muscatine, Iowa, about 1859. Ten years later he met death in a mine, being killed by a rock falling upon him. In early manhood he had wedded Jane McCormick, a daughter of John McCormick, who was a native of Scotland and died there in middle life. The widowed mother afterward came to America with her family of three daughters and two sons, namely: Robert, John, Jane, Esther and Mrs. Wisely. Of the marriage of James McElravy and Jane McCormick there were born six children : James, of this review; Thomas; Mary Jane, the wife of H. H. Bell, of Muscatine; Martha, the deceased wife of John Clark; and two who died in childhood. The mother of this family survived her husband for a number of years, passing away in 1883 at the age of sixty-five. In religious faith she was a Presbyterian, devoted to the welfare of her church and to her family and ever loyal to her friends.James McElravy was reared in Muscatine from the age of five years and attended the public schools, pursuing his studies in the old No. 2 school. He afterward followed various occupations, including brick-making and boiler-making but has been connected with the police force of the city much of the time since 1885. In 1910 he was appointed to the position of chief of police by the city council and is now acceptably filling that office.
On the 15th of September, 1886, Mr. McElravy was married to Miss Minnie Soehren, who was born in Walcoot,Scott county, Iowa, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Rheimer Soehren, who were natives of Germany and became early rsidents of Scott county. Her father died a number of years ago, but her mother is still living. In their family were seven children: Susan, the wife of John Ely; Lizzie, the wife of Mont Kent; Minnie, now Mrs. McElravy; Philip, who makes his home in Davenport, Iowa; Joseph, also of that city; Theressa, the wife of John Struve, a resident of Moline, Illinois; and Bettie, the wife of Joseph Meuimmann, of Davenport.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. McElravy has been blessed with four children, as follows; Hazel Emmeline, the wife of Paul Fisher, of Muscatine, by whom she has a son, Paul James; Helen Corinne, at home; Marguerite,who died in infancy; and James, who is still in school.
The family residence is at No. 110 Foster street, Mr. McElravy there having a good home. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and he holds a membership with the Maccabees and the Modern Woodmen of America. His political allegiance has always been given to the republican party and, keeping well informed on the questions and issues of the day, he is able to support his position by intelligent argument. For over a half century he has been a resident of Muscatine, so that he is largely familiar with much of its history and has ever been an interested witness of its growth and development. Few men are more widely known in the city and a genial manner and cordial disposition have made Mr. McElravy popular with an extensive circle of friends.
Back to Biographical Index Page