MUSCATINE COUNTY IOWA REGISTER OF OLD SETTLERS BOOK ONE

Source: REGISTER OF OLD SETTLERS , BOOK One, page 256 & 259
submitted by Charlene Nichols Hixon, Aug. 30, 2007

Death of D. G. McCloud.

Yesterday afternoon at four o’clock occurred the death of Hon. D. G. McCloud, one of Muscatine county’s oldest and most popular citizens, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Job Rankin, on East Fourth street. For some time past his family and friends have felt that the end was drawing near and they were in a measure prepared for the sad intelligence. Some months ago he retired from active duties and farm life and took up his abode in this city. Shortly afterwards he was taken ill, and has been confined to his bed ever since. At times he would rally and there were great hopes of his recovery, but these improvements in his condition were only temporary. For a week or more he has been failing gradually, and at four o’clock his spirit took its flight to its eternal home.

The deceased was born in Franklin county, Ohio, August 11, 1818, consequently he was in his seventy-first year of life. When but 18 years of age he removed to Warsaw, Ills., and three years later, in 1839, came to Muscatine county, where he has resided ever since. He was a plasterer by trade, which avocation he followed until in 1853, when he was elected Sheriff of this county, which position he filled with credit to himself and the county for four years. At that time the county jail was nothing more than an old cabin. Upon retiring from office he engaged in farming in Lake township, and followed this pursuit until last year when he retired to try city life. In 1872 he was elected to the Legislature, serving one term.

On the 18th of July, 1849, he was married to Miss Phoebe Chattaway, who survives him. Eight children were born to them, all of whom except the eldest, a daughter, Mrs. Aramanda V. Barnard, who died several years ago at Chester, Ill., survive him. The other children are: Cynthian M., wife of Chas. S. Miller, of Fruitland township; Cora W., wife of J. W. Rankin, of this city; George D., of Lewiston, Idaho; Bion C., of St. Louis; Anna G., wife of Frank McBride, of Lake township; Emma E., wife of Albert McBride, of Boston; Abbey P., wife of John Hitchcock, of Lake township. All of the family were at home except George, who is on his way here, being expected to arrive Sunday night or Monday morning, and Mrs. Emma E. McBride, who is in Boston, and owing to illness in the family is unable to come. The deceased was a member of the M. E. church, of Lake township, and of the I. O. O. F. He was an industrious, energetic and honorable citizen, and one who had a host of friends, all of whom will regret to learn of his death.

His funeral will probably not occur until next Monday.

*** continued on page 259 ***

In Memoriam.

The Old Settlers at their meeting yesterday morning appointed a committee consisting of Messrs. S. McNutt, J. Bridgman and A. M. Winn to draft resolutions of respect to the memory of the late D. G. McCloud. The following was presented and adopted:

The numbers of old settlers are rapidly diminishing with the passing years, and we are now called upon to notice the departure from among us of another, who has gone to that mysterious “bourne from whence no traveler returns.” David G. McCloud is no more. He has gone to the unseen land beyond earth’s boundary, where pain and sorrow are unknown and the weary are at rest. He was born in Franklin county, Ohio, August 11, 1818, and died March 29, 1889, at the age of 70 years, 7 months and 18 days. He came to Muscatine (then Bloomington) in 1839, and had resided in this county 50 years.

He was one of nature’s noblemen. Honest, upright and true in all the relations of life, he had the respect and confidence of his fellow citizens. Twice elected Sheriff of this county, he performed the duties of that office with fidelity and credit. Once elected to the House of Representatives, he faithfully, and to the best of his ability, represented the people in the halls of legislation. For over thirty years he resided on his farm in Lake township, and in his dealings with his neighbors, he was a model of fidelity and honesty. He was remarkable for his attention to the poor and helpless; and in his care for the sick and the afflicted, he was self-sacrificing to a wonderful degree. He was a true Christian in faith and practice.

He was foremost in every movement for improving and advancing the welfare and interests of the community – a leader I our agricultural society – an advocate and supporter of every improvement in agriculture and horticulture, and labor-saving machinery; his judgment was good and he was always reliable and firm.

As a citizen he was one of our strong men and one of our best men. He lived his “three score and ten years” and died, leaving a record worthy of imitation, and a memory that all who know him will fondly cherish, therefore

Resolved, That in the death of David G. McCloud, we have lost one of our best citizens, and while mourning his departure, the history of his honorable life is cherished in our memory; and we tenderly offer to his family and relatives our sincere condolence in their bereavement, and extend to them our heartfelt sympathy.


RESOLVED, That we wear the usual token of mourning and attend the funeral.

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