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ROBERT W. McELROY, for twenty-seven years a Constable in Washington, is a native of Huntingdon County, Pa., born Jan. 10, 1818. He is the son of Robert and Hannah (Wilson) McElroy, the former being of Scotch descent, his father, Thomas McElroy, the grandfather of our subject, emigrating from Scotland at a very early day, and locating in Pennsylvania. Robert and Hannah McElroy were the parents of eight children, Robert W. now being the only one living. they were members of the Presbyterian Church, and much respected. The former died in 1824, and the latter in 1836.
Robert W. McElroy was reared in his native State, and in its common subscription schools received what little education he obtained. His father dying when he was but six years old, leaving his mother in limited circumstances financially, necessitated his leaving the parental roof at an early age that he might make his own living. He was married in 1837 to Miss Matilda Reed, by whom he had seven children: Rachel A., now the wife of Reuben F. Riley, a merchant tailor of Washington; Thomas D., a commercial traveler, now resides in Marshalltown, Iowa; Mary, Joseph E. and Frank
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are at home; Charles M. resides in Davenport, and William C. is engaged in railroading.
In 1850, Mr. McElroy, with his family, left his native State and came to Iowa, being preceded in 1843 by a brother, through whose influence he came West. He located in Washington, where he has since continued to reside, and for many years has been one of its best known and highly respected citizens. Mr. McElroy was made a Mason in Rochester Lodge, Beaver County, Pa., previous to coming West. On his arrival here he found no lodge of the order and therefore assisted in the organization of Washington Lodge No. 26, A.F. & A.M., and was its first S. W. and Second W.M. While W. M. he represented the lodge at the Grand Lodge held at Mt. Pleasant in 1854. When Elezer Clemmens died in 1852, he had charge of the funeral services. At that time of the organization there were not seven Masons in the whole county. He has lived to see a wonderful increase in the growth of the order here, notwithstanding the opposition it has met with from it opponents. Mr. McElroy is also a member of Cyrus Chapter No. 13, R.A.M., and has been Tyler of the Blue Lodge and Chapter for many years. In the success of the order he has always been greatly interested, believing its principles are such as make better men and better members of society.
Politically, Mr. McElroy commenced his voting life as a Whig, but since its organization has been an enthusiastic supporter of the principles of the Republican party. He has been honored by his party and fellow-citizens generally with various local offices. For twenty-seven years he has been a Constable in this city; was the first City Marshal and served seven years. He was Coroner of the county two terms, and as such, in the absence of Sheriff Hawthorne in the service of his country during the war of the Rebellion, was ex-officio Sheriff of the county.
Religiously, for many years our subject has been connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which body his wife is also a member. As an important part of Christianity, he considers the cause of temperance, and in that cause has been a willing worker. He was a worthy patriarch of the first division of the Sons of Temperance organized in Washington, and when the question of prohibition was submitted as a State measure he was on the side of God and home against the saloon.
For thirty-seven years Mr. McElroy has been a citizen of Washington. He has witnessed its growth and that of the county till city and county are numbered among the best in the fair State of Iowa. In the work accomplished he has done his part in a faithful manner. He has always enjoyed the good-will and confidence of the public, and in his daily life has acted strictly upon the principles of the Golden Rule. For fifty years he and his aged wife have lived happily together, and that many more years may be added to the past before being called away, is the wish of all with whom they are acquainted. On Tuesday, Aug. 2, 1887, his golden wedding was celebrated at his residence, where his many friends presented him and his wife with a number of beautiful and valuable presents.
JOHN McCLELLAND is a farmer and stock-raiser residing on section 10, Washington Township, this county. He was born in Allegheny County, Pa., July 9, 1823. His father, John McClelland, was a native of Ireland, who came with his parents to this country when but seven years of age, and in Westmoreland County, Pa., was subsequently united in marriage with Elizabeth Keister. They were the parents of fifteen children, fourteen of whom are yet living: William now resides in Washington; James resides in Michigan; Rebecca, the wife of Peter Keister, resides in this county; Erskine is in Colorado; Nathan, when last heard from was in Australia; John, the subject of this sketch; Job is in Anamosa, Col.; Phoebe is the wife of John McKinzie, of Ainsworth, this county; Elizabeth, the wife of Archibald Graham, resides in Missouri; Hannah, the wife of John McClelland; Jemima, a widow, resides in Missouri; Mary J., the wife of William O. Wallace, and Rosanna, the wife of John Work, are residents of this county.
In 1831 the family settled in Butler County, Pa., and in 1855 came to Washington County, Iowa. In politics, John McClelland, Sr., was first
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a Whig and afterward a Republican, but at all times a strong anti-slavery man, and a strong Prohibitionist. John and Elizabeth McClelland lived together as man and wife for more than fifty years. The were members of the United Presbyterian Church, and while in Pennsylvania, Mr. McClelland was an Elder in his local congregation. He died May 2, 1871, and his wife June 8, 1875.
The subject of this sketch was reared upon a farm and educated in the common schools of Allegheny and Butler Counties, Pa. In 1846 he came to Washington County, Iowa, where he remained one year, and then returned to Pennsylvania on account of the desire of his father. Remaining in his native State for about eight years, in 1855 he returned to this county and settled upon the land where he now lives. In 1858 Mr. McClelland was united in marriage with Miss Eliza J. Cain, a native of Carroll County, Ohio. By this union there were six children, five yet living: Job, the eldest son, is an attorney-at-law; he was educated in the common schools of Washington County, supplemented by a partial course at Washington Academy. When twenty-five years of age he commenced reading law in the office of Kellogg & Wilson, in the meantime teaching school two terms, serving as Township Assessor one year, and working in the harvest field during the season. He was admitted to the bar June 9, 1887. In politics, he strongly advocates the principles of the Republican party. James died at the age of twenty, at Santa Fe, N.M.; Justin, Belle, William and Eliza J., reside at home. Mrs. McClelland died in 1872, mourned by a large circle of friends. She was a sincere Christian woman, and a member of the United Presbyterian Church. Mr. McClelland cast his first vote for Birney, the Free-soil candidate for the Presidency. On the organization of the Republican party he identified himself wit it, and has since continued to advocate its principles.
Mr. McClelland came to Washington County soon after Iowa was admitted into the Union. the country was new, and the settlements few and far between. The railroad which now traverses every county in the State, and which reaches every county seat, did not then come within hundreds of miles. The changes that have since been made can scarcely be realized even by the old settlers. The country then new, is now dotted all over with fine farm houses, and among the most comfortable is that of John McClelland, situated upon section 10, Washington Township. Religiously, Mr. McClelland is a United Presbyterian, a member of the Irving Lake Church of Washington. He is well and favorably known throughout the county.
J. C. McCARTNEY is engaged in general farming and stock-raising on section 15, Dutch Creek Township. He was born July 23, 1848, in Guernsey County, Ohio, and is a son of J. and Mary A. (Skinner) McCartney. His father was a native of Ireland, born in 1822, and came to America in company with his parents in 1829. the grandfather of our subject, after purchasing tickets for the family to New York, and while at Liverpool, was robbed of $1,500, all that he had, and therefore when he landed at New York he was without a dollar.
The father of our subject was a weaver by trade, who, after landing in New York, started out to seek employment at his trade, going up the Hudson River to Utica, N.Y., where he was joined by the family, and where all put their earnings together, and were in a short time in fairly comfortable circumstances. They lived at Utica some four or five years, and then moved to Guernsey County, Ohio, and bought a farm. In that county his parents were married, his father purchasing a small farm near Londonderry, Ohio, and turned his attention to farming. He remained on that farm until the fall of 1860, when he sold the same and came to Washington County, Iowa, and located on section 15, Dutch Creek Township, where he purchased sixty acres of fine farm land, where the subject of our sketch now resides, being the only living child of his father's family. In 1880, his parents moved to Washington, Iowa, where they now reside, his father being sixty-five years of age, and mother sixty-two. Both are members of the United Presbyterian Church.
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In 1880, the subject of this sketch took full control of the farm; he now owns 100 acres of fine prairie land and takes pleasure in looking after the comforts of his aged parents. He was untied in marriage, Jan. 1, 1869, with Miss Kate Martin, a native of Crawford County, Ohio, born Feb. 1, 1847, a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Foulkes) Martin, the former a native of Kentucky, and the latter of Ohio. Her father died March 19, 1883, and was buried in Crawford County, Ohio. Her mother is now residing in Galion, Ohio.
Mr. and Mrs. McCartney are the parents of one son, John B. born Oct. 20, 1870, and resides at home. they are members of the United Presbyterian Church. Politically, Mr. McCartney is an independent Republican, and has held various township offices. He was Assessor in 1831, and has held the office of Justice of the Peace three terms, and Notary Public some eight or ten years. In the discharge of all his official duties, he has given eminent satisfaction. Mr. McCartney is yet in his prime, and has doubtless many years of usefulness before him. For some years he was engaged in the mercantile business at Dublin, but of late years he has been farming. In the former business hew as quite successful, and in the latter he is also making a success. He is now turning his attention to the improvement of his stock, endeavoring to have a grade of stock equal to any in Washington County. In educational matters he takes special interest, and is now educating his son at the academy in Washington. As a citizen, Mr. McCartney stands well in the estimation of all who knew him.
WILLIAM McClelland, farmer and stock-raiser, residing on section 3, Crawford Township, was born in Mercer County, Pa., in 1834, and is the son of John and Elizabeth (Long) McClelland. John McClelland was born in County Armagh, Ireland, and his parents William and Mary (Moorecroft) McClelland, emigrated from Ireland to America, settling in Mercer County, Pa., in 1806. Robert and Jane, their elder children, also came with them. Robert married first Emily Evans, who bore one daughter, Harriet Jane. After the death of his first wife, Robert wedded Mary Wood, who became the mother of Mary, Eliza and William. Robert was a physician of Mt. Jackson, Pa., for many years. He died at seventy years of age, William, his only son, being a lawyer in Pittsburgh, Pa.
In 1857, John McClelland emigrated from Mercer County, Pa., to Iowa, settling permanently in this county. He first located at Amboy, Oregon Township, where he died five months later. There were nine children in his family, four of whom died in Pennsylvania. The others came to this county. They were William, John, George, Hugh and James. John enlisted soon after the breaking out of the Rebellion in the 8th Iowa Infantry, from which he was discharged for disability, and later, on recovering his health, enlisted in the 25th Iowa Infantry, and was killed at Lovejoy Station on Sehrman's raid through Georgia. He had passed through several noted battles unscathed, including Arkansas Post, Helena and Vicksburg. Each bore a bloody record, but the hissing bullets left him unharmed until almost the close of the war. His remains were interred by the side of others of his brave comrades who fell on the battle-field in Georgia. George became a minister of the Gospel, graduating in theology from the noted college at Monmouth, Ill. He is unmarried, and ministers to the United Presbyterian Church at San Francisco, Cal. Hugh is also a minister of the same denomination, graduating first at Monmouth, and later at Allegheny City, Pa., and for fifteen years was located at Mt. Jackson, Pa. He is resident pastor of the United Presbyterian Church at Sparta, Ill. Rev. Hugh R. McClelland was married to Emma Quay, of Mt. Jackson, Pa., whose death occurred about a year after. James graduated in the literary department in Monmouth College, and then taught school in California. While a resident of that State he graduated in medicine, married Sophia J. Bird, also a graduate in medicine, and both are now practicing that noble science in Fresno, Cal. They are the parents of two daughters—Bessie B. and Esther.
Our subject from boyhood was best suited for farm work. Professional life had no charms for him, and soon after coming to Iowa he purchased his present farm. On the 7th of June, 1865,
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Miss Esther Strain, a daughter of David and Esther (Stewart) Strain, then residents of Mahoning County, Ohio, became his wife. Later the Strain family came to this county, and their history will be read elsewhere. Since the marriage of William and Esther McClelland, seven children have graced their home, all born on the homestead in Crawford Township—John S., Sadie A., Margaret E., Bertha J., James W., Elsie E. and Frank G.
The eldest son is a great stockman, and will perhaps become a veterinary surgeon. Margaret E. will engage later in the profession of teaching, and the same desire for an education which acutated other members of the family, is inherent in the younger members. An intimate association with the United Presbyterian Church is a characteristic trait of the McClelland family, and from their coming the elders have been members of that body. William McClelland has served a number of terms as a member of the School Board, and has espoused the cause of education in its fullest sense. To this family, who have for thirty years been prominent factors in Church and social circles, we are pleased to accord a place in the PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM of Washington County.
Since the death of Mrs. McClelland, which occurred in 1883, the elder daughters, who, under the mother's tuition, were taught the art of housekeeping in its fullest sense, have acted in that capacity, and taste and care are displayed in every arrangement in the roomy farm house.
JAMES McELROY is a farmer residing on section 24, Crawford Township. He was born in Lancaster County, Pa., March 14, 1818, and is the son of John and Margaret (Campbell) McElroy. They were married in Ireland, and emigrated to America, about 1802, and settled in Lancaster County, Pa., where their children—Robert, John, George, James, Sarah and Margaret—were born. George died in Pennsylvania, and Robert was married in that State to Matilda Trout prior to the emigration of the family to Jefferson County, Ind., in 1830.
John McElroy, Sr., was by occupation a weaver, and for a number of years after coming to America was employed in the city of Philadelphia. Later he engaged in the mercantile business at Paradise, ten miles east of Lancaster, until their location was made in the West. After settling in Indiana, he purchased a tract of woodland, which, with the aid of his children, was converted into a well-developed farm. After the death of his wife, John McElroy was married to Mrs. Taylor, of Pennsylvania, then the mother of one son, John Taylor. She bore to her second husband two children, both of whom died in infancy. After the death of his second wife, and after the removal to Indiana, he married Mary Hamilton, of Jefferson County, Ind., who bore him four children—Eliza, Yates, William, and one who died in infancy. Eliza wedded a gentleman in Indiana, and yet resides in that State, perhaps the only one living of the children of her mother. Both parents remained in that State during their lifetime, and his son John now resides on the old homestead.
John McElroy, Jr., wedded Eliza Graham, who bore him four children. Walter, the eldest son, lost one of his arms during the progress of the war. He is married, and the father of several children, residing on the homestead of his grandsire. The other children were John, Elizabeth, and one who died in infancy. Robert McElroy, eldest son of the first wife, moved with the family to Indiana, and later, to Kankakee, Ill., where he subsequently died. He was the father of John (who yet resides in that county), Amanda, Paul, Margaret, Hettie, Isaac, William, James and Hannah, all of whom, except those mentioned, are residents of Kansas, near Topeka. George McElroy was married to Catherine Hare, and died in Lancaster County, Pa. He was the father of one daughter, Katie, who married a Mr. Potts. After his death, Mrs. McElroy married a man also named Potts, a large dealer in coal in Pennsylvania. The father of our subject was a Captain of a company during the War of 1812, in which he served till its close.
James McElroy remained in Indiana until his marriage, in 1838, to Martha Kinnear. In 1840 they came to this county, and Mr. McElroy entered the land which he yet owns and resides upon. The old log house was torn down in 1868, but some of
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its timbers are still on the farm. All the children of James and Martha A. (Kinnear) McElroy, except the eldest son, John F., were born under its clapboard roof. John F. died in infancy, and in Crawford Township, Washington Co., Iowa, was born Sarah A., widow of Joseph Rickey, of Louisa County, for many years a prominent insurance agent. She with her family, consisting of Annie (wife of Albert Kane), Frankie and Allie, are residents of Los Angeles, Cal. Nancy J., deceased, was the wife of William Rickey, a resident of Lucas County, Iowa, and mother of two children—John, also living in Lucas County, Iowa, and married to Emma Yeager; Louisa, who married Benjamin F. Brown, resides in Crawfordsville, and is the mother of two children—Clara and William J. James R. was twice married. His first wife was Margaret Wilson. Rebecca Daugherty became his second wife, and has borne him two children—Mabel and Ralph. They reside in Lansing, Kan., and he is steward of the State Penitentiary. He was a member of Co. I, 25th Iowa Vol. Inf., and passed through the entire war, serving in the most important battles, and was with Sherman in his march to the sea. His weight is 260 pounds, having grown corpulent since his return from the army. George G., the youngest son, married Jane Strain. They have two children—Lizzie and Fred. George resides near his father, on a farm. Cora E. wedded Alonzo Cochran,of Jefferson County, Ind. they are now residents of this county, and have three children—Minnie, Willie J. and Earl. Kate McElroy is the wife of William Auburn, of Wyman, Iowa. One son, Clyde, has graced their union.
The death of Martha A. McElroy occurred Feb. 13, 1875, and seven years later, July 25, Mr. McElroy wedded Mrs. Hannah (Hawthorne) Maxwell, widow of Walter Maxwell, one of a family yet numerous in this county. to Walter Maxwell his wife bore Thomas W., husband of Mary Pulsifer, who has borne one daughter, Shirley. Rosanna S., deceased, wedded Alexander Mintier, Jan M. wedded John Miller, and has borne him five children—James H., Flora, Hannah M., Walter and John A.; they reside in Kansas City. Nancy E. is the wife of Jasper Moore, of Wyman; they have one daughter, Nellie. Margaret H. wedded Frank, son of Elmer Bennett; one son was born to them,Irvin.
Our subject and his wife are both persons of excellent repute, and have reared large families. Mrs. McElroy lived with her first husband more than half a century. They located in Crawford Township April 23, 1846, and were among the first settlers of the county. She is now in her seventy-fifth year, and is hale and vigorous. James married Rosanna Johnson, after whose death he married Esther Cunningham, who is the mother of five children—John M.,Thomas E., Rosa, Frank and Lizzie.
R. P. LEWIS, a farmer and stock-raiser, residing on section 3, Brighton Township, is one of the pioneers of this county, coming here with his parents in 1845. He was born in Decatur County, Ind., in 1833, and is the son of William B. and Eliza (Donnell) Lewis, natives of Kentucky.
The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm and received his education in the common schools. When he was twenty-one years of age his father gave him eight acres of land on section 3, where he now lives. At the time of purchase it was raw land, but has been improved and added to until it now comprises 270 acres, and is one of the finest farms in the township. Oct. 6, 1858, Mr. Lewis was married to Olivia K, Tracy, a native of Belmont County, Ohio. She is the daughter of Joshua and Sarah (Moore) Tracy, the former a native of Virginia, and the latter of Ohio, but of Irish descent. Mr. and Mrs. Lewis are the parents of five children, namely: Mary Adella, who died at the age of three years; M. C., a teacher of music, at home; Harry T. died at the age of two years, in 1873; Helen Beatrice, at home; Earl Ashton, at home.
Mr. Lewis enlisted in Co. A, 25th Iowa Vol. Inf., in September, 1862, and served three years in the war for the Union. He participated in the following engagements: Battle and siege of Vicksburg, Jackson, Miss., Chattanooga, Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, Taylor Ridge, through the Atlanta campaign, on the march to the sea, thence
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through North and South Carolina, the battle of Bentonsville, the last battle of the war, and then to the grand review at Washington.
After his discharge, he returned home and resumed farming, which occupation he has followed continuously to the present date, with the exception of two years which he spent in Washington, Iowa. Their home is well fixed in all its surroundings, and denotes the care and attention of a model housewife. Politically, Mr. Lewis is a Republican. He and his wife are both members of the Second United Presbyterian Church of Washington.
WILLIAM McCLELLAND, M.D., of Washington, is one of the pioneer physicians of this county. He is a native of Pennsylvania, born near Pittsburgh, Feb. 10, 1814, and is the oldest son of John and Betsey (Keister) McClelland. (See sketch of John McClelland elsewhere in this volume.) He was reared on his father's farm and received a liberal education in the academy at Monroeville. On the 6th of June, 1837, he was united in marriage with Miss Clarissa Christie, who was also a native of Pennsylvania, born in Butler County, Sept. 10, 1814. By this union there were nine children, five of whom lived to be adults. those living to be adults were as follows: William, the eldest son, enlisted in Co. A, 25th Iowa Vol. Inf., and after participating in the battle of Arkansas Post, seige and capture of Vicksburg, died at Goodrich Landing from exposure, Aug. 23, 1863. He enlisted as a private and was made a Sergeant of a colored regiment; Nellie married Rev. Samuel Kerr, of Harrisville, Pa., and died Sept. 11, 1874; Lizzie is the wife of S. A. White, Cashier of the First National Bank, Washington, Iowa; Clara is the wife of John E. Guthrie, of this city; Maggie is the wife of W. B. Vanatta, and now resides in Telluride, Miguel Co., Col.; Mrs. McClelland died in 1874. She was a member of the United Presbyterian Church, and was highly esteemed for her many womanly and Christian graces. Dr. McClelland was again married, in November, 1877, to Susan Spencer, of Lancaster, Pa.
The subject of this sketch began reading medicine in the office of Dr. John Cowden, Portersville, Butler Co., Pa., with whom he subsequently formed a partnership, in the meantime attending a course of lectures at Jefferson College, Philadelphia. In 1846 he came with his family to this county, where he has since continued to reside, and is now the oldest practicing physician in the county.
In his profession Dr. McClelland ranks high, and professionally and financially has been quite successful since making his home in Washington County. Like his father before him he was always a strong anti-slavery man, and in 1844 cast his vote for Birney for President of the United States. The temperance cause has also at all times found in him a strong advocate, and when the question of prohibition was submitted to a vote of the people he urged in a strong manner the adoption of the constitutional amendment. Politically he is now a Republican, and has been acting with that party since its organization in Washington County in 1856. With respect to secret societies he is uncompromisingly opposed to them. Religiously he fellowships with the United Presbyterian Church. As a citizen and neighbor he is universally esteemed, and in him the cause of popular education has a strong and steadfast friend.
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