Obituary of James W. McCauley, Linn County, KSGenWeb Digital Library

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THE PLEASANTON OBSERVER-ENTERPRISE,
31 December 1942

Obituary of JAMES W. McCAULEY

The community was shocked and saddened Saturday when it learned that James W. McCauley, 91-year-old resident of Maple Grove district had suffered a fatal heart attack about ten-o'clock that morning while out near his barn turning out his livestock. Death claimed him a short time afterward.

James W. McCauley was born September 1, 1851 near St. Louis, and departed this life on December 26, 1942 at the age of 91 years, 4 months and 25 days. At an early age he was left an orphan and for awhile lived with an uncle and aunt. A few years later he learned to shift for himseslf, working on farms and doing what he could to earn a livelihood.

He went to Illinois where he met Laura Gillingham and on December 2, 1874, they were united in marriage. To this union two children were born, Ida Shattuck, of Pleasanton, and Joe McCauley, who passed away in 1923.

He leaves to mourn his death, his wife, Laura McCauley, his daughter, Ida Shattuck, six grandchildren, Rees Shattuck of Prescott, Faye Smith, Verner Shattuck, Fern Middaugh, Grant Shattuck, all of Kansas City, Missouri, Kenneth McCauley of Los Angeles, California, and nine great-grandchildren.

Mr. McCauley brought his family by covered wagon to Kansas in 1876, settling on a farm near Boicourt. With the exception of one year which they spent in Colorado, they lived in the vicinity of Boicourt and Trading Post all of their lives until about twelve years ago they moved to Pleasanton. Later they moved to the farm where they lived until his death.

He was postmaster at Trading Post for four years and also operated a general merchandise store there. Later he served as postmaster at Boicourt for a number of years.

He has been a member of the Masonic Lodge for over fifty years and took active part when he was able.

On last December 2nd, he and his faithful wife, who is 87 years old, celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary.

Funeral services were conducted at the Trading Post School house Tuesday afternoon at two o'clock with the Rev. Wade Odneal officiating. Music was furnished by Mr. and Mrs. H.M. Gentry and Mrs. and Mrs. Wade Odneal accompanied by Mrs. Mattie Bahl at the piano, who sang "Going Down the Valley," and "Precious Memories."

Pallbearers were three grandsons, Rees, Verner and Grant Shattuck, Pete Upham, Charles Beth and Robert Smith.

A Masonic service was also held at the graveside conducted by Eureka Lodge No. 88 Pleasanton, with Ralph V. Hopkins acting master, after which he was laid to rest in the Trading Post cemetery.

Mr. McCauley lived a quiet unassuming life and it was always his request that at death he be laid to rest in that same unpretentious manner. He was a familiar figure in this community for so many years, that he will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him best.

He will never be forgotten
Though on earth he lives no more
But in memory he is with us
As he always was before

Transcribed and Contributed by IrmaEWard@aol.com