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From: "Cathy Joynt Labath" <>
Subject: [IAHENRY] !! Free Press; Henry Co, IA; May 22, 1879 "Death of Eli McMillan"
Date: Sat, 22 Nov 2003 16:33:32 -0600


The Free Press
Mount Pleasant, Henry, Iowa
May 22, 1879

A SAD ACCIDENT
Death of Eli McMillan
Caused by a Kick from a Horse

On last Saturday, May 17th, Elisha McMillan, of Pilot Grove, came up to
Salem and after stopping awhile in town, drove to his brother Eli's, where his
horse, a very good natured, gentle animal, was stabled and fed. Shortly after 1
o'clock on stepping into the porch they noticed two of their horses out of the
stable; whereupon they went out and each caught his own horse and was leading
them to there places in the barn, engaged the while in pleasant conversation.
The first stall being occupied, Elisha led his animal into the second; but just
as he was going to tie it, it gave a high, hard kick with both feet, speaking to
the animal he led it forward and tied it before knowing that his brother, who
was passing into the next stall, was struck and was lying unconscious in the
passage way. So sure had been the blow that no sound was made. After trying in
vain to rouse him, he dragged him from the stable, then found that the wound was
on the left side of the head just above the ear, and was bleeding freely.
Fortunately a neighbor was passing on horseback and speedily went for relatives
and medical aid. Upon examination Dr. Pharr found that the skull was broken and
Dr. Siviter was sent for to assist in dressing the wound. The readjusting of the
fractured part failing to give relief, he remained unconscious until a few
minutes before 10 o'clock and quietly passed away.
The funeral services, held at the house, on Monday 19th, was largely
attended. After prayer by Mrs. Hart, of Mt. Pleasant, Rev. Jonathan Ozbun
addressed the audience from the text, "They that trust in the Lord shall be as
Mount Zion, which cannot be removed but abideth forever-" Psalms cxxv:1, after
which James Maddock engaged in prayer. Then after leave taking the large
procession moved to the Cemetery south of the Friends church, where the remains
were interred in the family lot.
Mr. McMillan was born Feb. 19th, 1799, in York county, Penn., where he
resided until 1829 when he moved to the Wabash Valley Ind. and engaged in
merchandising and grazing for five years, then he moved near Primrose, Lee Co.,
Iowa, and engaged in farming and stock raising, which he continued with good
success until 1866 when he moved to Mt. Pleasant Iowa and lived a retired life
until the spring of 1874, when he removed to his late residence one mile south
of Salem. In anti-slavery times he was an active worker in the cause often
having many fugitives concealed on his premises at the same time.
In 1839 he married Caroline Vale of York Co Penn. who survives him. They
had two children, one of whom is now living, Mrs. Emily D. Bell widow of the
late John M. Bell, who died last August, and two grand-children also four
brothers and one sister, Mrs. Edward Wichersham of Summitville Lee Co., all of
whom by their silvery hair show that they have stood the frost of many winters.
He was a member of the Society of Friends and in his own quiet,
unpretentious way, did his alms, not to be seen of men, but we trust, recognized
by God to whom he often said he felt nearer when alone among the trees of his
orchard, than in the crowded church. Lee county papers please copy.

Cathy Joynt Labath
Iowa Old Press
http://www.IowaOldPress.com/


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