James B. McElwain was born July 10, 1849, in York county, Pennsylvania, and died at his home in Mt. Zion, Iowa, March 17, 1922 at the age of 72 years, 8 months and 7 days. On November 21, 1867, he was united in marriage to Martha E. Stauffer, of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. To them were born seven children, one dying in infancy: Mrs. Catherine Downard of Mt. Zion; John W. of Farnam, Nebr.; Anna E. Walker of Hazelhurst, Penn.; Mabel J. Pershall of Arnold, Nebr.; Harry G. of Mt. Zion; Cora Eddy of Derby, Colo. These, with the faithful wife and mother survive, to mourn the loss of their honored and loved one. At the age of 25, he was converted and united with the M. E. church and has been a very faithful follower of his Lord in the many years since. Recently the husband and wife came by letter to membership in Mt. Zion Presbyterian church.

In 1879 the family removed from Pennsylvania to Henry, Illinois, remaining there seven years. In 1886 they removed to Eustis, Nebraska, where they resided until 1919 when they settled on the present homestead at Mt. Zion.

There are 24 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren now living.

In great suffering with rheumatism and paralysis, he has lived for three months, until a short time before death when he became unconscious and passed away in the perfect peace of ripe faith and the glorious hope of the gospel, honored as a true christian man by all who have come to know him.

Funeral services were held at Mt. Zion Presbyterian church Sunday afternoon, March 19, at 2 o’clock, in charge of the pastor, L. V. Nash.

He was laid to rest in Purdom cemetery at Keosauqua.

The Eustis News 18(49):1 Thursday, March 30, 1922