Obituary of Thomas Jefferson McWane
Contact: Pam Haithcock
Obituary (I have the clipping, but newspaper unknown)
Thomas Jefferson McWane was born at Massie's Mill, Nelson
county, Virginia on the 17th of January, 1838. At the time
of his death, December 18, 1930, he had reached the
venerable age of 92 years, 11 months and 1 day.
He was of Scotch-Irish descent, one of seven children, the
son of James and Permelia Ryan McWane, his parents and
grandparents having come from the British Isles to colonize
Virginia.
The early years of his long and interesting life were
spent in the mountain region of Virginia, where his father
and brothers cleared and improved a farm. He could relate
many thrilling stories of his early memories of pioneer
conditions.
When Mr. McWane was about 18 years of age his father took
the family to Wytheville, Virginia, where he ran a water
power flour mill and where the 18 year old son learned the
milling trade.
Soon Mr. McWane followed the urge to move westward and
settled in Knoxville, Tennessee, where he spent five
successful years as a miller. In this useful occupation he
served during the Civil War, providing much needed food for
the people who lived there in the disputed territory between
the warring states. He ran his mill in the midst of many
vivid scenes of the war, among the historic siege of
Knoxville.
It was in Knoxville that he became acquainted with Miss
Malinda Bandy, who became his wife May 1, 1861.
In 1864 they moved to Versailles, Illinois where Mr.
McWane was again engaged in milling, purchasing a mill,
which he ran successfully for over forty years, part of
which time he was associated with his brother-in-law the
late George I. Fields. The mill was a landmark of Versailles
until it burned in the year 1909.
Mr. McWane was saddened by the death of his wife, June 20,
1903. They were the parents of five daughters and four sons,
two of whom, Franklin and Homer, preceded him in death.
The surviving children are Mrs. Annabell Peters, Mrs.
Minnie Stewart, Mrs. Hattie Greenwell, and Leonard G.
McWane, all of Versailles; Mrs. Nell Cox of Bloomington and
Mrs. Laura Williams, and William E. McWane of Los Angeles,
California.
He was married June 9, 1910 to Mrs. Sallie Harper of
Versailles, who died June 16, 1911.
Mr. McWane's life has been greatly enriched by the
constant association of his beloved sister, Mrs. Ellen
Fields who survives him. She was a close companion of his
childhood days and followed shortly with her husband to
Versailles, where she has lived in a home almost adjoining
his own.
They have grown old together and until his last illness,
have been privileged to meet almost daily and live over old
memories together.
Mr. McWane is survived also by 16 grandchildren and 20
great-grandchildren. His familiar figure and his quiet and
courteous friendliness will be missed by old and young.
Mr. McWane early affiliated himself with the local
Methodist church in 1871, and has always been actively
interested in its progress, serving in many ways to help
forward its growth. He was chairman of the board of trustees
at the time the present building was erected, and also when
the church was remodelled. His service for many years on the
school board and the town board have proven his life interst
in community affairs. He has also been a member of the
Masonic Lodge for sixty-three years.
He was always industrious, kind and gentlemanly, a true
Christian and a loving father. His loss is deeply felt by
all who knew him.
The funeral was held at 2 p.m. Sunday, December 21, at the
M.E. church in charge of Rev. H.F. Cusic. Music was
furnished by a quartette composed of Mrs. J.C. Casteen, Mrs.
C.H. Burgesser, F.R. Vendeventer and G.S. Thornberry. The
pall bearers were Ed Curran, E.E. Perry, M.X. Lidgard, Will
Poll Charles Pool and A.A. Thoroman. The Masonic Lodge
attended in a body and held services at the grave.