MC CLUSKEY, William - b. March 11, 1842 - d. November 25, 1914

[ddurbin]

(from the WILSON COUNTY CITIZEN, Fredonia, Ks. Friday Dec. 4, 1914)

   William McCluskey was born in Lonrickshire, Scotland, March 11, 1842.  Came to America in 1867.  Settled in Kansas in 1870 and for more than forty years past, had been a resident of Elk and Wilson co-s.  Died, November 25th at 8 o'clock p.m..  He leaves an aged wife,two daughters, Mrs. Lizzie Sheels and Mrs. Jennie Wadman of Moline; five sons, William of Howard; Chas of Severy; James of Hutchinson and John and Thomas who reside on the home place, in Elk Co., an only brother, Jas McCluskey of Pittsburg, Kansas, a number of other relatives and a host of friends to mourn his departure.
   Mr. McCluskey was a charter member of the First Presbyterian Church of New Albany, at the time of its organization June 25, 1886.  A member of the A.F.&A.M. Lodge No. 81, New Albany and was made a master of the royal secret 32 degree in Wichitaconsistory No. 2 in the valley of Wichita, also a member of Silent Temple Lodge No. 91 I.O.O.F. of New Albany.
   Friday, November 27, funeral services were held at the Presbyterian church conducted by Rev. Starr Hanford Loyd, pastor of Presbyterian church of Neodesha.  The Masonic and Odd Fellows lodges having active charge of the funeral, a number of members of the Masonic orders being present from Moline, Fredonia, Fall River and other towns. Interment was made in the Weakley Cemetery.
   By the death of William McCluskey, this vicinity lost one of its best, and substantial citizens.
...

(from THE MOLINE ADVANCE  Dec. 3, 1914)
                                                              DEATH OF Wm. McCLUSKEY

William  McCluskey was born in Scotland and passed away at his home in New Albany, Kansas, November 25th, 1914, having attained the age of 71 years, 8 months and 14 days.  The funeral services were held at the Presbyterian church at New Albany, being conducted by Rev. S. H. Lloyd.  A choir consisting of Mrs. Fred Pratt, Mrs. Edith Parker, Hoyt Clift and Otto Badgley sang some appropriate slelections.  The remains were laid to rest in the Weakley cemetery, the A. F. and A. M. and I. O. O. F. Lodges being present at the interment.

Mr. McCluskey was married to Miss Elizabeth Nimmo at Rutherglen, Scotland, December 31th 1863.  Soon after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. McCluskey came to America.  After two years they returned to Scotland but in 1869 they were again in America and settled on farm in Wilson countyk, Kansas.  In 1875 they came to Elk county and lived on a farm for twenty years when they retired from active life and since then they have lived in New Albany.

His children are:  Mesdames Mary Wadman and Elizabeth Sheel of Moline, C. M. McCluskey of Severy, John McCluskey of New Albany, T. A. McCluskey of Pittsburgh, J. A. McCluskey of Hutchinson and Wm. McCluskey of Howard.  There are numerous grandchildren.

Mr. McCluskey was an active, industrious and successful businessman.  He was identified with the Moline National Bank as director.  He was a man who was admired and respected for this integrity and his sound business judgment.  He was held in very high esteem and considered a good and true friend by all who had the pleasure of intimate acquaintance with him.

Four automobile loads of Moline people went to New Albany to pay their respects to the departed on the day of the funeral.  They were:  Ora Ames, I. W. Beal, O. S. Myers, Roy Bates, Mahlon Force, E. A. Chaffin, O. S. Stevens, J. W. White, R. M. Harris, J. N. Force, J. S. Ames, and Mesdames J. N Force, J. S. Ames, Dave Phillips and Clara Webb.