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Capt. John K. McGann – The Elizabethville Echo Obituary
Posted By Norman Gasbarro on October 16, 2019
Previously on this blog, two posts featured Capt. John McGann (1835-1905), but neither included the obituary of his local newspaper, the Elizabethville Echo. See:
- Capt. John K. McGann – 17 August 2012.
- Obituary of John K. McGann of Enders – 23 November 2014.
The following front-page tribute, including photo, was published by the Echo on 29 July 1909:
CAPTAIN JOHN K. MCGANN
Born in Philadelphia, May 28, 1835
Died July 21, 1909
The above named died on Wednesday, July 21st, about 1 a.m. on his farm, known as Wheatland Farm, south of Fisherville. For several weeks before his death he was scarcely able to take any nourishment.
The funeral services were held at his late home at 10 o’clock last Saturday morning, Rev. S. A. Garnes of this place, and Rev. J. A. Lyter of Harrisburg officiating. Services were also held at Fetterhoff’s Church, which was filled to its utmost capacity by relatives and friends from far and near who came to show respect for the departed.
Captain McGann was always a public spirited citizen, often sacrificing his own rights for his friends. At one time he was the Captain of Jackson Guards of Jackson Township. This company was organized in 1850 with Frederick N. Wise as Captain. Solomon Bowerman was the second Captain and Captain McGann the third. This company was composed of 100 men and they met for drill once a month. Those of this company still living, so far as known, are Cornelius Bixler, Daniel Shoop and G. W. D. Enders.
In 1862, Mr. McGann enlisted in Company H, 130th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers [130th Pennsylvania Infantry], and was in the battles of South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, and Chancellorsville.
At Fredericksburg he was wounded and after returning home he taught school and took care of his farm until the last draft was ordered, February 24, 1864. He then formed a company of 42 men and joined Company E, 9th Pennsylvania Cavalry. He fought in the battle of Cripple Creek, and was under Sherman’s Command. In October 1864, he became Gen. Kilpatrick’s private secretary and remained with him until the close of the war. At Lexington, North Carolina, July 20, 1865, Captain McGann received his discharge.
After the war he returned home and resumed teaching and farming. Being a Republican in politics he was at one time clerk in the County Commissioner’s Office; also County Auditor, Assessor, Tax Collector, and for a number of years Justice of the Peace. He was a member of Miller Post G.A.R.
John K. McGann was a cheerful man, believing “all doors are open to those who smile.” Therefore he was popular throughout the County. He was firm, yet always ready to scatter flowers in the pathway of his fellow men. He will be greatly missed in the township in which he lived. Men of his standing and education always are.
How sweet a life was his; how sweet a death;
Living to wing with mirth the merry hours,
Or with his genial tales the heart to cheer;
Dying to leave a memory like the heath of Summer, full of sunshine and flowers,
A grief and gladness in the atmosphere.
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News clipping from Newspapers.com.
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