McLain, Charles R. (1856-1927)

Evening Kansan-Republican obituary: 1927 Feb 2 p. 3

Birth date: 1856 Oct 8

text of obituary:

Charles R. McLain

From Denver and Canon City newspapers notices of the death and funeral services of Charles R. McLain, eldest son of A. H. McLain, a pioneer of Harvey county, who came here in 1871 and located on land near the present McLains station, which takes its name from the family. Charles was the eldest of nine children, and he grew up on the Harvey county farm, afterwards engaging in business in Newton, and at one time was at the head of a bank here which failed incident to the collapse of the boom. He went from Newton to Chicago, and then in 1903 went to Canon City, where he lived ten years, going to Denver in 1913, where his home was at the time of his death.

He was visiting in Canon City with his daughter, Mrs. Arthur H. Biggs, when an old trouble recurred, an infection of the bladder, and he was removed to Graves' hospital, where he passed away Saturday, Jan. 22 at 5 o'clock in the afternoon. The funeral services were held Monday afternoon, Jan. 24, conducted by Rev. Charles Oscar Beckman of the Canon City Methodist church, and interment was made in Lakeside cemetery in that city. The Canon City paper said: "The obsequies were largely attended by the friends of the family and were beautiful and impressive. Huge masses of flowers, the tribute of friends almost obscured the casket." Mr. McLain was born at Elm Point, Ill., Oct. 8, 1856, and hence was in his 71st year. He was married here in Newton, Dec. 20, 1882 to Miss Sallie Luella Parris. To this union three children were born, Albert Parris McLain, George Edward McLain, of Glendora, Calif., and Mrs. Ethel M. Biggs, of Canon City. Besides all members of his own family, he is survived by four brothers and two sisters, A. O. McLain, Chicago; E. S. McLain, Newton; L. E. McLain, Topeka; A. H. McLain, Okmulgee, Okla.; Mrs. A. H. Ruth, Grand Junction, Colo.; Mrs. E. L. Yard, Macomb, Ill.

Charles McLain was to the time of his death held in high esteem by all of the older citizens of Newton. The Gilberts, Lehman and others of the pioneer families join with relatives in sorrow over this death.

From Colorado papers the follwing is quoted:

"While living in Canon City Mr. McLain was deeply interested in the good roads movement, and for a number of years he was an honorary member of the state highway commission. He devoted his entire time and effort without recompense to this work. He was instrumental in getting the River road to Salida built as well as the construction of the road to the top of the Royal Gorge and the road to Colorado Springs. The deceased was a life member of the Denver Motor club, the Optimist club and numerous other organizations of a civic, benevolent and patriotic character. He was a 32d degree Mason and a member of the First Methodist church of Canon City."