Obituary:

Thomas J. M’Creary is Dead
Pioneer Resident Passes Away
Long suffering Culminates in Peaceful Demise This Morning- Funeral Tomorrow- Burial at Mt. Ararat
After a nine week illness accompanied by much suffering, but characterized by the utmost patience and Christian fortitude on the part of the sufferer, Thomas J. McCreary passed away peacefully without pain or struggle at 1:00 o’clock this morning at his home, 500 East Jackson street. The end was not unexpected as for days the reports from his bedside told of his sinking condition and it seemed that the summons could not be long delayed that would call this good man to his reward. Heart trouble and dropsy were the causes of death. It has been announced that a brief service for the decedent will be conducted at his late residence tomorrow morning at 9:00 o’clock by his pastor Rev. William H. Perdew, who will also preach a sermon at Mr. Ararat church east of this city where the remains will be taken for burial following the home service. Friends are invited to attend either service and should the weather permit there will be many present as the decedent was highly respected and widely known. Thomas J. McCreary reached the end of a well spent life at the age of 76 years, 2 months and 13 days, having been born at Wellsburg, Brooks [sic] County, West Virginia, November 20, 1832. He lived at or near his birthplace until reaching young manhood when he came to Centerville accompanied by his brother, Miller McCreary in 1855. With the exception of one years residence in Missouri he had made Appanoose County his residence over since. A few years ago he retired from his farm east of this city and moved to town but this did not mean that his activities ceased, for Mr. McCreary was ever a worker. The marriage of the subject of this sketch to Martha A. Staley, of this County, the loving and faithful wife who lives to mourn his loss, took place at Unionville, Iowa, June 19, 1853 [sic], the golden anniversary of the event having been celebrated two years ago last summer. As a result of this union were born six children, two sons, Clifton and Allen, being dead. Three sons and one daughter are still living, being W. S. McCreary, of Moulton, J. F. McCreary, residing six miles north of Moulton, A. E. McCreary of Centerville, and Mrs. Mary Vaught, of Jasper, MO. Mr. McCreary is also survived by one brother, W. M. McCreary of this city, and by four sisters, Mrs. Pailmon Allen of Powersville, MO, Mrs. Jennie Smith of Steubenville, Ohio, Mrs. Almira Smith, of Wellsburg, W. Va., and Mrs. D. L. Strickler of Centerville. Early in life Mr. McCreary was converted in West Virginia and became a member of the M.E. church with which he was connected until the time of his death. For years he held the position of class leader and was looked to for advice, precept and example. He was honest and conscientious in his every day life and it can be said that Appanoose County and Centerville in his death loses a worthy citizen.