Notes:
Obituary, The Milan Standard, Thursday, May 18, 1944
JAMES A. MEWMAW
James A. Mewmaw, son of William L. and Amanda Mewmaw, was born in Adams County, Ill., near Payson, Nov. 9, 1871, and passed away at St. Joseph's Hospital, Centerville, Iowa, early Sunday morning, May 14, 1944, at the age of 72 years, 6 months and 5 days.
When he was only 1 year of age his parents moved to Grundy County, Mo., where they resided for 7 years, after which they lived in Mercer County, Mo. for 2 years.
In 1881 the family moved to Sullivan county, Mo. Young James was 10 years old at the time, living on a farm west of Milan, his schooling being in the rural school of the vicinity, which later he presided over as teacher, as well as several other rural schools; and for several terms holding the position of Principal of Milan North Ward grade schools. In all, Mr. Mewmaw spent 109 months in a teaching capacity.
On March 4th, 1900, he was married to Jennie C. Cochran who survives, and was his constant companion for over forty-four years. About 37 years ago they moved to Milan and, besides the several terms when he was principal of the Milan grade school, he was associated with his brother, Nate in Mewmaw Brothers' Variety Store; he was later elected three continuous terms as Milan City Collector; and for the past sixteen years he has been associated with the Farmers' Co-Operative Exchange of Milan, in the capacity of bookkeeper, until his late illness forced him to give up his duties with the firm.
He joined the Presbyterian Church when a young man and for several years has served the Milan Church as Elder, holding that office at the time of his passing. He also belonged to Milan I.O.O.F. Lodge No. 83, being a Past Noble Grand officer of the Order, after holding each of the advancing offices.
One of the outstanding characteristics of Mr. Mewmaw was his keen interest in good clean sports. He always attended and enjoyed any local sports such as baseball, which was his hobby, being played here by the younger active youths of the community. In his older years, he kept in touch with the standings of the major league baseball teams, by radio and the daily papers, knowing the names and playing averages of most all the players.
Surviving him, besides his wife is one brother, Nathan A. Mewmaw, at Milan, Mo., several nieces and nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends. Four brothers, Thomas, William, Ed and Fred, preceded him in death.
Services were held at the Presbyterian church, Tuesday, May 16, 1944 at 2:00 p.m., conducted by Rev. Fred L. Hudson, pastor of the Presbyterian church at LaPlata, Mo., and song service by a quartette of the Milan Church, Mrs. Bertha Mairs, Mrs. John Dutton, Miss Octavia Mayer, Mrs. Bertha Wilson and a special number by Mrs. Wilson, accompanied at the piano by Mrs. Beulah Baldridge. Burial was made in Oakwood cemetery with burial rites by officers and members of Milan Lodge I.O.O.F. No. 83.
Pall bearers were Merrill Montgomery, Robert Freeman, John Dutton, Arthur Campbell, Robert Wilson and Ed Montgomery.
Data source is Anna Lou Mack Martin, 308 W. 12th St., Trenton, MO 64683. E-mail annaloum2003@yahoo.com