Obit: McCalvy, Robert (1827- 1922)
Poster: Crystal Wendt
 

Surnames: McCalvy, Rector, Bass, Bullard, Russell, Donnell, Sneiling

--Source: Neillsville Press (Neillsville, Clark County, Wis.) Thursday, 10/26/1922

--McCalvy, Robert ( 29 Aug. 1927 - 16 Oct. 1922)

Robert McCalvy, for many years a resident of this city and Clark County, passed away suddenly at a ripe old age at the Veterans Home, Waupaca, Wisconsin, where he had spent his time for five years owing to declining health, and the excellent provisions at the Home for the care of the veterans of the Federal Army.

Mr. McCalvy was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, the oldest son of Peter and Mary Reed McCalvy. The date of his birth was August 29, 1827. His demise occurred on October 16, 1922, his age being 95 years, 1 month and 18 days.

While yet a child, he, with his parents came to America and settled at Cambridge, Massachusetts, where he remained until 1843 when the family removed to Wisconsin and entered a homestead near Milwaukee. He grew to manhood on this farm.

Mr. McCalvy joined the great gold-seekers’ movement to California and drove a yoke and oxen across the country from Milwaukee to the Coast, walking all the way.

In the year 1849 Mr. McCalvy was united in marriage with Miss Ann Linda Rector, near Milwaukee. To this union was born 6 children, three sons and three daughters. Of these, three are living: Thomas, who resides four mile east of Neillsville, Albert, whose home is in Oregon and Mrs. J. H. Bass of this city. Mrs. Andrew Bullard, one of the daughters, died some seven years since, June 1915, at her home in Santa Rosa, California. Mrs. Henry Russell, the other daughter, died in 1922, and George, the remaining son, passed away some 10 years since, in 1912. Mrs. McCalvy, the faithful wife and mother, the first of the family who was taken, went to her rest September 28, 1905.

Mr. McCalvy removed to Clark county with his family in 1868, and lived on a farm near Greenwood a number of years. After he left the farm he made Neillsville his home for about 20 years.

The deceased was for many years a consistent member of the Presbyterian church at Neillsville, having professed faith in Christ and connected himself with that church about 30 years ago. For many years he was one of the ruling elders of his church, and in his earlier life was very active in all that pertained to the church. After the Rutger Chapel was established, he was in constant attendance on its services, the church being located not far from his residence. He lived a consistent Christian, and his bereaved friends sorrow not as those who have no hope, for he gave evidence of the faith that was in him. When the summons came so suddenly he was ready to enter into his rest through the Redeemer whose blood was shed for the remission of sin.

Mr. McCalvy was in the Federal service of the Civil War about two years and four months, having enlisted in the Army in 1863. He was a member of the 14th Wisconsin regiment, Company, “G” and he was honorably discharged from service at the close of war. He was one of the charter members of the Charles G. Bacon Post G. A. R. at Neillsville. He joined the Odd Fellows in 1881 and for many years was prominent member.

This aged man was of remarkably strong physical makeup. During his long life he was rarely sick. He enjoyed life and appreciated associations with his friends to the last. On his last birthday, which occurred in August of this year, the Matron of the Home at Waupaca, made this aged Veteran a nice birthday cake and his relatives at Neillsville sent to the home some eight dozen candles with which to illuminate the cake, and it was presented to him with a candle burning, one for each of his 95 years. He entered into the occasion with his characteristic gladness of heart, and felt deeply the spirit of his friends who thus would add a day of good cheer to his ripening years.

He lived far beyond his three score years and ten, and came to his grave in full age, like as a shock of corn cometh in his season.

The funeral was held at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Jos. H. Bass, on Thursday, Oct. 19, Rev. G. J. Donnell of the Presbyterian church officiating.

Two granddaughters, Mrs. W. A. Sneiling of Loyalton, Wis., and Miss Josie Bass, who teaches in Minneapolis, were here to attend the funeral.