Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1884-08-08
August 1, 1884.
OBITUARY.

| To the Editor OF the Eagle.
James Porter McGovney was born Aug
ust 10. 1874, in Adams county, Ohio. He
lived with his parents until he was eighteen
years old, when he enlisted in Co. f, ofthe
91st Ohio regiment, serving three years.
He was wounded in the battle OF Fishers
Hill in 1854.
After the war he attended the Iron City
Commercial college at Pittsburg, Pcnnsyl-
vania, graduating in the spring Of 1867.
He lived in Illinois about three and q
half years, during which time be was join
ed in marriage with Miss Matte c. Ander.
son, Of Brown county, Ohio. They moved
TO Sedgwick county, Kansas, in the spring
of 1878 and pre-empted the claim on which
they lived at the time Of his death.
Mr.. McGovney died July "a, 1884, which
was the result OF an accide entail stroke from
a horse. only forty-eight hours previously.
His suffering was most intense, but he re-
tanned his consciousness until tina last.
He made public profession Of religion
thirteen years ago, and joined the United
Presbyterian church at Kirkwood, Illinois.
He united with the Presbyterian church at
| Clearwater. Kansas, by letter. He was a
ruling elder in both churches for ten years.
| As soldier be was brave in battle, and
kind to the yanquished. As citizen, he
considered the interests OF others, AS he did
his own. As christian, he was faithful
to the church of his choice, and charitable
toward all others.
! If the profession and practice of some
are hard to be reconcilable, it was not SO
of him. His criterion was the golden rule,
and it seems to thosewhO knew him that ey-
cry act of his life was tried by it. His religion
originated In the heart, was tried or tested
in the head, and worked out through the
hands in generous deeds. His liberality
was only exceeded by his ability, and his
desire for wealth was that he might in
crese his usefulness. He never sought
praise Of men-he was modest and, If he
could, even now he would hide our poor
eulogy with himself in the grave.
We will miss him 10 the community and
in the church. Already it is asked, "Nho
can take his place."
But we trust the very demand for such -
he will develope similar characteristics in
others. The work will go on-others VIII
win the appreciation of their patrons in
toll, but the pioneers of this new western
civilization will never know but one James
Porter McGovney.
Memory will cling to the grave
That holds his sacred dust;
Faith will look up to the great God
That keeps his life in trust;
Thus, in two realms, Memory and Faith
VIII anxious vigil keep,
Until Hope, the child of our Faith,
In Heaven, our friend shall greet.
The funeral procession was very large,
there being about one hundred and twen-
ty-6ve teams and many on horseback. j.
Il. McQuown, of Mulvane, conducted the
religious services. The deceased leaves
behind him a most devoted and loving wife
with three lovely children.
The evening after the funeral the session
OF the Presbyterian church adopted the
following resolutions:
Whereas, In the providence Of God, Elder
j. Z. McGovney has been removed by death
from the church militant TO the church
triumphant.
Resolved, 1. That the session of this
church hereby expresses Its great sorrow
and sense Of an almost irrepairable loss in
the death of this dear brother.
2. That for fidelity TO the church OF his
adoption, and true liberality toward all
Christians of whatsoever name We COM
mend him TO all.
3. That We hereby express our sympathy
for the widow and children Of our deceased
brother, and pray that God may bless them
here and fnal::y unite them in heaven.
4. That q copy Of these resolutions De
placed ON the seasonal records, and = copy
put into the hands Of the family also Q
copy sent with an obituary to the Wichtfs
EAGLE for publication. o.
Session. CHAs. WOODS,
ZARA NcCLuNG.