Obituaries: Cyrus McGinty, Sr., 1945, Winn Parish, LA.
Submitted by Greggory E. Davies, 120 Ted Price Lane, Winnfield, LA 71483
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From: November 23 & December 14, 1945 Winnfield News-American

Obituary

Cyrus McGinty, Sr. Dies At Home Here Tuesday Afternoon

Prominent in Affairs of Parish for Past 50 Years

Cyrus McGinty, Sr., 86, for years one of the most prominent men in business,
civic, and political circles of Winn Parish, died at his home here Tuesday
afternoon following an illness of several months.

Funeral services were held Thursday afternoon at two o'clock at the family
residence on Lafayette Street conducted by the Rev. Alwin Stokes, pastor of
the First Presbyterian Church, assisted by the Rev. H. B. Hysell, retiring
pastor of the First Methodist Church.  Interment was in the Winnfield
Cemetery.

He was born and grew up in the Gansville Community, then the business center
of Winn Parish and since his early manhood has been active in the affairs of
the parish.  

He began his career as a teacher in the public schools of Winn and Grant
Parishes and later engaged in the mercantile business in nearby towns in the
flourishing days of the sawmills in this section.  After moving his residence
to Winnfield he became Cashier of the Bank of Winnfield, which position he
held until he was elected clerk of court in 1920, serving there until 1928. 
From 1928 until a few months ago he was deputy clerk under C. F. Walsworth.

His record of service also includes a number of terms as member of the Winn
Parish School Board, prior to being elected clerk of court.  While in this
position he was instrumental in organizing the Winn Parish school system so
that the schools could be placed on the accredited lists for high school
graduation.

He was a member of the Eastern Star Masonic Lodge No. 151, F. & A. M., the
Winnfield Chapter of R. A. M. No. 59, for which he was treasurer for more than
25 years.  He was also a member of the Palestine Chapter No. 55, O. E. S. and
is among the past worthy patrons of that order as well as a former treasurer.

Surviving are his widow, Mrs. Kate Jennings McGinty, four daughters, Mrs. N.
C. Woody, Mrs. R. E. Murphy, and Mrs. A. C. Campbell of Shreveport, and Mrs.
T. H. Fortner of Dallas, Texas, and one son, Cyrus McGinty, Jr. of Lake
Charles.

Serving as pall bearers were B. L. Anderson, J. E. Carter, Joe R. Heard, J. A.
Nugent, C. F. Walsworth, and Mack L. Branch.



Tribute by Judge R. W. Oglesby

Judge R. W. Oglesby Pays Tribute To C. McGinty, Friend for 42 Years

I met him when I first came to Winnfield 42 years ago and was intimately
associated with him ever since, while he was a merchant at Calvin, cashier of
the bank, clerk of the court for 8 years, and deputy clerk until his recent
passing.

I can truthfully say that I have never known a better man than Mr. McGinty.
His honesty and integrity were never questioned by any living soul.  He was a
gentleman in every known test.  He was kind and courteous to all with whom he
came in contact, no matter what the situation in life, whether pauper of
prince, they all received kind treatment at his hands.

During his long life which was spent in dealing with the public, I never heard
anyone say an unkind word but plenty of praise.

I doubt if he ever had an unkind thought about anyone much less express it in
words either written or spoken.  Certainly I never heard him say aught against
any person either living or dead.

I often think of one of the most remarkable and unheard of races for political
office that was ever made in Winn Parish or anywhere else.  Mr. McGinty was
running for Clerk against P. K. Abel who had served in that office for four
terms and was running for a fifth.  They both went all over the parish
bragging on each other saying that he had for an opponent the best man in Winn
Parish.  Mr. Abel was the winner by a few votes and at the end of the term
voluntarily retired and Mr. McGinty was elected by a large vote.

He was extremely patient and painstaking in every thing he did.  No matter
what the occasion was or how anxious the other party wanted to get it done, he
refused to be hurried and refused to be forced into hasty action and when the
job was finished there were no errors.

His energy was unbounded.  Whatsoever his hands found to do he did it with all
his might.  Even when stricken with the infirmities of age and disease he
refused to quit and literally died in harness.

Not many years ago, a good friend of mine and likewise a good man, told me
that he wanted to get a lot in the local cemetery and I told him of one near
my family lot that he might get; that I would like to have him accompany me on
the Resurrection.  He made inquiry and found that Mr. McGinty had already
gotten it.  When he told me I told him that I would still have a good man for
company on that great day.

Yes, he was a good man if there ever was one and will be sorely missed by his
family and a host of friends.  I haven't a doubt about where he will spend
eternity.

R. W. Oglesby