OBITS: ELWAY Family, Blair County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Elaine Wilkinson Copyright 2004-2006. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/blair/ _________________________________________ CASHLING, Mary (ELWAY), 1908 ELWAY, James, 1862 ELWAY, James Albert, 1939 ELWAY, John S., 1920 ELWAY, Lemuel, 1919 ELWAY, Mary C. (GREEN), 1934 ELWAY, Sarah (PROSSER), 1887 ELWAY, William P., 1883 HAMLIN, Elizabeth (ELWAY), 1922 LIGHT, Caroline (ELWAY), 1917 McLAUGHLIN, Wilmer Kieffer, 1938 _________________________________________ DIED Mrs. Mary A. Cashling, wife of Michael Cashling, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Sadie Loomis of 726 Eleventh avenue, last night at 10 o'clock, of diseases incident to her advanced age, she being aged 78 years, 1 month and 6 days. The deceased was born in Herfordshire England, and when a child came to this country with her parents. For many years she had been a resident of this city and was known as a pioneer resident. In 1861 she was married in this city to Michael Cashling, who survives her with these children: James Cashling, Mrs. Mary Parsons, and Mrs. Sadie Loomis, of this city. Four brothers and two sisters also survive as follows: Henry Elway, John S. Elway and Lemuel Elway, all of this city and J. A. Elway of Philadelphia, Mrs. Caroline Light and Mrs. Elizabeth Hamlin, both of this city: ten grandchildren also survive. She was a member of the First United Brethren church and was one of two surviving charter members of that church. The funeral arrangements have not been completed. Altoona, March 14, 1908 _____ DIED In Logan township on Tuesday morning after a lingering illness Mr. James Elway in the 57th year of his age. Altoona, August 28, 1862 _____ JAMES ALBERT ELWAY Of 916 Third avenue, died at his home at 6 o'clock yesterday morning. He was born at Jenners, Somerset county, on Feb. 2, 1849, a son of Rev. James and Sarah (Prosser) Elway, his father having been a Brethren minister. Mr. Elway had resided in Altoona from the age of 2 years and for thirty-five years conducted a meat market, for several years on Eleventh avenue, retiring thirty years ago. He was the oldest member of Logan lodge No. 490, F. & A. M., a member of Mt. Royal Arch chapter No. 189 and Mountain commandery No 10, Knights of Pythias. Surviving are three daughters and one son: Charles of St. Petersburg Fla., Mrs. Minnie Mattas of the city, Mrs. H. J. Hardman of Wilkinsburg and Mrs. H.M. Kunkle of the city: three grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. Mr. Elway was a member of the First United Brethren church. Friends are being received at the home after 7 o'clock this evening. Altoona Mirror, October 15, 1939 _____ JOHN S. ELWAY VETERAN CITIZEN DIED, AGED 78 SAW ALTOONA GROW FROM SMALL HAMLET INTO CITY CIVIL WAR VET Collected County Tax Over Twenty-five years [his picture] John S. Elway, a well known retired business man and one of the best known citizens of the city, died at his home 819 Eighth avenue, at 6 o'clock Saturday evening after an illness of but three days. He had been failing for several years, due to his advanced years, but had been in fair health until taken suddenly ill Wednesday. He sank rapidly until he passed away surrounded by the members of his family. News of his demise spread rapidly and was received with regret by all that shared his acquaintance. John S. Elway was one of the few residents of the city that had seen it grow from a small hamlet to a thriving city. He was the son of James and Sarah Prosser Elway, deceased, and was born in Bedford county, May 5, 1841, being in his 79th year. He accompanied his parents to Blair county in the Forties and was reared on a farm, just east of the city and the site of Greenwood cemetery. Later his parents took up residence in Altoona and he had since resided here. He had just entered young manhood when the Civil War broke but it was not until Sep. 2, 1864 that he answered the call to the colors. He enlisted in this city in Company I, 205th Pennsylvania Volunteers as a private and was shortly promoted to the rank of commissary sergeant. He participated in all the battles before and leading to the capture of Petersburg and after the fall of that city was discharged at Alexandria, Va. on June 2, 1865. He returned to this city and a short time later he embarked in the building and contracting business and met with considerable success. Later he established a mercantile business at Eighth avenue and Ninth street and conducted it until he was appointed collector of county taxes. This position he held with credit for a period of a quarter of a century and then retired to devote his time to his private and realty affairs. INTERESTED IN CITY He was a man of strong intellect, of quiet and unassuming disposition but one vitally interested in the progress of the city. He favored civic movement and lent his assistance in promotion of all things that tended toward the city's advancement. He was politically a Republican, took an active interest in the affairs of the party, both local, state and national. The only time he ever aspired for office was when the commission form of government was inaugurated when he sought the nomination for councilman. He was prominent in Masonic circles, being a member of Logan Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, the Harrisburg Consistory and Jaffa Temple, Shriners. He was a member of the Second Presbyterian church and by the members of the congregation he was highly esteemed. He was a man with a fund of knowledge, having read and traveled extensively and was most entertaining conversationalist. The later years of his life was mostly spent at his home and its vicinity, mingling with his old and young friends and by whom he will be greatly missed. He was married on Nov 19, 1869 to Miss Jemima Greenland, of Huntingdon county, who preceded him to the grave twenty-nine years ago next March. To this union were born three children, all surviving, Mrs. George E. Howard of 817 Eighth avenue and Misses Agnes B. and Elizabeth S. both at home. He is survived by two grandchildren, Mrs. Vera Richardson of Chicago and Miss Dorothy Howard this city and great-grandchild, Little Phyllis Richardson, all being present when he passed away. One sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Hamlin and a brother Albert Elway, of the city, survive. The funeral will be Masonic and will take place Wednesday, afternoon at 3 o'clock with services at the house by his pastor, Rev. Henry Howard Stiles. Interment will follow in Fairview cemetery. (died 8/28/1920) _____ LEMUEL ELWAY PASSES AWAY IN WASHINGTON Former County tax collator and merchant died at Aberdeen, Wash., according to word received by relatives. A telegram was received by relatives in this city yesterday from Aberdeen, Wash., stating the Lemuel Elway, formerly a resident of this city had died that morning, but gave no particulars as to the cause of death or what disposition would be made of the body, whether it would be brought to this city for internment or buried in the Western city. Lemuel Elway was a son of Rev. James and Sarah Elway, deceased, and was born on the farm that is now Greenwood on April 25, 1852 and has been a resident of that city since 1857, until going west. He was educated in the Altoona schools, under the tutelage of Prof. Miller and Prof. Postlewaite. CONDUCTED STORE When yet a young man. he and his brother J.A. Elway engaged in the general store business at 8th Avenue near 23d Street, and later at 11th Avenue and 9th Street. They were engaged in both the wholesale and retail business. Later he entered the butchering business at 11th Ave. and 16th Street. The strenuous business career was too much for him, and he bought a farm in Pleasant Valley on the 22d St. lane, and there went into the dairy and trucking business. He erected a fine home there, but later sold the farm moved back to the city, taking up his residence at 5th Ave. and 11th St. WAS TAX COLLECTOR After moving back to the city, he associated himself with his brother as county tax collector for a number of years. Seven years ago he moved to Aberdeen, Washington, the home of his wife, where they have resided ever since. Mr. Elway was twice married. His first wife was the Miss Sue Snyder. To this union four children were born: J. E. Elway, of Elway & Chamberlain of this city, Amy Elway and Robert Elway of Aberdeen, and Harry, with the American Army in France. To the second marriage, two daughters were born: Mrs. George Barlow and Sarah Elway at home. His second wife was Mrs. Ida Miller, by whom he is survived, with two step children: Downes Miller of Aberdeen and Mrs. Harry Hamilton of this city. After going to Aberdeen, Mr. Elway engaged in the plumbing business with his son and step-son under the firm name of Elway-Miller Plumbing Co. He was an ardent Republican, and a member of the Mountain Lodge No.81 Free and Accepted Masons. Altoona, March 8, 1919 LEMUEL ELWAY IS CALLED BY DEATH Former Altoona Business Man and Tax Collector Dies at Aberdeen, Wash. Lemuel Elway, a former well known citizen, businessman and tax collector of Altoona, died early yesterday morning at his home at Aberdeen, Wash. The news of his death was received in a telegram by his son, J. Edward Elway, of the firm of Elway & Chamberlain, plumbers on Eighth avenue, but gave no particulars. He had been in failing health for some time and it was chiefly on account of his health that he moved to the northwest. The deceased was the son of Rev. James and Sarah Elway, deceased, and was born on a farm just east of the city and known as Greenwood on April 25, 1852. He was educated in the city schools, being at one time a pupil of Profs. Miller and Postlethwaite. On leaving school he and his brother, J. A. Elway, embarked in a general merchandise business at Eighth avenue and Twenty-third street and later moved to Eleventh avenue and Ninth street where they were located for a number of years. He later engaged in the butchering business and was successful in that calling. He was also associated for a number of years with his brother, J. S. Elway in tax- collecting in the city. Several years before his departure for the west he purchased a farm in Pleasant Valley, and the foot of Twenty-second street, and engaged in trucking. He was also interested in real estate and holds considerable property in the city. He has resided at Aberdeen for the past seven years. He was a member of the Lutheran church and also of Mountain lodge, No. 281, Free and Accepted Masons. He was twice married, his first wife being Miss Sue Snyder, and these children born to the union survive: Amy and Robert in Aberdeen and Harry, in France. He is survived by his second wife and these children: Mrs. Helena Barlow, and Sarah Elway, both of Aberdeen. Miss Amy Elway and Mrs. Barlow are on their way east to this city, having left home about a week ago. He is also survived by a step- daughter, Mrs. Margaret Hamilton, and a step-son, Downes Miller, of this city. Two brothers and a sister survive, John S. Elway, Mrs. Elizabeth Hamlin and J. A. Elway, all of this city. The remains will be brought east for interment, the time of the funeral to be announced later. Altoona Tribune, Saturday, March 8, 1919, page 14 _____ MRS. MARY C. ELWAY Wife of James Albert Elway of 916 Third avenue and a lifelong resident of Altoona, died at 2 o'clock Saturday morning of a complication of diseases at the home of a daughter, Mrs. H. J. Hardman of Wilkinsburg, with whom she and her husband had been visiting. Mr. and Mrs. Elway resided with another daughter, Mrs. Harry M. Kunkle at 916 Third avenue. She was 79 years old. Surviving are her husband, three daughters and one son, Mrs. Hardman of Wilkinsburg, Mrs. Kunkle, Mrs. Charles G. Mattas and J. Charles Elway, all of the city, four grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren and one sister and one brother, Mrs. Permilla Stewart of Dormont and George Green of Paynesville, O. Funeral services will be held at the Kunkle home at 2 o'clock tomorrow afternoon. Interment will be made in Fairview cemetery. Altoona Mirror, June 30, 1934 _____ DEATH OF MRS. SARAH ELWAY, A VENERABLE LADY. Mrs. Sarah Elway died at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. J. S. Hamlin, Howard avenue and Ninth street, at 4 o'clock yesterday afternoon, aged 79 years and 28 days. The deceased was born in Herefordshire, England, but removed to this country some sixty years ago, and has resided in this city and vicinity forty years. She may well be termed one of Altoona's earliest settlers as on her coming the city consisted of but a few straggling houses. She and her sainted husband were closely identified with many of its proudest institutions of to-day. Mrs. Elway was an earnest Christian worker, having connected herself with the church at the age of about-sixteen and remained a consistent member up to the time of her death. Her home was the altar on whose shrine she bestowed all the tender, prayerful love a mother's heart. Her kindly presence and gentle admonitions served always to soften the trials of life and point to a brighter future. Motherly affection was her crowning virtue, and her memory is a holy, helpful one to mourning progeny. Her husband, Rev James Elway, died about twenty-five years ago. She was the mother of eleven children, eight of whom, together with twenty-six grand and eight great-grand-children, survive her. The children who survive her are: Henry of Duncansville, J.S., J. A. and Lemuel, Mrs. M. Cashling, Mrs. D. S. Ferguson, Mrs. B. F. Light and Mrs. J. S. Hamlin of this city. The funeral arrangements will be announced to-morrow. Altoona, April 29, 1887 _____ DEATH OF WILLIAM P. ELWAY. Mr. William P. Elway, a well-known citizen of this place, whose serious illness has heretofore been noted, died at his home, No. 814 Green avenue, Monday forenoon, aged 51 years. He had been in delicate health for many years, having been the victim of epilepsy, and his death was due to exhaustion caused by the disease. Mr. Elway was one of the best-known residents of our city. Quiet and unobtrusive by all who knew him, and his death will be regretted by many. He leaves a wife and five children, three residing in this city two in Huntingdon. His brother Henry Elway, of Duncansville, and John S., Albert and Lemuel of this city. His aged mother, Mrs. Sarah Elway, of Tenth avenue, above Howard avenue, now 76 years of age, also survives to mourn with the other bereaved relatives. Altoona, September 9, 1883 _____ MRS. ELIZABETH HAMLIN Mrs. Elizabeth Hamlin, resided at the corner of Howard avenue and Ninth street, died at her home there yesterday afternoon from an affection of the heart. Mrs. Hamlin was born in Jenner, Somerset county, in 1844, where the first seven years of her life were spent. Later she removed with her parents to Greenwood, where she lived for a time. She had been a resident of Altoona for the past 65 tears. She is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Maglaughlin, wife of Dr. Maglaughlin, with offices in the Hutchison building. Funeral announcement will be made later. Altoona, May 16, 1922 _____ MRS. CAROLINE LIGHT An aged and widely known resident of the city, died at her home, 812 1/2 Green Avenue, at 1:28 o'clock this morning of a complication of diseases. Mrs. Light was born in Bedford county, Sept 15, 1838 the daughter of James and Sarah Elway. She came here as a girl in 1851 and had resided in Altoona ever since. She was twice married, the first time to Benjamin Claybaugh, who was killed on the Pennsylvania railroad in 1867. She was married the second time to Benjamin Light, who died five years ago. Three children survive, Benjamin F. Claybaugh, to the first union and Mrs. Myrtle Roland and Charles Light to the second union, all of this city. Three brothers and one sister survive, J.S. Elway of Altoona, Lemuel of the state of Washington, J. Albert Elway and Mrs. Elizabeth Hamlin of this city. Nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild also survive, Mrs. Light was a faithful member of the First United Brethren church. Altoona Mirror, March 30, 1917 _____ DR. WILMER KIEFFER MAGLAUGHLIN Of 1410 9th street a practicing physician in Altoona for many years, died at his home at 7:15 o'clock last evening. His health had been impaired for some time. He was born in Carlisle on Feb 20, 1867, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Maglaughlin, and married Miss Bertha F. Hamlin in 1892. He graduated from Dickinson college in 1886 and from the University of Pennsylvania in 1890. Coming to Altoona shortly there-after he joined in practice with Dr. Shultz, their office being located on 11th avenue between 14th and 15th streets. Later Dr. Maglaughlin established his own office in the Myers building and for 35 years he served as a examiner for the Metropolitan life insurance co. Forced to relinquish his office because of failing eyesight, he continued his practice at his home. Surviving are his wife and three sons: Charles E. of Youngtown O, Stuart H. of Cleveland O, and William K. Maglaughlin of Pontiac, Mich. 6 grandchildren and one sister Mrs. Joseph W. Bell of Winchester VA. The body may be viewed at the Saleme funeral home Juniata. Altoona Mirror, December 26, 1938 _____ Biographies of these ELWAY family members may be found in the Blair County USGenWeb Archives at these urls: ELWAY, Henry page 316 http://files.usgwarchives.net/pa/blair/bios/wiley/wiley05.txt FERGUSON, Harry E. page 219 http://files.usgwarchives.net/pa/blair/bios/wiley/wiley01.txt