Representative Josiah D. McVay View All Years

Senator Young of Calhoun, from the committee appointed to prepare suitable resolutions of respect to the memory of the late Hon. J. D. McVay, of Calhoun county, submitted the following report and moved its adoption:

MR. PRESIDENT—Your committee appointed to prepare suitable resolutions of respect to the memory of the Hon. J. D. McVay, late of Calhoun county, beg leave to report as follows:

WHEREAS, The Hon. J. D. McVay, an honored member of the Senate of the Twenty-second and Twenty-third General Assemblies of Iowa, representing Calhoun and Webster counties, and also an honored member of the House of the Twentieth General Assembly of Iowa, departed this life April 4, 1904.

J. D. McVay was born February 3, 1844, in Fulton county, Illinois. When a small boy his parents moved to Keokuk county, Iowa. At the out break of the Civil war, he early answered the call for volunteers, entering the 36th Infantry ex-Governor, Drake’s regiment. He was taken prisoner at “Mark’s Mills” and was taken from there to Camp Ford, Tyler, Texas. Here he displayed the qualities that made him beloved by all who knew him. His captain, who was captured at the same time, was seriously ill and in order to save his life it was necessary that he be paroled at once. Senator McVay’s name coming before his captain’s for parole, exchanged names and allowed him the opportunity of escaping from death, while he waited and took his chances. He was mustered out after a service of three years and one month. He moved to Calhoun county in 1872 and resided there until his death.

Resolved, That in the death of this generous-hearted, patriotic soldier, citizen and legislator that the State has lost a good, upright citizen, the community in which he lived one of its most conscientious and energetic members, and the highest type of a man, his family a kind and loving husband and father.

Resolved, That we extend to his family and those nearest him, our sincere sympathy in their sorrow and afflictions. That the Secretary of the Senate is hereby instructed to transmit an engrossed copy of these resolutions to the bereaved family, and to enter the same upon the Journal of the Senate.

YOUNG of Calhoun,

D. H. LYONS,

S. H. HARPER,

Committee.

Adopted unanimously by a rising vote.