Obituary of Asa Alfred McCully

NOTICE OF THE DEATH OF ASA ALFRED McCULLY

LAST: McCully FIRST: Asa MID: Alfred GENDER: M TITLE: Mr. BORN: 31 Jan 1818 DIED: 12 Aug 1886 BURIED: 14 Aug 1886 OCCUPATION: Merchant, Member of Legislature, President of the People's Transportation Co. BIRTH PLACE : Sussex Vale, New Brunswick, Canada DEATH PLACE: Dayton, Yamhill Co., Oregon NOTES:

IOOF - A. A. McCully, died near Dayton, Yamhill Co., killed by a horse, "deceased was a good citizen, well respected by all who knew hime; Asa A. McCully -- Born in New Brunswick in 1818; moved to Ohio at an early age; lived in Iowa many years. Crossed the plains to California in 1848, with an ox-train. Stayed two years, returning thence to Iowa, and in 1852 set out for Oregon, bringing his family with him and locating in Linn County, where he founded the town of Harrisburg. In the same year he returned to Iowa and brought back one hundred and fifty head of cattle. In 1863 he removed to Salem, where he became president of the People's Transportation Company, which owned the Willamette River steamers. Mr. McCully represented Linn County in the Legislature and after locating in Salem was city councilman for several years. Lane pg 775.

OBITUARY:

HON. A. A. McCULLY - Kicked to Death by a Horse, at His Farm in Yamhill County.

Particulars.

This paper, in its edition of yesterday morning, informed its readers that Hon. Asa A. McCully had been kicked by a horse; but it did not contain any particulars of the accident that has since proved fatal, and that has cast such a deep gloom over the entire city.

Mr. McCully left this city about two weeks ago, with A. B. Croasman and their families, for a few days' summering on Nestucca bay. They were on their way home, and had arrived at Mr. McCully's farm--the old Palmer place--about four miles from Dayton, Yamhill county, and eighteen miles from this city, at about 4 o'clock that afternoon. They put their horses in the stable to let them rest a little while before feeding. About 5 o'clock, Mr. McCully went into the stable for something, and the next thing known by any mortal he was carried out mangled and bleeding.

It is supposed he took out his pocket knife to cut off a chew of tobacco, as a small piece, not yet masticated, was found in his mouth, and had dropped it, which was found in the stall after the tragedy. He evidently had stooped to pick up the knife, and the horse kicked him in the back, knocking him down. The ladies, at the house, heard the noise, and sent Mr. Croasman out to see what was the matter. He at once gave the alarm, and his brother-in-law Abe L. McCully came to his assistance. The body was taken up and carried into the house, and physicians were summoned from McMinnville and Amity. It was thought that the body had only received slight bruises and a glancing kick on the head, when the first examination was made, and, although he was unconscious when picked up, and remained so, the physicians thought for awhile that there might be some chance for Mr. McCully to rally, at least.

Mr. Croasman started at once for this city, arriving here about 10:45 p.m., Thursday night. He at once started back with Dr. C. H. Hall, J. D. McCully and Mrs. Crane, the latter two being a son and daughter of the unfortunate man. But when they arrived at the farm, on their return, at 1 o'clock, yesterday morning, they found that the breath of life had departed from the body, and nothing but the cold, clammy clay of mortality remained.

Asa A. McCully died at 10 o'clock Thursday night. A post-mortem examination of the body revealed the fact that two ribs were broken, as well as both shoulder blades, and that the entire skull above and in front of the right ear was crushed.

Thus is taken, without warning, one of the best men that ever lived in Marion county. No one commanded more respect in business or in social life; and to him this state owes much--he having been one of her pioneers, and having done much to aid in her development. Born in the province of New Brunswick in 1818, he moved with his parents to Ohio in 1823. Learned the trade of making fanning mills when young and worked at this business for nine years in the Buckeye state. He afterward removed to Burlington, Iowa, and was engaged in merchandising there, and in New London. He crossed the plains to California in 1848 with ox teams, and, although four long weary months on the journey, the whole train of twenty-three wagons and teams, sixty-five men and one woman, came through in good health, and without loss of property--a thing to cause a good deal of congratulation in those days. In 1850 he returned to Iowa, but the western fever caused him to leave his home there again in 1852, and this time Harrisburg, Oregon, was the end of his journey. Here he located a claim, and later built the first house in Harrisburg, and gave to that place its name. That same year he returned to Iowa, and brought 150 head of cattle overland, shipping also, a stock of merchandise "around the horn" from Philadelphia. In 1863, Mr. McCully moved to Salem, and in 1864 was elected president of the People's Transportation company, an organization that did the bulk of the passenger and freight business on the upper Willamette for many years, and, in fact, exercising complete control over it. This position he held until the locks were built at Oregon City, when Ben Holladay purchased the line. In 1860 Mr. McCully represented Linn county in the legislature. He has been a member of the common council in this city at several times, but Mr. McCully did not care particularly for an official life. When in office, though, he always did his duty and tried to serve his constituency honestly and honorable. He was vice-president of the Capital National bank, and a member of Salem Lodge, No. 4, A.F. and A.M., at the time of his death. Mr. McCully was the second among three brothers who survive him. Samuel McCully, who lives at Harrisburg, being the oldest, and John W. McCully, at Joseph, and David McCully, who lives here. He leaves, besides his loving wife, two sons, John D. and Abe I. McCully, and two daughters, Mrs. W. B. Crane and Mrs. A. B. Croasman, to receive the sympathies of his innumerable host of friends.

Throughout a long and useful career in both public and private life his conduct was ever characterized by an evident purpose of making all around him happy; liberal and cheerful in his charities, benevolent without ostentation, many a faltering hand has been strenthened, many throbbing hearts bowed in adversity and misfortune have been cheered by his kindly advice and more substantial offices, which endear him to a multitude who knew him but to love him.

This sad and untimely taking off is a bereavement extending in its influence far beyond the limits of the immediate family, who can feel assured of the deepest sympathy of the entire community. The funeral will take place at 2 p.m., today, from the residence, corner of Center and Winter streets, the A. F. and A. M. conducting the services.
Oregon Statesman 14 Aug 1886 3:2
INSCRIPTION:
A. A. McCully
Born
Jan. 31, 1818
Died
Aug. 12, 1886

(on East side of monument shared with Hannah McCully, Eula McCully, W. B. Crane and Alice McCully Crane)
(photo available)
SOURCES:
LR
LD
IOOF Register of Burials
Lane pg 775
DAR pg 50
OS 14 Aug 1886 3:2
THE McCULLY TRAIN: Iowa to Oregon 1852 by Sanford R. Wilbur and Sally H. Wilbur, pub. 2000, Symbios, 4367 S. E. 16th, Gresham, OR 97080, pg 138 - 139

LOT: 517 SPACE: LONG: N 44° 55.191' LAT: W 123° 02.867'

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