MEMORIAL TO JAMES MCGOVERN The Choctaw Plaindealer Ackerman, Mississippi Dated August 21, 1911 In the death of Dr. James McGovern, one of the landmarks of Choctaw County, both as to Church and State, has been taken away. He had been, for a long time in failing health, and died about 11:00 A.M., on the 15th day of August, 1911, at his home in Ackerman, Miss., of throat or lung trouble, and was buried at Old Lebanon Cemetery beside and among his children who had proceeded him in the transit from time to eternity on the consecrated spot which he had loved for half a century and where he always said he would "slumber and sleep until the Bridegroom should come." Here, amid the largest gathering of people for a like occasion, which was ever seen in this County, his precious dust was laid to rest on the 16th day of August 1911. Rev A.H. Mecklin, whom the Dr. loved so well, and who had been so long his pastor speaking the tender words of memorial and eulogy: Rev. J.D. Simpson of the Methodist Church, whom the Dr. esteemed most highly, reading the Scripture Lesson: Dr. C. T. Thompson, of Koscuisko, offering the prayer for the family and congregation; and Rev F. Z. Browne, of Starkville, concluded the service at the grave. (The last two Brethren were attending the annual Camp Meeting at Old Lebanon.) With the usual impressive ritual, the Masons took part in the last rites in the Cemetery. James McGovern, M.D., was born in Antrim County, Ireland, June 22nd, 1839. He came to New York with friends, when two years old and removed to Mississippi in 1853. He was a soldier of the Confederacy during the Civil War, being Orderly Sergeant of Co. I, Fifteenth Mississippi Regiment where he did faithful duty for four years. In 1867 be began the study of medicine and entered into a large practice in 1869. He was married to Miss Kate Love in February, 1871. He joined Old Lebanon Church in 1872, was made a ruling Elder in same Church in 1876. He removed to Ackerman in 1900, and was elected elder in the Presbyterian Church at this place, in which office, ever faithful, he continued until the day of his death. Dr. McGovern lived, when he first came to Mississippi with Capt. Miller, superintending some drainage schemes on the farm of the latter, in which labor he secured the financial means needed for his Medical course. His practice for two score years extended over a wide scope of country and he accumulated considerable property. From his earliest coming to the community, he loved Old Lebanon Church, was a liberal supporter of it; and to him they owe more than, perhaps to any other, the beautiful home of worship which they now have. On coming to Ackerman, he became to the Presbyterain Church there, what he had been to Old Lebanon. In the loss of his children, he was called upon to bear a heavy cross. He left to mourn his loss a wife, two sons, Dr. J.D. McGovern, of the Delta, and Lester; and two daughters, Kittie and Ruth. The character of Dr. McGovern was almost impeachable. For he was moral; religious, learned, humble to almost a fault, and had most implicit trust in his Savior. His devotion to Old Lebanon Church and to Rev. A.H. Mecklin, was most touching and remarkable. He was wont to call Old Lebanon his "Mecca" and often said that Rev. A.H. Mecklin was next to the Savior with him. Yet with characteristic Irish fondness, he loved his family. Truly "a prince and a great man has fallen in Israel." Long he waited on the margin of the river, Waited for the angels coming. Having finished all the errand for the Giver, of his life and of his blessing but he never for a moment, lost his hope as a believer, nor his longing for the homing. Notes on Dr. James McGovern's Memorial: In looking over this memorial and comparing to Goodspeed below and 1900 census I noticed a couple of differences in the story of Dr. James McGovern's immigration to America worth noting: (1) In his memorial it states he was born in 1839 and came to America with "friends" at age two. (2) In Goodspeed it states he was born in 1840 and came to America with "family" as a infant. (3) In the 1900 census Dr. James stated he came to America in the year 1845. (4) I found records which show he came to America at the age of ten in the year 1849 with family. Again, I don't have a clue for the differences in the stories of his coming to America and the age when he came, and who he was with. INFORMATION FROM GOODSPEEDS Goodspeed's "Biographical and HIstorical Memoiors of Mississippi", Volume 1, Part 2, Pages 1207 & 1208. Published 1890 In connection with his practice as a physician and surgeon Dr. James McGovern is also engaged in merchandising and farming, and is one of the honest, industrious citizens of Choctaw County. He was born in County Antrim, Ireland, in 1840, and is son of James and Mary (Cullen) McGovern, natives also of the Emerald Isle. They came to New York City when the Doctor was an infant, and there both passed the closing scenes of their lives. Of their six children- three sons and three daughters - only the sons are living: Bernard, a planter of Neshoba County, came to this state in 1852, and has been justice of the peace nearly ever since the war. John came here a year later, and now resides in Navarro County, Texas, where he is engaged in planting. Dr. James McGovern came to Choctaw county, Miss., with his eldest brother when eleven years of age, and received a common- school education. When seventeen years of age he began working for himself on a farm, and after obtaining sufficient means he attended school until the war. He then joined Company I, Fifteenth Mississippi Infantry, as a private in the Tennessee Army, and fought at Rock Castle, Fishing Creek, Shiloh, Murfressboro, for Ressaca to Jones- boro, back to Franklin and Nashville, and then to Mississippi, and was home at the time of the surrender. He was never captured nor wounded. After the war he taught school sixteen months, or until he accumulated sufficent means to attend college, and then entered the University of Louisiana, now Tulane University, and in 1868 he graduated from the University of Louisville, KY. Since that time he has practiced in Choctaw county, and for five years at Kenaga. He is the owner of two thousand acres of land, twleve hundred acres near Kenaga, and a saw, gin and gristmill; also a store which does an annual business of $8,000. This is all the result of his own industry, honesty, and excellent management, and he deserves great credit for his perseverance and the success he has made of different occupations. He is a Mason, Snowsville Lodge No. 119, now at Ackerman, and was worshipful master ten years, when the lodge was at Chester. He is also a member of the Knights of Honor at Kosciusko, and the Knights and Ladies of Honor, at French Camp. Miss Kate Love, who became his wife in February, 1871, was the daughter of Wiliam G. and Eunice Love, natives of the Palmetto state. Mrs. Love came to Choctaw county, Miss., with her parents and there married. Her Her death occured when Mrs. McGovern was but four years of age, and her father died in 1871. To Mr. and Mrs. McGovern have been born ten children, four now living, and these have had the best advantages for an education. Dr. and Mrs. McGovern are members of the Presbyterian church. He has always attended strictly to his domestic affairs, and does not meddle very much in politics. Notes accompanying Goodspeed book: Mary Cullen BA 1815 in Ireland. Married James McGovern Bernard McGovern BA 1836. son of James and Mary (Cullen) McGovern. Moved to Miss in 1852. Lived in Neshoba Co. in 1891 James McGovern BA 1810 in Ireland. Married Mary Cullen. Emigrated to the US about 1840. Lived in NYC. Dr. James McGovern, Jr. Born in County Antrim, Ireland in 1840. Son of James and Mary (Cullen) McGovern. Moved to Miss. in 1852. In Civil War. Physician - practiced in Choctaw County Miss. Married Kate Love in Feb. 1871 John McGovern BA 1842 son of James and Mary (Cullen) McGovern. Lived in Navarro co. Texas in 1891. Notes on Goodspeed: (1) I have already mentoined about Dr. James McGovern and his coming to America and the differences in the stories. Please now note the differences in family information. (2) Birthdate of 1836 for Bernard vs actual of 1824. (3) Birthdate of 1842 for John vs actual of 1825 or 1827. Also this would put John after James in order of birth and then also born in NY vs Ireland since family according to the story immigrated in 1840. (4) Note only Dr. James is listed as being from County Antrim. Mary Cullen and James McGovern, father, listed as born in Ireland... no specific county in Ireland. (5) No names for 3 McGovern daughters. (6) Based on birthdates given for parents of 1815 and 1810 and comparing to what I found, 1796 and 1794, person was way off on these birthdates too. (7) BA before all the dates of birth except Dr. James ment the person did not know exact dates. BA means "Born About". Summarizing this information the person giving the information to Goodspeed did know alot about Dr. James McGovern, but knew very little about his family. It may be possible the person giving this information was a daughter or son of Dr. James McGovern. Surely if Dr. James McGovern was giving the information he would have a bit closer on dates and birth order. LETTER FROM MASONIC LODGE OF ACKERMAN, MS Ackerman Masonic Lodge No. 119 Letter dated Feb. 3, 1912 To the Master, Wardens, and members of Ackerman Lodge No. 119, F. & A.M. Your committee appointed to draft resolutions to the memory of Dr. James McGovern report as follows: Dr. James McGovern was born in Ireland, June 22, 1838, and died at his home in Ackerman, Miss. Aug. 15, 1911. Dr. McGovern spent the most of his life in Choctaw County and was known and loved by every body. His was a life of service and usefullness to his country and fellow man. He was never known to refuse to aid a struggling worthy man, and perhaps no man in the county has ever brought more people under obligations to him on account of service of this kind. He was a member and officer in the Presbyterian church, and loyally supported its institutions. Dr. McGovern was a past master of this Lodge, having been a member in good standing for Forty Two years. Therefore be it removed: First, that in the death of Dr. McGovern, Ackerman Lodge No. 119, F.&A.M. has lost one of its truest and best members; his family a kind and affectionate husband and indulgent father; the church and Sunday School a loyal supporter; and the State a useful citizen. Second, that while we bow in sorrow and mourn his taking away we know our Supreme Ruler does all things well, and trusting in his wisdom goodness and mercy we bow our heads in submission to his will. Third, that a copy of these resolutions be spread upon a page of our minute book set apart for that purpose, a copy bearing the seal of the Lodge be furnished the family of the deceased, and that copies be furnished the county papers with request that they publish same. Very respectfully submitted, J.W. Prinson H.L. Rhodes Edmond Thompson Remembrances of Ann Ruth Davis, daughter of Kitty McGovern: Gradpa McGovern had lots of land, hired many workers... mostly blacks. Ran a grocer store, saw mill, practiced as a doctor. Most likely a Catholic at first and later converted to Presbyterian when married in 1872. Remembrances of Nita Marshall, daughter of Lester McGovern: James had a big two story house in Ackerman. Had a big house on a hill, surrounded by orchads. Kate would pick the fruits and do lots of canning. James came to America at age of two. Came from County Antrim. Was Catholic at first and later converted. She also mentioned that Kitty McGovern had said that one of the McGoverns had been a bishop and that several had been in the nunery. (The bishop she was thinking about was the Bishop of Armagh and died for his faith.) MEMORIAL TO KATE MCGOVERN The Times Post Houston, MS Dated April 4, 1935 Houlka lost one of her oldest and most beloved citizens when Mrs. James McGovern passed away Saturday Morning, March 30th. Her death came as the result of a long illlness of pneumonia followed by complications. The life of this noble Christian woman, was outstanding. She had reached the age of eighty three years, the last eighteen of which had been spent in Houlka with her daughter, Mrs. P.W. Griffin. Since childhood she had been a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church. She looked forward with much pleasure to attending the annual camp meeting at her old home church near Ackerman. Always cheerful and happy, Mrs. McGovern was in truth a source of joy to all with whom she came in contact. Funeral services were held Sunday morining in the Presbyterian church with Rev. W.F. Patch of Houston and Rev. J.E. McJunkin of Pontotoc in charge. Interment was made in the Lebanon Cemetery near Ackerman, beneath a wealth of beautiful flowers. Surviving are four children: Mrs. P.W. Griffin of Houlka, Mrs. T.D. Moss of Memphis, Mr. Lester McGovern of Stewart, and Dr. J.D. McGovern of Wewoka, Oklahoma ane one sister, Mrs. Eunice Moss of Ackerman. She was prceded to her grave by her husband and eight children. Pallbearers were Messrs: Leland Norman, Henry Andrews, Carey Dodds, L.A. Bullard, G.B. Blake, and F.L. Harris. To the bereaved we extend our heartfelt sympathy. Remembrances of Ann Ruth Davis, daughter of Kitty McGovern: Grandma Kate lived with her when Ann was little. Said that Kate was gray haired by that time. Was Short and chunky lady. At her funeral, my grandfathter Dr.J.D. McGovern and my uncle Jack came. Does not have a picture of Kate. But does have the old tin of James. Is sending me the obituary of James. Remembrances of Nita Marshall, daughter of Lester McGovern: Said like Ann that Kate was short and chunky. Very much a go getter. Big in to canning.