John "Mac" McGuire

John McGuire, 89, Civil War Vet, Dies After Long Illness

A life filled with experiences seldom able to be claimed by the average person, came to an end at the Lusk hospital at 4:30 o'clock Monday morning, when John McGuire, aged 89, Civil War veteran, one who knew the hardships of pioneer times in several states, and for more than a quarter of a century a resident of this community, succumbed to a stroke of apoplexy. The stroke followed a siege of illness which has lasted for several years, the greater part of the last six months requiring his confinement in the local institution.

A native of Scotland, Mr. McGuire came to this country when but a small lad, locating with his family in New York. At the age of 16, he ran away from home and enlisted in the Federal army for service in the Civil War. He was a member of one of the New York cavalry units, and went through the struggle of the '60's in a manner to make him one of the outstanding soldiers of his regiment.

After the war, he became a wanderer, and drifted to the West. Although little is definitely known at this time of his life between the Civil war and his coming to Wyoming, it is understood that he lived for years in Kansas and Oklahoma. He is also known to have operated a livery in Norden, Nebr., a number of years.

Although handicapped by defective hearing, "Mac," as he was known to all his acquaintances, became the true friend of many a man, and none but good was ever spoke of him by anyone. He acquired not merely the friendship of those he met, but a deep admiration that elevated him above the average of those of his environment.

For a number of years he lived on the place he homesteaded many years ago, about 2 miles southwest of Lusk. Later he opened a harness shop here where he did work for practically every rancher and farmer of the county. He gave up active life here about three years ago and retired to his farm home where he lived alone most of the time.

Funeral services, befitting a hero of such as the Civil war were held last (Wednesday) evening at sundown, under direction of Derk J. Wieten Post of the American Legion. Ex-service men in goodly number assembled at the Armory, then marched to the Peet funeral home, took charge of the casket and, headed by the colors, and followed by his pal of many years - a beautiful black horse, "Dan," saddled but without a rider, and thence trailed by a column of ex-soldiers and civilians, the remains were taken to the Lusk cemetery where the ceremony of the American Legion was performed by Commander Thos. O. Miller and Post Chaplain H. H. Koontz. The march and ceremony at the grave were most impressive. At the close of the service, echo taps were sounded by Chad DeCastro and Foster Rosson, members of the Lusk band.

Pall bearers were R. I. Olinger, Geo. L. Miller, A. A. Thon, Morris Osier, Everett Seifert and Ed Jones.

Little is known of Mr. McGuire's relatives, except that a niece lived in New York. An effort is being made to obtain some data relative to his life and until that is received here we must let it suffice in saying that we have lost not only a good old comrade, and a good citizen, but a type of friend to be cherished and respected by all.

Images & Attachments

Related/Linked Records