Effie Isbelle McLain

Effie McLain, 1910 area homesteader dies at age of 93 in home in Nebraska

Effie McLain who homesteaded southwest of Lusk in 1910 died April 12 at the age of 93 at Hay Springs, Neb., where she has made her home in late years.

Mrs. McLain and her late husband Roy came to the Royal Valley community where they homesteaded in 1910. Mrs. McLain taught school in the community and became actively involved in Community affairs. She was a member of the Farm Bureau, a leader in 4-H projects for many years and was the news correspondent for that community for over 60 years. She served in all of the offices of the Royal Valley Club.

A member of the Congregational Church in Lusk, Mrs. McLain was an active member of the Woman's Circle. She transferred her membership from the Neligh, Neb., church to which she belonged since she was 14 to the Lusk church.

Effie Isbelle Hoskinson McLain was born August 11, 1889 to Calvin and Nettie (Gilmore) Hoskinson near Albia, Iowa. She moved with her family by covered wagon to Royal, Neb., in 1901. She attended Gates Academy and started teaching school at the age of 17.

Effie Hoskinson and Roy McLain were married September 8, 1909, in Orchard, Neb.

Mrs. McLain "loved people and kept up a correspondence with those whom she had taught for over 70 years," said her daughter. "She will be missed by her large circle of friends - both old and young."

The Rev. Frank Blish officiated over the funeral service held at Peet Mortuary Chapel on Saturday, April 16. Music was provided by Edna DeCastro, organist, and Mark Lohr who sang "In the Garden" and "Beautiful Isle of Somewhere."

Interment was in the Lusk Cemetery. Pallbearers were C.H. Brown, Gene Tyrrel, Orville Myers, Chuck Brown, Si West and Alva Ferrel.

Mrs. McLain is survived by her daughter May Louise DeCastro of Hay Springs and grandsons Dwyer DeCastro of Altamore Springs, Fla., and Douglas DeCastro of Hay Springs, eight great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren and a brother Spencer Hoskinson of Sioux City, Iowa.

She was preceded in death by her husband Roy, an infant son and a grandson Earl DeCastro.

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