Mary D. McClanahan
In death she pointed meet me
up yonder
In memory of
Mrs. Mary D.
wife of
G.W. McClanahan
born in Charlotte, N.C.
Oct. 16, 1833
died in Corpus Christi
Aug. 6, 1867
A kind neighbor,
A devoted mother, an affectionate wife
A consistent Christian
She died as she lived
In peace with her God
Photo Credit: Rosa G. Gonzales
1. Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1867
2. Biographical information from A History of Bee County, Texas
George W. McClanahan became the town's first merchant. He came to Beeville in 1859. He was born in Craig County, Virginia, in 1824. He graduated from Emory and Henry College in 1853. The same year he went to Goliad to become principal of Paine Female Institute.
Mrs. Madray in her History of Bee County gathered much information about this remarkable pioneer who helped lay the groundwork for the village that was to become one of South Texas' outstanding small cities. She was privileged to read letters that Mr. McClanahan wrote to relatives in Virginia, and credit is hereby given Mrs. Madray for the following thumbnail biography of Beeville's first merchant.
In 1858 he resigned his position with the Goliad college because of bad health, and he and his wife traveled through the county, camping out in order to regain his good health. Coming to Beeville the following year, he established a mercantile business on two blocks of land in the vicinity of present Klipstein Park. He planted corn and vegetables on the several acres of land adjoining the store.
When the county seat was moved from the Medio to Maryville (later changed to Beeville) Mr. McClanahan purchased some lots around the Public Square, paying as high as $11 for one in a horse trade. He sold it back tot he man from whom be bought it, for $16 cash. He was a storekeeper, farmer and gardener, deputy clerk in the county clerk's office, and occasionally when a traveler wanted lodging for a night, Mr. McClanahan accommodated him. And he owned a few head of cattle.
He loved his native state, but was loyal to his adopted State of Texas. In a letter written to his brother in February 1865 Mr. McClanahan invited his brother to come to Texas and eat a fat wild turkey and breathe the air that had caused the remark, "We have not boys in Texas; all are men."
When the post office was moved form the Medio to Beeville, it was set up in the McClanahan store. Henderson Williams was postmaster for a short time, but later, Thomas Martin was appointed. In 1866, the McClanahan family moved to Corpus Christi, but after the death of his wife the following year during a yellow fever epidemic, Mr. McClanahan and his four children, Mary, William, George, and James, returned to Beeville. The merchant opened another store, which he operated until his death in 1874.
Research by: Geraldine D. McGloin and Msgr. Michael A. Howell
Transcription by: Geraldine D. McGloin, Nueces County Historical Commission
3. Photograph
Source: Madray, Mrs. I. C., A History of Bee County with Some Brief
Sketches About Men and Events in Adjoining Counties, Beeville, 1939.
4. News Item
"Former Resident Visiting In City"
James McClanahan Makes First Visit to Corpus Christi In 42 Years
The growth of Corpus Christi in the past 42 years is a marvel, James McClanahan, formerly a resident of Corpus Christi, declared Wednesday, while here on his first visit in the past 42 years.
Mr. McClanahan now resides in Baltimore, Md. His sister, Mrs. R. C. Holland, formerly Miss Mary McClanahan, is here with him. Both have marveled at the tremendous strides made in the city.
The two people formerly resided here. Their mother, Mrs. G. W. McClanahan, died here during the yellow fever epidemic of 1867. Mr. McClanahan now has in his possession, a copy of "The Advertiser", a newspaper being published here in 1867. This copy is an extra, issued Aug. 14, 1867, and consisted of one sheet. The extra gave an account of the epidemic and named those who were ill and who had died.
Mr. McClanahan's father was associated with N. Gussett, father of H. D. C. Gussett, for several years, in the mercantile business, but moved to Beeville, after Mrs. McClanahan's death. The father died there in 1874.
Corpus Christi Times, July 9, 1930 p. 8, col. 4
Research and transcription: Michael A. Howell
"Former Resident and Daughter Visit Here"
James McClanahan, formerly a resident of Corpus Christi, and his daughter, Mrs. R.C. Holland, are visiting in Corpus Christi. It is McClanahan's first visit to Corpus Christi in 42 years, and he expressed delight, but not surprise, at the remarkable progress of the town.
Corpus Christi Caller, July 10, 1930, p. 16, col. 5
Research and transcription: Michael A. Howell
5. Obituary
Died, of Yellow Fever, in the city of Corpus Christi, Texas, Aug 6th, 1867, after a severe illness of four days, Mrs. Mary Doretha, consort of G. W. McClanahan.
The deceased was born in Charlotte, N. C., and Oct. 16th, 1833; was a daughter of Dr. Harris of that place, and received much of her literary education was well a moral and religious training from the late Rev. Dr. Johnston of charlotte. She became a member of t the Presbyterian Church in early life. Removed to Texas in the fall of 1853, and at Victoria, shortly after her arrival from Yellow Fever, lost her first husband—C., C. Shive –to whom she had been married but a few months. After this she was, for several years, successfully employed in teaching the higher branches in the Victoria Female Academy.
On the 17 of October 1858, she was married to G. W. McClanahan, with whom she lived happily as a wife and a mother up to her death. In 1860 she attached herself to the M. E. Church south, of which she was a consistent member, living that religion which she professed. As a neighbor she was kind, obliging and beloved—as a wife she was affectionate and confiding—as a mother she was devoted to her children, instructing them from day to day, and bringing them up in the fear of the Lord. She leaves a large circle of friends, a husband and five motherless children, to mourn her irreparable loss. But our loss is her eternal gain.
BY A FRIEND
Source: Galveston Daily News, September 12, 1867
Research by: Rebecca Lee Jones
Transcription by: Geraldine D. McGloin, Nueces County Historical Commission