Xenophon Whitlinger McIlwain

Xenophon Whitlinger McIlwain, son of James “Jim” Xenophon McIlwain and Emaline “Emma” Hildebrand, was born June 23, 1859 in Apollo, Armstrong County, Pennsylvania. He was the oldest of nine children: Xenophon Whitlinger, Jennie, Frankie, Harry White, Georgia Anna, Charles Kettering, John Kelly, James Lawrence, and Margaret Chambers McIlwain. His parents had married only months earlier, on October 12, 1858. Xenophon is my husband’s half 1st cousin 2x removed; their nearest common ancestor is Jane Gordon, Xenophon’s grandmother and my husband’s second great‑grandmother.

Just before Xenophon’s second birthday, the Civil War began, and his father enlisted in June 1861 in the 40th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. James wrote home often, referring to Xenophon affectionately as “Sonny.” He sent money for a cap, mentioned sending books, and asked Emma to “kiss Xenophon” for him. Emma, in turn, once called her son “Xen” in her letters and sent James a lock of the boy’s hair. During James’ absence, two of Xenophon’s younger siblings—Frankie and Jennie—died. 

Excerpt from undated Civil War letter by James X. McIlwain
to his wife, asking her to “kiss Xenophon and Jennie for me”

James was discharged on June 13, 1864 in Pittsburgh, roughly 35–40 miles from Apollo. He likely traveled home by Pennsylvania Railroad to a nearby stop such as Leechburg or Saltsburg, then completing the remaining distance by wagon or on foot. The trip would have taken a few hours to a day.

By June 23, 1870, the McIlwain family lived in the Kelly’s Station neighborhood of Apollo Borough. Eleven‑year‑old Xenophon was attending school. Two younger siblings—Harry (4) and Georgia Anna (2)—were at home. James, with a personal estate valued at $150, worked as a saddler, while Emma kept house. They lived four houses from Eunice Alvira (Smith) Jack, Xenophon’s half‑aunt.

On June 25, 1880, the family was still in Apollo. Twenty‑year‑old Xenophon worked as a plasterer. James continued as a saddle and harness maker, though unemployed for three months that year. Harry worked on a farm. Xenophon’s future wife lived only eight houses away. In 1881, he served as a mail messenger for the Apollo post office, earning $96 per year for transporting mail between postal points.

Xenophon recorded on the 1880 census Soundex (card 1)

1880 census Soundex (card 2)

James died on August 4, 1883 in Apollo at age 52. The family purchased Lot 112, Section A in Apollo (Riverview) Cemetery for his burial.

Xenophon and Josephine Juliette Henry applied for a marriage license on October 29, 1885. He was 26, living in Kiskiminetas Township and working as a plasterer; she was 27, the daughter of William Henry and Juliet Day Garvin, and living in Apollo. They married the same day at the First Presbyterian Church in Kittanning, with Rev. Henry L. Mayers officiating and Mrs. Lewis Phillips and Eliza Phillips Mayers as witnesses.

 

Marriage application and license

First Presbyterian Church register, Kittanning, Pennsylvania

They had seven children: Erma Ruth, James H. B., Walter F., Hugh Owens, and Jesse Bryan McIlwain, with two additional unknown children. In January 1889, Xenophon—then living in Kiski Township—borrowed $400 from the Apollo Mutual Building & Loan Association, a loan later fully repaid.

Two sons died young: Walter in 1890 at two and a half months, and James in 1893 at age six. Both were buried in Apollo Cemetery.

McIlwain family (ca. 1898)—Front row: Harry, their mother Emmaline,
and Xenophon. Back row: Charles, Margaret, John, Georgia Anna,
and Lawrence

By June 27, 1900, the family lived in Kittanning, where Xenophon continued plastering. Josephine was recorded as the mother of seven children, three living. Their daughter Erma was the only child in school. All three could read and write, and Xenophon owned his home. Around 1903, Erma married Thomas Murray Young, eventually giving Xenophon eight grandchildren.

On April 16, 1910, the family lived at Opalco and Kittanning Road in Kiskiminetas Township. Xenophon was still plastering, though unemployed for three months. Only Hugh (18) and Jesse (16) remained at home; Hugh worked as a chauffeur for a private family. Josephine had neither had nor lost additional children since 1900.

Hugh married Mary Helen McGeary on December 21, 1912 in Cramer, Indiana County, giving Xenophon three grandchildren. Jesse married Mary Elma Stitt on April 5, 1917 in Wellsburg, West Virginia, giving Xenophon seven grandchildren, including John Frederick, who died at five months in January 1924.

When Jesse registered for the World War I draft in June 1918, he listed Xenophon as his nearest relative.

Xenophon’s sister Margaret died on February 14, 1919 in Kiskiminetas from broncho‑pneumonia following influenza. She was buried at Apollo Cemetery on February 16.

Xenophon does not appear in the 1920 census, though Josephine was enumerated in Apollo with their son Hugh. She was listed as “married.”

His mother Emma died on January 5, 1920 from debility following a 1913 femur fracture and a December 1919 hip injury. She was living with daughter Georgia Anna at the time and was buried at Apollo Cemetery on January 7.

On March 10, 1920, Xenophon appeared before a Justice of the Peace as a sworn witness in the burial application for Civil War veteran Eden Eakman. Along with A. F. Young, he affirmed that he was of full age, lived in North Apollo, and believed the facts in the burial statement to be true.

Josephine died on June 4, 1922 and was buried at Apollo Cemetery. Xenophon survived her by six years. On May 28, 1928, he fell from a scaffold while working and died the next day, May 29, 1928, at Citizens General Hospital in New Kensington from shock and injuries sustained in the fall. The coroner ruled the death accidental. He was buried beside Josephine at Apollo Cemetery on June 1.

Xenophon was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Apollo.

Photo by Janet (McIlwain) Larocco

References

• Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, Burial Records 1885–1914, image 328, FamilySearch.
• Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, Mortgages 1805–1943, image 134, FamilySearch.
• Charles Kettering McIlwain, Illinois, U.S., Deaths and Stillbirths Index, 1916–1947.
• Compendium of James X. McIlwain Civil War letters, compiled by Janet (McIlwain) Larocco.
• Emmaline McIlwain, Application for Burial of Indigent Widow of Deceased Soldier or Sailor.
• First Presbyterian Church, Apollo, Pennsylvania, Deaths, Baptisms, Births, Marriages, 1857–1904.
• Hugh O. McIlwain, Pennsylvania, Marriages, 1852–1968.
• James Lawrence McIlwain, U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936–2007.
• James X. McIlwain, U.S., Civil War Soldier Records and Profiles, 1861–1865.
• Jesse Bryan McIlwain, U.S., World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917–1918.
• Jesse McIlwain, West Virginia, U.S., Marriages Index, 1785–1971.
• Letter written by Emmaline McIlwain to her husband James, May 14, 1865.
• Letter written by Jas. X. McIlwain to his wife Emma, undated.
• Letter written by Jim X. McIlwain to his wife Emma from Camp at Harrisons Landing, July 24, 1862.
• Margaret Chambers McKinstry, Certificate of Death no. 18584, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics.
• McIlwain tombstone, Apollo (Riverview) Cemetery, Apollo, Pennsylvania.
• Mrs. Emma McIlwain, Certificate of Death no. 3584, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics.
• Naomi Ruth Young, Pennsylvania, Birth Records, 1906–1908.
• Personal visit to Apollo (Riverview) Cemetery, Apollo, Pennsylvania.
• Thomas, Augusta Dillman, The Bowmans: A History of Hans Dieterick Bauman and His Descendents, p. 62.
• U.S. Federal Census, Apollo, Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, 1870, 1880.
• U.S. Federal Census, Kiskiminetas Township, Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, 1910, 1920, 1930.
• U.S. Federal Census, Kittanning, Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, 1900.
• U.S. Federal Census, North Apollo, Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, 1940.
• U.S., Presbyterian Church Records, 1701-1970.
• X. W. McElwain and Hugh O. McIlwain, Pennsylvania, U.S., Marriages, 1852–1968.
• X. W. McElwain and X. N. McIlwain U.S., Presbyterian Church Records, 1701–1970.
• X. W. McIlwain, U.S., Register of Civil, Military, and Naval Service, 1863–1959.
• Xenophon W. McIwain [sic], Certificate of Death no. 53929, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics. 

Harry White McIlwain

Harry White McIlwain, son of James Xenophon McIlwain and Emaline ‘Emma’ Hildebrand was born in Apollo, Armstrong County, Pennsylvania on August 11, 1866. He was the fourth of nine children: Xenophon “Sonny” Whitlinger McIlwain, Jennie McIlwain, Frankie McIlwain, Harry White McIlwain, Georgia Anna McIlwain, Charles Kettering McIlwain, John Kelly McIlwain, James Lawrence McIlwain, and Margaret Chambers McIlwain. He is my husband’s half 1st cousin 2x removed. Their nearest common relative is Jane Gordon, my husband’s 2nd great grandmother.

McIlwain family (ca. 1898)
Front (l-r): Harry, mother Emma, Xenophon
Back (l-r): Charles, Margaret, John, Georgia Anna, Lawrence

Before Harry’s birth, his father served with Company G of the 11th Regiment Pennsylvania Reserve Infantry (40th Infantry Regiment Volunteers) during the Civil War. On May 14, 1865, he received a heartbreaking letter from Harry’s mother, informing him of their daughter Jennie’s death. Jennie had joined their little Frankie, who had died shortly before her.

Harry was baptized at the Apollo United Methodist Church on November 3, 1867, with sprinkling as the mode of baptism.

By June 23, 1870, the McIlwain family resided in the Kellys Station community of Apollo. Harry’s father worked in saddlery, with a personal estate valued at $150. His mother maintained the home while Xenophon and Georgia Anna attended school. Harry, aged four, and Georgia Anna, aged two, were not yet in school. The census enumerator noted that Harry’s paternal grandfather was foreign-born, although the country was not specified.

On June 25, 1880, the McIlwain family still lived in Apollo. Harry’s father made saddles and harnesses, his mother maintained the home, his brother worked as a plasterer, and Harry, aged 13, worked on a farm. His father had been unemployed for three months and Xenophon for one month during the census year.

1880 census soundex

Harry’s father passed away in Apollo on August 4, 1883, and was laid to rest at Riverview Cemetery (also known as Apollo Cemetery) in Apollo.

Harry married Minnie Mae Schall, daughter of Nicholas Schall and Elizabeth Silvis, on December 31, 1890, New Year’s Eve, in Apollo. Harry was 24, and Minnie was 20. He worked in a mill, and Minnie was a housekeeper.

In 1894, Harry and Minnie relocated to Canton, Stark County, Ohio.

By June 1, 1900, Harry and Minnie resided at 1119 Dueber Avenue in Canton, Ward 6. They had been married for nine years and had no children. Harry worked as a sheet steel roller in a rolling mill, likely the Canton Rolling Mill Company. Both could read, write, and speak English. Harry owned or mortgaged their home. His brother, John, also lived in Canton and worked at the rolling mill.

In September 1904, Harry was a stockholder in The Ohio Mica Company, which went bankrupt. The court decided he had $500 worth of stock and ordered him to pay $500 to help cover the company’s debts.

By April 22, 1910, Harry and Minnie had moved to Ward 1 in Canton. Harry owned his home free and clear and was employed as an ironworker at the rolling mill. They had been married for 19 years, it was the first marriage for both, and Minnie had no children. Both could read and write. After this census, Harry and Minnie adopted James “Stanley” McIlwain, born November 7, 1905, in Apollo. Although Stanley’s biological parents are unknown, his World War II draft registration card lists Minnie as his aunt.

In 1913, Harry and Minnie lived at 719 Shorb Avenue NW in Canton. Harry was employed as an ironworker. That year, Harry’s mother fractured her femur.

On February 14, 1919, Harry’s sister Margaret, aged 38, passed away in Armstrong County due to bronchial pneumonia, contributed by influenza. She was laid to rest at Riverview Cemetery in Apollo.

In December 1919, Harry’s mother, Emma, injured her hip in a fall. She passed away at age 80 in Apollo on January 5, 1920, due to debility following her 1913 fracture and the 1919 hip injury. She was laid to rest beside her husband at Riverview Cemetery in Apollo.

On January 12, 1920, Harry, Minnie, and Stanley still lived at 719 Shorb Avenue NW in Canton. Harry worked as a steelworker in a rolling mill. The 1920 census reveals that the couple had adopted Stanley, who was attending school and could read and write. Notably, even though Harry’s mother Emma passed away on January 5, she was enumerated in the January 12 census. She was listed as an 82-year-old widow. This discrepancy arises because the 1920 Census Instructions to Enumerators specified that individuals should be counted based on their usual place of abode as of January 1, 1920. Thus, even if someone passed away shortly after January 1, they would still be included in the census if they resided at that address.

1920 census soundex

Harry was appointed Court Constable in Stark County for a one-year term beginning March 12, 1923, with a salary of $1500.

He served on a jury in a Stark County court case in July 1927.

On May 29, 1928, Harry’s brother Xenophon, aged 68, passed away in New Kensington, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, due to shock and injuries from a scaffold fall. He was laid to rest at Riverview Cemetery in Apollo on June 1.

On April 11, 1930, Harry and Minnie still resided at Shorb Avenue in Canton, in a home valued at $8000. Harry worked as a court bailiff and had not served in the military. On September 3, 1932, Harry’s sister, Georgia Anna, passed away in Apollo after suffering from hyperthyroidism and chronic nephritis. She was laid to rest on September 6 at Riverview Cemetery in Apollo. Harry’s brother, John, passed away on April 9, 1938, at Sunshine Convalescent Home in Canton due to liver and lung cancer. He was laid to rest at Forest Hill Cemetery in Canton.

On April 20, 1940, Harry and Minnie, now retired, still lived at their Shorb Avenue home, now valued at $5000. The highest grade both completed was the 7th. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on New Year’s Eve 1940.

Harry’s brother Charles passed away from cancer on November 14, 1941, in Arlington Heights, Cook County, Illinois. He was laid to rest on November 18 in Apollo, though the specific cemetery is unknown.

In April 1945, with her health failing, Minnie traveled to her sister Dollie Lockard’s home in Avonmore, Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, for a rest. Minnie, aged 74, passed away on May 2, 1945, due to chronic valvular heart disease and chronic interstitial nephritis. She was “a charter member of Calvary Presbyterian Church and active in all departments of the church and Sunday School until her death.” Minnie was laid to rest at West Lawn Cemetery in Canton.

Minnie McIlwain

Nineteen days after Minnie’s death, Harry passed away at Massillon State Hospital in Massillon, Stark County, Ohio, on May 21, 1945, following a heart attack. He had suffered from heart disease for 10 years. Harry was buried on May 24 at West Lawn Cemetery in Canton, where he and Minnie share a headstone. Both Harry and Minnie were survived by their adopted son, Stanley, who was serving with the Army in the South Pacific.

Harry was a member of the Canton Lodge, the Free & Accepted Masons, the Scottish Rites, and Nazir Grotto, all branches of Freemasonry.

Photo used with permission of Tom L. Schall Sr., Find a Grave member 47236532.

References

• 1920 Census Instructions to Enumerators; https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census/technical-documentation/questionnaires/1920/1920-instructions.html.
• Canton, Stark County, Ohio, U.S., Directory, 1913.
• Charles K. McIlwain, Calvin United Presbyterian Church, Register (1832–1970), Apollo, Pennsylvania, U.S., Presbyterian Church Records, 1701–1970.
• Charles K. McIlwain, obituary, The Saltsburg Press, Saltsburg, Pennsylvania, November 27, 1941.
• Church Leader, Dies, Succumbs in Avonmore, Pa., on Visit with Sister, newspaper unknown, May 1945.
• Emma McIlwain letter written to James X. McIlwain, May 1854; shared by Janet Larocco, September 24, 2001.
• Emmaline McIlwain, Application for Burial of Indigent Widow of Deceased Soldier or Sailor, Apollo, Pennsylvania, 1920.
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/118753837/harry_white-mcilwain: accessed January 2, 2025), memorial page for Harry White Mcilwain (11 Aug 1866–1945), Find a Grave Memorial ID 118753837, citing West Lawn Cemetery, Canton, Stark County, Ohio, USA; maintained by Tom L. Schall Sr (contributor 47236532).
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/46852763/john_k-mcilwain: accessed January 4, 2025), memorial page for John K. McIlwain (18 Feb 1873–9 Apr 1938), Find a Grave Memorial ID 46852763, citing Forest Hill Cemetery, Canton, Stark County, Ohio, USA; maintained by Dirt Hero Paula (contributor 46917490).
• H. W. McIlwain, Journal: Stark County, Ohio, Court Records 1922–1923, image 530, FamilySearch.org.
• H. W. McIlwain, Journal: Stark County, Ohio, Probate Records 1904–1905, image 57, FamilySearch.org.
• H. W. McIlwain, Journal: Stark County, Ohio, Probate Records 1926–1927, image 551, FamilySearch.org.
• Harry McIlwain, Pennsylvania, U.S., Marriages, 1852–1968.
• Harry W. McIlwain, obituary, newspaper unknown, May 1945.
• Harry W. McIlwain, Ohio Department of Health, Columbus, Certificate of Death no. 30958, 1945.
• Harry White McIlwain, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, U.S., Church and Town Records, 1669–2013.
• James Stanley McIlwain, U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940–1947.
• John K. McIlwain, State of Ohio, Department of Health, Division of Vital Statistics, Certificate of Death no. 25129, 1938.
• JX McILWAIN name-dropping in letters (draft compendium of names referenced in James Xenophon McIlwain Civil War letters, compiled by Janet Larocco).
• Margaret Chambers McKinstry, Certificate of Death no. 18584, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, 1919.
• Minnie M. McIlwain, obituary, The Saltsburg Press, Saltsburg, Pennsylvania, May 17, 1945.
• Minnie May McIlwain, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, Certificate of Death no. 39590, 1945.
• Mrs. Emma McIlwain, Certificate of Death no. 245, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, 1920.
• Mrs. Georganna Austin, Certificate of Death no. 81576, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, 1932.
• Mrs. H. W. M’Ilwain, Church Leader, Dies: Succumbs in Avonmore, Pa., on Visit with Sister, newspaper unknown, May 3, 1945.
• Personal visit to Riverview Cemetery, Apollo, Armstrong County, Pennsylvania.
• U.S. Federal Census, Apollo, Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, 1880.
• U.S. Federal Census, Apollo, Kellys Station, Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, 1870.
• U.S. Federal Census, Canton, Stark County, Ohio, 1930, 1940.
• U.S. Federal Census, Canton, Ward 1, Stark County, Ohio, 1910, 1920.
• U.S. Federal Census, Canton, Ward 6, Stark County, Ohio, 1900.
• Xenophon W. McIlwain, Certificate of Death no. 53929, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, 1928.