McMechan - (Dr) Theodore - Montgomery InGenWeb Project

Great was the shocked surprise of the city Tuesday morning to learn that Dr. Theodore McMechan had died Monday night at his home on East Wabash Avenue. His friends knew that his health had not been very good for some time and he had suffered greatly at times, but he went about his work as usual and was at his office Monday, returning home in the evening. He retired about the usual hour and was restless the earlier part of the night, but later slept quite soundly. About six o’clock Mr. McMecham awakened, and noticing that he was very still, she placed her hand upon his forehead. He was dead and had evidently passed without pain or even awaking. He was lying so peacefully with his hands folded on his breast that death simulated sleep there and was robbed of half its horror. The neighborhood was quickly appraised of the sad event and soon after the tolling of the fire bell announced to the town the death of a former efficient officer.

Dr. Theodore McMechan was born in Tippecanoe County, December 19, 1841, and was the son of Dr. J. G. McMechan. Dr. McMechan had the advantage of the common school, and also attended Wabash College several terms. After he began life he worked in the drug business, at painting, and in a dry goods store. In 1861, he enlisted in Co. I, 11th Ind. Vols., for three months. After coming home from the war he studied dentistry in this city awhile, then clerked two years in a wholesale dry goods store in Leavenworth, Kansas. He then returned to Crawfordsville, where he finished the study of dentistry and in 1865 began practicing in Muncie, Delaware County, remaining there two years, after that he resided in Crawfordsville where he successfully practiced his profession and established a high reputation among his fellow citizens.

He was married Jun 2, 1870, to Miss Helen C. Eaton. They have one child, Maud, born in 1872. Dr. McMecham was appointed Deputy City Clerk and served one year and a half, and in May, 1876, was elected to that office, which he held two years. Upon his retirement the following article appeared in The Journal of Sept. 4, 1880: “Next Monday Theo. McMechan, who has filled the office of City Clerk for the past six years, will retire and give place to his successor, W. T. Miller. In his retirement the city will lose a faithful, efficient, and painstaking officer. We believe that it is the universal verdict that he has performed the duties of his position, which were multifarious and complex in their character, faithfully and well and to the satisfaction of all with whom he came in business contact. He leaves the office in good shape and will turn the books over to his successor as neat as he received them from the hands of T. D. Brown. As a testimonial of the esteem in which he is held by the City Council, that body, on last Monday evening, adopted the following resolution and ordered it spread on the records:

“Whereas the term of term of office for which Theodore McMechan was elected is about to expire, and the Mayor and Common Council recognizing and feeling the loss the city will sustain in losing from the Clerk’s desk and counsel so efficient an officer; therefore be it “Resolved, that we tender to him our sincere thanks for the manner in which he has conducted the business of the office, and gladly reward him the deed of praise justly due to an efficient officer, and sincerely trust that prosperity may attend him in all after duties of life. On his retirement to private life, Dr. McMechan will resume the practice of dentistry, in which profession he has proven himself to be as proficient as he has proved himself in the temporary avocation of City Clerk.”

Dr. McMechan was a prominent fraternity man and was one of the most prominent Knights of Pythias in the state. He was also a member of the G. A. R., the Royal Arcanum, the A. O. U. W., the Good Fellows and the National Union, being a member of the Supreme Senate of the last named organization. He leaves life insurance amounting to some $10,000 or $12,000.

Mr. McMecham was a man of warm and genial temperament and his wide circle of friends sincerely mourn with the bereaved family. He was never possessed of very vigorous health and for the past year was sick a greater portion of the time, but so little did he complain that no one knew how critical his case was. His heart was so seriously affected that frequently he was obliged to stop on the street and rest. Dr. McMechan was a kindly neighbor, a good friend, and a loyal citizen. His family has the sympathy of all in their sad bereavement. - thanks so much to "S" for all her great work on the obits here