James McGrane, Sr., Critically Ill.

Hosts of friends will regret to learn that James McGrane, Sr., the well-known Lewiston pioneer, is critically ill in a hospital in Walla Walla. Mr. McGrane went to Walla Walla several months ago to receive medical treatment and a short time ago was subjected to a delicate surgical operation. He has since been growing weaker and it is feared that he cannot recover. His sons, Frank, Thomas and James, are now at his bedside and his daughter, Mrs. Wm. Boise, was summoned to Walla Walla yesterday.

Lewiston Morning Tribune
December 13, 1900

J. M'Grane, Sr., Dead

Passed Away at Walla Walla Yesterday Morning.

He Was A Lewiston Pioneer

Came to This Point on First Steamer in 1861 - Funeral Held From Catholic church Tomorrow.

News reached the city yesterday of the death of James McGrane, Sr., which occurred at the hospital in Walla Walla at 7 o'clock in the morning. His daughter, Mrs. Wm. Boise, and his sons, Frank McGrane, of Grangeville, and Thomas and James McGrane, Jr., of this city, were in attendance upon him during his last moments, having been summoned to his bedside by the attending physicians. The deceased had been failing very rapidly for some weeks. A critical surgical operation was performed, but the aged gentleman never rallied and all hope was given up Tuesday evening. The deceased was a pioneer resident of northern Idaho, having come to Lewiston on the first steamer that reached this point in 1861. He was engaged in business here for many years and his acquaintance extends to every section of the state. He was a man of broad charities and cultivated during his useful life hosts of friends in all professions. His death will be generally mourned and the sympathy of the community will be extended to the family in their great affliction. The remains will arrive from Walla Walla today on the boat and the funeral will be held from the Catholic church tomorrow.

Tribute to Deceased Pioneer.

It is the custom of all peoples, from all time, to commemorate the life and character of men who have done well their part in life, to stimulate the endeavor of the living to honorable strivings and noble ends.

Mr. James McGrane departed this life December 12, 1900, at the mature age of 69 years. He came to Lewiston, Idaho, early in the 60's in the employ of the O. R. & N. company, where he remained for several years until his family joined him, when he engaged in the bakery business. He continued in this business until the death of his beloved wife and the marriage of his two daughters. After the establishment of his sons in business, he retired in poor health to recuperate and rest. He leaves two daughters and three sons to mourn his passing away. As a kind husband, affectionate father and trusted friend he has fulfilled all the duties of citizenship. Three years ago he was appointed by our excellent governor as school land appraiser and faithfully discharged the duties of his office with the fullest satisfaction to the state. His last moments were spent in the Sisters' hospital at Walla Walla, where he was surrounded by all his children except Mrs. Fred M. Manning, of this city. He calmly and painlessly passed away into his last sleep, his work well done, leaving a fragrant memory as a legacy to his friends and loved ones left behind. The old Greeks thought of death as a beautiful boy bearing an inverted torch and pictured the spirit as a bright butterfly rising from a torn chrysalis. As a friend of many years we wish to pay him the tribute of respect richly earned and worthy of every praise.

He has passed from earth and its cares, trials and experiences to the more exalted heavenly abode, where his christian life will be exalted by the heavenly. Thus passes away one of the oldest landmarks of Lewiston, a good, true man who will be cherished in the memory of all good citizens.

B. F. Morris.

Lewiston Morning Tribune
December 15, 1900

Funeral of James M'Grane.

It Will Be Held Tomorrow Afternoon - The Body Arrived Yesterday.

The remains of the late James McGrane, Sr., arrived from Walla Walla yesterday on the steamer Spokane, accompanied by Mrs. Wm. Boise, Frank McGrane, Thomas McGrane and James McGrane, Jr., who were at the bedside of the father during his last moments. The remains were met at the depot by a number of friends and the casket was placed in a hearse and taken to the residence of Mrs. Boise on B street. B. F. Morris, S. Wildenthaler, Ed Pearcy, C. Weisgerber and C. P. Coburn acted as escort.