mcannclan

~ THE McCANN CLAN ~
The Leader of the Clan is Cousin Dorothy McCann Phillips

History of Henry Lee McCann

William Oscar McCann
Born May 22, 1903
A Newspaper Clipping
"Oscar McCann Honored by VWF Post"
On April 12, the Veterans of Foreign Wars held their installation of officers at the City Hall annex and the new officers were installed with the usual colorful VFW ritual. The cootie drill team of Pup Tent No. 7, Milwaukee, conducted the ceremonies with the Fourth District Commander Clem
Truszynski as leading officer.
The installation was attended by about 150 comrades and interested citizens. Among the distinguished guests were Judge-elect William I. O'Neil of Milwaukee, Mayor Charles Plotz, Aldermen Charles Littke, John Aspel, and Adolph Tylicki Commander August Schwahm of the American Legion, Cdr Edward ----, Catholic War Veterans, and Commander Joseph Wachowski of the AMVETS.
The principal speaker of the evening was was Judge elect O'Neil.. Short talks were given by Mayor Plotz and Cmdrs. Schwahn, Hegeman, and Wackowski.
After the installation ceremony, Supt. of Streets Wm.Oscar McCann was presented with the VFW Citizenship Medal for outstanding contributions to the people of South Milwaukee. McCann in his previous capacity as Acting City Engineer, and his present position as Superintendant of Streets, has contributed far above his normal duties to the well being and progress of South Milwaukee. For his continuous and willing assistance in all Civic programs, many times calling upon him for personal sacrifice, the Veterans of Foreign Wars considered it a privilege to be offered the opportunity to recognize his outstanding citizenship.
************************************************************
The McCann Letters
About S.N. McCann Letters
Well, I have finally received from Bridgewater College many copies of the letters that are housed in the Bridgewater Special Collections Library. These were written during Samuel and Elizabeth's days as Missionaries in India, and is a continuing story of those days, and of the hardships they faced at the time, the Plagues and Malaria episodes, the orphans which they cared for, the starvations, the trials aboard ships,and so much more. Also, which was so very poignant, was their love for each other, the many seperations they endured, including their devotion to the job they undertook and to Church and God.
I spent hours reading all of these, and many times the stories brought tears to my eyes, I see now why those that knew these two people were so loved and remembered!
So far I have received 21 letters containng many pages, and this is going to be a lot of work. I have also ordered to be copied many more of them. In the holdings at Bridgewater are also diaries, journals, and photographs, which I will also try to get copies of in the future. Right now i am concentrating on the letters.
Also in a museum exhibit, are artifacts they collected from India and elsewhere in the travels of these two. This includes Elizabeth's wedding dress, and more.
I know I am going to keep quite busy here, and I will post some of them, the most interesting ones. The rest will go into the book.
Dorothy McCann Phillisp
***************************************************
Letter to Elizabeth from Samuel
Transcribed by Dorthy McCann
Anklesvar, India
April 10 1900
Dear Lizzie:
Your very welcome letter to hand, and need not worry about me not finding time to read your letters. They are the most interesting readingi get. And about your accounts, I am not afraid that you will buy or spend what will not be useful. If our accounts run over allowances, we will not worry as I would rather send home for a few hundred dollars and have you comfortable and happy than to save half of our allowance and have you unhappy.I know that the place you are is the best place for you, it is the best, in that you can be happy. And more it is the place where I can safely trust you will be well cared for, I can go on with my work and be as happy in your absence as is possible for me to be. I am so glad you have a good place. I am thankful you found the place. Don't worry a moment over the cost, we will get through and fifty years from now what will we care if we did spend a few dollars now and found comfort and proper care.
Indeed, I would not be happy if you if you should deprive yourself of anything that you need, anything that you feel is better for you. Offer to pay the Dr. some now, Isent a check to the bank for you today. The refund will be delivered at your place sooner I trust.
We did not get to see the Raji, we fared very well but no better, not so well as when you were along. We have concluded to keep Pramieand wife as Salon?sp. did not care to come . Hibdola is doing very well, is somehelp to me. I could not look after things properly without him.
Those Chorendee?sp. Walla's forbid us going through their field yesterday, so we must fix our road this must be looked ofter. We have beentrying to get lannd since last friday, today it is continuing, it must be looked after, water is be arranged for water carriers , water trucks, sandmixers, mud carriers, other lumber must be bought. All comes filing right in at once. (hard to read following)Jascoiti man, Nubero, and Bosineo   are sick. We must pay very extravagant prices for..........We have bought some and now are preparing to burn. Abdulla is much help, I could not do it without him. Don't think I am over working. I put all on Prammie and Abdulla in the heat of the day.
Today our well diggers have run away again. No work on well now and we are only about 2 feet, I hope to have others by tomorrow.
The Parsee never submitted a bid on the house. Rominsliaw?sp. says he doesn't want to do it unless he can get some cream. Have had no bids yet. Night before last a cat came into the room and tried to get into the breadbasket, I got up twice, but it ran outevery time. Last night it was back again the third time, the fourth and fifth time. The last time I found it in the whole house. It first ran into the big room, I chased it out, then had a   time with it on the back veranda, frightened the birds much, it can't get into the bird room I think , all doors closed, had a race back to the room, was too tiring, knocked things over, opened the store room, and it ran in there.. got a swatter, I finally opened the door, and don't think he'll be back. I intended to kill it, but failed and afternoon frittered.
Love, S.N. McCann
(Note: At this time Elizabeth was awaiting the birth of her son Henry, and was located in the Dantia house, in Bombay, India.)
*****************************************************************
Elizabeth to Family at Home:
Transcribed by Dorthy McCann
Anklesvar, India
December 11, 1901
Dear Ones at Home:
Wednesday afternoon, and I am quick going to write you a letter, so you will not be disappointed as I was for I did expect one in the last mail, but only papers. Well, no it was Henry's pretty linen books came in the last mail, also baby St___. He was so much pleased over it, wish you could see him in his delights over something he thinks is pretty. He usually says, pretty,pretty, or aye aye, or other expressions of his own. He admires that paper napkin very much. The napkin should have had two dates, '65, and '01, but they are usually lenient to good kind bachelors .
Glad you had callers etc. Wish we could have been presenttoo. Yesterday Samuel went to Amletta to open up relief work there. Tomorrow Henry and I are to meet him at Raji Pardi's where the Suba Salib, Brahmin is on plague duty. (Government Office). he will give us one of his tents. We also have a native worker there, but they had him in the plague camp. he say he didn't have plague, but the Dr still insists that he did. Samuel had gone to see him then, and another Dr then said he didn't. Anyhow some had plague and we went into the village this time. The Sicha Salib will entertain us, and also promised to take us out to different villages. We are glad for the opportunity. It is very kind of him to invite us.I think his position is about third to His highness, the Native Raji. The Dewan Salibins Prime Ministrator and he usually entertains at Nandod. He is such a dear old man. Persee.
We were in there last week and as usual were treated very kindly. However didn't go to see his family as their little girl has whooping cough .
We usually stop at the guesthouse or Traveller's bungalow, and he sends food from his house. He called twice, he is just recovering from a snake bite, about a month ago. As usual we had one of the state rigs to take us about, went to see Geeby's sister. They thought that he had died in the famine.
His parents both died . His father had several fields and we told this Dewan about it. he will try to keep them for the boy. Perhaps more of the boys can get their property, if they had any of course. The fields are usually quite small patches, and three years taxes covers
their valuation.
The Raji's brother, just a young man called on us too and we returned the call. he has such a pretty wife and only one, some have more, I think the King has about three and i don't remember how many his father had. Of course Samuel couldn't see me but I had a pleasant call with her.he came in awhile to help entertain . He has an English education but his wife only Gujeruti. (sp.) he wants to give us a dinner like they have when we come again Want us to see whether we would like their food.
Samuel has met the King, presented him with a beautiful Bible given by the Bible Society.   You see, it means much for us to be in their favor, for it will more and more open the way for Christian work in their State. They are now much more in sympathy with us than they were two years ago. Are usually anxious that we should be able to help their famine stricken subjects. he also stopped a day and night at Amletta where we have a native mission station. Our man and a few others built a native house there last year, and I felt so athome there, was so glad to be in our own house. I think Samuel said the house only cost about 50 rupees. Two rooms and an open school room, with an open veranda and a fewoutside attachments. It is near a palm orchard and other large trees, also neara small shed station. They were so kind to us, gave us the best they had, and of course we sat on the floor with them and ate with our fingers, which just suits Henry exactly. He was so happy, went and sat by the natives sister and ate out of her dish, would look up and smile so cutely as though he thought it amusing. But rats and mice were plenty, the mice came and wanted to eat out of my plate. I thought the ratswould get the halsen roof off the house, they may if they keep on long enough.
I think they are the same kind as are in the fields. I was afraid to go asleep but, finally covered my head and face with a towel and hada nice sleep. Later I was up and then got fleas on me. Samuel slept anyway like a good fellow. A rat got on his cot. baby and I slept together. They made a curtain of blankets which they are hanging and keeping for us, that they took from a few runaway boys. I wish you could just see and experience it for yourselves!
Samuel preached several times and I too talked to the people as we were sitting with them in front of their houses our in our school room.In the evening three women and two men were baptized. They have been applicants for a good while, the women are the wives of some of the men we first baptized who had walked here It was only a small river, creek, and pretty dry, but the place was extremelybeautiful. The bank is lined withbeatiful tropical plant. We were there about sunset.   A parsee farmer had given us his ox-cart to go, the rest walked and we too part of the way as it was so rough across the fields. When all was over and Samuel came out of the water, Henry went to meet him, wanted to go in the water. This was the happy few times of our visit, but we returned with heavy hearts, for severe famine is hanging over these poor people. It is so sad to see the nice crops cut down the way they are. Rats and rats - hope they won't be back next year. Sometimes I feel so sad, could sit and weep, for there are so many hungry people near us. The poor almost naked, children are begging. and it will soon come again, and than comes that sad famine wail which we heard less than two years ago. We trust to be able to help a good many, yet what is our help among so many, so very many. Every morning over two hundred,bring grass here to our compound and as yet we have found no market for grass.very plenty.
Samuel wrote to Bro. Miller, and he most likely will see tomaking a call through the Messenger. They are getting ready to put up another building for boys. The State is giving some help, but the Dewan said they are not prepared for it, as it came so suddenly, crops were rather promising and winter crops very good, but the rats are taking it. People have nothing, and no work, crops want to be gathered in many places. They have not yet cut our fields, and hope they won't. A Hindu man, our carpenter says that they won't. I think he attributes it to the Lord's protection and I hope he will.
Pray for us that we may just do as the Lord would have us do in these hard and trying times. I forgot to say that the women thought I would baptize them. Natia wondered whether i wouldn't and most likely left them under that impression. We have decided not to baptize any more now, but take their names and teach them and then after the famine is over and they still desire, then they can come . Otherwise it might be for loaves and fishes,and would noy properly understand . Natia said many would come now. However,they have learned that we mean to do them good. During the other famine, theywere more afraid to let us have children, but more they have seen what we do for the boys, etc.
Barney, a native sister sleeps here in my room at night when Samuel is gone. She is such a pleasant little woman. Henry is so fond of her, begins to say her name,She has a cot on this side of the screen so last evening when I wanted Henry to go to sleep, he fretted and called once Ho Barney Ho Henry , it was so amusing. There have been thieves in our compound lately, afterwards found a large bow and arrows. also the thief later. The boys also believe a panther or leopard to have come in after the cow, but most likely was a dog. Another scare, well tried not to be frightened or worried as that one of the native workers got ill suddenly last thursday and has plague symtoms but glad to say that it wasn't plague - the night he got sick Samuel at once went for the Dr., but he doesn't go to such cases at night,but came next morning, Samuel helped to wait on the man and would have been much exposed if it had been plague.
Hope the Lord will keep us, but if not, They Will be Done
Love to all,
Dinner ready, must go, I wrote in a great hurry
Elizabeth G. McCann
****************************************************
Samuel McCann Letter
Transcribed by Dorthy McCann
From Samuel toElizabeth:
Elizabeth still on her journey home with Henry
Anklesvar, India
September 25, 1903
Dear Lizzie and Henry:
Today you are likely in the Suez Canal if you make proper connections at Naples. I could not reach you there with one other letter. I hope you have had as pleasant a trip as could be expected. I hope you are both well, and hearty.   I can see you so distinctly sometimes in my half waking moments. I see you and you never looked purer and sweeter that when I see you thus. I hope you are as happy and contented if you are as I see you.
We are plodding along after the same old fashion, just as much to contend with as one could expect even after a term of years here.
Lelon writes he has plague and wants Kalies to come. I told him he could not go; he is satisfied. he had a long talk with me last evening.
He told me that Prasmasmoked every day in his rooms while he lived here.   He said that Prasma told me he did not smoke, but that hedid.
Lelon also smoked, all the time hewas here. Kalies told this in such an innocent way that I know he tells the truth. Prasma in writing to the musselman, master, and trying to get certification from me to cor_____ him   so Kalies said.I am glad we have dismissed him, he is the worst liar we have
ever had about us.
You see, I must tell you a few of these things as you will not feel at home. You will get very lonesome unless you can be in touch with a few of these things. We are having the worst seige of sore heads we have ever had, about ten or more boys have soreheads. Three of them have maggots in them. I have been dressing the heads myself, three times daily.I have got the maggots killed, in the worst head, and every day I had to pick out from ten to thirty. I used turpintine lamp oil, and carbolic acid dilute, and eucaliptis oil with none of them or all combined would kill the animals.
I have them on in fair way to get well now. We must set ourselves for another seige of itch and the fleas are not growing less by any means. You will know what this means especialy to the poor little boys.I wish we could do something to keep the fleas down, we have been using that poison medicine but it does but little good.
Pardon me for writing you so much in touch with what you can rejoice and that you are free from. If you don't want me to keep you in touch with this phase of India life you must just write and say so now. Well, poor old Dix won't eat a bite of anything,he is just getting so poor. Dan says he is mourning for Henry. I took Dan's mouth organ yesterday and blew it like Henry used to blow, and he jumped up and ran in, and commenced to howl as before, It seemed to do him much good. It really looks like he was going to starve himself to death because he misses you two. he goes all over this house,up in the garret and seems lonesome. he had gone up in the garret and came back about half way down the steps, and stopped and laid down. When I went into the room and blew the old mouth organ, you should have seen him come.
Poor dog, he cannot understand.
We cannot understand the animals below us nor the Great God above us, only the Light that shines inthe darkness
reveals something to us, but how much, Oh, how much we grope in the dark. How often we fail to understand the working of Providence. TheGod Lord knows all and if we can but trust Him, the dark places will disappear,if not now, in God's own good time.
May the love of Godand the sweet fellowship of his children and the
communion of His Holy Spirit be your stay and strength.
Kisses to you both
S.N.McCann
*****************************************************
Samuel to Elizabeth
Anklesvar, India
October 2nd, 1903
Dearest Loved Ones,
     By the time this reaches you, you will have been at your old home a week or more. I must write to you from at the same place I first wrote to you; what a change a few years can bring, yes even a few weeks. You can tell your folks that I received your caps all right also a letter from Henry and his better half. The news was welcome. They can tell you all about it so I will not send you the letter. I had hoped to hear from you in last mail but suppose you failed to get anything off at Aden. I am anxious for this week's mail, feel sure I will hear from you in this week's mail. I hope you have had a pleasant trip and that you are happy.
     Last Sunday when I failed to hear from you I took a good look at your pictures I had to do so alone for I did not want Dan to think I was ___. I felt awful lonesome without you and my eyes would fill with tears. Your pictures that we had taken together at Nuvsariel is just splendid. I never knew it was so good, it is much better than I thought. I think you are much better looking in that than you were when you was single, but I don't want to make you vain so I will hush. When I look at the flowers I think of the little one my love is so with. May the Lord bless him and help him to be a good boy. Tell him Papa thinks often of him and Mama. Oh how many questions he asks, don't let him make you impatient, he asks over and over so often when we tell him, but I noticed if I would give him the Gryiruti word and the English word, he would be satisfied, his mind requires more than the mere word in answers often. How we feel it when we have been impatient when we are seperated. May the Lord forgive me and give me the patience we need.
     Forneys will come in the spring. Dr. Stephens says it would be suicidal for him Forney and Grace to remain in a warm climate. You can just pass this and the next page from here and to the sign (*) if you don't want to hear any more behind the screen in India life.
     To resume where I left off, last week Chager was sassing Mah Dave and I told him to hush, he did not and I told him I would whip him if he did not hush, he hushed but wrote me he was not going to stay. I called him at once and took that rattan that you got for a fey hush and when I was done I was much with sweat and he was begging and saying he would not take leave. You know I always feared to whip him, he was so stubborn and the brightest boy we have. We then prayed together over the matter and he has been a good boy ever since. I ordered the clothes from in the big iron cubboard, some objected Imleva brought his over to me and said he did not want any new clothes, he had enough. I told him to come in, I was at breakfast he came in and I took the rattan and he was glad to go out with his clothes, but with some severe stripes. He has been better ever since and no more boys objected to have their clothes marked and locked up.
     Mah Dave got in a fuss with the sweeper and tried to get me into it by underhanded work and lying. I saw his lie and told him to hush three different times but he went on so every one could hear him. I came over to my room but soon he came here, I told him to hush but he kept repeating I took him by the hand and gave him a gentle jerk that brought him up to where I was sitting and told him to hush at once. Dan was sitting by. He did not do so, I gave him another jerk and his belly was across my knees and his feet up on our writing desk and my hand was falling gently on his looking glass for a minute or two. I soon ask him fier he went about his work but in the evening he came and said that if I was going to treat him like the boys he would leave, I told him to go so he is gone, and the orphanage is in our hands and I must say I am awful glad it is. Things are much easier managed than with him here. The place is looking more decent and the boys are happier and I and Anne they are better. They don't want me to get any other Native men over them and I shall not I don't think.Herridus wrote up today and wants to move into Mah Dave's room, I don't think I will allow it. I fired the mooline our super for not getting your work done, and cut his wages to 25 rupees for month.
     Much more might be told but with your knowledge of things this will keep you in touch with your old surroundings.
     May the Lord bless and keep you both hearty and happy. The time will soon come when I can join you. Don't forget to send me some Jerrary royal seed.
Yours in Love,
S.N. McCann
*****************************************************
Samuel McCann Letter
Transcribed by Dorthy McCann
Samuel to Elizabeth
Anklesvar
Feb 4 1904
Dearest Lizzie:
You last weeks letter is still to come. I hope you are well and happy. These are very anxious days for you, but by the time you get this, the days of anxiety will be over and you will be rejoicing I trust. I asked you in my last letter about the shape of your Bou____ plate. I did not remember that you said, but you had told me that it was round.
Forney's came up here last evening. They will go tomorrow , also W.P goes tomorrow, he will likely return he says. Henry went on last Tuesday.
We had a very good meeting at Gurni---, yet only 14 baptized. Our meeting here is very promising. I think you cannot get the people interested, so well when different ones are preaching to them, you cannot help them on a line of thought so well. Then you don't keep up interest so well. I explain a few scriptures and then let our native workers repeat it and they all talk over it. Then I give them a little more and they talk over it and so on until the time is up.   They get most thoroughly interested and understand better than any other way. The others go straight through with their talks and the interest is good, they understand all right, but they do not get so much out of it as when they can talk it over as they go.
A woman with us brings more of the women out to hear. I believe it will not be long until they will be willing to sacrifice thier jewelry and come. Forney's start to Bombay on next Thursday. Their sailing time is very near at hand. They brought thirty of their boys along to Anklesvar this time. Heridas has run himself 50 rupees into debt again, and is writing to me to let him have the money. He says the Numi____were very willing to let him have the money, but now think he is going to die and they tell him if don't get the money, they will put it into court and come and take his household goods. That is what they can do. I don't expect to even reply. He knew and the Num__- knew that. I did not expect to answer on any other debts. I think he will die soon, and I have begun to believe the sooner the better for he is a regular baby and wants so much care that he has tried the patience of all at Anklesvar and the Doctor also. i am sorry for him, but I cannot give him 50 rupees and I have no right to take it from the mission. There is not the shadow of a ___of getting it back and that would leave nearly one hundred rupees of debt to be paid.
Dinner over, cold slaugh, tomatoe sauce, sweet potatoes, bread and jam. W. B. Forney and I all went to different villages, about five miles away. I got back in a little after one. W.B. about ten minutes later - and ten minutes later Bro. Forney, so we had a late dinner. It is already beginning to get hot in the middle of the day. We are invited out to supper this evening at Amletha, one of our Bhil Christians. We have been out to dine with them twice before, not the same family, but different families.
If our mind waves were strong enough we might converse together now and I would know how you are without having to wait four weeks. If you would try perhaps you could send me a mind wave when you get this, and I would know who has come.
May the Lord bless the little token of love and may it be a blessing to us there and to many more.
Love and Kisses to you there and all the joy that loving sacrifice brings.
How glad we will be to meet again and pray the lord be very near and precious to you and keep you happy and strong. Henry, do you think papa should hurry and come home? Do you remember your pappa? Do you think you would know him? You must be a good boy and pray for pappa to be good and always to know and do the right.
Love and kisses
S.N. McCann
************************************************************
Samuel McCann Letter
Transcribed by Dorthy McCann
Samuel to Elizabeth
Anklesvar,India
Wednesday,March 9, 1904
Dearest Lizzie & Henry
How I wish I could step into your home just now. I hope you and the little ones are well and happy. You will be anxxious for this letter I know. Well, I am sorry to tell you that we have the worst seige of plague that any of us have had yet. Yesterday we had seven down. I called Dr. Cooper, he says it is the every worst type of plague, the worst -----fever, three died yesterday and one boy died in about one hour. after he took it. This morning two more cases, one died today. All that have died have been small boys. Metha (sp) -----is very low. Dr. said he was dying yesterday, but he is stilllingering this evening. This is more like Cholera than plague I think. We havehad none with bulious (sp). They get sores under their arms or in their groins. They vomit and purge so it is impossible to care for them properly. We have had to tear down our shed and scatter our boys, putting six in a shed. This meant much work, it is not done yet, but we have it well on the way.
We have had to stop the school. I fear the worst is before us, this all comes from infection from the rats, but yesterday our boys and I were much exposed in caring for the sick and dead.Today has been but little better. Dr. Yer.... came today, but he is not well and he did not risk even coming close enough to look at the plague stricken. We have two cases that I think will get well. We can but put ourselves in the hands of the Lord. No one can tell what a day may bring forth..
Long'swent to Jalalapur yesterday and will stay until danger is over. Dan came home yesterday evening. It has fallen to me to look after the sick and give the medicines. There was no one else to do it until Dan came so I had to do it. I am trying to be careful so I can do my duty. I hope to write more tomorrow.
Goodnight my loves.

**********************************************************
Samuel McCann Letter
Transcribed by Dorthy McCann
Friday,March the 11th
Yesterday two more cases, one large boy died yesterday, Norotin. He had a bulio in his groin. Truthia still lingers, he has a bulio in the groin, just came today, it is hard and no signs of opening. I think he will die. No new cases today, so far several suspicious ones. Lizzie, I am telling you all, feel that it is best to do so because if the worst should come you will know it before you get this letter. So I feel the facts will not be out of place. If I try to keep these things from you I feel like I am deceiving you and I know you would rather have the truth. If you have no word before you get this, you can feel sure that all is well.
I have of neccesity been so much exposed that I feel very uncertain abou tthe next nine or ten days. If I should take the plague i will be unable to write you for most cases are at once delerious. I am disinfecting myself often, you must not be afraid of this letter for I disinfected my hands beforecommencing to write.
When I think of you and the little ones and the possible future I can not restrain my tears. But then I can but commit all to God and press on. My health is good, so I may go free. The Lord can save me even in the midst ofdeath. I often think of the 23rd Psalm these days. May the lord bless you and the little ones and direct all to his glory and to our best good. I hope to write you better news in my next letter. The hot weather is just at hand and this will be much in our favor.The last few nights have been very cool, but the days are hot enough.
Four of our boys have been away in the last few days. We have closed our school for one month.
GoodBye my loves, God be with you.
S.N.McCann
Evening, seven o'clock, no more cases but Sh...Methia (sp) is dead and buried.
Goodbye till next week.
S.N.McCann
****************************************************************
Samuel McCann Letter
Transcribed by Dorthy McCann
Samuel to Elizabeth
Anklesvar
March 13, 1904
Dearest Ones:
I know you will await with much anxiety the coming of this letter. Tje Lord hasgraciously preserved my life in the midst of death. This is nine days that I have constantly been with the sick and dying. Every hour of the day I have goneto them, given them water and medicine, changed their soiled bedding andwhatever had to be done. I laid most of them out when dead and helped to putthem in their graves. One of the big boys who helped me to lift metha Sh......on the cot and helped to put him in the grave is down today with a very hard attack. He was a native boy. Yesterday two big boys went down. These three are very low. Two have buboe's, the other one is sore in the groin, so the buboe is coming. Today is the first day that we have not had a death since Tuesday, but all three that are down are likelyto die.
You will say why do I not get some one else to care for them. My Dear, we cannothire anyone, I have offered more than double the usual wages for such work, butcan get no one. We could get a nurse from Bombay but the charge is 300 rupees and expenses. Dr. Coo----says we could get a native nurse low. I told him toget me one but he says he doesn't know to whom he should apply. One nurse wouldnot relieve one for the boys should be cared for at night and I want a nursefor the night. My work in the day is lost by no one caringfor the boys at night. Every attack sofar has died, no one recovered, neither would Shuc....likely have recovered,even if some one could have been with him all the time. he killed himself bygetting up and falling while I came to supper.
You may say why do I take all this exposure, well, when the attack came I was here. Dan was away, I did all could for the boys and was exposed when when he came home, he and I thought it best for us that both do not want to run the risk, so as I was exposed, I continue to wait on them. If I would show fear we would have panic, asit is, six have run away. I am exercising all the care I can to do my duty. If the good Lord calls me, I can onlysay, put me on the brighter shore, for God only knows what a day may bring. It is too late to write, I write because you will know that all is well, if no news has come, afraid of this. You put too high an estimate on me, and too low on yourself in your letter receivedtoday.
GodBless and direct you.
Kissesand warmest love.
S.N. McCann
*******************************************************************
Samuel McCann Letter
Transcribed by Dorthy McCann
Samuel to Elizabeth
Anklesvar
August 19, 1904
Dearest Ones;
Another week is told and I am trying to talk a little while with you. Wish it could be a heart to heart talk. It seems so formal to talk so far away. I am just back from a three days trip in the state, things begin to look very serious here in the shape of a famine. Scarcely any rain, streams have never started yet, tanks are empty, grass where it is pastured much looks as dry as summer. Cotton looks fine, but grains are suffering and unless rain soon comes, will be a failure. Cotton must dry up if no more rain comes. We hope for more, clouds are often very promising, but the high winds take them all away.
I killed another big cobra this trip, and one killed a man up near where I was. Another very large one was seen in our compound last Sunday but we did not get him. About the gun again. If you have not bought yet, wait until you hear from me next week. i see in Montgomery & Wards catalogue, you can get a good single barrel shot gun 12 guage, for $5.98. This will just suit me. I see they also have the combined rifle and shot gun for $6.98. This you need not yet fet for me. Dan wants a rifle that is breech loading, big enoughto kill a tiger, but we are not sure that we can get cartridges here, we want to enquire. Kowerji also wants us to get him a gun, he wants the combined rifle and shot gun.This is getting to be a good deal of guns and if you do not want to be bothered only order the single barrel shot gun for me. If it suits you, you can bring the other two, providing we can get satisfactory information about ammunition.
The old water trouble at Jhada caused Jebai and Boorie to quarrel and she ran away. The P-----refused to let her draw water unless she would wear the leg and arm rings. Jebai told her not to wear them she went for water and the Piofer (sp) called her a dheed and drove her away. When she went to get the next meal there was no water and she refused to go for any. Jebai tried to make her go, they   quarreled and she ran away. I caught her at Raj Pardi and took her back Jamil will come up the first of the month, so we will again be in the fight proper.
Babua(sp)   became jealous of Ralier and raised a big talk about his bap----wife at Vulia. I had that to settle, I think all is right now. You see, we move on about after the same old fashion. I must keep you a little posted or you will be too strange when you get back to old India. I am glad that most of our Christians seem to be faithful and try to do right.
Ublo is going to school this month. I married Goolie this trip to a man over near Undia. You remember her, she ran off with Ukerdio.(sp).
You spoke of a little proposal of me getting to go along to South Africa. I would enjoy the trip but I have very little hope of a chance to go. Perhaps it might be that a chance would come. I think it would be nice to go and work there. I am not bound to any field. W.B. is fixing to rent the house Dr. Dodrichieuji used to live in, and expects to move move into it with Bro. Miller's and perhaps one or two more. He will turn the orphanage over to Blough, so you see he will be free for whatever comes. he expects to explore his proposed field. I don't think he is anxious to go to it.
May the lord bless you.
Love and kisses
Yours,
S.N. McCann
*************************************************************************
Samuel McCann Letter
Transcribed by Dorthy McCann
Letter that Samuel wrote, telling about our families in No Dakota while visiting there during his tour of speaking engagements in many   states. This is about the time he was getting very ill.
Samuel to Elizabeth
Sykeston, N.D.
June 7th, 1914
Dear Lizzie:
Your registered letter is the first thing I got when I got to Sykeston. Thanks for the A. M. collection. The folks are generally well, and look healthy. Theu are not done plowing yet, still sowing wheat and flax. It was oppresively hot here yesterday. They have a series of meetings just beginning. Threatening storms made them late in going to meeting last night.
I am to preach for them tonight. My stay will be short but perhaps long enough. The children have grown so much that I hardly know them. Then there are so many that I never know which one I have spoken to and which one not. Eleven at William's at home yesterday of his own, and all twelve at lunch last night, with ten of Henry's or rather nine at church. Four of Celia's, one of Jessie's and one of Elbert's and a host of other little fellows of the neighborhood.
Everything is about as it was when we were here as to arrangement of home and housekeeping, only I notice or feel it more now then I did then. W. J. will break up unless he has made favor in the way of good crops. he was not able to pay his interest last year. he has bought too much land. He has a fine place, lots of machinery and lots of stock. He says they have had three years of failure, only one year of crop in the last four years. Last year prices were so low that they got but little for the amount of stuff they raised. He says his actual loss on his crop expense last year was $800.00. He redeemed himself from some of this in running a thresher. They run things on a big scale. They have a big steam plower . Elbert has a big auto. William Phares has an auto. His father also has one.
It's make or bust and it looks to me like it is a bust. William J. is over $16,000 in debt if I can understand matters. He is getting old, he cannot push like once.   He fails to make his interest a few times, and he will be sold out. I don't see how he stands the strain.
Shifflet's trial begins today. They think he will go to the pen for not less than 10 years. The trial takes place in Fargo, N.D. I think I don't know why only it is U S. business.
This letter will only get as far as Carrington today, it will be taken up the R.R. at 9 o'clock thes morning. I reached St. Paul at 7 a.m. Sunday. Bro. Zeigler got a train out at ten + and reached Surry (sp) at about 2 a.m, Monday. I could get no train out to New Rockford until 10 p.m. Sunday, so I went over to our mission in Minneappolis. Took a street car to the center of the city and went to directory, got the place and while I waited for any car, some members came up and got on the car going to cchurch. On the car was Bro.G.J. Finnel, S.S., Secretary for this district, going to give S.S. work. His train had put him late, so missed his morning program, only reached church in time for preaching. They were to have a missionary sermon by Bro. Tillery (sp) of Ill. They wanted me to take the sermon but I refused and he preached in the afternoon. S.S. work from two until nearly five. Sister Howe Brubaker and husband were there in the morning. She talked tto S.S. Bro. Finnel took his time in the afternoon. Bro. A.G. Wiand (sp) and others were there on way to A. M. I came near missing my train out on 10: 45 but got it and am here.
The church stands on Henry's place down where he had a few rows of potatos plaanted when we were here, down the on the way we drove out from his place. He built on the place where the old house stood, or rather just back of the old house. About where the privy stood when we were here. I am at Henry's now.
Much love to you and to Henry and Mary. We don't know how good we have things. We have no idea of what a nice housekeeper ______ is. I feel sure it would help Henry and Mary to understand if they could be here.
May the Lord bless and keep you all.
Yours in Christ
S.N. McCann
***********************************************************************
SAMUEL NATHAN McCANN OBITUARY
Transcribed by Dorthy McCann
The son of Squire Bosworth McCANN and Roxanne GOULD-McCann Samuel's grandparents were Samuel McCANN and Jane WYATT of Randolph County, West Virginia
From "The Daily News Record" of Harrisburg, Va.
"Samuel N. McCann Buried With Impressive Ceremonies From Virgina College Campus"
The Daily News Record, concerning the funeral of Elder Samuel McCANN, who died near Sykeston, North Dakota a short time ago:
*He was visiting his brothers and sisters there at that time in NoDakota, where they had moved some years ago.(note by D.M. McCann)
The funeral services of Professor Samuel N. McCANN was held on the College Campus and within the shadows of the big boilding that professor McCann helped to build; between 10:30 and 11:00 this morning, in the presence of anunusually large number of people who came to know and attest their high admiration and esteem of the deceased educater and wise leader in his Church.
A conservative estimate of people on the grounds was 1500 at the beginning of the Services, and many arrived afterward. Reverend H. C. EARLY preached the funeral sermon, and pronounced a touching eulogy of the life and zealous labours of the departed man of God. Reverend EARLY was assisted by :
Dr. J.S. FLORY, President of Bridgewater College, in which institution Professor
McCANN held the Chair of Biblical Literature and Theology.
Two of Elizabeth (Gibbel) McCann's brothers and several other relatives came from Pennsylvania to attend the funeral and burial. Mrs. Henry W. POWERS (Samantha McCANN) of Elkins, West Virginia, and his brother William J. McCANN who accompanied the body from North Dakota were also present. One hundred forty three automobiles were counted from the College grounds, nearly half an hour before the singing of the opening hymm.
The following is the Obituary: written by John S. FLORY
In 1897, he was appointed Missionary to India, in which he served for 10 years. While on that field, he married Elizabeth GIBBEL, of Littitz,Pennsylvania, a member of the mission, both having been called to work by theBrethern Church. At the time of his death, he held the Chair of Theology and Biblical Literature at Bridgewater College at Bridgewater, West Virginia. Inthe death of Brother Samuel McCANN the Church has sustained a heavy loss. He touched life at so many points and was identified with the large constructiveagencies of the Church in such a way as to make departure most keenly felt. Inour educational work in the Ministry, on the Mission Field, in the Councils of the Church, as well as in the home and community, he will be missed.
Samuel N. McCann was born in Upshur County, West Virginia and was the oldest son of eight children, and spent his early years among the privations of a rugged country. His parents were of the sturdy working class, and from them he inherited a strong mind, and a strong body and a constitution of unusualendurance. His mother, Roxanne GOULD was of New England Puritan stock, and from her he inherited a profoundly religious nature.
As a child he was taken to Church by his parents. At the age of fourteen he was baptized in the Buckhannon River by Elder Elias AUVIL, at the Old Indian Camp Church. At theage of eighteen he was elected to the Ministry, and a yearlater advanced to the second degree. He was ordained to the Eldership at Bridgewater in 1894.
His opportunities for education were meager, consisting of a few months at the District School each winter, until he was 18 years of age, when he attended aschool in the Summer Institute, and taught his first school the followingwinter. He then went to the Brethern's Normal School (now JUANIATA College),for nearly four sessions. In 1884 he came to Bridgewater as a teacher in theNormal School (now BRIDGEWATER College). He has
been closely associated with the work at Bridgewater since that time.
After 2 years of teaching here, he entered the Evangelical Field, and spent about two years on the frontiers of Missouri and Kansas. These wre busy years.His records show an average of more than a sermon a day during the two years.He then came back to Bridgewater, and was associated here until he was calledto the Mission Field work in India. Part of this time he was Field Representative for the College. He raised money to pay off a large debt that had accumulated, and also collected a considerable endowment fund. When he was called to India, he was attending the Baptists Theological Seminary atLouisville, Ky., preparing himself to take charge of the Bible Department at Bridgewater.
His ten years in India were full of privations, labor, and care. His experiences during the terrible famine reads like a romance novel. The time for his furlough to return home just when the famine of 1905 came on. He refused to leave his post, and sending his wife and children home for rest, he continued to work on, though his health was impaired. For nearly three years he continued to labor in behalf of the people until his health became so shattered that he was finally prevailed upon to take his rest at home. From the impairment of his health during those strenuous years he never recovered.
During the last eight years of his life, he occupied the Chair of Biblical Literature and Theology at Bridgewater College, for which he was preparing himself when called to India. His work as a teacher of the Bible was especially strong. Last session his class in New Testament Enegetical work numbered over forty. His knowledge of the New Testament and it's message to us was profound and clear. He, like the Great Apostle, could say with confidence,
"I know Him whom I have believed".
In the Bible Institute the College and at other places, his teaching reached alarge circle. He was an indefatigable worker. Along with his teaching, he continued his college work and completed his college course only two years ago, in the Class of 1915. The attainment of his college degree was a great satisfaction to him. It was one of the chief disapointments of his life that he had not been encouraged to go on with his college course in his early days.
Amidst his busy life as a teacher and a student, and with almost constant suffering, he still found time to write several books. His hopeful, soulful contemplations on the Beatitudes have comforted many a heart. And the manuscript for a volume on Spirit Ministration is ready for the publisher. I believe if anyone was qualified to speak of conditions in the Spirit World, that man was Brother McCANN. His lofty contemplative nature, and his intensely Spiritual state of mind fitted him peculiarly well for this work. I have the manuscript, and believe the book has a message the world needs.
Brother McCANN made a long and hard fight for his life. Ten years ago when he came home from India his health was very much impaired. He has not been a well man since. Several years ago he submitted to an operation in Baltimore, fromwhich he suffered a great deal of pain and inconvenience. He placed himself at different times in the hands of experts of various kinds, but received no permanent relief.
The past summer was spent in North Dakota where he held a series but gave up the third because he was not strong enough to preach. As a final effort to regain his health he was induced to take up a fast. For forty days he took no food. Under this treatment his condition seemed to improve, although his strength naturally declined. He was hopeful to the very last andbelieved that he would be well again. But a complication of serious stomach and intestinal problems developed and caused his death. He passed away at thehome of his brother, Henry O. McCANN, near Sykeston, North Dakota, on August 24,1917.
When news of his last change for the worst reached his home, Sister Elizabeth McCANN, his wife, at once started to join him. She was overtaken at Martinsburg, West Virginia, bya telegram, announcing his death. She immediately returned home. The body of Samuel McCann arrived Tuesday August 28, accompanied by his brother William J. McCANN, with whom he had spent part of the summer.
Funeral Services were conducted by Elders H. C. EARLY, H.G. MILLER, and J.S. FLORY, from 2 Timothy 1.12 The Service was held on the College Campus in front of Founders Hall, which he entered daily for so many years. It was largely attended, the crowd being estimatedvariously from 1500 to 2000. The audience was a fitting tribute to the esteem in which he was held.
Relatives were present from North Dakota, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. The aged mother (Roxanne GOULD McCANN) now in her seventy-eighth year was too feeble to attend. She, with three brothers and two sisters survive him. His faithful companion Elizabeth GIBBEL McCANN and two children mourn the loss ofa devoted husband and father. Henry is seventeen, and Mary, thirteen. They have such a rich heritage in the character and life of their father.
His associates in the faculty carried his body to it's last resting place. Nearly 200 automobiles were counted in the procession from the College to the Cemetery. The floral decorations were profuse and beautiful. Loving hands cannot do enough for those they fondly cherish.
His passing makes a large void in the Church, in the home, in the school, and in the community. His life has been an inspiration and a blessing. His influence will go on living in the lives of those he inspired, and his teaching will continue to enrich character in the years to come.
Note: Their daughter Mary Roxanne, married John Wesley WRIGHT June 29, 1930 at Bridgewater, West Virginia. They then moved to Kingsport, Tennessee. Mary died suddenly at a young age, soon after her marriage to John Wright, after undergoing Appendicitis surgery. Henry, Samuel and Elizabeth's son, moved later to Pennsylvania and/or New York with his mother.
Dorothy McCann-Phillips (Descendant of Samuel's brother, William Jasper McCannand Aldarada Belle Van Camp-McCann)
*********************************************************************************
Samuel McCan was born 1815.   We believe he is the son of William McCan and Sarah Ann Lanham of Randolph County, W. Va.   We have not been able to prove this relationship, however   there are connections which "seem" to say it is a fact.   Samuel married Jane Wyatt   June 14, 1836 in Randolph County Va. They were married by Rev Thomas Collett.   Jane Wyatt-McCan was the daughter of Edmund Wyatt and Mary Collett.   We are still researching   to find the parents of Edmund Wyatt.   (Note)Recently found Edmund's father to be John Wyatt, wife unknown, who served in the "Battle of Point Pleasant."
Samuel had a harrowing experience during his lifetime.   As the story is told."He went hunting one day,   and came across a bear as he was on his way
to hunt.   Evidently he was taken by surprise , the bear suddenly attacked. Samuel fired   a shot at the bear, however, the rifle apparently misfired.   TheBear was upon him, grasping Samuel's arm in his mouth. Thinking quickly, he pulled his hunting knife,   and killed the bear on the spot.   The
end result of this encounter was that Samuel had to have the arm amputated... it seems theDoctor in that area was Dr. Squire Bosworth, a well known and loved physician at time.   I believe it was he who treated Samuel... as Samuel and Jane named their first child after him. That child being my ancestor, Squire Bosworth McCan
Samuel McCan was first found in Randolph County Va (now W Va) The name was spelled with one N
His children were:
1.Squire Bosworth McCan - born 1837, m Roxanne Gould 1857 (my Line)
2. Sarah Ann McCan - born 1842 - m Ira Graves 1855
no further information on this family.
3. Amos McCan - born 1842/3 - m Ellen Holston (shown with the following known children. i. Hiram McCan, ii. Mary J McCan iii..Charles A. McCan,
iv. John W. McCan (There may have been other children not located.) Have nothing further on the children of Amos McCan.
4. Henry McCan - born 1844, moved to Madison Co., Ohio
5. Catherine McCan born 1846 - married George Goodwin
6. Margaret McCan born 1849 died of diptheria1862
7. Mary Jane McCan born 1852, died of diptheria 1862
8. Virginia McCan born 1854, died of diptheria 1862
9. Samantha Jane McCan born 1857, married David Smith, His 2nd marriage, nothing further known. May have had a son Aaron Smith.
Upshur County WV   Widow's Pension
Department Of The Interior
Pension Office
Washington D.C.
January 31, 1880
Sir: On pension claim of Sarah Ann McCan, widow of William McCann under Act of March 9, 1878, No. 38373, is required to prove by two months the approximate date of the soldier's death, and the claimant is required to state over her own signature her Post Office Address - the official character of a Notary or Justice must be properly certified - Please return this letter with the evidence.
Very Respectively,
W. A. Bentley
Commissioner
Signed on return: (Henry F Westfahl)
Buckhannon, Upshur County, W. Va.
Transcribed by Dorothy McCann-Phillips
********************************************************************************
Back to The Family