MCCOLLOUGH, WILLIAM ELLIOT (deceased). - The following is a narrative of the life experiences of one who was formerly a well known citizen of Beardstown, Cass County, Illinois, and who during his active career, bore the reputation of being one of the most prominent and useful members of the community. From 1888 until 1910 he filled successively the offices of secretary-treasurer and manager of the Beardstown Electric Light Company, which he was instrumental in organizing in the former year. During his entire active career in Beardstown he was one of the leading spirits in upbuilding and developing the principal enterprises in the city, and from time to time was interested in the different public utilities. His death occurred September 4, 1910, and he passed away deeply lamented by all who understood his upright character, disinterested motives and conspicuous ability.
William E. McCollough was born in Olney, Ill., May 15, 1860, a son of William G. and Orinda (Notestine) McCollough, the father a native of Ashland County, Ohio, and the mother born in Olney. William C. McCollough came to the latter place, where he was made railroad station agent, in which position he continued until he died, May 25, 1890. His widow is also deceased.
After attending the common schools in boyhood, William E. McCollough became a railroad station telegraph operator when sixteen years old, working in Edinburg and elsewhere, and locating in Beardstown in 1884. Here he became station agent on the B. & O. Railroad, serving thus until 1888. Then, in association with a number of prominent men, he organized the Beardstown Electric Light & Power Company. Of this he was made secretary and treasurer a year later, afterwards becoming manager.
On March 8, 1894, Mr. McCollough was united in marriage with Mary E. Heffner, born in Fulton County, Ill., January 1, 1866, a daughter of Henry E. and Elizabeth (Messler) Heffner. The father of Mrs. McCollough was a native of Ashland County, Ohio, where he was born March 6, 1834, and her mother was born in Cuba, Ill., June 1, 1843. The former, who always followed farming, died in Cuba, November 13, 1880. Mrs. McCollough has a comfortable and handsome residence on Washington street, in Beardstown, where her mother has lived with her since 1905. Mrs. McCollough is a most estimable lady, and is warmly regarded by a large circle of friends. She is affiliated with the Eastern Star. Mr. McCollough was a member of the First Congregational church of Beardstown, of which he served as trustee and served also as chairman of the executive committee for many years. At the time of his death and for many years he was a director in the First National Bank, in which Mrs. McCollough has stock, and was also a director of the Mutual Savings and Loan Association. He was a member of the Beardstown board of education and also school trustee for many years. In politics Mr. McCollough belonged to the Republican party. Fraternally he was identified with the A.F. & A.M., and was a Knight Templar and belonged to the Eastern Star and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.