FRANK WILBUR McELENY

Frank Wilbur McEleny gravestone
(Photo by Vernon B. Paddock)

B. October 2, 1883 in Clinton, Clinton County, IA
D. June 28, 1944 in Round Lake, Lake County, IL
Find A Grave memorial (click here)

(NOTE: According to Frank’s 1917-1918 WW I Draft Registration Card and his son’s Cook County, IL Birth Certificate Index, his middle name is “Wilber”; and according to the Illinois, U.S. Deaths Index, his middle name is “Winfield”)

  • Father: Michael McEleney born in Ireland; Michael died before 1900 (NOTE: last named also spelled: McElaney)

According to the Iowa, Wills and Probate Records, 1758-1997; Wills, Vol 3-4, 1887-1901:

“Last Will and Testament of
Michael McElaney, Deceased.
        State of Iowa}
        County of Clinton} ss
   I, Michael McElaney resident of the township of Lyons, County of Clinton and State of Iowa make this my last will.  I give and devise and bequeath my estate and property, real and Personal as follows.
   I desire first the payment of all my just debts and funeral expenses and the costs of my last sickness and for a suitable monument over my grave.  Then the lawful and reasonable expense of probating this will.  I then give to my daughter, Mary McElaney and to my sons James McElaney, Willie McElaney and John McElaney who are able to provide to themselves at this date, the sum of one dollar each.  After the above expenses and amounts have been paid I desire the residue of my property both real and personal to be divided as follows.  One third of the entire amount to my wife Ellen McElaney and the balance two thirds to my children Kate, Michael, Neal, Frank, Nellie and Rosa McElaney to share equally and said two thirds is to be used for their maintenance and education, they at this time bring at a tender age and unable to provide or maintain themselves.  I appoint my wife Ellen McElaney without bond of Lyons, County of Clinton, State of Iowa Executrix of this my last will and I hereby annul and revoke and cancel all previous wills and this shall take the place of same.
   In witness whereof I have signed and sealed and publish and declared this instrument as my will at Lyons, County of Clinton and State of Iowa on the 29th day of June, A.D. 1891
                       Signed: Michael McElaney
   The said Michael McEleaney (sic) at said City of Lyons County of Clinton and State of Iowa on said 29th day of June, A.D. 1891 signed and sealed this instrument and published and declared the same as and for his last will and we at his request and in his presence and in the presence of each other have hereunto written our names as subscribing witnesses.
                        Signed:
                         H. Gearman
                        Henry Kopka”

  • Mother: Ellen (Moore) McEleney born August 10, 1844 in County Claire, Ireland, daughter of James Moore; Ellen died March 11, 1925; buried in Calvary Cemetery, Clinton, Clinton County, IA

According to the Iowa, U.S., Death Records, 1920-1967:

“Place of Death: Clinton County, Iowa; City: Lyons; No.: Mercy Hosp; Full Name: Ellen Moore McEleney; Residence: 712 – 7th Ave; Sex: Female; Color: White; Single, Married, Widowed, or Divorced: Widowed; Wife of: Michael McEleney; Date of Birth: Aug. 10 – 1844; Age: 80 Years, 7 Months, 1 Day; Occupation: House Work; Birthplace: Cork Co, Ireland; Name of Father: James Moore; Birthplace of Father: Ireland; Maiden Name of Mother: ?; Birthplace of Mother: Ireland; Informant: M. W. McEleney, Marshalltown, Ia; Date of Death: Mar. 11; Cause of Death: Pulmanary Congestion; Place of Burial: Calvary Cemetery; Date of Burial: Mar. 13 1925”

  • Wife: Esther S. (Baker) McEleny born February 22, 1884 in Oslo, Oslo commune, Oslo fylke, Norway, daughter of Axel Vomar Backe and Thrine (Nelson) Backe; married Frank Wilbur McEleny on January 25, 1909 in Chicago, Cook County, IL; Esther died September 9, 1961 in Waukegan, Lake County, IL (See section pertaining to Esther S. (Baker) McEleny buried in the Fort Hill Cemetery)
  • Children:
    1. Allen Wayne McEleny (aka Allen Wilbur McEleny) born March 12, 1910 in Chicago, Cook County, IL; Veteran (August 4, 1942 – September 8, 1966) PHCM U.S. Navy, World War II, Korea, Vietnam; married (1) Dorothy M. Jones on December 13, 1935 in Cook County, IL; married (2) Thelma Lee Hanen on November 17, 1990 in Escambia County, FL; Allen died August 31, 1997; buried in Barrancas National Cemetery, Pensacola, Escambia County, FL

According to the Pensacola News Journal (Pensacola FL) Sunday, September 7, 1997, page 28:

“A. Wayne “Mr. Mac”
McEleny

   A. Wayne “Mr. Mac” McEleny, passed away in a nursing home Sunday, August 31, 1997.
   Mr. Mac was born in Round Lake Park, Ill.  He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving for 26 years during World War II, the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War.  He received many awards and medals, including the Purple Heart and the Presidential Citation with a “V” and stars.  He retired from the military in 1966.
   His memberships included the Shriners of the Al Bahr Lodge of San Diego, the V.F.W. Lodge #4407 of which he was a life member, and the Elks Lodge #2787.
   He is survived by his wife, Lee Hanen McEleny of Gulf Breeze.
   Graveside services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, September 10, 1997, at Barrancas National Cemetery.
   Oak Lawn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
   Friends may call at the funeral home from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday.
   In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the building fund of the Elks Lodge #2787, P.O. Box 5387, Navarre 32566.”

  • Siblings:
    • Mary McEleney
    • James McEleney
    • William McEleney
    • John McEleney
    • Kate McEleney
    • Michael Warren McEleney born May 18, 1878 in Clinton, Clinton County, IA; married Adelia E. Frederickson (1877-1950) on July 16, 1898 in Clinton County, IA; Michael died in 1946; Michael and Adelia are buried in Riverside Cemetery, Marshaltown, Marshall County, IA
    • Cornelius “Neal” McEleney born May 1880 in Iowa

According to The Daily News (Denver CO) Saturday, November 9, 1907, page 12″

Burial Permits.

Neelis B. McEleny, age 27, 225 West Twenty-sixth”

    • Nellie McEleny
    • Rosamund B. “Rose” (McEleney) Sorensen born August 21, 1889 in Lyons, Clinton County, IA; married Arthur Eli Sorensen (1889-1943) on September 6, 1910 in Clinton County, IA, son of Hans Sorensen and Meta (Mathiesen) Sorensen; Rosamund died October 3, 1975 in Winnebago County, IL; Rosamund and Arthur are buried in Calvary Cemetery, Winnebago, Winnebago County, IL

According to the Register-Star (Rockford IL) Sunday, October 5, 1975, page A6:

“SORENSEN – Mrs. Rose B. Sorensen, 86, formerly of 427 N. Second St., died at 10:37 a.m., Friday, Oct. 3, 1975, in St. Anthony Hospital, after a short illness.  Born August 21, 1889, in Clinton, Iowa, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael McEleny.  Lived 45 years in Rockford, coming here from Clinton.  Married to Arthur Sorensen in Clinton.  Member of St. James Catholic church.  Survivors include: two daughters, Mrs. Carl (Joyce) Gelasis, Rockford and Mrs. Arthur (Muriel) Boehm, Livonia, Mich,; four grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and several nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her husband, Arthur in June 1943.
   Services at 9 a.m. Monday, Oct. 6 in SUNDBERG FUNERAL HOME, 215 N. 6th St., and at 9:30 a.m. in St. James Catholic Church, with Father Norbert Richter, pastor of St. James Catholic Church, officiating.  Burial in Calvary Cemetery.  Friends may call at the funeral home from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Sunday.  The rosary will be recited at 3 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.”

Additional Information:

According to the 1895 Iowa, State Census:

“Name: Frank McEleney; Age: 11; Race: White; Birthplace: Clinton Co; Residence: the City of Lyons, Clinton”

According to the 1900 U.S. Census for Clinton City, Clinton County, Iowa, living on Seventh Street, the household members were:

“Ellen McEleney, head, born Aug 1844, age 55, widowed, 3 children born, 3 children living, born in Ireland, parents born in Ireland, immigrated in 1870, 30 years in the U.S., naturalized, occupation: NY (0-2-1); Cornelius McEleney, son, born May 1880, age 20, single, born in Iowa, parents born in Ireland, occupation: Stock Accountant; Frank McEleney, son, born Oct 1873 (sic), age 16, single, born in Iowa, occupation: Apprentice Tool Maker; Rosa McEleney, daughter, born Aug 1889, age 10, single, born in Iowa.”

According to the U.S., City Directories, 1822-1995 (Clinton, Iowa, City Directory, 1901):

“McEleney Ella M, wid Michael, nw cor n 7th st and 9th ave (L)
McEleney Frank, wks look (sic) fact, nw cor n 7th st and 9th ave (L)
McEleney Niel, wks lock fac’y, b nw cor n 7th st and 9th ave (L)”

According to the U.S., City Directories, 1822-1995 (Clinton, Iowa, City Directory, 1903):

“McElaney Ellen, wid Michael 700 9th ave (L.)
McElaney Frank, lab, 700 9th ave (L.)
McElaney Neil, wks furniture fact, b 700 9th ave (L.)”

According to the U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995; (Denver, Colorado, City Directory, 1907)

“McEleny Frank W, toolmkr, rms 2108 Stout.”
“McEleny Neil B, bkkpr, rms 2108 Stout.”

According to the 1910 U.S. Census for Chicago City, Cook County, IL living on 1930 on North 40th Avenue, the household members were:

“Frank McEleny, head, age 26, married for 1 year, born in Iowa, parents born in Massachusetts, occupation: toolmaker; Esther McEleny, wife, age 25, married for 1 year, 1 child born, 1 child living, born in Norway, parents born in Norway, immigrated in 1897; Ella McEleny (sic – Allen), daughter (sic – son), age 1/12, born in Illinois.”

According to the U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995; (Chicago, Illinois, City Directory, 1914):

“McEleny Frank W toolmkr h 3604 N Central Park av”

According to the U.S., World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918:

“Name: Frank Wilbur McEleny; Permanent Home Address: 5111 Berenice Ave., Chicago, Cook County, Ill; Age in Years 34; Date of Birth: Oct 2nd, 1883; Present Occupation: Efficiency engineer; Employer’s Name: International Harvester Co.; Place of Employment: 1734 Fullerton Ave., Chicago, Cook County, Ill.; Nearest Relative: Mrs. Esther McEleny (wife), 5111 Berenice Ave., Chic., Cook County, Ill.; Height: Medium; Build: Medium; Color of Eyes: Gray; Color of Hair: D. Brown; signed: 12 Sept. 1918”

According to the 1920 U.S. Census for Chicago City, Town of Jefferson, Cook County, IL living at 5111 Berenice Avnue, the household members were:

“Frank W. McElroy (sic), head, age 36, married, born in Iowa, parents born in Ireland, Occupation; Tool & Die Maker – Steele Corp; Esther McElroy (sic) wife, age 35, married, Immigration Year: “un”; Naturalized, born in Norway, parents born in Norway; Allen W. McElroy (sic) son, age 9 10/12, single, born in Illinois.”

According to the U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995: 1921-1927 (Seattle, Washington, City Directories):

(1921 Directory) “McEleny Frank W (Esther) too mkr h310 W 72d”
(1922 Directory) “McEleny Frank W (Esther) toolmkr h310 W 72d”
(1925 Directory) “McEleny Frank W (Esther) tool mkr hB 2527 Alki av”
(1926 Directory) “McEleny Frank W (Esther A) toolmkr h3214 Alki av”
(1927 Directory) “McEleny Frank W (Esther) toolmkr h2527 Alki av”

According to the U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995 (1928 Chicago Street and Avenue Guide):

“McEleny Frank (Esther) tool die maker Thor Elec Co r 6569 Ebinger Drive”

According to the 1930 U.S. Census for Niles Village, Niles Township, Cook County, IL living on 6569 Ebinger Drive, the household members were:

“Frank W. McEleny, head, age 46, married at age 25, born in Iowa, parents born in Ireland, occupation: tool & die – electrical; Ester S. McEleny, wife, age 45, married at age 24, born in Norway, parents born in Norway, immigrated 1894; Allen W. McEleny, son, age 20, single, born in Illinois; occupation: cabinet maker – radio.”

According to the U.S., World War II Draft registration Cards, 1942:

“Name: Frank W. McEleny; Place of Residence: 6473 N. Oxford Ave., Chicago, Cook, Illinois; Mailing Address: same; Telephone: New. 4187; Age in Years: 58; Date of Birth: Dec. 2, 1883; Place of Birth: Clinton, Iowa; Name and Address of Person who will Always know your Address: Mr. A. W. McEleny, 6473 N. Oxford Ave., Chicago; Employer’s Name and Address: M. P. Heinze Machine Co.; Place of Employment: 6300 North West Highway, Chicago, Cook County, Illinois; Race: White; Height: 5-6 1/2; Weight: 150; Eyes: Gray; Hair: Gray; Complexion: Light; Other obvious physical characteristics that will aid in identification: Joint missing on index finger on left hand.; Signed: April 27, 1942”

According to the Lake County Illinois Genealogical Society. “Strang Funeral Home – Grayslake, Illinois – 1908-1964”. Mundelein IL. 2015:

“Surname: McELENY; Name: Frank W.; BirthDate/Place: 02 Oct 1883, Clinton, IA; Death Date/Place: 28 Jun 1944, Round Lake; Cause of Death: Coronary Thrombosis; M; Occupation: Tool and Die Maker; Minister – Funeral Home: Rev. HOWE, Chapel; Burial Place – Next of Kin: Fort Hill, Michael McELENY (IRE)-Father, Ellen MOORE (IRE)-Mother”