----Source: Thorp Courier (Thorp, Clark County, Wis.) 12/25/1913

McKittrick, Peter (7 Jan 1866 - 17 Dec 1913)

Dr. Peter McKittrick died at a hospital at Eau Claire on Wednesday of last week. For several months he had been ill with a cancerous growth which affected his tongue. Two operations had been performed by Dr. Oxner at Chicago, but without success. He faced his condition manfully and the end was reached without the intense pain and suffering usually present in like cases. Dr. McKittrick came to Thorp, Clark County, Wis. immediately after graduating from Rush Medical College in 1889 and soon established a practice which grew in proportion to the advancement in population of the community. He was deeply interested in his chosen profession and for a period of eighteen years, while a resident here, he did much to relieve suffering. His untimely death is sincerely regretted by a large circle of old friends in this community. Aside from his professional work he served as village president for one term, and also as member of the board of education, filling both positions with honor to himself and the best interests of the people. For several years he had also served as state medical examiner of the Fraternal Order of Beavers and held that position at the time of his death. He was a member of the Modern Woodman Lodge at Eau Claire and a member of Thorp Lodge No. 264, F. & A.M. The funeral took place from the residence on Saturday afternoon last, the Masonic Lodge of that city conducting the services, interment also taking place at Forest Hill Cemetery in that city. The bereaved wife and children have the sympathy of this entire community in their great sorrow.

The following article appeared in the Eau Claire Leader on Thursday Last:

"Although the death of Dr. Peter McKittrick had been anticipated for some little time, nevertheless the sad intelligence of the transition came like a pall of gloom last night to the countless friends of the departed. Those friends are numbered only by those who knew and enjoyed the acquaintance of that sterling character.

Among the kin and those near and dear, including the great army of friends, it had been hoped against hope for hours and days to stay the final summons, for all recognized in the departed a man of strong character and kindly disposition -- the kind that makes the world better and brighter for having lived. It can be truthfully said that Dr. McKittrick's existence was void of enmity. His traits of character were such as to endear him and draw him closer in the bonds of friendship to those who formed acquaintance and association with him. Thus it is but natural, even in anticipation of the inevitable that the summons would bring tears, grief and sorrow to family, friends and acquaintances.

The summons came peacefully at the Sacred Heart Hospital at 10:45 last night, being due to a serious ailment of the throat. The doctor had been ailing for about seven months and for four days preceding his passing away had suffered profuse hemorrhages. During all he proved a patient and courageous sufferer and the end came peacefully, falling into the sleep that knows no awakening on this mortal plane.

The deceased was born Jan. 7, 1866, therefore would have bee forty-eight years of age on the 7th of the coming month. He was born near Lanart, Ontario, coming to this country when a young man of tender years to carve out a future for himself. By application and thrift, the subject of this sketch procured an education and took up the profession of teaching. Later he attended the Rush Medical College, from which he graduated in Feb. 1889. Immediately after he began the practice of his profession at Thorp, Wis., and with the exception of one year, he practiced there continuously till Feb. 1908. During the one year intervening the doctor practice at Portland, Oregon.

Seeking a larger field, Dr. McKittrick came to Eau Claire from Thorp and had since continuously resided and practiced here. He was alone in the practice until Feb. 1, 1910, when he formed a partnership with Dr. E. L. Mason.

The deceased is survived by his wife and six children, Leland, Marguerite, Ruth, Alice, Helen and John. Two brothers also survive, John, residing in Canada, and James at Escanaba, Mich., a twin sister, Elizabeth, resides in New York. The other sisters are Mary and Kate, and Mrs. F. D. Murphy of Michigamme, Mich."