James McCall

           James McCall was born in Blackburn, Scotland, in 1832.  He became an apprentice to a tailor in Scotland at a young age. Eventually, McCall came to the US and Franklin and opened his tailor shop. 

While in Franklin, he married Miss Laura Ford, also of Franklin.  McCall sold his business to Abram Bush and returned to Scotland as the agent of the Wheeler and Wilson Sewing Co.

By 1873, McCall left the company with a small fortune.  He came back to New York City and began his company making paper patterns for sewing.  This was a new and novel idea.  He set up shop on 14^th St, in New York City.

In 1880, the famous magazine got its debut but not as McCall’s.  It was called “The Queen.”   In addition to patterns, it had recipes, advice, and current affairs.  In 1897, it was renamed McCall’s magazine. This magazine peaked at 6 million in 1960.  In 2001, Rosie O’Donnell bought “McCall’s”.  She changed the name of the magazine to “Rosie” and the magazine lasted only a year.

McCall was a devoted member of the Franklin Methodist Church.  A window was purchased for the church in his name.  He and his wife are buried in the Ouleout Cemetery.