MRS. M.E. McLEAN DEAD.
Long Life Ended and a Mother in Israel Gathered Unto Her People.
Mrs. Martha Edith McLean departed this life last Friday afternoon about 5 o'clock, at the home of her only daughter, Mrs. C.E. Adams. Born Jan. 19, 1823, Mrs. McLean was in the 82nd year of her age, and her death was due to the infirmities of her advanced years.
Saturday morning her body was borne away to old Bethel, where her childhood and the days of her active womanhood were spent, and where so many of her loved ones sleep. There she was laid to rest in the Bethel cemetery, after funeral services conducted about noon by Rev. W.B. Arrowood, the pastor.
Mrs. McLean was born near Bethel and was a daughter of Matthew Bigger. One brother, Moses Andrew Bigger, survives her and lies with his son, Dr. Isaac Bigger, at Bethel.
March 7, 1850, she was married to Dr. John D. McLean, who died 23 years ago. The marriage was a happy union of two of the most prominent families of that day and time. At what is known as the old Youngblood place they spent their early married life. There all their children were born and reared. In 1869, Dr. McLean built a new house at what was known as the Houston place, where he spent the remainder of his days.
Of the five children born to them Mr. John D. B. McLean, the first born, and Mrs. Mattie Adams, the third, both of Gastonia, are the only ones to survive their mother. The fourth child, Mr. W.S. McLean, died a few years ago, leaving a widow and children now living on his place in South Point. The second child, James Augustus, and the sixth Robert Alexander, died in young manhood.
Mrs. McLean was a woman of great energy, of good judgment, a devoted mother, a kind neighbor, and sincere friend. Her membership was all her days at Bethel or New Hope Presbyterian church, and in her Christian life her most beautiful womanly graces were illustrated. But she is gone and those who knew her and loved her will see her face here no more. May He who is a comforter of the sorrowing be gracious to those who mourn.
A Harpe Consulting Project