SUNDAY OBITUARY: Catherine Todd McFall, Mt. Solon, Augusta Co., VA

Third Great Grandmother Catherine (Todd) McFall’s obituary was printed in the Staunton Spectator and Vindicator, Friday, February 7, 1908 issue, published in Staunton, Virginia.

Transcription:

DEATHS DURING THE WEEK

MRS. CATHERINE MCFALL

   This most estimable lady passed away Saturday night at Mt. Solon, her death being due to pneumonia and the infirmities of old age. The deceased was the daughter of the late James and Catherine Todd, and was born in the Mt. Solon neighborhood, in the month of January 1823, and she was in her 86^th year. She was a sister of James and Preston Todd, who preceded her to the grave.

   Many years ago she married David McFall, and of this union four children are now living, namely Stuart B. of Washington; Hamilton B. and B. Chambers McFall, of Mt. Solon, and Miss Maggie McFall, of the same place. She is also survived by many grandchildren.

   Her whole life was passed in the village of Mt. Solon, her children grew to manhood and womanhood there. She was such a part and parcel of the neighborhood, and her good work was so intimately interwoven in all that transpired there that she will be greatly missed. In so far as she was able she assisted in charity and her Christian life was a model, her motherly virtues a source of pleasure, and her struggle with the care of a family in her widowhood was brave and successful. She had long been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, South, and her funeral took place from that church on Monday afternoon being conducted by her pastor, Rev. W. H. Marsh. The funeral being attended by many friends and relatives.

OBITUARY

   Mrs. Catherine McFall of Mt. Solon, Va., after several weeks of illness, died at her residence in the village at 10 p.m. on the first day of February, 1908, aged 85 years. She was born in January 1823, and was a daughter of James and Catherine Todd, who settled on a small tributary of Mossy Creek about the middle of the 18^th century. She lived all her long life on and near the place of her birth. She had three sisters and four brothers—none of whom survive her. Her remains were borne to the grave by six of her grandsons who acted as pall bearers. She was the widow of D. B. McFall, a former merchant of the village, and was a consistent member of the M. E. Church, South, for many years. The funeral services were conducted by her pastor, Rev. H. W. Marsh. The hymns sung during the services were “I would not live alway,” “Lead kindly light” and “From every stormy wind that blows”—the latter one of her favorite hymns. Although she suffered much during the latter part of her sickness, she never murmured; being perfectly rational to the last when she sank peacefully to sleep. Her last hours were cheered by her bright anticipation of joining the hosts of the redeemed who had gone before. Her death will be deeply regretted by her relatives and numerous friends who will never forget the cheerful smile which so frequently wreathed her handsome, youthful-appearing face; but they are comforted by the reflection that their loss is her eternal gain, and it will be their privilege to meet her again in the remains of everlasting bliss, “Far beyond the sunsets radiant glow, where sickness and sorrow, pain and woe, and the pangs of separation, are known no more forever.”

                                                                                                                J. T. C.