Catherine C. (Echols) McPherson, was born in Jasper county, GA., April 4th 1816; was married to John McPherson, Esq, April 1st 1857; baptised into the fellowship of the Christian Church, Nov. 9th 1875, and died, May 17th 1879."

Few persons possessed in so eminent a degree as the deceased, all those excellencies of head and heart, which compose and color the noblest character. Mrs. M. was endowed with a strong well-balanced intellect, superior judgment, warm affections, and happiest social qualities. She was a lady of great energy, industry, firmness of purpose, and decision of character. She had great business tact, and was a model in business. In this respect, she was a Bible Photograph. "She guided her affairs with discretion, looked well to the ways of her household, and eat not the bread of idleness. Her good works praise her in the gates, many rise up and call her blessed, her husband also, he praiseth her."

More than all she was a Christian. In her case, the graces of nature and the gifts of grace were beautifully blended. Her piety was pure, without parade, gentle as the dew, fragrant as incense, constant as the heavens. It was the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, a chain of gold about the neck, a crown of glory upon the head. It was unlike the gorgeous flower spreading its splendor [illegible]...but like the lily of the valley in its lovlier sphere, diffusing light and love, cheering every heart, and delighting every eye, that caught the luster of the vision.

"Her delight was in the law of the Lord, and in it did she meditate much." At the time of her death, perhaps no lady in the community, was so well versed in the scriptures. She said that her "faith was founded in and on the promises of God, and that her hope was an anchor to the soul." These, though her last illness was protracted and severe, sustained her. Though the cloud of affliction was there, the star of hope beamed brightly through it, and though the suffering, at times, was great, "His rod and staff comforted her;"-and Jesus faithful to the faithful, while the May-flowers were blooming, and blushing beauty upon the earth, came and "received her unto himself."

It needs no extended eulogy to perpetuate the memory of this excellent christian lady in the hearts of the virtuous. The memory of her presence will linger long in our midst, like the soft summer twilight of some bright departed day.

Loving brothers and sisters, several step-children, one devoted and promising grandson, whom she raised from infancy, the devoted husband and many friends, mourn her loss.

J. C. W.

Oxford Ala
 

Jacksonville Republican, Jacksonville, Alabama, 24 May 1879, page 2, column 2.

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