Mary McMath 1871-1883

MCMATH

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 8/19/2011 at 01:32:12

While in bathing in Swan Lake Monday in company with another little girl, Mary McMath, aged about 12 years old was drowned. They had been daring each other to go farther out into the water, and the wind blowing stronger, making an under current, by the waves receding from the shore. Mary, had gone out quite a distance in the water and the under current catching her carried her beyond her depth. Her body was recovered in about half an hour, but too late. The funeral is to take place this afternoon at 2:00 p.m. This is a sad stroke to her many friends. (National Broad-Axe, Estherville, IA, June 22, 1883)

Laid to Rest
The Last Sad Rites to the Memory of Mary McMath, Performed at Swan Lake Friday
A large congregation assembled at the Presbyterian church in this village, Friday at 2 P.M. to perform the last offices in memory of Mary McMath more favoritely known in this community as “Little Mary.” The church was tastefully decorated with flowers and vines many of which she had arranged with her own little hands but a short time previous to being drowned, and on her beautiful casket were several wreaths and vases of pansies which she had arranged but a short time before her death. People were present from all parts of the county. Her father Prof. F. C. McMath from Lincoln, Nebraska, and her brother, Wellie McMath, of Leslie, Ingram Co. Mich. arrived with the Emmetsburg mail carried at noon. The funeral address was delivered by Rev. G. N. Luccock it expressed great tenderness, sympathy and compassion for the bereaved. The remains were interred beside those of her mother on a high knoll southwest of town overlooking the lake and the vista of surrounding beautiful scenery. Universal sympathy is expressed for her sister Miss Eva in this trying ordeal. “Little Mary” and she had lived together a large portion of the time alone for the last three or four years, and the bond of affection between them had become very strong.

“Little Mary” was stricken down in the prime of youth, health and beauty when a bright future full of pleasant anticipations, lay invitingly beyond. She was bright beyond her years and her demeanor always cheerful affable and sympathetic. Her little bird a mourner too in his solitary vigil in the home she loved so well is still singing over the same sweet notes while the strong heart of its child mistress is mute and motionless for ever. (National Broad-Axe, Estherville, IA, June 29, 1883)