CUNNINGHAM, Mary Ellen 1855 - 1880

CUNNINGHAM, CUMMINGS

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 6/19/2021 at 21:04:30

"The Fairfield Ledger"
Wednesday, May 19, 1880
Page 3, Column 7

... Walter CUNNINGHAM was summoned home last week by a telegram announcing the alarming illness of his sister, and has been in town for a few days. ...

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"The Fairfield Tribune"
Thursday, May 20, 1880
Page 3, Column 3

THE DARK SHADOW.
Death in this City Last Saturday Afternoon of Miss Mary CUNNINGHAM.

Go, let the burial rite be read,
The funeral song be sung;
A dirge for her, the doubly dead,
In that she died so young.

Life and hope is brightest in youth, and when Death, dark and terrible, steps in and sunders the silver cord, it never comes with greater force nor seems to fall so harsh, as when it calls those who have just entered manhood, or womanhood--who have grown old enough to plan a life, but are taken away before they can execute or enjoy it.

The sad but not altogether unexpected announcement was made in Fairfield last Saturday afternoon that Mary CUNNINGHAM was dead. She expired about four o'clock that day, from that most relentless and most disheartening of all diseases, quick consumption, having been taken with it about the first of January. That she was doomed to die seemed to settle into a conviction with everyone almost from the commencement of her sickness, so that the actual announcement was but the realization of what was expected. She declined constantly almost from the first. A few weeks ago she rallied temporarily and was able to be up and to ride out a little. But two weeks ago last Sunday she was taken worse and from that time until her death she sank rapidly. When it is remembered that only last December she was almost the very picture of health and of life, it is almost impossible to realize that the ravages of the slow consuming fire of consumption should have consigned her so soon to the tomb. Not in all Fairfield could a more healthy looking person have been found or one whose appearance would have promised longer life. But the seeds of the same disease which carried off her father three years ago lurked within her seeming healthy constitution and when the King of Terrors seized upon her, young and strong though she was, she was soon overcome and the journey on earth ended forever.

Mary Ellen CUNNINGHAM was born in this city in December (sic - Nov. 17), 1855, and had lived here all her life. She was a young lady who was highly esteemed and had for her friends all who knew her. She was the soul of good humor and possessed a heart large and warm with real goodness and true gentleness. Always bright, always good natured, and always the life of whatever company she was a part, she was yet always a true woman, modest, kind, thoughtful of the comfort and pleasure of others, and careful never to give offense. She will be missed by the young people in Fairfield, and when her bright and pleasant face is brought to mind, the hearts of many will beat faster and their eyes will moister with tears that come unbidden at the melancholy thought that her kindly eyes may never more shine upon the earth.

A number of days ago she realized that she could never get well and requested her mother to tell her when it was seen that she was dying. When it became evident Saturday that she could live but little longer, her mother told her. The dying girl then made arrangements for her funeral, mentioning those whom she wished to act as pall bearers, and also what preacher she preferred. A few moments later she quietly breathed her last.

The great grief which her mother feels can find no consolation in the cold and formal meaning of mere words. A mother can only feel that her daughter has been taken, and naught but time can lighten the force of a blow which seems so cruel and so crushing.

The funeral took place from the residence Monday afternoon at two o'clock, Rev. Haynes of the Methodist church, of which deceased was a member, officiating. The floral decorations were profuse and very beautiful. A large number of people were in attendance and followed the remains to their last home beneath the sod in Evergreen cemetery.

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*Transcribed for genealogy purposes; I have no relation to the person(s) mentioned.

Note: Buried in Lot Old.P.355. She was the daughter of James A. and Lucinda J. CUMMINGS CUNNINGHAM.