Nercissa McCrary (Mrs. A. H. McCrary)

MCCRARY, MANGUM

Posted By: Chuck and Joy Hanson (email)
Date: 12/13/2006 at 22:33:20

Mrs. Nercissa McCrary was born Sept. 10, 1816, in Gibson county, Ind., and died at Keosauqua, Iowa, Nov. 13, 1900. Her earthly pilgrimage was 84 years, 2 months and 3 days. The life of sister McCrary, whose maiden name was Mangum, was remarkable, not only for its length of years, but also for the work accomplished and the good done in the world. At the age of 16 she was baptized into Christ and thus spent a long life in His service. In 1834 she was united in marriage with A. H. McCrary and began their domestic life in Gibson county, Ind., but soon moved to McDonough county, Illinois, and from there moved to what was then known as the Black Hawk Purchase, part of which is Van Buren county, Iowa, April 23, 1837. A little log cabin in the midst of timber, furnished with few of the comforts of life, was their home. Their neighbors were few and far distant and frequently the red men would be among their visitors. Many were the privations and hardships of those pioneer days. The difficulties and obstacles of developing a farm and making a home was no easy task, but it led to a comfortable home and competence. Her husband, A.H. McCrary, was elected in 1848 to represent Van Buren county at the state capitol and served several terms. In 1860 he was again elected as state senator and during these trying times of war and reconstruction, he found that God had sent him a true helpmate in his wife. Five sons and one daughter survive her. The sons are among the leading professional and business men of the country. Sister McCrary was a pioneer in the Christian Church, in these parts, being the last charter-member, save one, in the Pleasant Hill (Keosauqua) congregation, organized in the early 50’s. She impressed one with her activity and zeal, and it is seldom that one sees a life so filled with all worthy endeavors. Never was her seat in church vacant when it was possible for her to be present. Her piety was manifest to all, for her life was controlled by the spirit and purpose of her Master. Full of that charity which thinketh no evil of others; she had an open hand for every good cause and gave freely of herself and her means. Being a devout and reverent student of the Scriptures, the work of God indeed dwelt in her in all wisdom. Hers was a ripe old age, with mind and heart clear and loving as ever; she was able to cheer her children and loved ones with her parting message. Not being satisfied with this earthly life alone she desired to depart and be with her husband and her Savior. Not to this family alone is this loss, but to church and community as well. Truly, “Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord; they rest from their labors and their works do follow them.” Written by Clark Bateman

From the Mason Scrapbook owned by H.K. Redhead