Miss Mary Steele Finley died at Auburn, Mo., Dec. 5th, 1884.
Deceased was born in Shelby County, Ky., March 30th, 1816. Her father, Mr. Jas. Finley, removed to Missouri more than a half a century ago, and settled in Lincoln County. He was one of the founders of Mt. Zion church and at its organization was elected Ruling Elder. Even before the erection of a house of worship there was "a church in his housee." Miss Mary Steele professed her faith in Christ and united with Mt. Zion congregation in her youth. The wholesome influences of a Christian home, and the faithful instruction of pious and God-fearing parents, were apparent in the formation of her character. Her christian life was symmetrical, her creed was as broad as the Word of God, her sympathies were catholic, her piety was quiet and unobtrusive, yet unmistakable. Her intelligence and general information were remarkable, when you consider the meagre educational advantages of fifty years ago on the frontier. I have rarely met with any one who had a more thorough acquaintance with the Scriptures, and especially the metrical version of the Psalms. Her end was peace. She fell asleep in the hope of a blessed awakening.
F.Y.P.
Contributor's Note: Mary Steele Finley was the second of seven children of James F. Finley and Mary or Patsy Ramsey. She was named for her maternal grandmother, Mary Steele Ramsey. This obituary was written by Rev. Frank Y. Pressly, the second pastor of the Mt. Zion A.R.P. congregation, and was probably published in the newspaper of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian denomination. For related pages see the history of the Mt. Zion Church, which lists Mary among its founding members.
Submitted to HERITAGE PAGES of LINCOLN COUNTY, MISSOURI by Russell M. Reid, 27 October 1998. Link change or update: 23 May 2000
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