Miami Union

August 19, 1865 

McCULLOUGH, MRS. E. L. - Died in Troy, Ohio, on the 5th day of August, 1865, Mrs. E. L. McCullough, wife of John McCullough, Esq.  The departure of one so much beloved, and filling so prominent a place in the Church and community, seems to demand more than a mere record of the event.  Mrs. McCullough was born October 17th, 1808 in Morristown, N. J., whence her father, Mr. Stephen Ayers, removed with his family to Dayton, Ohio in 1816.  In 1825 she made a public profession of her faith in Christ by uniting with the Presbyterian Church of Dayton, and ever from that period to the hour of her death, maintained the character of a faithful and humble Christian.  Indeed, of her it may be said, without exaggeration, that during this long period she "adorned the doctrine of God her Savior."  For quite a number of years, beginning at the early age of seventeen, she was engaged in teaching, and in this profession was eminently successful, her educational qualifications being of a high order, while the happy blending of firmness with amiability peculiarly adapted her for this delicate and responsible employment.  On the 27th of March, 1834, she was married to Mr. John McCullough, who has been for many years a ruling elder of the Presbyterian Church of Troy.  Of seven children, the fruit of this union, four survive, while three have preceded her to their home in heaven.  For about ten years Mrs. McCullough filled the position of Secretary of "The Troy Female Bible Society," with great acceptance.  She was also the Treasurer of "The Solders' Aid Society of Troy," from the time of its organization.  How well she performed the important duties of those offices, those who survive her can well attest.  In addition, she was long a teacher in the Sabbath School, maintaining her position there until completely prostrated by sickness.  Then followed months of pain borne without a murmur, and she entered the dark valley, fearing no evil, save that in her several agonies she might be left to repine against the fiery visitation, and fail to acquiesce in the will of God concerning her.  It is melancholy to observe how closely the trite maxim mihil niel bonum, etc., is obeyed, and what excessive terms of panegyric are employed in reference to many whose memories death along could hallow--casting over them the mantle of its oblivious charity.  Endowed with more than ordinary intellectual gifts, enhanced by early literary culture and extensive reading in after life, and adorned with all the social and domestic virtues, it were no wonder that such an one should have filled a prominent place in the affections of her family and friends.  When, however, we remember these gifts and graces enhanced with the glow of a deep and fervent piety--this fair mental and moral structure illumed with light from the heavenly world--this firm and pure and gentle spirit "clothed upon" with the Redeemer's righteousness, tears of regret can not but flow, and the sighing heart can only say, "Not my will, but Thine be done!"  To her family, to society, and the church, she has left a memory sweet and sacred; an example noble and stimulating.  Upon whom shall her graceful mantle fall, and who will follow her as she followed Christ?                                      J.

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