Memorials › Matilda Little DeFord

Matilda Little DeFord

22 Jun 1813 – 22 Jan 1894

Birth22 Jun 1813
Death22 Jan 1894
CemeteryHerrington Bethel Cemetery
Augusta Township , Carroll County , Ohio , USA
Added byJonathan Papai on 26 Jan 2022
FaGhttps://www.findagrave.com/memorial/127806733

Bio

Her obituary in the Carroll Chronicle, Carrollton, Ohio, Friday, January 26, 1894. Mrs. Matilda (Little) DeFord, widow of the late John DeFord, died at the home of her son, T. B. DeFord, Monday, at the age of 81 years. She had been ill for a short time with la grippe, and death soon closed the scene. She was married in Fayette County, P., and moved to Carroll County and located on the farm where she passed the remainder of her life. She was a woman of a deeply spiritual nature, and a devout member of the M. E. Church. she had lived to see all her old friends and neighbors pass away and no doubt at times felt that she was living beyond her time. The remains were interred Wednesday at Herrington. Matilda's obituary in the Carroll Chronicle, Carrollton, Ohio, Friday, February 2, 1894. Mrs. Matilda (Little) Deford, widow of the late John DeFord, died of La grippe at the residence of her son, T. B. DeFord, at the old family homestead in Washington Township, January 22, 1894. The deceased was born near Uniontown, Pa., June 26, 1813, and shortly after her marriage, which took place February 8, 1829, removed to the farm on which her last years were spent. In 1847 the family moved to East Rochester, thence twelve years later to Celina, Ohio, from whence they returned to the old farm in 1866. Here she and her husband spent their declining years, and together celebrated the 63rd anniversary of their wedding-day. Mother DeFord connected herself with the M. E. Church at the age of 13 and for more than 67 years remained a faithful, consistent member of the Church of her choice. She was never absent from the services of the sanctuary when able to attend. Her home for many years was literally the home for ministers, where they were sure to find counsel and encouragement as well as generous hospitality. But her hospitality and friendly help were not reserved for ministers alone. She had a helping hand for all. Mrs. DeFord was the mother of five sons and six daughters, all of whom reached maturity. One daughter, Mrs. Hannah D. Jackman, died near Beloit, Wisconsin, at the age of 27; a son William died at Mercer, Ohio, at the age of 56. Her husband died March 31, 1892. Since then Mother DeFord has been patiently but anxiously waiting for the summons to depart. No one ever dreaded death less than she. To her, Death's angel was a friendly messenger to welcome her to a better home. The last book which Mrs. DeFord read was "Pilgrim's Progress," and like the immortal dreamer, as she looked upon the Celestial City, she wished to be there. The funeral service took place at the Herrington church and was conducted by her pastor, the Rev. Mr. Rutledge, assisted by the Rev. David Hargest, pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Mechanicstown. Both ministers bore affectionate tribute to the Christian character of Mother DeFord. Not withstanding the inclement day, a large audience was present to show their high esteem for the deceased. N. B. DeFord and wife of Bayard, Mrs. R. Cunningham and daughter of Minerva, J. H. Mick of Dellroy and his wife who is a granddaughter, were present at the funeral. Of the children living without the county there present S. F. DeFord of Ottawa, Ohio, John DeFord of Celina, Harriet DeFord Cummings, her husband, the Rev. J. W. Cummings and two children from Nankin, Ohio. Mrs. DeFord left behind her nine children, 39 grandchildren, nearly 50 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild "to rise up and call her blessed."

Photos

Family

Spouse

Children

Export GEDCOM

This person only · Entire connected family