McCormick - Andrew - Montgomery InGenWeb Project

Mr. Andrew McCormick, one of the most highly esteemed citizens of Waveland, passed away Saturday night about midnight, at the extreme age of 84 years, 11 months, and 9 days. Mr. McCormick was born in Shelby County, Kentucky, Nov. 12, 1809.He moved to Montgomery County, Indiana, in 1828, where he has since resided.  He joined the Methodist Episcopal Church when a young man and for about seventy years was a faithful and prominent member of the same.

In 1842 he married Miss Martha Green, with whom he lived most happily and who preceded him in death ten years. Mr. McCormick was a man most highly honored by all who knew him and was recognized by his neighbors as a man of the highest Christian integrity and noble manhood. The following paper read at his funeral by A. J. Wolfe, as an expression of the sentiment of the M. E. Church of Waveland, is a fitting tribute to his memory:

It is fitting, my friends, as we come to pay the last tribute of respect to our deceased brother, Andrew McCormick (as we all know him) was an honored member, should say something of his life, his helpfulness, his influence, his worth in the community in which he lived. As we knew him we can truly say his life has not been in vain.

One has truthfully said, “that when the record of human life is made up, it ought to present the happy combination of having accomplished the promotion of the general good and at the same time have won to the individual great personal achievements. Such a life is even and well balanced.

Its completeness challenges the just admiration of all observers and its influence is a blessing and a benediction. Like an unbroken and polished column, standing alone amidst the rubbish and broken fragments of the ruins of a great city. So is such a life amidst the wasted and worthless lives on every side. The true destiny and duty of every human being is to strive for such a life, to make an enviable reputation.

Our brother, our friend, our benefactor, has made such a reputation. He was a man among men. A gentleman of the old school of splendid character, good personal presence, dignified bearing, noble sentiments and warm affections. He was the very soul of honor, and during his long and quiet life of more than four score years, he was never charged with or even suspected of any unmanly or dishonorable conduct. He thoroughly hated and despised falsehood and pretense, and regardless of personal consequences never hesitated to so declare himself upon all occasions that seem to demand it.

He was a man to tie to under all circumstances. He was kind hearted and affectionate, a friend of the warmest attachment. He best shone, in kind acts and generous deeds. Carrying out the scripture injunctions, “it is more blessed to give than to receive.” He was ever solicitous of the public welfare as he understood its needs ready with his influence, his talent, his energy, his money. All of which were far above the average for every good word and work. A public spirited citizen in the fullest and best sense of that term.

He was a man of large heart and generous spirit, every ready to listen to the story of a petitioner or to lend the helping hand to any worthy man of his acquaintance. He was truly a friend to the poor. Imbued with the spirit of his Lord and Master and being full of the Holy Ghost he was ever ready to do the things which his hands found to do in the vineyard of the Lord. Believing in the promise that in doing them there is great reward. He was ever mindful of his duty and obligation to the church, ready to respond liberally to all demands made upon him. So great was his love for the church and its prosperity, that he, like Brother Thomas Hanna, who preceded him to the spirit world, provided means by which the income is to be used in paying his church benevolence forever. By these acts of love they testify to us though being dead yet they speaketh. These generous gifts, coming as they do at the close of each conference year have been a solace and comfort to the discouraged stewards as they have tried to meet all the obligations of the church.

When these walls which their hands have done so much to erect have crumbled and fallen down, when congregation after congregation have passed away. These acts of love and kindness of these two sainted men will shine on and on as the stars forever and forever. “Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord, from henceforth; yea, saith the spirit that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them.” -s