DEAN, Mary Harris - Putnam

Died on Thursday, the 13th day of Jan, 1859 in the 27th year of her age, Mrs. Mary H, wife of Rev. Jas. A. Dean, Principal of Asbury Female Institute. She was born in Orange County NC and came to the North about four years ago. From her early childhood, she had been a member of the Methodist E Church and her life was under all circumstances, in full accordance with her profession. Her marked characteristics were conscientiousness, disinterestedness and meekness (?). Of few could it be said more emphatically that, “all who knew her, loved her.”  Her last illness was short and her departure unexpected to her friends, yet the summons was not a terror to one so well prepared to enter into rest – When she became satisfied that the time of her departure had come, she called her husband, child and friends around her dying pillow and gave them her parting blessing, giving such advice and direction as she wished observed after her decease.  In her last moments the promises of God were her strong hold. On more than one occasion she was enabled to rejoice to God, her Savior.  She could scarcely realize that she could scarcely realize that she was dying often expressing herself in this language: “If this be death, it is pleasant to die.” Sister Dean leaves an infant, that, by her request was dedicated to God in holy baptism a few hours before her death, a little daughter two and a half years old, an affectionate husband and many other friends to mourn. But they sorrow not as those who have no hope.  GW Stafford

Source: Greencastle Banner 19 Jan 1859 p2

The funeral sermon of Rev. Jas. A. Dean’s wife will be preached next Sabbath at the First Charge Methodist E. Church at half past 10 o’clock.