The Daily Gazette, Sterling, Illinois
November 1, 1897 - pg 5

MARY   (Gaffeny)  MACOMBER  HUNTER

Mrs. John Hunter died at her home south of Tampico, Ill., on Sunday, Oct. 31st 1897, in the 53rd year of her age.

Mary Gaffeny was born in Boston, Dec. 25th, 1843, and passed peacefully away at her home near Tampico, Oct. 31st, 1897.  She was married to Hiram T. Macomber, of Rock Falls, April  17, 1859.   They resided in Rock Falls until 1882.  Mr. Macomber died July 13, 1878, leaving four small children.  The mother struggled along alone and kept her little ones together.  March 9th 1882 she was married to John M. Hunter, of Tampico, and lived there until her departure.

The children by her first marriage, were, Waldo E. Macomber and Lizzie T. McGrath, of Chicago, Fred A. Macomber of the West, Gertrude F. Macomber at home, also three step-children, Alta, Will and Grace Hunter, all of Tampico.

Her husband, children and friends sadly mourn her loss.  She was a loving mother and a kind neighbor, desiring to follow the Master in the spirit of forgiveness and love.

Becoming a Christian herself she expressed a profound hope that all her family might be followers of the meek and lowly Jesus, and a blessing in the world. 

A message to her children: -

                   Say the blessing of God attend you, 
                  As down life's stream you go
                   Tho weight of care, once so heavy,
                    Again may you never know.

                    May the clouds that loom up darkly
                    Above your fair young head
                    Pass away, and the sun's ray brightly
                    Illumine your pathway instead.

                   May roses bloom again on your cheek,
                   That the hand of disease turned pale;
                  May earthly joys be replete,
                   And friendships never fail.

                   And when earth's pilgrimage is o'er,
                   And you cross death's narrow tide,
                   May the angel swing open the golden door,
                   And bear you to Jesus' dear side.

The funeral took place in the M. E. church of this place on Tuesday afternoon Nov. 2nd. Rev. G. A. Wells officiating, and the remains were interred in the Tampico Cemetery and the services were attended by a large course of sympathizing friends.