The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1881-06-02

Alleluia"
j. M. F.
Vancouver, W. T., Ascension Day, 1881.
Another old hero has answered to the last
roll-call. The Rev. DIR. John McCarty, re.
tired, chaplain U. S. A., died in Washing
ton, d. c., on Tuesday evening, May 10th,
1881, in the SD year of his age. At the
time of his decease he was the oldest chap
lain in the army. Attached to the military
family of Gen. Scott, he served in remark
ably heroic and conspicuous manner through
the Mexican war; at the front in many en-
gagements he was ever unwearied in his at
tentions to the corporal and spiritual me-
cessities OF the enlisted men. Disclaiming
the idea that he was a fighting man, he con.
stantly averred that when duty called, per.
sonal earnestness and bravery should be,man-
Tested in the chaplain as well as in the Off
soubriquet of the Fighting Parson" and by
the enlisted men was brevetted "Bishop."
At the close of the war he was for time
stationed at Jefferson Barracks, Mo-; re-
signing from there, in 1858, he went to Fort
Vancouver, Oregon, now Washington Terri.
| tory, and was then elected post chaplain.
He organized Trinity church, Portland Or,
preaching there every Sunday morning; af-
ter service he would walk over to the river,
when boat would carry him to Vancouver
where he would preach at the fort in the
evening. Full of energy and good works he
was beloved by all who knew him. Some
one more able and more familiar with his
personal worth will hereafter write the rec
ord of his eventful and useful life. We be.
lieve that he left but one chld-a soma
married daughter having recently died in
Vancouver. He was placed on the retired
list Sept. l6, 1867. His funeral took place
May II, at three o'clock, from st. Mark 9
Church, corner of Third and South A streets
Washington. The bearers, mostly brother
officers, were Major-Gen. Townsend, Major.
Gen. Holt, Gen. McFarley, Col. Hodges,
Judges Lander and Burnett.-Army and
|
Rev. John mccarthy, chaplain Of the U. S.
army, whose death at Washington has been
announced, formerly resided in Oswego.
He was at the time missionary in parts of
Onondaga county. Pioneers of the year 1926
will recall him. Rev. Mr.. McCarty through
valuable service rendered in the Mexican
war earned the soubriquet of the Fighting
Parson." He accompanied Gen. Scott into
the city of Mexico, and was the first Pro-
testant clergyman to preach III that city on
the topic of the capture. He was opposed
to the Mexican war at first, and one of the
stories about him was that on reaching a
stream which the army had owade, he said:
''Boys, this is an unholy war, but be careful
to keep your cartridge boxes up and not get
your powder Wet" He was a man of I'M
common courage and fortitude. Hi. age
was SO years. Os,cego San and Mirror.
| Mr.. j. NJ. Fletcher has received the fol-
lowing in regard to the death of DR.. Nc
Carly:
WASHINGTON, D. c., May II, 1851.
JOS NJ. Fletcher, Esq, Vancouver w. 7.
My Dear Sir: You have no doubt received
notice of the death of DR.. McCarty. Imme-
diately after the funeral was called to New
York and returned last evening, else u should
have written you sooner.
On the It'll inst. DIR. McCarty was able to
sit up. At noon he desired to rest, took to
his bed, fell into deep sleep or stupor and
never awakened. He lay sleeping quietly,
taking little nourishment and drink, but
it was impossible to arouse him, he simply
slept his life away and died like child
without groan or struggle. The good old
man has gone to his reward, full of good
works and with the love of all who knew
him. We buried him in his lot at Rock
Creek Cemetery near this city, by the side
Iof his wife. 1t is beautiful spot in the
country. full of old trees; the Oldest church
and cemetery in this district. There may
he rest until the final resurrection Of the
just. Very truly yours,
J. T. STEVENS.