The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1889-09-05
THURSDAY, SEPT. 3, 1889.
DEATH OF STONEWALL JACKSON'S
DAUGHTER.

The whole South will mourn the
death of Stonewall JacksOn's only
child. Mrs. Julia Thomas Christian,
wife Of Mr.. W. E. Christian. editor of
the Charlotte Democrat, died at her
home in that city at 6 O'Clock Friday
morning, August Both, after being sick
about two weeks with typhoid fever.
She was in the 28th year of her age,
and was said to possess many of the
traits of character Of her distinguished
father. We take the following from
theCharlotte Erening News:
We write now of the daughter of the
immortal Stonewall Jackson. 1t was
upon her infantile face that the last con-
scious glance of the great soldier rested :;
it was from around her baby form that
his shattered arm dropped as the ap-
prOach of death weakened it. ''Little
Darling" was the benediction he pro-
nOunced upon the child who survived
him and who was spared to bless this
world with her presence through pratt
Ting babyhOod and joyous maidenhOOd,
to the duties of devoted and loving
wife, and a tender and gentle mother,
though her years were only too brief.
How true it is that Heaven gives its
tavOurites-early death"
Mrs. Christian was born at the home
of Mr.. Jas. p Irwin. in Charlotte, on
the 23rd day of November, 1862. Her
father was then at the front conducting
the campaigns that made him famous
the world over. When Julia was a lit
tie over five months old, Mrs. Jackson
decided to take her OH visit to her
father and a few days later appeared at
the Generals headquarters. This was
two weeks before General Jackson S
death. During that time, little Julia
was baptized. the ceremony being per-
formed in General JacksOn's tent. by
the Generals chaplain, Rev. DR.. Dab
ney. Shortly after this came the fatal
battle of Charlottesville. when, on
May 3rd, 1868, General Jackson re-
ceived the wounds from which he died
on May 10th. His last hours were
cheered by the presence of little Julia.
DIR. Dabney. in his life of Stonewall
Jackson. describes the incident in a
touching manner. He says: Ellis
infant (Julia) was now brought to re-
ceive his last embrace and as soon as
she appeared in the doorway, which he
was watching with his eyes, his face
was lit up with beaming smile, and
he motioned her towards him. saying
fondly: Little Darlingr' She was
seated on the bed by his side, and he
embraced her and endeavored to caress
her with his lacerated hand-while she
smiled upon him with infantile delight.
Thus he continued to toywith her until
the near approach of death unnerved
his arm. and Inconsistencies settled
down upon him.
The earlier days of Mrs. Christian
were spent in Charlotte, and while at
tending school here. she joined the
First Presbyterian Church. She was
married in Richmond, Va. on June >,
1884, to Mr.. W. f. Christian. the cere-
mOny being performed in the First
Presbyterian Church by Rev. DR.. Hoge.
Mr.. and Mrs. Christian resided in Rich
mQnd for time, and from there they
went to st Paul. Minnesota. From
st. Paul they went to San Diego, Cali
fornia, and from that place they came
to Charlotte to take up permanent
residence, arriving here about a year
ago. No couple was ever more warmly
welcomed to Charlotte. Mrs. Christian
was known and loved by all our people.
and her husband quickly made friends
OF all he met. Their two little children.
Anna, aged about 3 years. ard Thomas
jackson, aged one year on the day his
mother died, furnished the light and
life for bright and happy home circle.
Would that we could dispel the shadow
that darkens the hearth-stone of our
brother.
1t was in the relations of wife and
mother that her Christian virtues and
the brightness of her character was
fully realized. An atfectionate wife. a
tender and loving mother. her place
can never be filled in the circle from
which she has been called. Her char
acter was simply lovely, and her dispo-
sltlon was of that modest. kindly nature
that won for her the hearts of all.
TRACE was in all her steps, heaven in her
eye,
In every gesture, dignity and love-
The remains were taken to Lexing-
ION, Va, and buried by the side of her
father.