Evening star., 1923-03-10
MRS. MACFARLAND
D|ESSUDDENLY
Widow of Former D. c. Com.
missioner Fails to Survive
Operation in Philadelphia.

Mrs Mary l. y. Macfarland. widow
of Henry Il. F.. Macfarland, a long
time resident OF Washington, died
suddenly yesterday afternoon at the
Hahnemann Hospital, Philadelphia
Pa. following an operation. Her sig
ter. Mrs. william n. Strong OF this
city, was with her at the time OF
death.
MIRA Macfarland, whose husband.
former District Commissioner Mac
farland. died In october, 1891, had
closed her homo hero and was spend
Ing the winter In Philadelphia Fu-
neral services will be held in that city
at o'clock Monday afternoon. Rev.
DR. Charles Wood, pastor Of the
Church Of the Covenant Of this city,
other sister. Mrs. Nellie McMurtrie Of
New York, also survives her.
Native of Pennsylvania.
Mrs. Macfarland was born in Erie.
Pa. but came to Washington in her
youth. She WAS a daughter of the
late Judge John w. Douglas, who
served as District Commissioner from
1889 to 1893 and whose residence for
number Of years was at 1915 F
I
Department of the Interior building.
He also served as president of the
board and vas at one time United
States commissioner of internal reve-
nue..
In 1858 Miss Douglas married Mr..
Mcfarland. They had no children.
Occupying almost the status of son
70 her. however, was her nephew,
William Strong, who was the first
man from the District to enlist on
the side of the allies in the world
war. He joined the Canadian army
in January. 1915, and later served
with the British army. Mr.. Strong
died shortly after the war as the re-
suit OF disability incurred in service
Mrs. Macfarland's philosophical
ness was indicated by numerous ac-
tlvlties for which she was well known.
member Of the board of directors
Of the Young Women's Christian AS
socIation. She was also a member of
the board of children's guardians at
one time. served on the board Of the
Central Union Mission and for many
wears was a strong local supporter of
the salvation Army.
Active in Church Work. -
For many years Mrs. Marfarland
was a member Of the Church of the
Covenant. was most regular at
tendant and interested herself in
phase OI cHurCH WORK. For
number of years she served as presi-
dent OF the District of Columbia
auxiliary of the famous McAll Mis-
sion. Paris, France
She also was active in all matters
pertaining to Peck Memorial Chapel,
Georgetown. branch of the church, /,
where her husband served for many
years as superintendent of the Sunday
school. Mrs. Macfarlapd was an ar
dent NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. and was af-
f1liated with organizations formed for
that object.
The literary and musical ability,
particularly the latter, possessed by
Mrs. Mcfarland were not. perhaps,
SO we'll known. Her versatility, both
in prose and poetry, were marked.
Several of her poems have appeared
in The Star. She wrote. among other
compositions. a very beautiful piece
of music. adapted to the words of the
famous poem. I'm Flanders Fields
This was sung at the interment Of the
Unknown Soldier. November II. 1921.
and was also sung at memorial serv-
ices held at the Church of the Cove
nant in honor of the young men of its
membership who lost their lives in
the war, of whom her nephew was
one.