It was a beautiful death that came to Frances McCumber last night, and it closed a beautiful life. He was almost 77 years of age, and had been hale and hearty all his life. He worked at his trade, a wagon maker and carpenter all day and ate a hearty supper. At about 8 o’clock severe pains about the heart developed and in less than an hour he was unconscious. The tired heart tripped on, slower and slower, until about 12:30 when it stopped entirely. A beautiful calm came upon his face as if the City of God were in sight and the Master had bade him welcome. Mr. McCumber was born at Oswego, N.Y. July 24, 1833, and was married to Miss Mary Elizabeth Thurston December 24, 1856. They came to this county in 1878 and Mrs. McCumber died about 12 years ago. Of the four daughters and one son, only Mrs. E. J. Farr is now living, Burt having died about two years ago. Mr. McCumber was a member of the Methodist church and was a steward and class leader. He loved the church and never missed a service if he could possibly help it. He was a kindly, courteous soul, loved by all who knew him, and will be greatly missed by all. Funeral at 2 o’clock Friday afternoon. #2-9 Feb., 1910 - The Tribune - Francis G. McCumer (spelled Frances in this obituary)

Frances McCumber, whose death was mentioned in our last issue, was born in New York in 1833. He was married to Mary Thurston in 1856 and came to Washington county in 1878. For the past six years he has worked at the wagon makers trade at the C.A. Hoff blacksmith shop and had enjoyed fairly good health up to the day of his death. He was a conscientious Christian and highly respected by all who knew him.

#3-9 Feb., 1910 - The Pilot - Francis G. McCumber

The funeral of Francis McCumber was held at the Methodist church at 2 o’clock last Friday afternoon, Rev. Lang officiating. The big church was well filled with those who knew and loved Mr. McCumber and were glad to pay a last earthly tribute to his beautiful life. The day was in keeping with that life, even as his death had been, as calm and peaceful as a morning in spring. Mr. Lang made beautiful comparisons to the life and death of Mr. McCumber and that of Enoch of old. The old prophet lived so near to God, and each day nearer, that one day God just took him to the heavenly kingdom. It was just as true of Mr. McCumber as of the old prophet, and his life has helped us all to see the truth and the beauty of one of the sweetest Old Testament stories.

#4-10 Feb., 1910 - Blair Democrat - F. McCumber

A SUDDEN DEATH

F. McCumber, who had made his home in this city since 1878, died very suddenly at his home Tuesday night, February 1st, from heart trouble, and the funeral was held Friday, Rev. Lang of the Methodist church officiating.

Mr. McCumber had been working that day as usual, but on coming home had complained of feeling ill to his daughter, Mrs. E. J. Farr. A physician was called, but the patient failed to rally upon the administering of the usual stimulants, and passed away sometime during the night.

Deceased was born in Oswego, N.Y. July 24, 1832, and had attained the age of 70 years, 6 months and 9 days. He was married to Mary M. Thurston December 24, 1856, coming to Blair with his wife two years later. Mrs. McCumber died in 1897. The family was blessed with one son and four daughters of which only one remains, Mrs. E. J. Farr of this city. One brother is living at Burlington, Wis., but was unable to attend the funeral on account of ill health.

Mr. McCumber was an active member of the Methodist church, and was well liked and respected by all who knew him.

~~~Obituaries courtesy of the Nebraska Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file in the Blair, Nebraska Public Library~~~

Find a Grave Memorial #117236725