FOGLESONG, Matilda (Boles)

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FOGLESONG.

Matilda Boles was born in Sarah County, N.C., July 1, 1826, and died March 31, 1900, aged 73 years, 8 months and 30 days. When Matilda was a child her parents moved to Johnson County, Indiana, and settled near Bargersville on what has since been known as the Boles’ farm. In this home were passed her girlhood days, and here she grew to womanhood.

She was married to Jacob Fogelsong, July 22, 1847. To this union were born 10 children, 6 sons and 4 daughters. The 4 daughters and 2 sons are still living, but Edward, Lewis, Joseph and Franklin have preceded their mother to the better land. There have also been 29 grandchildren, 24 of whom are living; and there are 3 great grandchildren, all of whom are living.

She obeyed the gospel at Union Village in the month of April, 1847, the ministry of Ara Hollingsworth. She afterwards moved her membership to the church at Bargersville, and thence to her home church at New Hope. Her life has ever been that of a devoted Christian. She was an earnest and careful reader of the Bible, and made earnest effort to conform her life to its teaching. Her home stood as an asylum to the wayfarer, and it is said she never turned any away in want, but ministered to the needs alike of those who were neighbors or strangers to her.

Mrs. Foglesong has been a great sufferer for all of the past 4 years. This she has borne with a patient resignation of a true Christian. She often spoke of the afflictions she endured, but said she thought the sufferings of this present life purify the soul and prepare one for the joys of the heavenly home. Hers was a character made perfect through suffering, and remains with us as a demonstration of the triumph of the Christian faith over the ills and troubles of this mortal life. In her death the children have lost a tender, true and loving mother. The grandchildren were grandma’s pets, but they will never again on earth see her kind smile or feel her fond caress. But the loss will fall heaviest on Uncle Jacob, her aged husband, at whose side she has walked as his loving and faithful wife, sharing his joys and his sorrows, for more than half a century. Not till life’s burdens became too heavy to be borne did she lay them down and leave him to walk the remainder of the pathway alone. Her sun is set, but it went not down amid stormy billows, but in its brightness and serenity we have proof, of a glorious morning.
      J.C.M.

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The Franklin Democrat, Friday, April 6, 1900,
Volume XL Number 40, page 4 column 2

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SMITH’S VALLEY.

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Bro. Miller delivered a very interesting sermon Sunday morning. He remained over Monday for the funeral of Mrs. Foglesong.

The Franklin Democrat, Friday, April 6, 1900,
Volume XL Number 40, page 6 column 2

COUNTY NEWS

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KINDER.

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Mrs. Matilda Foglesong, who had been a sufferer from consumption for several years, died at her home Saturday at 11 o’clock, age 73 years, 8 months and 24 days. She leaves an aged husband, 6 children and a host of friends to mourn their loss. The funeral services were held at the Bluff Creek church Monday evening, conducted by John C. Miller. Burial at the Bluff Creek cemetery.

The Franklin Democrat, Friday, April 13, 1900,
Volume XL Number 41, page 6 column 6

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OBITUARY.

Matilda Boles was born in Sarah county, N.C., July 1, 1826, and departed this life March 31, 1900, age 73 years, 8 months and 30 days. She, with her parents, emigrated to Johnson county, Ind., and settled on what is known as the Boles farm near Bargersville, and resided there all her girlhood days. She was united in marriage to Jacob Foglesong, July 22, 1847. To this union was born 10 children, 6 sons and 4 daughters, of which 4 have preceded her to the better land, namely, Edward, Lewis, Joseph and Franklin. She united with the Christian church at Union Village in April 1847, under the ministry of Elder Holingsworth. She afterward moved her membership to Bargersville, and thence to her home at New Hope, and has always been an active and devoted member. She was an earnest and careful reader of the Holy Bible and tried in her walks of life to practice its teachings. Her home was always open to the wayfarer and she never turned away any one in need, but administered to the wants of either neighbor or stranger.

A true soldier has fallen in Israel: the toils of life are ended, the joys of heaven begun. Yes, our loved one has entered the joys of eternal day. We will miss her, but it is our loss, not hers.

She had been a great sufferer for the last four years, which was patiently borne, and while she lamented that her suffering was so great, she was often heard to say that the Lord knew best, and the trials only tended to purify the soul and draw her nearer her heavenly home. No higher tribute can be paid to her true and noble character than to say that to know her was to love her.

In her the children will lose a mother who was true and kind as only a mother can be. But the greatest loss will fall on the aged husband who has walked by her side over the rough tide of life for over a half century, and now he so much needs a loving wife in his declining years.

Phoebe Taylor.

Link to Matilda (Boles) Fogelsong’s grave

Submitted by Mark McCrady and Cathea Curry