The Last Roll: Miss Mary Martin McIver

Confederate Veteran
Volume 14, Number 5, Page 226
May, 1906

The death of Miss Mary McIver at her home, in Nashville, Tenn., on the 23d of March, 1906, removes from earth one of the noblest of women and one of the most devoted friends the Confederate soldiers had. With unselfish and uncalculating zeal she gave herself to the cause of the South, and consecrated all of her energies to ministering to the needs of those who fought for it. In 1861 she and Miss Robbie Woodruff (Mrs. Crank) made a beautiful Confederate flag, which was presented to the 8th Texas Cavalry, Terry's Rangers, among whom she had many friends. At the great Reunion in Nashville in 1897 she made a duplicate flag of the remnant of silk left from the first one, which she had religiously kept. The second flag was presented to the remnant of the old regiment. It was a touching occasion when with tears and joy they received this reminder of the "brave days of old," and with demonstrations of affection they testified their appreciation of the gift and their love for the giver.

While Middle Tennessee was occupied by the Federal troops she was ever ready to help the sick and the wounded Confederate prisoners, and she spared no pains, hesitated at no risk, shrank from no sacrifice to aid the scouts or raiding bands of Confederates who ventured within the Federal lines. With all the gentleness and modesty of true womanhood, yet on occasion she was brave as the bravest.

She was especially interested in those soldiers who were far from their own homes, and so she was particularly interested in the Texans It was a time of joy to her in 1897 when she had opportunity to renew the friendships of former days with the Lone Star veterans. Never to the day of her death did she falter for a moment in her devotion to the Southern cause nor fail in her interest in the welfare of the Southern soldiers. Her beautiful Christian character gives assurance that she has entered that world of redeemed spirits. the blessed home, whither so many noble soldiers to whom she ministered have gone before her.

[The foregoing is from Rev. J H. McNeilly, of Nashville.]

MRS. EVANDER MCIVER.

On the 3d of April, 1906, Mrs. Evander McIver joined her sister in the unknown land. She too was one of the devoted band of women who in Nashville during the war were ever ready to help Confederate soldiers. As Miss Mary Ramsey, she was known to them as a friend to be counted on. In December, 1867, she was married to Maj. Evander McIver, a faithful Confederate soldier.

Of the five children, three have gone before her to the home above one son and two daughters. Her husband and two daughters, Mrs. Alfred Hagan and Miss Effie McIver, survive her.

[These notes of Mrs. McIver come from the same comrade who officiated at both funerals Rev. J. H. McNeilly.]