A sketch of the life and labors of the noble woman by whose recent death was broken the last link which directly united present day Cumberland Presbyterianism with the founders of the Church.

When Aunt Margaret Sloan, as she was familiarly known, passed over the river, the Cumberland Presbyterian Church lost the most historic person of the last quarter of the nineteenth century.

She was born in Todd County, Ky., July 28, 1807; died in Westport, Mo., September 7, 1897, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. G. J. Jones, showing her age to be 90 years, 1 month and 9 days. Many things unite in the development of her strong personality and devoted Christian character.

Her ancestry on both sides are famous in history. The maternal grandfather was the noted General William Davidson, of Revolutionary fame, and was killed in that memorable struggle in North Carolina.

She was the only living child of great and beloved Rev. Finis Ewing, a name dear to the heart of every loyal Cumberland Presbyterian. The Ewings have figured prominently in the history, not only of the United States, but especially of Kentucky, Illinois, and Missouri. Aunt Margaret's oldest brother, General Lee D. Ewing, defeated Abraham Lincoln for the speakership of the Illinois Legislature in 1839.

Several members of the family have been very prominent as public men. Thus with noble ancestry, and splendid environments, and the best educational advantages of her day, all these were conducive of her greatness. Her early life was spent in and around Russellville, Ky. She recalled vividly the great preachers of that day, and the triumph of grace in the camp meetings sweeping over the country at that time. She was born into the spiritual kingdom at the age of 12 years, and I suppose no person ever had a clearer spiritual vision than she.

In the year 1820 she moved with her parents to Missouri, then almost a wilderness. They settled in Cooper County, Her father soon organized a church, calling it New Lebanon, after the Lebanon church he left in Kentucky.

Here was organized the first school in the West for training young men for the ministry. Rev. R. D. Morrow, D.D., taught literature, and Rev. Finis Ewing theology.

Well did Aunt Margaret remember the school at her father's house, and also the young men attending the same. She delighted to call their names and tell of their usefulness in after life.

She not only lived to know them, and see them become great and good in the ministry, but also to outlive them all.

Her life was spent in this pioneer home until December 13, 1826, when she was married to Rev. Robert Sloan of precious memory.

Many persons after hearing Bro. Sloan preach decided that he was the most heart-searching preacher of his day. For many years after her marriage Aunt Margaret spent her life in domestic relations and rearing her children. While her home duties were numerous, yet she always found time to perform her religious duties. Her services at the camp meeting were greatly needed and as cheerfully given.

Her home was the "preacher's home." Many of our aged preachers testify to her personal helpfulness while young. Her counsel was safe, and the exhortation to humility and faithfulness is still bearing fruit in many a life. Well does the writer remember when assuming the pastorate of this congregation, to which she belonged, her taking him out under the shade of a tree and saying, "My young brother, you have assumed a great responsibility; you will become discouraged at times, because of difficulties, but under all circumstances trust in God; he is able to remove them all."

The one theme of her life was her church. Never did there live a person more devoted. She was as faithful as Abraham and as patient as Job. The church was her talk by day and her dream by night. She impressed everybody with her dignified, profound Christian character. Her convictions were deep and she never winced one iota from what she believed.

Her faithfulness in attending public worship was beautiful. Here she found her supreme delight. She always found food in every service because she came for it and expected it. She had the greatest respect for the Lord's house and his ordinances. She never missed a service when able to attend. She delighted in young people's meetings. How often she said to her pastor, "Watch out for the children." I never knew her to be tardy at a single service. What wonder is it that she is missed!

She had only one fear in life and that was that she might become so enfeebled as not to be able to go to church and "heart the gospel preached," as she expressed it.

God spared her almost to the last to go to church. Her last time was August 15, 1897. She remarked to her pastor that day, "I feel that I have not much longer here on earth."

She died while our protracted meeting was in progress. On Sunday morning, before she died, on Tuesday, about 2 o'clock, she was heard praying, and those who heard her said the prayer was remarkable for fervor. The burden of her petition was for the salvation of sinners. She was, in the true sense of the word, a theologian, having imbibed it from her father and husband, besides her own researches. She was asked at prayer meeting on one occasion, What is the doctrine of regeneration? Her answer, quick as a flash, was, "A glorious doctrine of the Bible, and better experienced than expressed." After that she arose to her feet and discoursed upon it to the great delight and edification of her hearers.

The conversation of her last days was on heavenly recognition. She firmly believed in this doctrine. What delight must have been hers when she met her Savior, whom she loved so well, and for whom she gave all she had; but also, to meet Finis Ewing, her father; Robert Sloan, her husband; her seven children who had preceded her; besides King, McAdow, Hunter, McGready, and thousands of others whom she knew and loved in this life. She left five children, all followers of her Savior; thirty-one living grandchildren, thirty-four great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild.

The funeral services were conducted by her pastor, Rev. G. P. Baity, who loved her as a mother, assisted by Rev. J. H. Houx and Rev. P. M. Fitzgerald. Brother Houx preached the funeral sermon of her husband twenty-nine years ago. Her pew is vacant on earth, but she is now seated at God's right hand, "in the General Assembly of the church of the first born." Peace to her blessed memory.

"Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from henceforth; yea, saith the Spirit, that they rest from their labors; and their works do follow them."           G. P. B.
[Source: The Cumberland Presbyterian, September 30, 1897, pages 389-390]