Christopher Marmion MacDonell
Submitted by: Barry Boecher
His obituary, published in Laredo, Texas when he died, tells a brief history of his life.
DEATH OF C. M. MACDONELL
"On Saturday night, Mr. Macdonell was taken sick with a severe attack of inflammation of the bowels. Sunday morning a physician was called, but for some reason, was unable to come until eleven o'clock. Upon his arrival, he examined the patient carefully and gave little hope for his recovery, although it was thought that he would pass away quickly. About seven o'clock yesterday evening, the spirit of C. M. Macdonell took its flight, and as soon as the news became generally known a feeling of sadness settled over the city.
Deceased was born in Kilkeel, County Down, Ireland, in the year 1826, and at the time of his death was sixty-two years of age. He very seldom spoke of himself, and the exact time of his emigration to the United States is not known. His only next relatives are a brother and sister, now residents of Newry, Ireland. The sad news was immediately cabled to them last night. Mr. Macdonell, was a member of Capt. G. K. Lewis Company of Texas Rangers in 1852. He afterwards engaged in business in Corpus Christi, and in San Patricio. During the late Civil War he was a member of the famous regiment, Terry's Texas Rangers, serving with them all through the struggle. About the year 1865 he came to Laredo and engaged in the mercantile business. He prospered in business and some ten to twelve years ago became a large ranchman and sheep raiser, at the time of his death being interested in the largest sheep ranch in Texas- the Callahan Ranch in Encinal County. He has been closely identified with Laredo and Webb County interests for years past, and was looked upon as one of the most influential men in Southwest Texas. Although he never became a candidate for any office himself, he always took a prominent part in politics as a democrat and endeavored to support and remain public servant, whose ability, integrity, and loyalty to their party, was unquestioned.
In the death of C. M. Macdonell, Laredo loses one of her most solid and honorable citizens; his friends knew a man upon whose word they could always depend. He was a man of few words, but he never was known to fail to keep a promise. He was a follower of the Roman Catholic religion and died in that faith. His deeds of charity were numerous, and many are the poor people in Laredo and vicinity who will mourn his death, in addition to his many personal friends.
The funeral will take place from San Augustine Church tomorrow morning at 7 o'clock."
Funeral of C. M. MacDonell
Sunday September 23, 1888
"At 7 o'clock this morning the funeral procession bearing the earthly remains of the lamented C. M. Macdonell, proceeded to the San Augustine Catholic Church. The coffin was borne into the Cathedral by Masers Martin, Sanchez, Rodriguez, McLane, Dodd, Atlee, Reid and Headen, pall-bearers. After being deposited therein, the impressive burial service was performed by Father Souchon, assisted by Father Robert. The flickering candles upon the altar, the deep mournful tones of the organ and quoir reverberating through the grand old edifice, the earnest voice and manner in which the reverend fathers delivered the service, broken by the sobs of sorrowing friends made the occasion one of the most solemn which has ever been witnessed in this city. After the conclusion the procession, one of the most numerous ever seen in this city formed in front of the church and proceeded to the Catholic burying ground, where the coffin was deposited in its last resting place."
"Earth to earth and dust to dust"
Laredo Times Newspaper, September 23, 1888
His obituary, published in Laredo, Texas when he died, tells a brief history of his life.
DEATH OF C. M. MACDONELL
"On Saturday night, Mr. Macdonell was taken sick with a severe attack of inflammation of the bowels. Sunday morning a physician was called, but for some reason, was unable to come until eleven o'clock. Upon his arrival, he examined the patient carefully and gave little hope for his recovery, although it was thought that he would pass away quickly. About seven o'clock yesterday evening, the spirit of C. M. Macdonell took its flight, and as soon as the news became generally known a feeling of sadness settled over the city.
Deceased was born in Kilkeel, County Down, Ireland, in the year 1826, and at the time of his death was sixty-two years of age. He very seldom spoke of himself, and the exact time of his emigration to the United States is not known. His only next relatives are a brother and sister, now residents of Newry, Ireland. The sad news was immediately cabled to them last night. Mr. Macdonell, was a member of Capt. G. K. Lewis Company of Texas Rangers in 1852. He afterwards engaged in business in Corpus Christi, and in San Patricio. During the late Civil War he was a member of the famous regiment, Terry's Texas Rangers, serving with them all through the struggle. About the year 1865 he came to Laredo and engaged in the mercantile business. He prospered in business and some ten to twelve years ago became a large ranchman and sheep raiser, at the time of his death being interested in the largest sheep ranch in Texas- the Callahan Ranch in Encinal County. He has been closely identified with Laredo and Webb County interests for years past, and was looked upon as one of the most influential men in Southwest Texas. Although he never became a candidate for any office himself, he always took a prominent part in politics as a democrat and endeavored to support and remain public servant, whose ability, integrity, and loyalty to their party, was unquestioned.
In the death of C. M. Macdonell, Laredo loses one of her most solid and honorable citizens; his friends knew a man upon whose word they could always depend. He was a man of few words, but he never was known to fail to keep a promise. He was a follower of the Roman Catholic religion and died in that faith. His deeds of charity were numerous, and many are the poor people in Laredo and vicinity who will mourn his death, in addition to his many personal friends.
The funeral will take place from San Augustine Church tomorrow morning at 7 o'clock."
Funeral of C. M. MacDonell
Sunday September 23, 1888
"At 7 o'clock this morning the funeral procession bearing the earthly remains of the lamented C. M. Macdonell, proceeded to the San Augustine Catholic Church. The coffin was borne into the Cathedral by Masers Martin, Sanchez, Rodriguez, McLane, Dodd, Atlee, Reid and Headen, pall-bearers. After being deposited therein, the impressive burial service was performed by Father Souchon, assisted by Father Robert. The flickering candles upon the altar, the deep mournful tones of the organ and quoir reverberating through the grand old edifice, the earnest voice and manner in which the reverend fathers delivered the service, broken by the sobs of sorrowing friends made the occasion one of the most solemn which has ever been witnessed in this city. After the conclusion the procession, one of the most numerous ever seen in this city formed in front of the church and proceeded to the Catholic burying ground, where the coffin was deposited in its last resting place."
"Earth to earth and dust to dust"
Laredo Times Newspaper, September 23, 1888