Rev. Matthew Finley Pilson

Notes:

OBITUARY

Staunton Spectator and Vindicator; Staunton, VA; 7 April 1905

Rev. M. Finley Pilson, whose illness with typhoid fever was noted last week, died on Monday afternoon at the hospital in Elkins, W. Va., after two weeks' illness. Mr. Pilson was a young man of beautiful character and early dedicated his life to his maker.

He was born near Greenville 27 years ago, and was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel F. Pilson, and a brother of Mr. E. T. Pilson, all of whom survive him. He was educated at Hampden-Sidney college, where he took A.B., and after teaching a year, took the three years' course at the Union Theological seminary. Being admitted to the ministry of the Presbyterian church, he was assigned to the mission field at Coalton, W. Va., at which point he had labored in vacation previously. He was very zealous in his work, and to his excessive zeal is attributed his illness, as he labored incessantly.

Mr. Pilson was brought up in the First church here, and was there ordained to preach, and that congregation felt a deep interest in his success and welfare. He gave promises of many years of usefulness and of attaining high rank in the ministry. His sudden death will bring grief to all who had been watching his promising career. The funeral took place from the First Presbyterian church Wednesday afternoon at 3 o'clock, and the services were conducted by Rev. Dr. A.M. Fraser.

Buried:
Grave location, obituary and tombstone photo:
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