Covil, Mary E Fisher (1848-1932)

COVIL, FISHER, BECK, SMALLPAGE, EAMES, MORSE

Posted By: Debbie Greenfield (email)
Date: 10/28/2016 at 09:52:19

Daily Freeman Journal, Webster City, Iowa, Saturday, April 30, 1932

MRS. COVIL, 84, DIES AT FAMILY HOME

Prominent in City Since Coming Here as Bride in 1876.

FUNERAL IS MONDAY

Had Been in Failing Health Since Last Fall, Due to Age.

Mrs. W.J. Covil, nearly 84, died this morning at 6 o'clock at her home, 1514 Willson avenue. She had been in rather poor health for several years and last fall, due to the infirmities of old age, she began to fail very noticeably. She had been confined to her bed, however, for only about two weeks.

Funeral services will be Monday afternoon at 3:30 o'clock at the Covil home. Dr. Ira J. Houston will officiate. Foster's in charge.

She had been a resident of Webster City since 1876, when she came here as a bride.

Mary E. Fisher was born Aug. 17, 1848 in West Medway, Mass. She spent her girlhood days there and while visiting in Webster City at the home of her sister, the late Mrs. J.M. Jones, she met W.J. Covil. A year and a half later in West Medway, Mass., they were married on Aug. 28, 1876 and came immediately to this city, which had been her home since. Mr. Covil died in 1920. Her residence here extended over a period of 56 years.

To Mr. and Mrs. Covil were born two daughters, Ruth, the elder, died in infancy, and Helen, who became the wife of Dr. R.F. Beck. Mrs. Beck died in 1924.

Mrs. Covil's only surviving immediate relatives are three sisters and a brother, Mrs. R.M. Smallpage of Eagle Grove; Mrs. H.A. Eames, of this city; Mrs. Frank Morse, of Wellesley, Mass.; and J.B. Fisher, of Akron, Colo., and her son-in-law, Dr. Beck.

Mrs. Covil was one of Webster City's most prominent and distinguished women. In her earlier life here her activities were outstanding. She and her husband were numbered among the more prominent members and supporters of the Congregational church, especially during the earlier years of that organization in Webster City. For many, many years Mr. Covil was superintendent of the Sunday school and Mrs. Covil, during her active years, was a staunch support to her husband and a leader in all activities of the church, the ladies aid and other church organizations.

She had a personality that endeared her to all. Always gracious and cheery, though naturally reserved, she was popular not only in her church and its environs, but in all social circles in Webster City. Mr. Covil, during his active years, was one of Iowa's leading attorneys and during his latter years was president of the First National bank in this city.

Mrs. Covil knew much of the earlier life in Webster City when it was but a village and the Covil home on Willson avenue was a frequent scene for gatherings of those prominent in the city and community. She was a member of the Wednesday club and a charter member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She had much to do with the moulding of social life here and her influence was always for the better interests of the city and its people, and, in particular, of her church, which was always dear to her.

She had been in rather delicate health for some years, due to the infirmities of old age, but had been confined to her bed only recently.