Mary (Joynt) Murphy 1833-1905

MURPHY, JOYNT, HIGGINS, NESTOR

Posted By: Joe Conroy (email)
Date: 6/27/2010 at 11:18:40

The Democrat
Emmetsburg, Iowa
1 Feb 1905
Page 4

Mrs. Edward Murphy is Dead.

Mrs. Edward Murphy died quite unexpectedly at the home of her daughter, Mrs. James Donahue, of Emmetsburg township, Saturday evening, at 6:30. She was 72 years of age. The funeral was held Tuesday. The usual services were conducted at Assumption church and the interment was in St. John's cemetery. There was a large procession.

The deceased was born in the county of Galway, Ireland, in 1833. Her maiden name was Mary Joynt. She was a sister of Patrick, John and Michael Joynt, and Mrs. Daniel Higgins, of this place. She came to America in 1853. She lived at Binghampton, New York, one year. In 1854 she went to Pittsburg, Penn. July 15, 1861, she was united in marriage to Michael Nestor. In 1856 they moved to Dyersville, where they resided until 1869. In the spring of 1869 Mr. Nestor came to Palo Alto county and took up a homestead in Emmetsburg township, three miles west of the city. April 28 of the same year, while hunting at Virgin lake, in the western part of the county, he was drowned by the capsizing of the boat which he was rowing. The following September the wife and five children came from Dyersville and settled on the homestead, where she continued to reside until her death. May 21, 1872, she was united in marriage to Edward Murphy, who died March 4, 1893. The children born to the first union were Dr. R. J. Nestor, of Waterloo, Iowa; Mrs. Thomas Mulry, of Chicago; David, who died April 8, 1890; Joseph, of Wash, Oklahoma; and Mrs. S. C. Noll, of O'Neill, Nebraska. The children born to the second union are L. Murphy, of this city, and Mrs. James Donahue, who resides on the old homestead. All the surviving members of the family were present at the funeral except Joseph.

Mrs. Murphy was one of the best wives and mothers in the community. She was quiet, unassuming and frugal and her zeal for the education, training and comforts of the members of her family is splendidly exemplified in the lives of the most respected sons and daughters who survive. She was a devout member of the Catholic church. Her actions were constantly influenced by the highest Christian motives. The dreaded messenger called her quite suddenly, but she knew well God's laws and she observed them, fully realizing that those who live as they should are best prepared to answer the final call. It is hard indeed for the devoted sons and daughters to part with the fondest and best friend that the world knows -- she who in infancy, in youth, and in more advanced years, would have cheerfully given up her life were it necessary to insure their safety, but such sad, such dreaded partings must in time come to all homes. There is, however, in death's solemn presence, consolation when it is realized that the life that has gone out was sincere, exemplary, and edifying and that God rewards justly all who serve him faithfully.