Phelps, Marielma 1846-1879

PHELPS, PAIGE

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 10/14/2012 at 19:20:59

The Grinnell (IA) Herald; Aug. 15, 1879

DIED.

PHELPS.--In Grinnell, Iowa, Aug. 12, 1879, Mrs. Marielma Paige Phelps, wife of Matthew Phelps, in the 33d year of her age.

Mrs. Phelps was born in Unity, New Hampshire, September 11, 1846, where she lived until the spring of 1860, when she moved with her parents to Iowa Falls, in this State. In 1864 she came to Grinnell and attended school at the College for several terms. Before she completed her course she was called home by the sickness of her mother. She subsequently engaged in teaching at her adopted home and at Dubuque, in 1870 she was married to Matt. Phelps, Esq., of this city, and has made this place her home ever since.

She died peacefully, after an illness of about three weeks. The doctors pronounced her disease ulceration of the stomach. Her death, while not sudden nor perhaps unexpected, fell like a shock upon this community, where she had been known as one so strong and helpful in every public and benevolent work.

As a pupil in the College she won an enviable reputation; as a teacher she was eminently successful--so much so that positions came seeking her wherever she was known. Such was the estimate the public put upon her good judgment and knowledge in school matters she was elected a member of the Board of Directors of the Independent District of Grinnell, in March, 1876. She filled the full term for which she was elected--viz., three years--and was again elected for another term last March. In accepting the duties of director she did not take the honors only; she took it with its duties and it burdens. Her constant presence, sound judgement, ripe experience and abounding energy made her an especially valuable member. In the summer of 1877 she was nominated for County Superintendent of Schools by the Greenback party. She was, however, too firm a Republican to accept, even if she had been willing to give up her family duties (which she was not) to accept the proffered honor.

Her helpfulness, strength and energy were in constant demand at public and private entertainments.. These, however, were not the best of her many excellencies of character. Her helpful, loving tenderness, as wife and mother was her most fitting crown.

Many drop out of life and the world scarcely notes their absence; her's was a death that seems to leave a void too great for even time to fill. The death of this estimable woman has taken away from a bereaved husband that which was dearer than life itself, and little daughter is left motherless, though still too young to feel her loss.

The funeral was held at the residence, Wednesday afternoon, Dr. Magoun conducting the services.