Mrs. Mary Orpah Humphryes 1872-1907

HUMPHRYES, HUMPHREYS, PROPER, CUSTER, BLACKFORD, VAN ZANT, DODDS

Posted By: Volunteer - Rich Lowe
Date: 8/29/2002 at 13:11:57

Mrs. W. H. Humphryes.

Mrs. Mary Orpah Humphryes, wife of W. H. Humphreys, departed this life Monday evening Oct. 14th, in the Hospital in Peoria, Illinois, after a long and painful illness. Her disease was heart and kidney trouble, finally developing into “Brights Disease.” She had been in the Sanitarium for some months. She was removed to the Hospital a little over two weeks ago.

She was the daughter of William and Rachel Proper. Her mother died when she was an infant, and her father a few years later. She was raised by her grand parents, Mr. and Mrs. John L. Custer, in Bonaparte, Iowa.

She was born in Harrisburg Township Dec. 22nd 1872. At the age of about 18 years, she was baptized into the Bonaparte Baptist Church.

She was married to Mr. W. H. Humphryes March 22nd 1894, and for a few years they lived in Jacksonville, Ill. After a time they removed to Des Moines which place was their home for several years. For some three of more years they have lived in Peoria, Ill.

For some years she had been in failing health, and made a most heroic effort to overcome her gradually failing strength. She was conscious and her mind was bright and clear until a few hours of the end. She passed away very peacefully without a struggle. Her sister Mrs. Nettie Blackford arrived in Peoria after she had passed away.

She leaves surviving, her husband W. H. Humphreys, her sister Mrs. Nellie Blackford of Ottumwa, and a brother William G. Proper at San Luis Obispo, California.

Her uncle, D. D. Proper was with her during the last Sunday of her life in Peoria, and conducted the funeral services in Bonaparte, Iowa, October 17th, assisted by Rev. Kemp of the Methodist church, and Rev. Clark of the Presbyterian church.

The services were held in the Baptist Church and a goodly number of the relatives and friends were present.

It may be well said of her, she fought a good fight, kept the faith, and has entered into rest.

She was a member of the P.E.O. Society, Chapter AB or Bonaparte having several members present at the funeral.

Mrs. Nellie Blackford and daughter, Della, of Ottumwa, Mr. and Mrs. Van Zant of Moulton, Iowa, Mrs. Strope of Farmington, and Mrs. C. W. Dodds of Keosauqua were relatives present besides those who live in and near Bonaparte.

[year not stated but position in scrapbook would suggest 1907]

Source: Entler Scrapbooks, vol. 3, Iowa Historical Library, Iowa City, IA