PROUDFOOT, Mary B. (1845-1923)

PROUDFOOT

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 5/24/2020 at 20:15:22

Mary B. Proudfoot
(May 19, 1845 – November 26, 1923)

Mary B. Beymer, the subject of this sketch, was born near Savannah, Ashland County, Ohio, May 19, 1845, and departed this life at noon of November 26th, 1923. On October 22, 1863, she was married to Daniel Kiplinger, and came with him to the state of Iowa, settling for a few years only, in the southeastern part of the state, and during the latter 60’s came to New Virginia, Warren County, Iowa. To this marriage were born two sons, Frank, of Louisville, KY., and John O., of Des Moines, Iowa. Her husband died on April 8th, 1869, after which, with her two sons she returned for a few years to Ohio, coming again to Iowa for her future and final home. On August 22nd, 1878, she was married to Elias Proudfoot, with whom she lived as a faithful wife and helpmate until his death September 26th, 1907. From the second marriage was born one child, Clyde D. Proudfoot, of Indianola. And she was all that a mother could be to her step-children, James L. Proudfoot, of Athens, Tenn., Willis T., of Des Moines; Ernest E., now deceased; Dr. Charles P., of San Louis Obispo, Calif., Mrs. Elizabeth Shaw and Mrs. Katherine Watson, of Indianola.
At the early age of 13 years she was converted and at seventeen joined the Baptist Church, of which she remained a member until coming to Indianola in 1878, when she transferred her membership to the Methodist Episcopal Church, and for more than 35 years was a loyal and devoted member, and except for illness was a faithful attendant. In an unusual and winning way she entwined herself about the hearts and affections of her own children, and those for whom she became a mother, and by patient toil and untiring service reared to manhood and womanhood a family who call her blessed. She was a woman of modest and retiring disposition, her first concern being the welfare of her household yet in the days of her strength, her home was frequently opened to her friends and neighbors. She was possessed of a peaceable and quiet disposition, loved her home, her family and her neighbors, was devoted to Christianity and the church, faithful, prudent and consistent, and leaves behind her lasting memories of a life well spent and full of years, which has already ripened into the life eternal. The funeral was held at her late residence in Indianola, Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 in charge of pastor, Rev. A. S. Woodard.