Duffy, Frances M.

The article for Frances M Duffy came from The Carthage Republican Carthage, Illinois Wednesday July 6, 1921 Page 1 Column 2

Mrs. Frances M. Duffy, wife of Samuel S. Duffy, of Fountain Green, entered life eternal on the morning of June 29, 1921, aged 77 years, 6 months and three days.
This good woman passed to her rest and reward after a long period of declining health followed these later months by extreme illness. While those who have cared for her so faithfully and so fondly, know she has happily exchanged pain and suffering for gladness and glory, yet they also know that they are giving up one of the best of mothers -- one whose memory will be tenderly cherished by her children and her children's children who "arise and call her blessed."
Frances Meek was born Dec. 26, 1843, in Jackson County Indiana, at which time her mother's life went out and the orphaned baby girl made her first journey when but seven days old -- being carried on horse-back one hundred miles or more to Putnam County where she was entrusted to the keeping of her maternal grandmother, Mrs. Langley. If it be true that the first years of a child's life are the ones most usually instrumental in shaping their character and destiny, we may safely conclude that this grandmother was a wise caretaker, surrounding her little charge with such influences during the years of her guardianship that no doubt largely contributed to the development of the worthy Christian character by which Mrs. Duffy has been so long known and esteemed.
With the passing of her childhood's years, the subject of this sketch removed with members of her family to Galesburg, later coming with them to this county where on January 2, 1862, she became the wife of Samuel Duffy. They located in Hancock Township where for many years they lived and labored. Six children blessed their union -- the eldest born, a son, passed away in childhood; one daughter Verdelia, grown to womanhood and married to William Burgess of Blandinsville, was called to her Heavenly home some years ago. Those who survive with the aged and bereft husband are S. B. and J. A. Duffy, of this vicinity; Mrs. Murray Perinock of Carthage and Mrs. Frank Carey of Duluth, Minn. There are also 18 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Mrs. Duffy was a home-lover and a home-maker. Her roof-tree offered, for many years, a welcome shelter for any who might have a claim upon her love and care. Losing her own father in early life, she lavished upon her husband's father, the venerable Antony Duffy, a daughter's affection that greatly blessed his declining years and filled them with comfort and content. She was capable and conscientious, well and thoroughly governing and guiding the affairs of her own household. She was devoted to her family, tenderly caring for them, wisely counseling them, and leaves a beautiful memory of her thoughtful kindness which has been about them through the years. She loved flowers and added to the attractiveness of her home surroundings by their careful cultivation.
Mrs. Duffy was converted in early life and has long been identified with the Presbyterian church of Fountain Green, and a faithful attendant until advancing ailments made her presence at its services no longer possible. All appeals of sorrow or suffering she met with ready sympathy and help while health and strength permitted her active ministry.
Some seventeen years ago, Mr. and Mrs. Duffy left the old homestead in care of the younger son, and removed to Fountain Green, thus lessening the labor of their declining years. The quiet content of their comfortable home was broken some three months ago, when Mrs. Duffy became seriously ill with a complication of diseases which her advancing years and waning strength could not overcome. The best of medical aid and skilled nursing and the constant care or her own family have been enlisted for her relief but their utmost endeavors could only make more comfortable this dear woman whose beautiful and well-ordered life was swiftly nearing its close. Very peacefully she passed from their presence to join the dear ones she had loved long since and lost a while. W. W. B.
Card of Thanks We desire to express our grateful appreciation for the many kind attention shown us during the illness and death of our beloved wife and mother, for flowers, and the music at the funeral. S. S. Duffy and family
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Frances Meek Duffy's parents were Nathan and Parthena Langley Meek. Parthena's mother Fanny Langley who was living in Jackson Co IN as a widow raised Frances Meek Langley her maternal granddaughter.
Fanny Langley was the wife of Elisha Langley who was found in Harrison Co IN in 1820 Census. He died abt 1823. Fanny had a long court battle to retain custody of her younger children.
Prior to coming to IN the Langley's were in Shelby Co KY. That is where Elisha and Fanny married on 17 Feb 1802. Children of Elisha and Fanny were Joseph, Elizabeth, Samuel, Allie, Margaret, Lemuel Harvey, Allen M, Mr. Langley and then of course Parthena who was the youngest.
submitted by Donna