This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list.
Author: MargieRoopPearce
Surnames: Syphers, Merriman, Myers
Classification: obituary
Message Board URL:
http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.indiana.counties...
Message Board Post:
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams Co, IN; Thursday, October 20, 1921
AGED LADY FOUND DEAD IN HER BED
Mrs. Mary Syphers Died Early Today While on Visit with Granddaughter
Infirmities of Age - Given As Cause -- Lived in Adams County 72 Years - Funeral Sunday.
Mrs. Mary J. Syphers, mother of J. W. Merriman, of this city, was found dead in her bed
shortly before 5 o'clock this morning at the home of her granddaughter, Mrs. John M.
Myers in Blue Creek township, where she had gone three weeks ago for a visit. Death was
due to infirmities of age, she being ninety years, seven months and twenty-five days old.
Her health had not been as good as usual the past few days, but on retiring last
evening there was no indication that the end was so near. She had made her home with the
son, John W. Merriman, on Bush street, in this city the past five years, and a few weeks
ago expressed a desire to visit at the home of the granddaughter, and she was taken
there.
Mary Jane Ray was born in Harrison county, Ohio, February 25, 1831, a daughter of
Jonathan and Deborah Ray. She came to this county seventy-two years ago last October 13,
and with her husband, John Merriman, they cleared a fine farm from the forests of Blue
Creek township. They endured every hardship of the early pioneer, and helped to make
Adams county one of the very best in the state. Her marriage to Mr. Merriman was
solemnized in 1876 (sic: 1846). To them were born eight children, seven sons and one
daughter, three sons, and the daughter being deceased. The children surviving are Elisha
Merriman, Salem; J. W. Merriman, Decatur; J. H. Merriman, Woodard, Okla.; and E. E.
Merriman, Indianapolis. There are also thirty grandchildren and a number of
great-grandchildren. The husband died in January, 1879. She was married a second time to
Adam Syphers, his death occurring February 29, 1916.
The deceased had always enjoyed the very best of health, and only once had been sick,
and that was thirty-five years ago when she suffered an attack of typhoid fever. She had
been a member of the Salem Methodist church about seventy years, was well known in the
vicinity of Salem and over Blue Creek and Monroe townships, and everyone was a friend to
Grandma Merriman, as she was familiarly known. She was the last of a family of nine
children.
Funeral services will be held Sunday morning at 10:30 o'clock, sun time, from the
Salem Methodist church. The minister had not yet been secured. Burial will be at the
Tricker cemetery. The family requests that flowers be omitted.
Coroner Mattox of Geneva was called, and stated her [death] was due to infirmities
incident in her age.
Important Note:
The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply
to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.