Mary Eliza, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Philp was born December 18, 1825, at Gallipolis, Ohio. Departed this life June 6, 1913 at Mt. Vernon, Ill., aged 87 years, 5 months, and 19 days.

At the age of fifteen she came with her parents to Mt. Vernon, Ill., later moving to a farm just south of Waltonville now known as the Stewart farm, and had resided in the Knob Prairie neighborhood almost continuously since. She was the oldest of nine children, three boys and six girls.

Three sisters survive her, Mrs. Margaret Nowland, Mrs. Elizabeth Conlee and Mrs. Corinna Hicks, the remaining sister Mrs. Harriet Haynes having died just six months ago.

She was married to Joseph laur, February 29th 1844. To them were born seven children, three boys and four girls. Charles who died April 14, 1913 at his home in Arkansas; Benjamin who resides near Scheller, Mrs. Laura Baldridge of Waltonville; Mrs. Hattie Hayes of California; James who resides at Ina; Mrs. May Murray of Waltonville; and Mrs. Lizzie Cleveland of Mt. Vernon.

Mrs. Laur united with the Christian Church about 55 years and during a protracted meeting conducted by Elder William T. Williams at the Knob Prairie school house.

Her husband Captain Joseph Laur preceeded her to the better land June 8th 1895. She has since made her home with her youngest daughter Mrs. Lizzie Cleveland.

She leaves surviving 3 sisters, 6 children, 37 grand-children and 26 great grand-children. Mrs. Laur was stricken with the illness which caused her death about two years ago and has since been an almost helpless invalid, but was always resigned and cheerful, and tenderly cared for by loving relatives.

Her funeral obsequies were conducted at the M. E. Church in Waltonville, Saturday at 10:30 a.m. by the pastor Rev. E. Connett. The large audience who attended attested to the high esteem in which she was held in this her old home neighborhood. The floral offerings were profuse and beautiful. Her favorite hymns were sung and a solo "Come Unto Me" was beaurifully sing by Miss Fern Norris accompanied by Mr. D. E. Hicks. The interment occurred at Knob Prairie cemetery beside her husband Captain Joseph Laur:

Weep not that her toils are over,
Weep not that her race is run,
God grant that we may rest as calmly,
When our work, like hers is done,
Till then we yield with gladness, O
ur mother to Him to keep,
And rejoice in the sweet assurance,
He giveth His loved one sleep."

Hattie B. Hicks

Source: Unknown newspaper clipping
Date: June 1913
Submitted by: Rosemary Newell Atkins
Relationship: Distant cousin