The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1914-04-02


of Wumanhood.
Mary White Narney was born in
Bloomfield. Jan. Is. 1S31 The home
OF her birth is still standing near the
historic spot of Benedict Arnod's
landing on SkoWhegan Island. but has
long since been converted into ten
mcnt dwelling. Her worthy parents
were John W. and Sarah (Walker
Weston and she was one of eleven
children, being the eldest daughter and
the sixth child The parents came of
English ancestry and of Puritan stock
the subject of this sketch being seven
generations removed from one John
Weston. who came over from England
in lG44 and settled in Salem. Mass
Her great grandfather Was one OF the
first settlers of BloomdelI. This an
2estor notable in the history of SkoN-
hogan came here from Concord Mass
Her childhood days were speut rather
primilivelY but she availcd herself
Of the schooling facilities OF the time
having been numbered among the stu
dents Of Bloomfield Academy in the
carly days of that institution
At the age OF -. she became the
wife of Josiah Parker Narncy. whose
parents were also among the pioneer
settlers and removed to the present
location of the Narney homestead on
Madison Avenue. The first house
however. was shortly after her mar
riage moved away and the present
roomy structure erected Mrs. Var
ncy became the mother of seven chill
drcn. OF these but two are now liy-
ing and they are Henry W Narney. a
well known furniture dealer of Skow-
hogan. who Was the eldest of the
family and Miss Clara b. Narney the
fourth daughter. who resides al home
The deceased were Rose, who died in
1878; Emily, who died in 1891; Sarah,
who died in 1851; Cora, who died in
1869 and Mildred who died in lSS6
The husband also passed away many
years ago, but with undauntcd cou-
age, this earnest woman struggled
onward and in spite of her sOrrows,
Was determined and courageous.
Mrs. Varneys religious convictions
were strong and fearless, but liberal,
containing as they did an underlying
value of deep feeling and WOmanIy
sympathy for any sin-0ppresscd soul.
Her parents We're espousers of the
Uniyersalsl faith and from them size
inherited a fcrvent belief in this reli-
gious denomination. She became
member of the church and when Il
building for Worship was erected she
worked with strongest cndeavor 10
aid in the project. She continued TO
assist with unabating interest in the
church of her choice and although
services have not been held here for
some time she has remained the same
loyal UniversaIst and at the time of
her death was president of the Mission
Circle connected with that society in
Skowhegan
As a charter member of the No
mans Aid Society. and for years its
treasurer she Wis ever alert to help
the needy of the community and
through her oounseling many a home
has been made brighter and many
heart lightened In the literary life
OF the town she was quite the same
active worker. having joined the SkoW-
hogan Woman's Club at the time OF
It's organization and remaining an hon
ored member to the last
Mrs Narney was proud of her home
town and many an interesting Incl
dent could she relate of Old Bloom
field and younger Skowhegan. Her
historical knowledge was much sought
after, in fact, and her keen memories
OF Oluen tmeS nave alueu many III oO-
tanning definite ideas of the communi-
ty of her childhood.
Besides the son and daughter who
have ministered to their mother with
deep devotion. there is an older
brother. Levi " Weston. who is now
retired and whose home is near the
spot of his birth on SkOwhegan
IslaHd