Obituary
Jeptha A. Perry

Jeptha A. Perry was born in Brown County, Illinois, May 2, 1846, and departed this life at his home in Luray, Sept. 29, 1933, at the age of 87 years, 4 months and 27 days. He was the eldest son of Gideon and Mary Perry.

He moved with his parents to Knox County, Missouri, in 1855. On March 21, 1866, he was married to Sarah Jane Bradford. She preceded him in death April 1, 1931. To this union were born six children, one daughter, Ida Jane having died in infancy, and one son, C. C1 Perry, who passed away Sept. 6, 1932.

At an early age he enlisted his services in the Civil war, being a member of Co. F., 39th Missouri Infantry, where he took an active part in the important battles of the war.

In 1870 he united with the Baptist church of Sioux City, Missouri (Iowa?), but in 1872 he moved to Clark County, Missouri, and transferred his membership to the Bethlehem church. In 1906 he moved to Luray, Missouri, moving his membership to the Luray Baptist church, where he was a member at the time of his death.

He had served as an active member in his church, as long as his health would permit. For the past 13 years he had been confined to a wheel chair, but he endured his affliction with patience and was always thankful for the blessings he enjoyed. He was a kind and loving father and husband, a good neighbor, and his friends were numbered by his acquaintances.

He leaves to mourn his departure four children, namely. S. E. Perry, Woodlawn, Illinois; Mrs. Mary Steffey, Luray, Missouri; J. W. Perry, Wyaconda, Missouri; and Mrs. Constant Miller, Keokuk, Iowa, three brothers, S. M. Perry; two sisters, Mrs. Mary Hunter, Centerville, Iowa and Mrs. Amanda McCa____, Stronghurst, Illinois. Three brothers and three sisters have preceded him in death. He also leaves 26 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren, besides a host of other relatives and friends.

The funeral services were held at the Luray Baptist church on Sunday, morning Oct. l, and were in charge of Rev. Wm. Cleeton of Seymour, Iowa, former pastor, after which the body was laid to rest in the Combs Cemetery.

Honorary pallbearers were Wm. Randle, a Civil War veteran, who carried a large flag, Wilson Martin, a Spanish American war veteran, and five World War veterans: Albert Snider, Nattie Mosier, Ora Kerr, Oval St Clair, and Arch Hawkins.

Pallbearers were six grandsons: Thurman Perry, Leo Perry, Howard Perry, Walter Perry, Guy Perry, and Jason Perry.

Flower girls were four granddaughters: Zelma Perry; Alta Mae Perry; Goldie Perry and Pearline Perry.

Relatives attending from a distance were: Howell Perry and family of Kirkwood, Illinois; S. M. Perry and Wm. Perry, of Lemon Grove, California; Mr. and Mrs. Calvin Brewster, of Peoria, Illinois; Mrs. Mary Hunter, of
Centreville, Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. Norris Hunter and James Hunter of Farmington, Iowa: Mr. and Mrs. Howard Perry; Mrs. and Mrs. Monroe Sattell; Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Kaewitz; Mrs. Sylvia Smith and son; and Conda Perry, all of St. Louis; Mrs. Earl Boone and sons of Chillicothe, Missouri; Mrs. S. E. Perry, of Woodlawn, Illinois; and Mrs. Constant Miller, of Keokuk, Iowa.