Macoupin County
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Biography - MARY B. DRIPPS

Mrs. Mary Bley Dripps, widow of the late Dr. Calvin Todd Dripps, and one of the most highly esteemed residents of Staunton, Macoupin County, was born at Rock Island, Illinois, June 10, 1859. She is a daughter of Dr. George and Elizabeth W. Bley.

Mrs. Dripps has been a resident of Staunton ever since she was two years of age, and was educated in the schools of this city. On May 15, 1889, she was united in marriage with the late Dr. Calvin Todd Dripps, whose death, on August 22, 1902, was felt to be almost a public sorrow to the citizens of Staunton, so great was the esteem in which he was held. One daughter, Edna Isabella, survives.

The late Dr. Calvin Todd Dripps was born in Staunton township, Macoupin County, Illinois, October 19, 1850, and was one of a family of seven children born to Thomas and Mary A. (Patterson) Dripps. He attended the country schools and aided his father on the farm until he entered Monmouth College at Monmouth, Illinois, where he was graduated with honors, in 1875, receiving the degree of A. M. He then entered Rush Medical College, at Chicago, where he received his medical diploma in 1880, later taking a post-graduate course in New York. Dr. Dripps located at Staunton and bought the practice of Dr. R. E. Bley, becoming a partner of Dr. D. L. Bley, in June, 1888, with whom he was associated until his death. He enjoyed a very large practitce and followed the profession with enthusiasm, devoting every energy to the scientific solving of its complex problems and to discovering newer and better methods of combating disease. His death was a great loss to the medical profession. To the hundreds who depended upon his skill for relief and cure, and to those who were bound to him by ties of kindred and warm friendship, his death came as a crushing blow.

Dr. Dripps was a valued member of a number of fraternal organizations. In Masonic circles he was past master, of Staunton Lodge, No. 177, A. F. & A. M., and a member of St. Omar Commandery, K. T., of Litchfield. He was also a member of Staunton Lodge, No. 685, I. O. O. F., and took an active interest in the benevolent aims of other associations. Both he and his wife contributed liberally to the support of the work of the Presbyterian Church, of which his wife is a consistent member. While the Doctor was not a member of any church at the time of his death, lie was a good, conscientious Christian gentleman. He won esteem and affection and his hospitable home was always open to the visits of the younger generation, who frequently took advantage of the welcome they felt sure of receiving. It would be impossible for a man of the high character and genial personality of the late Dr. Dripps to be forgotten in Staunton as long as the present generation survives. Mrs. Dripps, with her daughter and her mother, occupy the beautiful home, which is one of the finest residences in Staunton.


Extracted 2018 May 08 by Norma Hass from Biographical Sketches of Leading Citizens of Macoupin County, Illinois, published in 1904, pages 455-456.


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