Nancy Pressly was admitted to the Clarinda Mental Health Institute on 23 May 1904. The MHI records show:
She was born in Indiana 1827. Her correspondent was Mrs. M. H. Henderson. she was a widow and had two children with the youngest at that time being 35. Her father was born in Virginia and was a farmer. Her mother was from Virginia and was a homemaker. Her diagnosis was Senile Dementia. From 7 Sep 1904 to 26 May 1906 some friends came and got her and took her home on parole. She was returned and then died 16 Sep 1906 at the age of 79. She was taken to College Springs to be buried.
Other notes: First attack, duration 4 months, untreated. Disease increasing. First symptoms manifested by unusual excitement and restlessness. Has always been a little peculiar. Cause of insanity - unknown.
Patient received in rather a weak nervous condition. Is oriented as to time and place. Talks quite rationally on most subjects, but talks a great deal and in a bragging and dictatorial manner. Is rather childish, pettish, and resistive at times; wants her own way. Sometimes talks foolishly about getting married. Said she supposed she was in the insane asylum probably because she was silly, but she was not insane. She would soon think she was in jail. Also said she came here to visit her daughter who was sent here a few months ago. Remembers the past better than the present. Says she went to school after she was married; carried her children with her. Afterwards taught school.
Nancy's daughter Ora Ida was also committed to the Clarinda MHI in 1904, and died there in 1927. Nancy's son Irvin died in 1920 at the Chicago State Hospital for the insane. A troubled family....
