Emma's death certificate states that she was born in Iowa. I have been to Madison Co. Iowa twice searching for her birth certificate. I can not find it. Family lore relates that Emma's mother, Mary Jane Major, was sent to relatives (grandparent's) in Indiana to further her education because the school system in Iowa was not as advanced as it was in Indiana where her father's parent's lived. It is 'believed' that Mary Jane had gotten pregnant while in Indiana and gave birth to Emma there. She then returned to Iowa with Emma and continued on with her life, eventually marrying widower Patrick Duffy.
In the 1900 Lee Twp. Madison Co. Federal Census Emma is widowed, is head of household, has had 5 children, all 5 are alive at census. She states that she was born in Indiana.
(Delila Duffy)

Death of Mrs. Charles Duffy - (12/13/1923 paper issue)
Emma Major Duffy, wife of Charles Duffy, passed away Sunday morning, Dec. 9, of cancer, after an extended illness. Services were conducted at St. John's Catholic church, Wednesday morning, at 10:00 a.m., Rev. Father Barth, officiating. The remains were tenderly laid to rest in Akeley cemetery.
Mrs. Duffy was born Dec. 9, 1864, in Lee township, Madison county, Iowa. She was united in marriage to Charles Duffy at Des Moines, Iowa, Feb. 14, 1882. The family removed to White Oak township in March, 1906. Besides her husband the following children survive: Patrick, of Hibbing; Mrs. C. W. Corryell, Dilworth; Charles A. Hibbing; James, Minneapolis; John, Hibbing; Mrs. R. J. Brink, Fargo; Mrs. Sidney Nelson, Clarissa; Mrs. C. S. Snider, Bemidji, and Francis Duffy, of White Oak.
In accordance with a wish expressed some time ago her sons present acted as her pallbearers assisted by her son-in-law.
Mrs. Duffy was stricken with cancer several years ago. She received treatment at Rochester and for a time appeared to improve, but about two years ago was again attacked and although everything known to science was done for her the disease could not be checked and she gradually succumbed after a long, patient struggle. Her beautiful Christ-like character radiated Devine sunshine and joy into the hearts of those about her in the sick room. Her suffering was great and she uncomplainingly endured it as did her Savior, who has taken her into His heavenly home, with the glad greeting, "Well done thou good and faithful servant."

paper - Dec. 20, 1923
Card of Thanks
We desire to express our sincere thanks to all those who assisted us in the late illness of our beloved wife and mother and for the expressions of smpathy in our bereavement.
Charles Duffy and children