Page County, Iowa obituaries
transcribed by Pat O'Dell genpat@netins.net
 
 
Deffenbaugh, J.E. -

Former Clarinda Man Killed.
J. E. Deffenbaugh, formerly of Clarinda, died at the Mercy hospital in Omaha as the result of injuries received when he was struck by a taxi-cab, last Friday morning early, when returning home from his work. CLARINDA HERALD, Clarinda, Iowa, Feb 14, 1918

 

Deffenbaugh, J.E.'s BABE -

The little babe of Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Deffenbaugh died Saturday morning, February 22, aged just two months. Funeral services were held from the home Sunday morning, conducted by Rev. IlgenFritz, and the remains were taken to Villisca and laid in the cemetery there beside a brother and sister who had preceeded him to the spirit land. The sympathy of the entire community goes out to the bereaved parents in this their hour of bitter sorrow. CLARINDA HERALD, Clarinda, Iowa, Feb 25, 1902

Mr and Mrs. J. E. Jeffenbaugh [sic] were called to mourn the death of their two months' old babe, Saturday. The funeral took place Sunday morning, conducted by Rev. IlgenFritz, and the remains taken to the Villisca cemetery where two other children lie sleeping. PAGE COUNTY DEMOCRAT, Clarinda, Iowa, Feb 27, 1902

 

DeLong, Daniel - OBITUARY RECORD
Dan J. DeLong died at his home at the corner of Seventeenth and Main streets, in Clarinda,   Sunday night, Aug. 6, 1916, after a critical illness of a few weeks, preceded by ill health for a long time.   Although he was obliged for many years to walk with crutches he   always   maintained a cheerful, enterprising disposition, and it was a pleasure to converse with him.   He was a soldier in the Union army, had served as county recorder of Page county, had been in the abstract business in Clarinda, and for over twenty years prior to his death lived a retired life, although paying close attention to the management of his business and residence properties in this city. He was the soul of honor in his transactions. Whatever he did he did well, and he was particular to be prompt and methodical. He kept detailed records of his business matters so that he could tell at any time just what he was doing or had done.   Mr. DeLong was born in Louisville, Ky., Oct. 6, 1839; was married to Miss Emma McColley at Mount Pleasant,  la.,  April  6,  1864.    They came to Clarinda in 1865, and thereafter here was their home.   Mrs. DeLong survives her husband.   She was ill at and before the death of her husband, but is gaining somewhat. Mr. DeLong enlisted in the Union army, April 23, 1861, as a private in Company F of the First Iowa regiment, from which he was discharged Aug. 20, 1861, at the expiration of his term of service.   He enlisted Jan. 4, 1864, as a private in the First Iowa battery, and at the close of the war was discharged, July 5, 1865, with the rank of first lieutenant.    The battery he was in had very hard service and he was one among his comrades who bravely and well upheld its honor. In obedience to the expressed wish of Mr. DeLong, his remains were Tuesday conveyed to Omaha to be cremated. They were taken over the Burlington Route, leaving here on the early morning train.   Preceding the removal of the remains from the home there was a prayer by Prof. J. A. Woods. Nearly twenty of his Grand Army comrades of Warren post, to which he belonged, escorted the remains to the station. His ashes were received here last evening (Wednesday) and this morning were quietly taken to the Clarinda cemetery in their copper urn, which was wrapped in an American flag and deposited in a grave on the DeLong family lot, in the presence of A. H. DeLong of Wahoo,   Nebr., a nephew of the deceased, and H. W. Scoggan of Burlington, la., a nephew of Mrs. DeLong, and also in the presence of J. N. Miller and Henry Loranz, old-time friends of the deceased. Dan J. DeLong has one surviving brother, B. A. DeLong of North Loupe, Nebr.   Mr. DeLong wished to be laid away, as he was with simplicity. CLARINDA JOURNAL, Clarinda, Iowa, Aug 10, 1916

The following is an extract taken from the Page County history which gives a synopsis of the life of our late friend and citizen, Dan J. De Long.
Dan J. De Long was born in Louisville, Kentucky, on the third of October, 1839, and died at his home in this city, Monday evening, Aug. 7th, 1916, at the age of 77 years, 10 months, and 4 days.
He was the son of Joseph and Sarah De Long, natives of Muskingum county, Ohio, and of Zanesville, Ohio, respectively. The father of our subject was a tanner by trade. Dan J. accompanied his parents to Zanesville, where he acquired his education as a pupil in the parochial schools.
He remained in that city until seventeen years of age, when he came to Iowa, settling in New London, where he taught school for some time. He also became interested in other interests, and was occupied in various capacities until the Outbreak of the war. At the country's first call for troops he inlisted in April 1861, as a member of Company F, First Iowa Infantry, for three months service. At the close of this term of service, he made a trip to the Pacific coast, his destination being the state of Oregon. He took with him four yoke of oxen to haul the provisions and walked the entire distance, the journey covering six months. He remained in Oregon about a year, during which period he taught school, and also worked for several months for a team navigation company, operating on the Columbia river. He also spent some time in Portland following the carpenters trade. The trip back to Iowa was made by the water route, returning by way of Central America. He made his way back to New London, where he again taught school for a while, and then again enlisted in the Union army as a member of the First Iowa Battery. His second term covered a year and a half, being mustered out on the 5th of July, 1865. He saw much active service participating in the battle of Kenesaw Mountain and many engagements about Atlanta, Jonesboro and Nashville.
When the country no longer required his services he returned to New London and from there moved to Hawleyville, Iowa, where he engaged in teaching school for three years. In 1868 he was elected to fill the office of county recorder and serve in that capacity for about three years, when in 1871, he made a second trip to Oregon, where he remained for several years. In 1882 he returned to Iowa making his home in Clarinda and became identified with the loan and abstract business in connection with a partner under the firm style of the Iowa Security Company. In 1884 he was compelled to dispose of his interest in the concern on account of ill health, and has lived retired in this city since.
In April 1864, he was united in marriage in Henry county, Iowa, to Miss Emma McColley, whose parents came from Indiana to Iowa about 1839. In poltitcs Mr. De Long was a stalwart republican and has served in the capacity of city clerk and also recorder.
He has always maintained pleasant relations with his old army comrades through his membership in Warren Post No. 11, G. A. R., of Clarinda. CLARINDA HERALD, Clarinda, Iowa, Aug 10, 1916


 

 

DeLong, Emma McColley -

Exactly seven months after her husband's death, Mrs. Dan J. DeLong died at her home in Clarinda. Mrs. DeLong was one of the county's oldest settlers, coming to Iowa from Indiana, 1839. She moved to Hawleyville in 1868, soon after her marriage, before Clarinda was founded.
Emma McColley was born in Indiana August 20, 1837. In accordance with her wishes, the body was sent to Omaha where it was cremated exactly seven months to the minute after her husband was cremated in the same place. There was little ceremony connected with the funeral services as both she and her husband had so requested.
D. J. McColley of Oklahoma, her brother and the only near living relative, was with her at the time of her
death. CLARINDA HERALD, Mar 8, 1917

Mrs: Dan J. DeLong.
Mrs. Emma McColley DeLong, widow of Dan J. DeLong, died at her home at the corner of Seventeenth and Main streets, Clarinda, Tuesday morning, March 6, 1917, after an illness dating back to before the death of her husband, who passed away the 6th of last August. Mrs. DeLong, whose maiden name was McColley, was born Aug. 20, 1837. She and Mr. DeLong were married at Mount Pleasant,
la,, April 6, 1864. They came to Clarinda to live in 1865. Mrs. DeLong had many friends who will miss her. After a prayer, at the family home, by Rev. V. C. Williamson, the remains were taken to Omaha to be cremated, accompanied by the brother of the deceasd, Dudley J. McColley of Quinland, Okla., and the undertaker, C. H. Oates. The ashes will be brought back to Clarinda and placed in the grave beside those of her husband. His remains were taken to Omaha the morning of August 8, 1917, for cremation
just seven months before his wife's remains went on the same journey. She died exactly seven months after her husband passed away. CLARINDA JOURNAL, Clarinda, Iowa, Mar 8, 1917

 

Mrs. Dan J. DeLong Buried Saturday.

Mrs. Dan J. DeLong who died Tuesday, March 6th, was cremated at Omaha Thursday. The ashes were placed beside those of her husband in the Clarinda cemetery Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Only a few members of the G. A. R. and her brother, D. J. McColley, were present besides the undertaker. CLARINDA HERALD, Clarinda, Iowa, Mar 15, 1917

Mrs. D. J. Delong, after an illness dating back seven months to the time of the illness and death of her husband passed away at her home on West Main St. at 5:10 o'clock yesterday morning. Death was due to heart trouble and complications.
Her brother, J. D. McColley, ol Quimlin, Okla., was at her bed side when death came.
The body will be taken today to a crematory at Omaha, the ashes being later on interred in the cemetery in this city. PAGE COUNTY DEMOCRAT, Clarinda, Iowa, Mar 8, 1917


 

Demmons, Melissa -

Mrs. Melissa Demmons [died] was born in home of her son, J. V. Anderson, on East Grant St. Saturday morning, May 26, 1917, of celebral hemorrhage
A. O. Anderson, a son of the deceased, of Knoxville, la. and a daughter of Corydon, were present at their mother's bedside and accompanied the body to Corydon where funeral services were held and interment made. PAGE COUNTY DEMOCRAT, Clarinda, Iowa, May 31, 1917

 

DeMoss, Virgil - W. E. Biggs received the sad news on the 13th of the death of his nephew, Virgil DeMoss, at Manila. He belonged to Co. I., 22nd regiment, and in his last letter to his uncle was serving as mounted police. The letter says he died the 24th of September on board the Transport Thomas. He had thirteen months yet to serve before his time of enlistment would expire, when he then expected to return to make his home with his uncle and family, where he lived for some time after the death of his mother, who died when he was four years old. But later he went to Ohio to live with his grandparents.
CLARINDA HERALD, Clarinda, Iowa, Oct 18, 1901     

 

DEMPSEY, REBECCA
Mrs. Rebecca A. Dempsey, born October 5th, 1857, and died May 30, 1920. She was the widow of Wm. Dempsey, and was one of the pioneers of Page county, haying lived for many years on a farm east of Clarinda. At the time of her death she was a member of the United Presbyterian church, but in her early life she was a charter member of the local Christian church.
The funeral was held at the Harmon Funeral Home, with Rev. R. C. Snodgrass in charge of the services.
Interment was in the Clarinda cemetery. PAGE COUNTY DEMOCRAT, Clarinda, Iowa, Jun 3, 1920 

Mrs. Rebecca A. Dempsey passed away Sunday morning, May 30th, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. A. P. Kent, on S. 14th Street, the funeral being held Tuesday afternoon, June 1st, from Harmon's Funeral Home, conducted by Rev. R. C. Snodgrass. Interment was in Clarinda cemetery.
Rebecca Grey was born Oct. 5th, 1857, being thus more than sixty two years of age at time of death. Her final illness lasted for fifteen months, so the death messenger was not an unwelcome guest, as she had assured her friends she was ready and willing to go. In early life she had been a member of the United Presbyterian church, but for some time has been unable to attend church services. For some time after marriage the family lived near Hawleyville,   moving   later   to the farm east of Clarinda, at the top of Rawlings Hill, on the north side of the road. She later moved to town, living on the property on N 19th Street, until compelled by illness to live with her daughter, Mrs Kent. A son is still living, Sam Grey in San Francisco, Calif, besides a sister, Mrs. S. S. Smith, and another sister, Mrs. Mary Swallow of Lebanon, Kans. CLARINDA HERALD, Clarinda, Iowa, Jun 3, 1920

Mrs. William Dempsey.
The following is the obituary of Mrs Rebecca Gray Dempsey, widow of William Dempsey:  
"Rebecca Gray, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Gray, was born Oct. 5. 1857, and passed away at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. Albert Kent, in this city, May 30, 1920, after an illness of some months. She had attained the age of 62 years 7 months and 25 days. She was united in marriage to William Dempsey, who preceded her her to the Better world seven years ago. She leaves to mourn their loss, one brother Sam Gray, of San Francisco, Calif., and two sisters, Mrs. S. S. Smith, Clarinda, and Mrs. Mary Swallow, Lebanon, Kans., also her daughter, Mrs. Albert Kent, of this city. She accepted Christ quite early in life, her name appearing upon the old records of the Christian church in this city. She afterward united with the United Presbyterian church to be with her husband in religious affiliation. Her services will long be cherished and remembered as those intimately connected with the highest ideals of the home and community, and those of the church for which she lived and died." The funeral was conducted by Rev. R. C. Snodgrass at the Harmon funeral home Tuesday afternoon at 3 o'clock. Interment wasin Clarinda cemetery. CLARINDA JOURNAL, Clarinda, Iowa, Jun 3, 1920

 

Dempsie, Letitia Ray Kirkpatrick -

Obituary. Mrs. Wm. Dempsie, after a brief illness, died at her home near Shambaugh, Sept. 26, 1899,
Letitia Ray Kirkpatriek was born at Kilrea, County Derry, Ireland, 1, [sic] 1844.   She was united in marriage to Wm. Dempsie, April 2, 1865. The family came to Page county in 18[??], and have since resided here.  Mrs. Dempsie had been a sufferer for several years prior to her death, but during the past year her health had been much improved.   Her last sickness was of short duration.   The Death Angel came for her at midnight of the ninth day of her illness.  Her life closed at the same time the day closed, the clock struck twelve she peacefully passed away. She was ready for death, and her house was set in order. Sometimes in former sickness she thought the close of her life was n[--] hand, but the thought brought no fear [--] soul.  During the last days of her life she [---] patient and cheerful.  She felt that she would not survive this illness, and often said that she was soon going home.  The Savior in whom she trusted has given to her this sure promise: "In my father's house are many mansions.  I go to prepare a place for you.   And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself, that where I am there ye may be also."
The friends left behind believe that in this experience Christ has fulfilled this promise and that he has taken this loved one home.
The funeral services were conducted by Rev. S.E. Martin at the home of the departed and the body was laid to rest in the Clarinda cemetery beside a son who had preceded her. A husband and three children mourn the loss of this wife and mother. But they sorrow not as those who have no hope for they believe that Jesus died and rose again and that at the resurrection those who sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. "Oh mother, thy gentle voice is hushed,
Thy warm, true heart is still. And on thy pale and peaceful face,
Is resting death's cold chill. Thy hands are crossed upon thy breast;
We have kissed thy marble brow; And in our aching hearts we know
We have no mother now."

Card of Thanks.—Wm. Dempsie and family desire to express their thanks to the friends, neighbors who gave them help and sympathy in their recent bereavement. PAGE COUNTY DEMOCRAT, Clarinda, Iowa, Oct 5, 1899

 

Denley, Charles - Chas. Denley died at the hospital yesterday and the body was shipped to Osceola, for burial. He had been at the institution for about ten years. CLARINDA HERALD, Clarinda, Iowa, Apr 12, 1904

 

Denny, J.H. -

Rev. J. H. Denny. A letter received in Clarinda last Thursday by Arthur D. Miller informed him of the death of a former pastor of the United Brethren church of this city, Rev. J. H. Denny, at Ventura, this state, where he was pastor of a church of the same denomination. Later intelligence received here concerning the demise of Mr. Denny is to the effect that he died Tuesday morning, Nov. 13, and was taken ill only the Sunday previous. J. A. Harper went from here last Saturday evening, to Ventura, to attend Mr. Denny's funeral.   The deceased will be remembered in Clarinda as a pleasant, good natured gentleman. He was blessed with a peculiarly strong and agreeable voice, and used his heart and mind and voice in doing excellent, faithful work in the ministry. CLARINDA JOURNAL, Clarinda, Iowa, Nov 22, 1917

 

Denton, Vernese - Miss Vernese Denton died at the County Home, August. 30, at the age of 52 years. Her home was formerly in Shenandoah, and the funeral was held there Tuesday, Rev. Karstead officiating. Her death was due to cancer. CLARINDA HERALD, Clarinda, Iowa, Sep 2, 1920


The second death was that of Miss Vernesa Denton who passed away Monday morning, Aug. 30, 1920, and whose funeral and burial took place Tuesday at Shenandoah. She also was a patient. Both patients had been in ill health for a long time. CLARINDA JOURNAL, Clarinda, Iowa, Sep 2, 1920

 

Depew, Kate Rebecca Tyler Ellidge -

MRS. JOHN DEPEW DIES
A telegram was received Wednesday announcing the death of Mrs. J. Depew, at a sanitorium at Colfax, Iowa, where she had been taken for treatment. She had been suffering from heart trouble and dropsy for several months and has been in a serious condition.

The remains were taken to Mitchellville, to the home of her daughter, Miss Aleta Ellidge, a daughter of the deceased, and Josephine Depew, a step-daughter, left on the noon train Wednesday for Mitchelville. The funeral will be postposed until the latter part of the week, to await the arrival of relatives from California. PAGE COUNTY DEMOCRAT, Clarinda, Iowa, Jul 31, 1919

Kate Rebecca Tyler was born near Mitchelville, Iowa, March 6th, 1857, and died at Colfax, Iowa, July 30th, 1919, age 62 years, 4 months and 21 days. The cause of her death was heart trouble and dropsy.
She was the daughter of Silas and Adaline Tyler. Her early girlhood days were spent on her father's farm near Mitchelville. She united with the Christian Church at Mitchelville at the age of seventeen, and was a faithful member until death called her.
On Ocober 6th, 1886, she was united in marriage to Daniel Ellidge, of Griggsville, Illinois. Of this union were born five children, two of whom —Harry and Merlin—preceded her in December, 1895. Those remaining are Nellie Murrow and Leonard, of Mitchelville, Iowa, and Aleta, of Clarinda.The husband passed away January 6th, 1912. She had four sisters and one brother. Her father, mother, brother Frank and sister Georgia A. Rooker have preceded her to the better land. Those who are left to mourn their loss besides her children are Mrs. Anna Ferguson of Harlan, Mrs. Sarah Ray, of Mitchelville, Mrs. Nellie Woodworth, of Oakdale, Calif., and Mrs. Mary Tyler of Delaven, Minnesota. All these were present except Mrs. Woodworth of California.
On December 16th, 1914, she was united in marriage to John Depew of Clarinda.
She was a faithful wife and a goodmother, an excellent neighbor and a consistent Christian. She lives not only in the presence of God, where there shall be no more suffering, but she abides in loving memory in the hearts of those she left behind.—Mitchelville Ind. CLARINDA HERALD, Clarinda, Iowa, Aug 14, 1919


Death of Mrs. John J. Depew

After a lingering illness of several months, Mrs. John L. Depew died Wednesday morning at the Colfax Sanitarium where she was taken by her husband about two weeks ago for treatment.    Death was due to heart trouble and dropsy.   The body will be taken to the home of her daughter, Mrs.  Roy Murrow, near Mitchellville, for the funeral services, burial being in  the Mitchellville cemetery.      Miss  Aleta Elledge, daughter of Mrs. Depew, and Miss Josephine Depew, daughter of the deceased, went Wednesday noon to Mitchellville. CLARINDA HERALD, Clarinda, Iowa, Jul 31, 1919

The following, by F. H. Groom, con-[--] of Clarinda is copied from the Mitchellville Index: "Kate Rebecca Tyler was born near Mitchellville, Iowa, March 6, 1857, and died at Colfax Iowa, July 30, 1919, age 62 years 4 months and 21 days. The cause of her death was heart trouble and dropsy. She was the daughter of Silas and Adaline Tyler.   Her early girlhood days were spent on her father's farm near Mitchellville. She united with the Christian church at Mitchellville at the age of 17, and was a faithful member until death called her. On Oct. 6, 1886, she was united in marriage to Daniel Elledge, of Griggsville, Ill. Of this union were born five children, two of whom—Harry and Merlin—preceded her in December, 1895. Those remaining are Nellie Murrow and Leonard, of Mitchellville, Iowa, and Aleta, of Clarinda, Iowa. The husband passed away Jan. 6, 1912. She had four sisters and one brother. Her father, mother, brother Frank and sister, Georgia A. Rooker, have preceded her to the Better Land. Those who are left to mourn her loss besides her children are Mrs. Anna Ferguson, of Harlan, Mrs. Sarah Ray, of Mitchellville, Mrs. Nellie Woodworth, of Oakland, Calif., and Mrs. Mary Tyler, of Delaven, Minn. All these were present except Mrs. Woodworth of California. On Dec. 16, 1914, she was united in marriage to John Depew. She was a faithful wife and a good mother, an excellent neighbor and a consistent Christian. She lives not only in the presence of God, :where there shall be no more suffering, but she abides in loving memory in the hearts of those she left behind." CLARINDA JOURNAL, Clarinda, Iowa, Aug 14, 1919

MRS. JOHN DEPEW
Kate Rebecca Tyler was born near Mitcheilville, Iowa, March 6th, 1857, and died at Colfax, Iowa, July 30th, 1919, age 62 years, 4 months and 21 days The cause of her death was heart trouble.
She was the daughter of Silas and Adaline Tyler. Her early girlhood days were spent on her father's farm near Mitchellville. She united with the Christian church at Mitchellville at the age of seventeen, and was a faithful member until death called her.
On October 6th, 1886, she was united in marriage to Daniel Ellidge, of Griggsville, Ill. Of this union were born five children, two of whom— Harry and Merlin—preceded her in December, 1895. Those remaining are Nellie Murrow and Leonard of Mitchellville, and Aleta of Clarinda. The husband passed away January 6th, 1912. She had four sisters and one brother. Her father, mother, brother Frank and sister Georgia A. Rooker have preceded her to the Better Land. Those who are left to mourn her loss besides her children are Mrs. Anna Ferguson of Harlan, Mrs. Sarah Ray of Mitchellville, Mrs. Nellie Woodworth of Oakland, Calif., and Mrs. Mary Tyler of Delaven, Minn. All these were present except Mrs. Woodworth of California.
On December 16th, 1914, she was united in marriage to John Depew.
She was a faithful wife and a good mother, an excellent neighbor and a consistent Christian. She lives not only in the presence of God, where there shall be no more suffering, but she abides in loving memory in the hearts of those she left behind. PAGE COUNTY DEMOCRAT, Clarinda, Iowa, Aug 14, 1919

 

 

 

Depew, Leroy Evart and Earl Kennedy Depew - Henry Annan and wife of East River received an early telephone message of the accidental drowning of Roy and Earl Depew in the flood up near Hepburn Sunday forenoon and drove up there but went on the east side of the river and were unable to cross to the scene. The John Depew family and Mr. and Mrs. Annan were neighbors many years. PAGE COUNTY DEMOCRAT, Clarinda, Iowa, Jun 3, 1915


Leroy Evart Depew.
Leroy Evart Depew was born in Polk county, la., Jan. 23rd, 1890, being thus more than 25 years of age, when death occurred by drowning, being overturned in a buggy in which also were his wife and brother and sister, the accident occurring in the waters of the Nodaway River east of Hepburn. When Leroy was two years of age his parents moved to Page county, where they lived for ten years on a farm near Clarinda. In 1903 the family moved to Anderson county, Kansas, where they lived until the first of January 1909. Leroy attended the public schools in Shenandoah. He was married March 4th, 1914 to Miss Ida Martin of Gravity, who survives him, being one of the witnesses to the distressing accident which led to the death of her husband and younger brother. They have had one child, who died in infancy. Besides his wife, Leroy leaves four brothers and two sister, and also his father who is now living on West Main St. in Clarinda, but the family have been intending to move soon to the farm. Mr. and Mrs. Leroy Depew have lately been farming the Courtney Williams farm across the river east of Hepburn, and it was on May 30th when on their way to Clarinda that the accident occurred, the colts becoming frightened and swerving to one side ran the buggy over the bank of the old river bed into twelve feet of water.
Leroy united with the Christian church in Clarinda when 11 years of age.  His mother died in 1913.
EARL KENNEDY DEPEW, the younger brother who was drowned at the same time as Leroy, was just 11 years of age, being born May 11th, 1904. It was perhaps in trying to save his life that the older brother, Leroy, met his death, as when last seen they were together in the water, the older man trying to save the latter.
Mrs. Leroy Depew had the presence of mind to stay on top of the overturned buggy, where she could keep her head out of water until rescued, and the sister Josephine was also saved. The funeral occurred at 2 P. M. June 3rd, from the parental home, attended by many friends, and conducted by the Christian minister Rev. John Meyer Asbell. Interment in Clarinda cemetery. CLARINDA HERALD, Clarinda, Iowa, Jun 3, 1915

TERRIBLE ACCIDENT
EAST OF HEPBURN
Roy Depew and Brother Drown From Overturned Buggy.

Much the saddest occurrence connected with the rising of the Nodaway River by the floods occurred Sunday morning, when Roy Depew and his brother Earl were drowned, and Mrs. Roy Depew and their sister Josephine Depew, narrowly escaped from drowning. The party had started for Clarinda from their home, on the Courtney Williams farm, to spend the day with their parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Depew who live on west Main Street. They were driving a team of colts and were crossing the river just east of Hepburn, when in crossing the old river bed east of the bridge the team became frightened and whirled around, going over the bank into the river. The water was about twelve feet deep where the team went off. The people were thrown out of the buggy, but Mrs. Depew managed to get hold of the buggy and climb on top, thus getting her head out of water. She could see the others struggling in the watter, and could see where each went down, but was powerless to help. The sister was found about twenty feet downstream, by some people who had seen the rig go off the fill, and had come to the rescue. The boys were located, Earl being the first one found, under some driftwood. The older man was not found for sometime, having gone downstream some distance. Both were dead when brought to the surface. Mrs. Depew said that the last she had seen of her husband and brother, her husband was trying to help the little hoy in the water. Both the horses were drowned, the buggy having lodged against a wire fence and their being hitched to the buggy gave them no chance to swim out.
The bodies were brought to Clarinda on the evening train and were taken to the Pruitt undertaking parlors. The girls were taken to the DePew home on West Main Street. It is thought both the ladies will completely recover from the accident, but they are very weak, from the shock and exposure.
The funeral was held Wednesday afternoon at 2, from the J. Depew residence on West Main Street, Rev. J. M. Asbell being the minister, and the I. O. O. F. conducting the services. It was largely attended by country people acquainted with Leroy and other members of the family, to whom it was a most sorrowful event, the taking away of two young men with appearantly all of life and usefulness before them. CLARINDA HERALD, Clarinda, Iowa, Jun 3, 1915

Two young vigorous lives were blotted out almost instantly a short time before noon Sunday morning, when Roy Depew and his brother, Earl Depew, were drowned in the floodtide on the highway running east of Hepburn toward the Nodaway river drainage ditch bridge. They were the sons of John L Depew of this city, Roy being married and about 23 years old, and Earl aged about 8 years. It seems that Roy, who lived on the Con. Williams farm north and west of Hepburn, started with his wife and sister, Miss Josephine Depew, and brother Earl to drive across the river to visit their brothers, George and Ansel Depew, who reside on the Chester Depuey farm. Miss Josephine is a young lady school teacher and about to start for Des Moines to attend summer school. When on the grade across the bottom land which others had crossed and the water only a foot or so deep, Roy got out to inspect the condition of a small culvert. It was found all right. When the team reached the rippling water passing over swiftly it frightened the horses and quick as flash they jumped to one side. Roy and Miss Josephine and Earl were thrown into the turbulent water about six feet deep along the roadside. Mrs. Roy Depew clung to the buggy. Roy and Earl sank in the deep water, being unable to swim, and were never seen. The horses lodged against a wire fence and were drowned, Mrs. Depew still holding to the buggy nearly submerged and screaming for help. Miss Josephine floated down against a lot of driftwood maintaining a near standing position with barely her face above the water. Here she was pinioned helpless. Mr. Chas. Crane who happened to be horse back riding some distance away heard the first cry for help and was soon at the scene as also were several other parties. Mrs. Depew was released from her perilous condition while Miss Josephine was found unconscious and so remained for several hours. Parties searched the district for the boys and then used draghooks. At near night they were both found in about five feet of water about fifty yards from the culvert, each having drifted in different directions. The two ladies were brought to the home of Mr. J. L. Depew in this city as soon as possible and have well recovered from their terrible experience. The remains of the two boys were placed in the Pruitt undertaking apartment. It is indeed a sad misfortune to the two families, the tragic death which bereft a loving wife of a devoted husband and a father of two fond sons. They have the deep sympathy of the entire community in their dire bereavement. The funeral was held at 2 p. m. yesterday from the home of J. L. Depew on West Main street, conducted by Rev. J. M. Asbell of the Christian church, in the presence of a large concourse of sorrowing people, and the remains laid to rest in the city cemetery by the side of their loving mother who passed away about one year ago. PAGE COUNTY DEMOCRAT, Clarinda, Iowa, Jun 3, 1915

 

 

 

Depew, Pharaba Jane Kennedy - Mrs. Pharaba Jane Depew, wife of J. L. Depew, died Sunday, Oct, 19, at the home on West Main street, aged 53 years, 10 months and 25 days. For a long time Mrs. Depew was troubled with Bright's disease and about two weeks ago was siezed with a severe attack which caused her death. Miss Pharaba Jane Kennedy was born in Lee county, Iowa, Nov. 23, 1859, and May 20, 1883, she was married to John L. Depew. Early in life she united with the Christian church and remained a faithful member till her death. Mrs. Depew was the mother of two daughters and six sons who with the husband are left to mourn her demise. The family had resided in this county many years, except six years spent in Kansas. The funeral took place Tuesday at 1:30 from the family home, conducted by Rev. C. M. Eppard of the Christian church, assisted by Rev. W. C. Williamson, and interment in the city cemetery. A good woman has gone to her reward. Relatives from a distance who attended the funeral were two sisters, Mrs. T. F. Heaton of Larned, Kan., and Miss Josephine Kennedy, and a niece, Miss Emily Kennedy of Altoona, Iowa; a cousin, Amanda Martin of Des Moines, and a sister-in-law, Mrs. C. C. Glenn of Mitcheilville, Iowa. PAGE COUNTY DEMOCRAT, Clarinda, Iowa, Oct 26, 1913

 

Depperman, Mary - Andrew Feese has received word of the death of his sister, Mrs. Mary Depperman, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Mattie Turner, in Loveland Colorado. The funeral was held last Friday afternoon, in Loveland. CLARINDA HERALD, Clarinda, Iowa, Mar 25, 1920

 

Depuey, Charles M. -

Charles M. Depuey. A former resident of Clarinda, Charles M. Depuey, died at his home in Shenandoah, Saturday, March 18, 1916, leakage of the heart, in the forty-seventh year of his age. He was a son
Mr. and Mrs. Chester Depuey, who live just south of Clarinda. He also is survived by his wife and two children, Leroy and Faye. A daughter, Miss Nettie, the child of a former marriage, also survives. He left a brother, F. C. Depuey, residing east of and near Clarinda, and a sister, Mrs. E. D. Winter, Valley township, Page county,Charles Depuey was a carpenter by occupation. He had been in ill health for several years, and recently went to Texas on account of his poor health, it returned to Shenandoah unimproved by his trip. After a funeral service in Shenandoah conducted by the pastor there of the Christian church, Rev. W. S. Lowe, the remains were taken, to Villisca for burial there beside those of his first wife. Interment took place Monday afternoon. The funeral service of the Odd Fellows fraternity was given at the grave. The deceased died a member of. the Odd Fellows lodge of Shenandoah. CLARINDA JOURNAL, Clarinda, Iowa, Mar 23, 1916

 

 

Dersch, Elizabeth - Mrs. J. W. Abel and Miss Emma May, of this city, received a telegram Tuesday, announcing the death of their grandmother, Mrs. Elizabeth Dersch, at her home in St. Joe, Mo., Monday. Mrs. Dersch would have been ninety years old in a few weeks and her death came as a result of a fall which undoubtedly shortened her life considerably, although she had been in poor health for a long time. Miss May left yesterday morning to attend the funeral. CLARINDA HERALD, Clarinda, Iowa, Jan 24, 1908