Bedford Free Press, Bedford, Iowa, Feb 12, 1925 - Dec 23, 1926

transcribed by: Pat O'Dell - genpat@netins.net

 

12 FEBRUARY 1925

LOCALS- County auditor T.F. Armstrong went to Lenox Monday to attend the funeral of Dr. Scroggs, one of the pioneers of that community and life long friend.

TYLER V.WILLIAMS - From the January 29, 1925 issue of the Champaign News-Gazette .

we take the following account of the death of Tyler Williams a former resident of this county

Tyler V. Williams 84, died at 9:30 o'clock Thursday morning in his home at 309 South Russell Street, Ghampain,Ill. Death was due to imfirmaties of old age. Mr. Williams was born Nov 14, 1840 in Granton, Vt., and moved to Marengo, 111., in 1842. Mr. Williams served in the 153rd 111, regiment in the Civil War. In 1870 he married and moved to Taylor county, Iowa became a merchant and farmer while living in Sharpsburg, Iowa. He had been a resident of Champain for 10 years. The deceased leaves his widow, Augusta C. Williams, a son Fred Williams of Chicago, and seven grandchildren, Harry, Ward, George, Albert and Melvin Williams of Chicago, Albert F. Cade of Joliet, 111., and Mrs. Max D. Englehart of Gary. Funeral services were held on Saturday January 31 in the home, and burial made at Marengo, Illinois.

LOCALS- Mr. and Mrs. A.T. Ginn went to Conway Monday to attend the funeral of their granddaughter, Martha Wilson, adopted daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bert Wilson of San Bernadino, California. She died in a hospital there and the remains were shipped back here for burial.

CONWAY NEWS- Mr and Mrs BF Wilson of San Bernadino, Calif., arrived Sunday night with the body of their daughter, Martha Belle, who passed away at the Banning Sanitarium in California of tuberculosis. The funeral was held Monday afternoon at the Methodist church, Rev. Borst conducting the services. Interment was in the Conway cemetery.

- Mr and Mrs. J.K. Grubb went to Lenox Saturday to attend the funeral of her father George Siebert, who passed away last Thursday evening of cancer of the stomach.

5 FEBRUARY 1925

- GEORGE REID DIED SATURDAY - George Reid passed away at his home in west Bedford last Saturday after an illness of several years. He had attained the age of eighty-three. In his passing the Methodist church here lost one of its oldest members as he had been affiliated with the local church for about fifty years and always active until his declining years prevented his attendance. He farmed during the active years of his life on his place south of town and there raised his family. For the last few years the family have made their home in Bedford Wherever he lived his congenial whole souled character won many warm friends. The funeral service was conducted last Monday afternoon at the Methodist church by the Rev. Roberts and interment made in the Bedford cemetery. Obituary will be found elsewhere in this paper.

FRED SPRING KILLED SELF- Fred Spring of north part of the county owner of an 80 acre farm located just north of Supervisor R.H. Coulthard's farm, hung himself last Tuesday morning. It is believed that despondency over the illness of his wife caused him to end his life.

He was a man of about 45 years of age owner of a farm and quite a bit of stock nothing especial to worry him financially and nothing in a domestic nature to worry him escepting the condition of his wife who had been in the hospital for an operation and had to go back again. His wife and two small boys survive him. His wife and he had planned to drive to Corning Tuesday morning where they do their trading. Mr Spring had gone to the barn to get his car and when he failed to bring it out to the house for Mrs. Spring she went to investigate. In the barn she found the lifeless form of her husband hanging by a small rope used as a trip rope on the hay fork.

It was plain that he had committed suicide.

The day before his brother-in-law John Groff had visited the Spring home and along toward evening expressed the need of his going home to do the chores. Mr. Spring seemed to want to visit longer and finally as Groff was taking his leave, Spring remarked that if they found him hanging by his neck some of these days to take good care of the boys. This was the only thing out of the ordinary that had occurredprior to his death according to members of his family.

The deed was committed about ten in the forenoon. The coroner and sheriff of Adams county were called first but as he was a resident of Taylor county, the officials here were called later.

Dr. Gasson, coroner and W.J. Nevius sheriff went up to the Spring farm Tuesday evening but it was not necessary to call a coroner's jury.

LOCALS- Tyler Williams for years a resident of this community died last Thursday in Champain, Ill., where he had been living several years. He left here with his family about twenty years ago, going first to Chillicothe, Mo. and later moving to Illinois. He was 85 years of age at the time of his death. The funeral services were conducted at Champain, Ill., last Saturday and the burial was made in Marengo, Ill., where he was raised as a boy.

OBITUARY - GEORGE REID- George Reid, son of George and Mary Ann Reid, was born Aug 30, 1841 near Bucyrus, Ohio, where he lived until the beginning of the Civil War, He enlisted in Co D Ohio Infantry and spent most of the time, while in service, on Johnson's Island, Lake Erie, as a prison guard. Soon after the close of the war, he came with his brother, Robert, to Taylor county, Iowa. At a very early age he united with the congregational church, and later became a member of the Methodist church. On March 14th, I867 he was married to Sarah E. Gardner and settled down on a farm southeast to Bedford, where they lived until 1907 at which time they moved to Bedford. Seven children were born to them two of whom Nathan George and Anna Esther died in infancy, and Leroy E. in 1905. Those living are Roxa M. Albert Gale of Paul, Idaho, Frank A., Alice I., and Mary C. an adopted daughter.

GRAVITY ITEMS- Em Postens returned home Saturday evening from Kansas City, where they were called to attend the funeral of her sister-in-law, Mrs. Chas. Bush.

ATHELSTAN ITEMS- Mrs. Harland Jones of Blockton who died at a hospital at Iowa City was buried Thursday at Isadora, Mo.

29 JANUARY 1925-

ATHELSTAN News-   Mrs. Frances Spooneymore of near Isadora, Mo., who had been seriously ill for several months, died Monday and was buried Tuesday at the Isadora cemetery, aged 96 years. The funeral was conducted by Rev. Challie Graham of near Sheridan, Mo.

GRAVITY ITEMS- George Brand of Sharpsburg died last Friday. He was buried in the Gravity cemetery Sunday afternoon.

SHARPSBURG ITEMS- George Robert Brand, son of Andrew and Evelyn Brand was born in Fulton county, Illinois Jan 10, 1853, and died at his home in Sharpsburg, Iowa, Jan 23, 1925, age 72 years and 13 days. In the year 1880 he was united in marriage to Rosa Crabb. To this union were born four children, two sons and two daughters, who with their mother have all preceded him in death. In 1885 he moved to Iowa and settled in Page county, where he made his home for a number of years. In the year 1904 he married Mrs. Delia Clark of Blanchard, la., and with his wife and three step­daughters he came to Taylor county and lived on a farm 4 miles west of Sharpsburg until 10 years ago when he moved to his present home here in this city. To this union were born three daughters, Bessie, Allene, and Lilly Belle. In 1914 he confessed his faith in his Savior and united with the Methodist church of Sharpsburg.

He leaves to mourn his departure his wife and three daughters, Mrs. Bessie Pennebaker of Lenox, Allene and Lilly Belle at home, and three grandchildren of St. Paul Nebr., 3 step-daughters, Mrs. Pearl Pfander and Mrs. Mabel Grimm of Sharpsburg and Mrs. Eva Marsh of Bedford, two brothers, Will of Clearfield, Meredith of Kent, one sister, Mrs. Clara Adlinson of Sioux City, IoWa and a host of friends and relatives. A good man called home.

The funeral was held Sunday at 1 o'clock at the Methodist church, conducted by Rev. McNeal, the pastor. Interment was made in the Gravity cemetery.

Mr, Brand was sick but a short time, and had been to the school house working in the forenoon. He took sick while eating dinner and died a few minutes later. Heart trouble was the cause of his death.

-G.W. Grimm and two sons Lloyd and Lenn and families attending the Louis Blaksley funeral at Gravity Thursday.

22 JANUARY 1925

- G.A. GUTHERIE BURIED HERE MONDAY

G.A. Gutherie, past 86 years of age, died at the home of his son in Woodston, Kansas last Saturday Jan 17th. He lived for many years in Bedford and his body was sent here for burial. The body arrived Monday. Rev. Price of the Christian church officated in the services at the grave.

-  OLD MR. HASTINGS DEAD-   Mr. Hastings, past 97 years of age, died last Tuesday at the county home where he had been living this winter. Mr. Hastings will be remembered by many as Bedford has been his home for a good many years. Although well advanced in years his mind was always active and he was always ready to visit a friend in the most intelligent manner. He had no relatives here close by and had always been a bachelor. Until he became too feeble to get around much, the Frank Dunning family befriended him in his latter years, and a little house was built for him on their lots where he lived until taken to the county home where he could have constant care.

He was born in Massachusetts Nov 19, 1828, and in his younger days worked at the photographic trade.

Funeral services were held this forenoon at 10 o'clock at the Wetmore Funeral Home and interment made in the Bedford cemetery.

-L.G.BLAKSLEE OF GRAVITY DEAD- Word was received here Tuesday morning that L.G. Blakeslee of Gravity had died the night before after an illness of several months. Mr. Blakeslee had lived in Gravity for several years where he engaged in the business of buying and selling stock and grain. This business had greatly widened his acquaintances over the county and his many friends will be saddened to learn of his death.

GRAVITY ITEMS- Friends here of Lloyd Lowe were sorry to hear of his death at his home in St. Joseph, Sunday Jan 11th. Dr. L.T. Reed of this place, an uncle of Lloyd's, attending the funeral in St. Joseph last Tuesday.

-  Mr. Lewis Blakeslee is quite low at this writing. Two of his brothers from Illinois and his son Walter of South Dakota are with him. Later: Mr Blakeslee died Monday evening.

MRS. JANE OSBURN DEAD- Jane Proudfoot was born in Cambria county, Pennsylvania, Jan 8th, 1830, and on April 26th, 1894 was united in marriage to John Osburn. In 1859 the young couple came west and settled in Scott county near Davenport, Iowa, and in 1906 they moved to Bedford.

Six children were born to them, Her companion in life passed away on Sept 14th, 1910 and all of the children but two have preceded her to the other world.

Mrs. Osburn became a Christian when but 9 years of age and united with the church and for 86 years she has been a faithful servant of her Lord and Master.

It was only on Sunday January 11th, that she was at Bible school and having just passed her 95th birthday, she came forward and put in her birthday money.

She leaves to feel the loss of a mother, the two sons, William of Bedford, Iowa, and Mathias of Texas, and one sister, Mrs. M. Baker of Davenport, Iowa, Also 13 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

Mrs. Osburn passed from this life at 10:20 on January 17th, 1925 and with her going there passes out one of Bedford's oldest citizens. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. Fletcher at the Baptist church in Bedford, Monday Jan 19th at 2 o'clock and interment made in Fairview cemetery.

15 JANUARY 1925

- W.S.INGRAM DEAD

W.S. Ingram died suddenly at his house near Bedford, Saturday morning, January 10, 1925. He had suffered for two years or more with heart trouble, yet the end came unexpected and was a shock to the family and the many friends. William Silas Ingram son of Laban S. and Mary J. Ingram was born in Page county, Iowa, October 16, I869 near Clarinda.

On August 24, 1892 he was united in marriage to Carrie Olive Long, of Page county Four children were born to themt Clifford H. of Bedford; Blanche now Mrs. A.L. Acree of Hopkins, Mo; Minnie now Mrs. G.V. Kennedy of Blockton and Jasper of Bedford. He and his family continued to reside in Page county until about ten years ago, when they moved to Taylor county, where they have since made their home. He followed his life's occupation, until the last.

He is survived by his wife, father, four children, one grandson, four brothers, four sisters and a host of other relatives and friends. His mother having departed this life April 24, 1912.

Being the son of pioneer parents he early acquired the gift of serving others. In time of sickness or trouble he was the first to help andnever forgot the hospitable ways of the early settler. He was a kind husband and father and was respected by all who knew him.

Funeral services were held from the home Monday afternoon at one o'clock conducted by Rev, Price of Bedford. Interment was made at Bedford.

-OBITUARY-Mrs. BECHANDLER- (From Gravity Independent)

The death of Mrs. B.F. Chandler occurred here at her home about six o'clock on Christmas day. Mrs. Chandler suffered a stroke of paralysis a few weeks ago, and had gradually failed since that time. The funeral services were held the following Sunday afternoon in the Christian church, conducted by the pastor, Rev. Chas. A. Burkhart. Interment was made in the family lot of the Gravity cemetery. Mrs. Chandler was one of the pioneer mothers of Taylor county coming here with her husband in an early day and with him passed thru the experiences of pioneer times. Settling on their farm south of Gravity, in I869, she immediately took first place in the home, and continued to give her very best effort towards making it convenient; comfortable and happy, devoting herself entirely to the home life and it's cares. While strictly a home loving woman, she always found time to do her full share of church work and other public organizations that needed her valuable, personal assistance. She was loved and respected by all who knew her, and leaves a long record of useful service to her family and the community in which she lived. Gravity feels keenly it's loss and extends sincere sympathy to the bereaved husband and other relatives.

The following obituary record was read at the funeral services:

Cordius Lovitt, daughter of William and Lydia Lovitt was born at Zanesville, Ohio, Feb 22, 1845 and died at her home in Gravity on Dec 25, 1924, aged 79 years, 10 months, and 3 days.

When she was 12 years old, her parents moved from Ohio, to Old Bedford, Henderson county, Illinois, Here she grew to womanhood. She was united in marriage to Benson F. Chandler, on Feb 21, I867 and together they have shared the joys and sorrows of life for almost forty eight years.

In the year I869, she, with her husband and elder son, came to Taylor county, Iowa, and settled on a farm, two miles south of Gravity, where they made their home until the spring of 1895, when they moved to Gravity.

Their family consisted of two sons William Leslie; who lives on a farm two miles, west of Gravity, and Francis Marion, a lumberman of this city.

She was united with the church of Christ in her young womanhood and her life has been a living testimony of her Christian faith. She had many Christian graces and all who knew her, loved her. Her life has been a benediction to her family and friends, and it's value cannot be measured by human standards.

She leaves to mourn her departure from this life, her aged companion; two sons, and their wives; four grandchildren, two brothers, John Lovitt of Shenandoah, Iowa, and Henry Lovitt of Stronghurst, Illinois; besides a host of other relatives and friends.

-OBITUARY- CATHERINE L. SEEGER- Catherine L. Little was born at Watertown, Wisc., on the 5th day of July 1853 and departed this life at her home south of Bedford on Jan 6th, 1925, having attained the age of 71 years 6 months, and 1 day. In her younger days the family moved to Minnesota and later she came to Iowa. On Feb 6th, 1883 she was united in marriage to Christian Seeger and lived the remainder of her life on a farm south of Bedford.

The deceased had been a sufferer from asthma for a number of years preceding her death but the illness which called her home was only about a week's duration. Besides her husband she leaves to mourn her death, two sons, Milton G. and Walter R; two daughters, May and Mrs. C.E. Weiser; two granddaughters Katherine E. and Mary M. Weiser, all of this city.

Funeral services wereheld at the Catholic church at Bedford on Jan 9th, conducted by Father Bouget. Interment at Lenox, Iowa. Her life was one of devotion to her family.

23 Dec 1926

MISS JOSEPHINE PRICE DIED SATURDAY NIGHT- Miss Josephine Price, 20 years of age of Bolckow, Mo., daughter of Dr. and Mrs. McFarlan Price, died last Saturday night at 8:25 in St. Joseph at the hospital following an operation for appendicitis. Miss Price was a sister of Durward Price, formerly of Bedford and a granddaughter of Attorney Frank Wisdom and wife. She has visited here many times and is well known to the young people of the community. She graduated from the Bolchow high school with the class of 1924, having completed the high school course in three years. After finishing high school she attended Maryville college one year, and was attending Norman University at Norman, Oklahoma this year. She came home from school for a visit and was taken ill while there. She was taken to the hospital in the St. Joseph and operated on for appendicitis at midnight, Sunday Dec 11, and died the following Saturday night.

The funeral was held at the Price home in Bolchow last Monday afternoon conducted by the Methodist minister of that city. Six young men former school mates, acted as pall bearers.

Besides her father and mother and one brother, She leaves she leaves one sister, Mary Elizabeth.

Among those from here who attended the funeral were Attorney Frank Wisdom, Mrs. H.C. Little and son Leland, and Mr. and Mrs. Lem Maxwell and daughter, Mary Josepine. (There was perhaps more of this the paper had something clipped out of it)