Obituaries
submitted by: Julia Johnson - julia.johnson63@gmail.com

[Sarah Agy Morgan Stephens]

Times-Republican

Thursday    June 7, 1928    [p. 6]]

Sarah Morgan Stephens

Mrs. Sarah C. Morgan Stephens was born in Edgington, Ill., on the 2nd day of September 1849, and passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. E. G. Russell, in Savannah, Ga., on the 30th day of May, at the age of 78 years, 8 months and 28 days.

Mrs. Stephens spent 28 years of her life in the City of Bedford, and in the year 1903 she moved with her family to Osceola, Iowa, and there she moved to North Dakota where her husband Mr. T. [homas] H. Morgan, passed away.  Since the death of her second husband she has spent most of her time with her sister, Mrs. Jennie Quackenbush, until the spring of 1928, [when] she came to live with her daughter, Mrs. E. G. Russell, at Savannah, Ga.  On Dec. 21, 1866, she was united in marriage to Mr. Thomas H. Morgan, and to this union five children were born, three of whom are now living, as follows: Ida M. Russell of Savannah, Ga.; Mrs. Bertha Bennett of Clarinda, Ia.; Frank H. Morgan, Shenandoah, Ia.  Also, one daughter, Pearl and a son, Ora, who passed away prior to her death.  Aside from those above mentioned she leaves the following to mourn her departure:  one brother, J. F. Agy of Council Bluffs; one sister, Mrs. Jennie Quackenbush, of Richland, Ia.; two nephews, Chas. Agy, and Orland Parmenter, both of Bedford; three nieces, Mrs. Elizabeth Spear of Omaha, and Mrs. Nellie Johnson and Mrs. Katy Canon of Bedford, Ia.  She also leaves four grandchildren and two great grandchildren.  Mrs. Stephens united with the Baptist church in Bedford very early in life, and was a member of the Christian church at Richland, Ia., at the time of her death.  She was also a member of the W. R. C.  We are very sure these good people have the sympathy and prayers from among all their old friends in and around Bedford, who in turn have long since learned to love and appreciate the worth while life that Mrs. Sarah Stephens has endeavored to live.

The funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at 2:30 at the Wetmore Funeral Home, conducted by Rev. C. M. Crowell, pastor of the Bedford Baptist Church.  Interment was made in the Bedford Cemetery.

[Samuel Harvey Garner]

Times-Republican

Thursday    June 7, 1928    [p. 6]

Samuel Harvey Garner

Samuel Harvey Garner was born near Zanesville, Ohio, on June 30, 1839, and died at his home on Main Street in Bedford, Iowa, May 22, 1928, at the of 88 years, 8 months and 11 days.  He came to Iowa in 1859, and was united in marriage to Mary Jane Price in 1862.  To them were born ten children, six of whom have died.  The four living children are: Mrs. G. C. Strong and Mrs. G. A. Howard, both of Garfield, Washington; Blain Garner of Burn, Oregon, and Carl James Garner of Branson, Missouri.  Mr. Garner saw service in the Civil War, serving in Co. I, 16th Vol. Infantry, and was with Sherman on his memorable march to the Sea.  Since his return from the army he has made his home in Bedford and vicinity.  He was a charter member of the local post of the G. A. R., and was a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church, living a commendable Christian life.  He had been in failing health for two or three years, but his last sickness lasted only about a week.  He is survived by his good wife, the above named children, one brother, Jeremiah Hamilton Garner; two sisters, Mrs. Kate Frazier, and Mrs. Jane Orndorff, all three of Zanesville, Ohio; and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held at the M. E. church Friday, May 25, 1928, at 3:00 p.m., and the burial was made in the Graceland cemetery.

[Sarah Abigail Van Camp Larison]

Times-Republican

Thursday    June 7, 1928    [p. 6]

Sarah Van Camp

Sarah Abigail Van Camp, eldest daughter of John and Mary [Baker] Van Camp, was born in Taylor County, Iowa, on November 1, 1857, and departed this life from her home in Bedford on the 19th day of May 1928, at the age of 70 years, 5 months and 17 days.

Sadness has again entered the ranks of our Bedford homes in the passing away of Mrs. Frank Larison.  Her departure has brought sorrow to the hearts of her dear ones, as it seems she is a little nearer to her family than the average mother, in as much as there are no remaining brothers or sisters.  We are sure they are very deserving of our sympathy and prayers.

Mrs. Larison has been a resident of Taylor County for the last 68 years, having spent her entire life in this community with the exception of two years, which were spent near Keokuk, Iowa.  Thirty years of this time were spent on a farm in Taylor County.  Following their farm life she moved with her family to Bedford where she was living at the time of death.  The Frank Larison family have been residents of our little city for 20 years.  The deceased was one of a family of ten children, two brothers and seven sisters, of whom three are now living as follows:  David Van Camp from near Bedford, Mrs. Martha John of Denver, Colo., and Mrs. Laura Boyer of Centerview, Mo.  On August 11, 1878, she was united in marriage to Mr. Frank Larison, and to this union five children were born, all having passed on except one daughter, Halla Larison, who is the only surviving child.

In so many cases death disarranges our plans in life, and it is so in the case of Brother and Sister Larison, as they had been planning to celebrate their Golden Wedding anniversary the 11th of next August, when they would have been married 50 years.  This shows us that we cannot afford to plan too much for the future, as we know not the day nor the hour when the son of man cometh.  When 17 years of age, Mrs. Larison united with the Hazel Dell church, and later on after moving to Bedford, she united with the Baptist Church, and was a member in good and regular standing at the time of her death.

Those who are left to mourn her death, her husband, Mr. Frank Larison, and her only surviving daughter, Miss Halla Larison; also one brother, David Van Camp from near Bedford; and two sisters, Mrs. Martha John of Denver, Colo., and Mrs. Laura Boyer of Centerview, Mo.  There are also many other relatives and admiring friends who are not mentioned in this obituary.

In the passing out of Mrs. Larison we are laying to rest one of our pioneers who helped in the development of our wonderful state.  Also, one who will be missed from the church, and from the community.  But most of all she will be missed from her home, as the father, mother and daughter have lived for one another.  We also feel that the father and daughter will have the sympathy of our entire community in this hour of sorrow.

[Mary Ann Clarey Comstock]

Times-Republican

Thursday    June 7, 1928    [p. 4]

Mary Ann Comstock

Mary Ann Clarey, daughter of James and Anna Clarey, was born in Boston, Mass., on the 4th day of July 1835, and departed this life at the home of Mrs. Jno. Davis May 29, 1928, having attained the age of 93 years, 10 months and 25 days.  Both parents having died, the children were separated and Mary Ann was adopted by Judge Jerome of Syracuse, New York.  She was united in marriage to James A. Comstock, July 12th, 1852, who preceded her in death.  To this union five children were born, three daughters and two sons.  The daughters are Mrs. D. A. Bradley of Montrose, Calif., and Mrs. Geo. Newland of Albuquerque, New Mexico, who were unable to be present at the funeral on account of illness; and Mrs. Jno. Davis of Bedford, Iowa.  The sons are W. J. Comstock of Bedford, Ia., and a son George who died in infancy.  She also leaves eight grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.  At the early age of 15 years she united with the Methodist church and remained an active member until illness prevented.  She lived in the states of Indiana, Michigan and Illinois, coming to Afton, Ia., in 1874, and resided there until 1894, when she came to Taylor County and resided with her son and daughter.  In looking through her bible, which she read daily as long as her eyes permitted, we found several pieces of poetry.

The funeral service was held at the Wetmore Funeral Home last Thursday afternoon, May 31, at 2 o'clock, by Rev. G. T. Roberts.  Interment was made at Lexington cemetery.

[James H. Jameson]

Times-Republican

Thursday    June 7, 1928    [p. 4]

James H. Jameson

James H. Jameson was born in Fulton, Calloway County, Mo., on the 21st day of October 1871, and he died very suddenly at the home of his brother-in-law, Abraham Miller, in north Bedford on the morning of May 30th, 1928, at the age of 57 years, 7 months and 9 days.  He was united in marriage to Lotia [?] A. Miller on the 23rd day of August 1922, at Omaha, Neb.  He was in the employ of the Sherman Williams Paint Co., of Omaha, for a number of years, but on account of failing health had to give up his work, after which they came to Bedford two years ago to make their home.  In early life he united with the Methodist church at Fulton, Mo.  He is survived by three older brothers and his faithful wife who grieve because of his going.

Funeral services were conducted at the Miller home in north Bedford at 3:30 p.m. Friday, June 1st, 1928, by Rev. G. T. Roberts and the body was laid to rest in the Graceland cemetery.


[Elizabeth Margaret Lemley Bowers]

Times-Republican

Thursday   June 7, 1928    [p. 4]

Elizabeth Margaret Bowers

Mrs. Elizabeth Margaret Bowers was born at Mt. Morris, Greene County, Pennsylvania, on the 31st day of August 1846, and died at her home in Bedford, Iowa, on the 29th day of May 1928, at the age of 81 years, 8 months and 23 days.  She grew to young womanhood in her native state and there was united in marriage to Jacob Bowers in December 1867.  Following their marriage they came to Iowa to make their home, locating on a farm east of Bedford in Taylor County.  They lived in or near Bedford the remainder of their lives.  Mr. Bowers passed away in the year 1911.  When she was 15 years of age she was converted and joined the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which fellowship she remained to the end.  Her Christian faith revealed itself in her love for the Church, her loyalty to it, her prayers for its prosperity, and her financial support.  She was charitable and kind in her relations to those in need, sharing with the unfortunate her means in the time of their need.  She comes of a long-lived family, having an aunt who has attained the age of 96 years.  She has three living brothers, John, Samuel, and Endsley Lemley, all of Mt. Morris, Pa., and one sister, Mrs. Ruhama John, of Columbus, Ohio.  The sister was the only one who was able to be present at the funeral.  Aside from the sister and brothers there are many other relatives and friends who are sorry because of her going.

Funeral services were held at the Methodist church Friday, June 1st, 1928, at 2:00 p.m., conducted by her pastor, Rev. G. T. Roberts, and the body was laid to rest in the beautiful Bedford cemetery.

[BOWERS, ELIZABETH MARGARET LEMLEY]
Blockton News (Blockton, Iowa), Thursday, June 7, 1928
Mrs. Kingsley John, of Columbus, Ohio, who was called to Bedford by the death of her sister, Mrs. Margaret Bowers, visited at the Connor Stephens home over Sunday.

[Thomas Dugan]

Times-Republican

Thursday    June 7, 1928     [p. 4]

Thomas Dugan

Thomas Dugan, son of George and Happilona Dugan, was born near Toulon, Ill., on the 16th day of April 1877, and departed this life on the first day of June, 1928, at his home 8 miles northwest of Bedford, Iowa, having lived 51 years, 1 month and 15 days.  His death came after a long illness during which time he showed the greatest of patience.

He came to Iowa with his family in the spring of 1882 and settled on a farm northwest of Bedford where he has since lived over forty-six years.  He was of a family of eleven children.  Four brothers and one sister died in infancy and Alice O'Dell, another sister, died at the age of thirty-five years.  Four sisters, Cynthia Timberlake of Bedford, Iowa, Grace Miller of Conway, Iowa, and Mary Holmes and Theo Masters of Lang, Saskatchewan, Canada, survive him.

He was converted at the age of eight years and united with the old Gilead Methodist Episcopal church where his membership remained until two years ago when he and his family transferred to the Methodist Episcopal church in Bedford where he belonged at the time of his death.

He was united in marriage to Mattie Ginn November 13, 1901.  To them was born one daughter, Ruth Ellen.

He was a member of the New Market I. O. O. F. No. 582, the New Market Rebekah Lodge No. 427 and the Nodaway Encampment No. 29.

He is survived by the above named sisters, his daughter and his faithful wife.  He has a host of friends and neighbors that suggest the far-reaching influence of his personality.

The funeral service was held at the Methodist church in Bedford, Monday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock, conducted by Rev. G. T. Roberts.  Interment was made in Graceland cemetery.  The I. O. O. F. Lodge was in charge of the service at the grave.

[Charles Gray Martin]

Times-Republican

Thursday    June 7, 1928     [p. 4]

Charles Gray Martin

Charles Gray Martin was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, July 19, 1854, and departed this life May 21st, 1928, being seventy-three years, ten months and two days of age.  His parents both died while the children were young and the family was separated, Charles being adopted by Mr. and Mrs. E. C. Martin, who proved to be real parents, instilling into the son high ideals of life, honesty, the love for an education, and the spirit of doing good to others.  As he grew to manhood, his longing for his own family led to associations and mutual interests, which made for happiness and lasted throughout life.  Only one brother of a family of five children remains, P. B. Gray, of Sandy, Oregon. 

His father, James Gray, was of Irish birth; and his mother, too, was born in Ireland.

Charles was given the name of his foster parents, and accompanied them to Illinois in 1865.  The family resided near Peoria for about three years, when they came to Iowa, settling in Taylor County.  His early education was acquired in the public schools of Peoria and Bedford.

At the age of fifteen he entered into the business world, securing a position as clerk with Mr. Sweeney of Bedford, with whom he remained for two years.

Like many of the young men of this time, he was anxious to go west--traveling through Colorado and Kansas.  Business conditions in the new country were disappointing; and he returned to Bedford where he entered the employ of Evans and Goodsill, in whose service he remained for five years, fitting himself to carry on the same line in his own interest.

Mr. Martin was in 1882 a member of the firm Martin and Turner.  During 1893 he entered into a partnership with Mr. Moody, which terminated in 1895.

On his retirement in 1895, he was elected Treasurer of Taylor County, serving in this capacity for four years.  He entered the Bedford National Bank as cashier in 1900, and later becoming first vice president.

Mr. Martin was married to Miss Mehetabel Taylor, daughter of the late Robert A. Taylor, September 30th, 1907, and to this union one son, Charles Gray Martin, Jr., was born, at the present a student in the University of Iowa.

Throughout Mr. Martin's long and useful life, he was intensely interested in everything pertaining to civic value to his hometown.  No good call went unheeded.  People in need and many institutions in various states have been given kindly advice and financial aid.

He has left to comfort his widow and son, the memory of a loving husband and father, a heritage of good deeds which will be better understood and grow much brighter as the years go by.

[Susan Stewart Smalley]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    January 6, 1944    p. 7

Obituary - Mrs. Susan Smalley

Susan Ann Smalley, daughter of Andrew and Eliza Stewart, was born in Canada, January 27, 1863, being aged 80 years, 10 months and 23 days at the time of her death.

She had six sisters, two preceding her in death.  The four surviving are Mrs. Ruth Mason, Mrs. Jane Miller, Mrs. Stella Buzzard and Mrs. Edna Bird, all of Taylor County.  Her three brothers are Sam Stewart of Canada, Will Stewart of Greeley, Colorado, and Isaiah, who died in infancy. 

Her parents came to the United States when she was two, and she spent the remainder of her life in Taylor County.

She married Noah W. [ilson] Smalley April 15, 1888.  To them were born three children, Dee G. Smalley of Long Beach, Calif., Ralph W. [ilson] Smalley of Conway, and Mrs. Bethel Nash of Bedford.  Mr. Smalley died December 6, 1942.

She is survived by the three children, twelve grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

In her early life she united with the Methodist Church, later transferring her membership to the Forest Grove Baptist Church.

Mr. and Mrs. Smalley moved to near Bedford in 1917 because of her failing health, and in 1935 they moved into town, where they spent the remainder of their lives.

[William Calvin Brown]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    January 6, 1944    p. 7

Obituary - William Calvin Brown

William Calvin Brown, son of John Calvin and Carrie Mae Brown, was born October 5, 1908, in Jefferson County, Nebr., and died December 21, 1943, at the age of 35 years, 2 months and 16 days.  At the age of 4 years he moved with his parents to Iowa, living on a farm near Siam where he grew to manhood, and attended the rural schools of that community.

On August 22, 1935, he was married to Daisy Vylena Roush and they have since resided in the New Market vicinity.  He was preceded in death by his mother in 1936, and a brother, Roy, in 1935.

Surviving are his widow, his father and sister of Bedford, also his mother-in-law, Mrs. Nettie Savage and Grandmother Moore, whom he loved as his own.

Cal, as he was lovingly called by those who knew him, was of friendly spirit, being very popular in the community, always having a smile which will be greatly missed among his circle of friends.  He was a great lover of children, always having time to stop and talk with the little folks.

When a boy he attended Sunday school and church at the Rural High Prairie Church.  He was industrious and willing to carry his share of responsibility and work on the farm and in the neighborhood activities where he will be greatly missed.

Funeral services were held on Friday, December 24, at the Christian church in New Market, conducted by Rev. Walling of the Methodist church of New Market.  Burial was in Memory cemetery.