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

[RICHARDSON, CARROL LEE]               [RICHARDSON, DARRELL LEE]

Bedford Times-Republican, Thursday, December 4, 1930, p. 4

The infant twin boys of Mr. and Mrs. Jim Richardson of Nodaway were buried in the Gravity cemetery Friday morning. The babies were born in the Richardson home in Nodaway. One of them lived twelve hours and the other one lived one hour. They were named Carrol Lee and Darrell Lee. –Gravity Independent

Mrs. Richardson is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Loyal Burch of Bedford.

[ROBERTS, LESLIE]

Bedford Times-Press, Wednesday, September 5, 1917, p. 8

Gravity

Word was received here Thursday of the death of Leslie Roberts, who died Wednesday evening at the home of his sister, Mrs. Elmer Shaw in St. Joseph, Mo. He had been in failing health the past two years, but was not thought to be any worse until two days previous to his death. The remains were brought to Gravity Friday noon. Funeral services were held at the M. E. church at 1:30, conducted by the pastor, Rev. C. W. Proctor. All the brothers and sisters were present except Mrs. Mary Campbell of Lincoln, Neb., who was unable to be here. Interment was made in the Gravity cemetery.

[ROGERS, ELIZA JANE GOODWIN]

Bedford Times-Republican, Thursday, December 4, 1930, p. 4

Mrs. A. V. Rogers

Mrs. A. [lphenus] V. Rogers passed away at her home in Denver, Colo., on Thanksgiving Day at the age of 80 years. Mrs. Rogers was a sister-in-law of Mr. and Mrs. D. R. Rogers of Bedford. She and her husband, who passed away two years ago, were residents of Bedford for many years, leaving here for the west 35 years ago. She came to Bedford in 1870, when a young girl. She is survived by two children, who reside in Denver, and who were known in Bedford as Maude and Charley.

 

[RAINFORTH, ARDYCE CATHERINE INSTENES]

Bedford Times-Press, June 2007

Ardyce Rainforth passed away at the age of 91 on June 14, 2007, in Binghamton, New York, after a brief illness.

She was predeceased in 1995 by her husband, Harold Dean Rainforth, a native of Gravity, Iowa.

She is survived by her children, Catherine Simpson of South Ryegate, Vermont, Beverly Rainforth of Binghamton, New York, and Richard Rainforth of Richmond, Massachusetts; and by her grandchildren, Lisa Simpson of Roslindale, Massachusetts and Jamie Simpson of Spring Valley, Ohio.

She was born Ardyce Catherine Instenes on March 22, 1916, in Blair, Wisconsin, daughter of Lewis O. and Josephine “Nettie” Swendson Dale Instenes. In 1937 she graduated from Eitel Hospital school of Nursing in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and from 1942 to 1945 she served in the army as a Registered Nurse for the 26th General Hospital in Africa and Italy.

She and Harold met while stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma in 1942, and they married in 1946. In 1948 they moved to Richmond, Massachusetts, which was their home for more than 50 years. During that time, she was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, a volunteer for the Costume Committee of the Berkshire County Historical Association, and a Registered Nurse at Pittsfield General Hospital. During her last year she lived at St. Louise Manor in Binghamton, she enjoyed many new friendships.

A Memorial Service was held in Pittsfield, Massachusetts in 2007, with a Graveside Service planned for 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 11, 2009, in the Rainforth family plot at Washington Cemetery in Gravity, Iowa.

[RAINFORTH, HAROLD DEAN]

Bedford Times-Press, Wednesday, November 19, 1997

Harold D. Rainforth

Harold D. Rainforth, 81, of 83 Patton   Rd. died   at   home   on Wednesday afternoon.

Born in Gravity, Iowa on December 9, 1915 the son of Francis R. and Harriet Fleming Rainforth, he was a 1933 graduate of Gravity High School. He attended Maryville College in MO for two years and the University of Cincinnati until being drafted in April of 1942. While serving in the US Army he attended Gunnery School in Fort Sill, Oklahoma and then taught there from 1942-43.

He then served with the 465th Field Artillery Battalion in New Guinea and Luzon. He was discharged with the rank of Major in 1946. He then graduated from Ohio State University in 1948 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Mr. Rainforth was employed by General Electric from 1948-81. He was involved with the planning of Hickory, NC plant and was a supervisor in the Hickory Lab from 1955-58. He then worked as manager in the Pittsfield Distribution Transformer Lab until 1976. He then was employed as a consultant at the GE Plant in Serra Gordo, Mexico (a suburb of Mexico City) until 1981.

He was a member of the Skyline Country Club in Lanesboro, Wahconah Country Club in Dalton and of the Elfun Society.

Mr. Rainforth leaves his wife the former Ardyce Instenes whom he married January 19, 1946. Two daughters, Mrs. Catherine Simpson of Holden, Mass., and Miss Beverly Rainforth of Binghamton, NY; a son Richard Rainforth of Dumont, NJ; three brothers, Gerald Rainforth of Bedford, Iowa, Norman Rainforth of Papillion, Nebraska and Gordon Rainforth of New Market, Iowa; and two grandchildren, 11 nieces and nephews.

A memorial service was held on November 8 at the Wellington Funeral Home in Pittsfield. Mr. Rainforth donated his body to the University of Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester. Following cremation burial will be in Gravity, Iowa at a later date.

[ROBINSON, CLARENCE ARTHUR]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, August 5, 1971, p. 6

C. A. Robinson, 77, Rites July 29

Funeral services for Clarence A. Robinson, 77, of Gravity were held July 29 at the Gravity Christian Church conducted by Perry Cozadd. Mr. Robinson died at his home in Gravity July 26, 1971. Interment was at Washington Cemetery, Gravity.

Clarence A. [rthur] Robinson, the son of the late Sarah and Evan Robinson, was born near Pennville, Ind., July 25, 1894, where he spent his boyhood. He came to Taylor County in 1915, where he spent most of his life. He farmed near Blockton and Gravity, but was better known throughout the country as a sheep shearer.

He was married to Clara Neville who preceded him in death.

He married Viola Harland Garrett who survives him. He is also survived by five children: Inez Huntsman of Pollack, Calif.; Edwin Robinson of Missouri Valley, Ia.; Oren Robinson of LeClaire, Ia.; and stepchildren Everett Garrett of Jacksonville, Fla.; and Marie Cahoone of Norfolk, Va.

One son, Dwight, preceded him in death. He also leaves ten grandchildren; one brother Emery Robinson of Wabash, Ind., and Bessie Shultz, sister, of Pennville, Ind.

He will be missed by his family, friends and neighbors.

[ROBINSON, DWIGHT DAVID]

Blockton News, Thursday, July 29, 1937, [p. 1]

Baby Dies

Dwight Robinson, infant son of Mr. and Mrs. C. [larence] A. [rthur] Robinson, passed away Saturday after an illness dating from birth. The little one was born July 8 and passed away on July 24, at the age of 16 days.

The little one was laid to rest in the cemetery at Gravity Sunday.

The family has the sympathy of everyone in the community in their bereavement.

[ROGERS, LEONARD]

New Market Herald, Thursday, October 13, 1921, p. 2

Leonard Rogers passed away at the D. A. Russell home Tuesday morning. His death was rather unexpected, although he was in very feeble health, and had been under the care of Mr. and Mrs. Russell for many months past. Funeral arrangements later.

[ROGERS, SARAH ANN]

Bedford Times-Republican, Thursday, February 25, 1915, p. 3

Gravity

Miss Sarah Rogers died at her home west of Gravity Wednesday night, after an illness of several weeks. The funeral services were held from the home Friday. Interment was made in the Gravity cemetery.

[ROGERS, SARAH ANN]

Bedford Free Press, Tuesday, March 2, 1915, p. 7

Gravity

M. M. Rogers, a former resident of the township, was here from Montana to attend the funeral of his sister, Mrs. Sarah Rogers.

 

 

[RICHARDSON, MERLE DEAN]

Bedford Times-Republican, Thursday, February 6, 1930, p.

Merle Dean Richardson

Merle Dean, the little three months old son of Mr. and Mrs. James Richardson of Nodaway, passed away at the home Thursday morning. The funeral services were held at the Christian church in Gravity Friday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Mr. Gardner. Interment was made in the Gravity cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Loyal Burch (grandparents of the infant), their son, and Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Irwin of Bedford attended the funeral.

[RICHARDSON, NELLIE ETHEL LISTER ALFORD]

Bedford Times-Press, Wednesday, September 14, 1988

NELLIE ETHEL RICHARDSON

Services for Nellie Ethel Richardson, 82, were held September 9 at Shum-Novinger Funeral Home in Bedford with Rev. Paul Shultz officiating. Burial was at Washington Cemetery in Gravity, Ia. Mrs. Richardson died September 5, 1988 at Denison, Ia.

Nellie Richardson, daughter of Samuel Thomas and Fanny Elizabeth (Mead) Lister, was born at Atwood, Ks. on March 4, 1906.

She lived most of her life in Taylor County where she attended public school and the Methodist Church.

On April 17, 1951 Nellie was united in marriage to James E. [stel] Richardson at Maryville, Mo., and they lived in and around Bedford until his death on October 9, 1972.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Raymond Lister, and her husband Jim.

Left to cherish her memory are her   brothers    Walter    Lister    of Knoxville, Ia., Ted Lister of Santa Pala, Ca., and   Don   Lister   of Centerville, Ia.; sons   Lowell   of Ames, Ia., Duane of Redmond, Or., Cecil of Huntsville, Al., Merwyn of Omaha,     Ne.,    and     James     of Denison,   Ia.;   grandchildren   Dan, Darrell,  Tim,  Steve,   Lynn,   Dala, Randy, Jamie,  Shelly Richardson, Julie  Caragay,  Tammy Reed,  Teresa Lund; two step grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren.

She was a member of the Methodist Church.

She was a kind and considerate mother and grandmother with a witty sense of humor and will be missed by all who knew and loved Nellie.

[RICHEY, SHARON LEE GRAHAM]

Bedford Times-Press, Wednesday, September 19, 2001

SHARON LEE RICHEY

Funeral services for Sharon Richey, age 66 of Bedford, who died Saturday, September 8, 2001, at Council Bluffs were held on Tuesday, September 11, 2001 at 10:30 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home with Pastor Loren Daly officiating. Interment was held in the Washington Cemetery in Gravity. Memorials may be given in her name.

Sharon Lee Richey was born August 18, 1935, the daughter of Leroy James Graham and Thelma Louise Watts Graham in Knowlton, Iowa. For a brief time, Sharon attended grade school in Bedford. She attended school and graduated from Diagonal High School.

Sharon was united in marriage to Harold Richey on May 25, 1953 in Diagonal, Iowa. The couple moved to Council Bluffs, Iowa where they resided until moving back to Bedford in 1990.

She was active in the Christian Church in Diagonal. While living in Council Bluffs, Sharon was very committed to her job as a school bus driver. When moving to Bedford in 1990, she became a substitute bus driver for the Bedford District. She was very active in the Legion Auxiliary, being the County Auxiliary President and Auxiliary President at the Gravity Post, where she was a devoted member. Gardening, flowers, knitting, crocheting were a few of Sharon's other loves. The one true thing Sharon enjoyed doing was talking and visiting with people.

Sharon is survived by her loving husband, Harold of Bedford; two brothers-in-law, Burl and Annabelle Richey of Council Bluffs and Delbert Richey of Lenox; one sister-in-law, Flora and Hillard Peterson of Gravity, Iowa; two aunts, Marge Coffman of Carson, Iowa and Fern Cregren of Afton, Iowa; one brother, Jim Graham; nephew, Jimmy Junior and many other nieces and nephews.

Preceding Sharon in death were her parents, Leroy and Thelma Graham; sister, Janice Buffington; brother, Gary Graham and stepmother, Bea Graham.

 

[REED, ANDREW JACKSON]

Blockton News, Thursday, September 4, 1919, [p. 1]

Monte Vista Journal: "Andrew Jackson Reed, son of Mr. and Mrs. Milos and Anna Reed, was born near Blockton, Iowa, July 12th, 1902. At the age of seven he came with his parents to Monte Vista, Colo., where he lived until the time of his death. He died at his home Thursday evening, July 31st, 1919. He leaves to mourn his loss: a father and mother, one sister and three brothers. The funeral service was held in the First Baptist church of Monte Vista Sunday afternoon at 2:30, conducted by the pastor, and the body was laid to rest in the Monte Vista cemetery."

[REED, ANDREW JACKSON]
Blockton News (Blockton, Iowa), Thursday, August 7, 1919
Word was received by A. J. Agee and wife Friday morning from Monte Vista, Colorado to the effect that their seventeen-year-old grandson, Andrew Reed, was dead, with instructions to notify relatives here.

[RIDGE, ELTA IRENE]

Blockton News, Thursday, May 1, 1919, [p. 1]

Obituary – Elta Irene, infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Ridge, was born April 19, 1919, and passed away April 23, 1919, aged four days. Burial took place in the Isadora cemetery.

The bereaved parents have the sympathy of the many friends in the hour of their sorrow.

The Master has again entered His garden and gathered a lily, whose sweet fragrance and beauty fills the home above, where she is safe forevermore. The stay was brief, but as beautiful as it was fleeting. The time that baby came with you to dwell was just long enough to bid you farewell. She cannot return to you, but may go to her. May the kind heavenly Father bless and comfort and guide you.

 

[RAY, ANNA ELIZA MURRAY SWETT]

Blockton News, Thursday, January 4, 1934, p. 5

Obituary – Anna Eliza Murray, daughter of Stephen and Nancy Jane Murray, was born at Rio, Ill., Nov. 2, 1882, and died at her home near Isadora, Mo., Dec. 27, 1933, at the age of 81 [51] years, 1 month and 25 days.

When a small child, the family moved to Iowa and settled on a farm near Bedford where she grew to young womanhood.

In August 1908, she was united in marriage to John A. [lvin] Swett and to this union one daughter was born.

On Jan. 15, 1927, she was united in marriage to William P. Ray of near Isadora and the farm home two miles northwest of Isadora has been her residence for nearly seven years.

In her youth she consecrated her life to the Saviour and united with the M. E. church at Platteville and has led a faithful and consistent life. She has been a kind companion and mother, and a helpful neighbor and friend.

She leaves to mourn her departure her husband, W. P. Ray; daughter, Mrs. Fern Wake of near Isadora; six brothers, W. D. Murray, who made his home with her; U. D. and E. O. Murray, of Bedford; E. C. Murray, of Galesburg, Ill., and G. L. Murray, of Redding; one grandson and many other relatives.

Funeral services were held at the Isadora Christian church Friday afternoon at 2:30, conducted by Rev. C. C. Pritchard of Parnell, after which the remains were laid to rest in the Isadora cemetery.
[Note: Missouri State Death Certificate gives the age at death as 51 years, 1 month and 25 days.]

[RAY, ANNA ELIZA MURRAY SWETT]
Blockton News (Blockton, Iowa), Thursday, January 4, 1934
Mrs. Billie Ray, of near Sheridan, died quite suddenly on Wednesday or Thursday of last week and the funeral services were held Friday. She was a sister of Douglas Murray.

[RAY, ELIZABETH ANN ATWOOD]

Clearfield Enterprise, Thursday, June 17, 1920, p. 2

Obituary – Elizabeth Ray

Elizabeth A. [nn] Atwood was the second of the eleven children of Mr. and Mrs. Semander [Samander] D. [ale] Atwood. She was born on the 29th of December 1857, at New Market, Iowa and died last Thursday, June 3 at 1:30 a. m. at the age of 62 years, 6 months and 5 days. She made her home in Page County, Iowa, till 1899, when she moved to Ringgold County where she has since made her home. For the past 12 years she has made her home with her daughter, Mrs. Fletcher Mathews. For years she has a constant sufferer and for the past eight she has been entirely bedfast. All that loving hands could do to serve her was done but she passed peacefully away last Thursday morning.

She was married to Isaac P. [edrie] Ray in 1876 and lived happily in this union for 14 years when death, on the 8th of November, claimed Mr. Ray. Four children came to gladden the home all of whom survive. They are E. D. Ray of Brush, Colo.; L. L. Ray of Maloy, Ia.; H. T. Ray of Tingley; and Mrs. Fletcher Mathews of Mt. Ayr.

Mrs. Ray was a very patient sufferer never complaining of her affliction. She was a member of the Christian church at New Market, Iowa and was a consistent Christian till her death. As the end approached she realized it was near and was prepared to meet it.

To mourn their loss she leaves her children, three sisters, Mrs. M. E. Duffey of Menlo, Kansas; Martha Anderson of Knoxville, Iowa; Larinda Alger of Union City, Okla. Two brothers, L. G. Atwood of Laird, Colo.; and J. T. Atwood of Kinsley, Kansas. Besides these there are eight grandchildren as well as a large number of relatives and friends.

Funeral services were conducted at the Fletcher Mathews home by S. P. Williamson, pastor of the church of Christ last Friday afternoon. The remains were taken to New Market where the body was laid to rest by the side of her husband. ---Mount Ayr Journal.

[RAY, WILLIAM CLARK]

Blockton News, Thursday, December 12, 1929, [p. 1]

Obituary – William Clark Ray, son of William and Jaly Ray, was born in Worth County, Mo., Oct. 2, 1852, and departed this life at Blockton, Iowa, Dec. 4, 1929, at the age of 77 years, 2 months and 2 days.

His parents were among the early pioneers who migrated from Kentucky to what was then known as the western plains and helped build up the civilization of today.

He was united in marriage on April 18, 1875, to Elizabeth Isenhart. To this union were born nine children, two of whom died in infancy. He is survived by his companion and the following children: Clark Ray, of Darlington, Mo.; John Ray, of Sheridan, Mo.; B. [enjamin] J. Ray, of Grant, City, Mo.; James Ray, of St. Joseph, Mo.; Mrs. Geo. Furman, of Emporia, Kansas, and Mrs. J. L. Weese and Mrs. Chas. Brown, of Blockton. Also one half sister, Mrs. Ida Merkling of St. Louis, Mo.; one half brother, Jeff Ray; thirty-one grandchildren, two great grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends who feel his going very keenly.

He confessed his faith in Jesus as his Saviour in 1901 and placed his membership with the Isadora Church of Christ. Later taking his membership to the Denver church where he was making his home, and still later transferred to the Blockton church where he was affiliated until his death. He was a kind companion, a good and faithful father, and had many friends. The last few weeks of his life he was helpless, having suffered a stroke, but he was not afraid of the realities of the unseen for he counted Him faithful who had promised Eternal Life.

The funeral services were conducted from the Isadora Church of Christ by Rev. L. B. Day and burial was in the Isadora cemetery. A male quartette composed of Messrs. Mumma, Wilson, Ford and Dennis from Blockton sang, with Mrs. B. H. Miller at the piano. The pallbearers were selected from the Masonic order and were Judge James Gross, W. L. Stephenson, T. J. Jones, Ben Elliott, Thomas Baker and Col. A. Z. Combs. The Masons also had charge of the ceremony at the grave.

[ROGERS, DELLA BURTON BASH]

Blockton News, Thursday, October 13, 1932, p. 4

Obituary – Della L. Burton, daughter of F. M. Burton and wife, was born in Maryville, Mo., Sept. 8, 1882 [1883], and passed away in Kansas City October 4, 1932.

She came with her parents to Blockton when she was 5 years of age and remained here until she was 18 years o age, when she went to Omaha where she was united in marriage to James C. Bash. The family moved to Kansas City in 1917 where Mr. Bash passed away in 1927.

Mrs. Bash was united in marriage to D. [urand] D. Rogers of Kansas City on her birthday in 1929.

The deceased was a member of the Methodist church in Kansas City.

Besides her husband she is survived by two sons and a daughter, Lawrence and Hoyt Bash and Mrs. L. E. Shirley; three sisters, Mrs. Elizabeth Owens, of San Francisco, California; Mrs. Nelle Ramsay, of Phoenix, Arizona, and Eva Urton, of Omaha, Nebraska, and one brother, E. G. Burton of Kansas City, Mo.

Funeral services were held in Kansas City and the body was brought to Blockton where short services were held at the home of E. K. Wilson Thursday afternoon at 1:30, conducted by Rev. W. H. Warrior, and interment was made in Rose Hill cemetery, Blockton.

[ROGERS, DELLA BURTON BASH]
Blockton News (Blockton, Iowa), Thursday, October 6, 1932
Mrs. Della Burton Rogers Dead
Word was received here yesterday morning that Mrs. D. D. Rogers, formerly Miss Della Burton of this place, had passed away at her home in Kansas City. The body was brought here on the early morning train this morning for interment.

 

[SEXTON, HAZEL LEA AKERS]

Lenox Time Table, Wednesday, February 7, 2001, p. 2

Hazel Sexton

Funeral services for Hazel Sexton, age 92, of Lenox, who died Thursday, February 1, 2001, were held Monday, February 5, 2001 at 10:30 a. m. at the Lenox Christian Church with Pastor Dena Vittorio officiating. Interment was held in the Washington Cemetery in Gravity.

Memorials can be directed to the Lenox Christian Church. Services were conducted by the Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox.

Hazel Lea Sexton was born March 17, 1908 in Gravity, Taylor County, Iowa, the daughter of Oscar Akers and Cora Mae Brand Akers. Hazel grew up in the Gravity area attending rural schools and the Gravity High School.

On May 24, 1926, she was united in marriage to Carl Sexton in Corning, Iowa. The couple lived in New Market until the late 1930’s when they moved back to Gravity, living there until 1946 when they moved to Lenox where she resided until her death.

Hazel was very active around the home and in the community. She was a member of the Rebecca Lodge and the Iowa Order of Odd Fellows, which was a big part of her life. She enjoyed crocheting and quilting, keeping herself active until the last two years when her health started to fail. She was a member of the Lenox Christian Church.

Hazel is survived by her daughter, Phyllis Murdock of Independence, Iowa, five sisters, Hattie Clark of Villisca, Gertie Weil of Villisca, Evelyn Thompson and husband Cloyd of Parump, Nevada, Coryal Bollinger of Missouri; Bernita Ritnor of Omaha, Neb. and Edna Posten and husband Dean of Gravity; a daughter-in-law, Karen Myers and husband Mike of Springfield, Mo.; four grandchildren, Vicki Cox and husband Brent of Ankeny; Pamela Kauffman and husband David of Cedar Rapids; Curt Sexton and wife Michelle of Austin, Texas; and Kenda Andrews and husband Jeff of Springfield, Mo.; and six great grandchildren, Tyler Cox of Ankeny; Aaron Kauffman and Angie Kauffman, both of Cedar Rapids; Nathan Sexton and Brooklyn Sexton, both of Austin, Texas and Jordan Andrews of Springfield, Mo.

Preceding Hazel in death are her husband, Carl in 1975; her parents, Oscar and Cora; a son Darwin; two brothers, Wayne and Cecil Akers; and a sister, Helen Savage.

[SOWASH, EMMA HOWARD]

Bedford Free Press, Thursday, May 6, 1897, p. 2

Mrs. Ben Sowash died at Creston last week. The body was taken to Gravity for burial.

 

[SCOTT, LAURA E. COMBS]

Clarinda Herald, Thursday, March 11, 1909, p. 7

Sharpsburg

Mrs. Net Scott died last Friday morning with consumption, the funeral being held Sunday.

[SHANKS, DORIS EVELYN]

Bedford Times-Press, Wednesday, March 28, 2001

DORIS SHANKS

Graveside memorial services for Doris Shanks, age 71 of Harrisburg, Illinois, formerly of New Market and sister to Carroll Shanks of Bedford, who died Wednesday, February 28, 2001 in Illinois were held Saturday, March 24, 2001 at 1:00 p.m. at the Washington Cemetery with Pastor Bob Thompson officiating. Memorials can be given in her name. Services were conducted by the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

Doris Evelyn Shanks was born February 6, 1930 in New Market, Iowa the daughter of George Franklin Shanks and Mary Isabell Kirby Shanks. She grew up attending school in New Market until her family moved to Waterloo in the 1940's where she attended and graduated from East High School. After graduation Doris worked for Moore Engineering Company and later for the Masonic Temple in Cedar Rapids. While living in Waterloo Doris attended the Grace United Methodist Church. Doris moved to Chicago where she was employed as a receptionist for a doctor's office. Upon retirement Doris purchased a small home in Harrisburg, Illinois where she resided until her death. Although she never married or had children, she had a great love for her dogs.

Doris is survived by her brother, Carroll Shanks and wife Mary of Bedford and nine nieces and nephews.

Preceding Doris in death are her mother, Mary Isabell Kirby Shanks Britt; her father, George Franklin Shanks; her stepfather, Floyd Britt; two sisters, Ann Shanks Kool and Dorothy Shanks Ohrt.

[SHANKS, GEORGE FRANKLIN “FRANK”]

Clarinda Journal, Thursday, December 17, 1931, p. 6

G. F. Shanks

George Franklin Shanks, eldest son of Milburn and Mary Anne Shanks, was born at Limestone, Tenn., Feb. 22, 1884, and passed from this life Dec. 11, 1931, aged 47 years, 9 months and 19 days.

Mr. Shanks came to Iowa nineteen years ago, and has resided in this part of the county since that time. Dec. 2, 1914, he was united in marriage to Mary Kirby. To this union were born four children, Anna Mae, aged 12; Carrol, 9; Dorothy, 4 and Doris, 22 months.

Mr. Shanks was converted when a young man and united with the Methodist church at Liberty Hill, Tenn. After coming to Iowa he united with the Methodist church at New Market where he has been an active and highly respected member, and had been recently elected to the official board of the church. He was a good husband, a kind father, and a charitable and helpful neighbor.

Besides his wife and four children he leaves his aged mother, one brother, Hobart, four sisters, Minnie, Addie, Iva and Olivia, to mourn his departure. Two brothers and two sisters have preceded him in death. He will be greatly missed from his home and from among the hosts of relatives and friends who have learned to love and admire him.

Funeral services were conducted by Rev. J. O. Smith of Garden Grove, Ia., a former pastor, the Rev. M. L. Kirby assisting. The service was at the New Market church, and the body laid to rest in the Gravity cemetery.

[SPRIGG, GLADYS RESH BARKLEY]

Clarinda Herald Journal, Monday, June 18, 1990

Gladys Sprigg

Mrs. Gladys Sprigg, 83, of Clarinda died Monday evening, June 11, at the Clarinda Municipal Hospital.

She was born September 15, 1906, in Montgomery County, Ia., the daughter of Ben and Jessie Gilmore Resh.

In 1954 she was married to Estis Sprigg who preceded her in death in 1981.    

Mrs. Sprigg had lived at Clar Haven before going to Bethesda Care Center a month ago.

She is survived by two sons, Ben W. Barkley, Essex, and Lewis Barkley, Omaha, Neb. Sisters are Mabel Woodin, Essex, and Blanche Henson, Ozona, Fla.

Graveside services were held this Thursday morning at Oak Grove Cemetery with Rev. Alfred Hunter officiating.

 

[SIMPSON, JOHN RICHARD]

Blockton News, Thursday, December 2, 1915, [p. 1]

From Time to Eternity

John R. [ichard] Simpson, the fourth son of Joseph and Martha [Deering] Simpson, was born at the old Simpson homestead south of Isadora in Worth County, Missouri, January 1st, 1861, and died at Ensworth hospital, St. Joseph, Missouri, Wednesday evening, November 24th, 1915, aged 54 years, 10 months and 23 days.

As was stated last week, Mr. Simpson was taken suddenly ill while on his way to town on Saturday, November 20th, and growing steadily worse went to a St. Joseph hospital early Sunday morning where the fears of the attending physician as to his condition were confirmed and where he submitted to an operation Sunday. He rallied from the effects of the operation and, while his case was considered serious, he seemed to improve for a time but a change for the worse came and he passed away Wednesday evening. The remains were brought to Blockton Thursday noon and were taken to his late home south of town.

The deceased grew to manhood on the farm south of Isadora, the place of his birth. He was married to Miss Angie Strachan on September 27th, 1893. His entire life was spent in Worth County, Missouri, where he became a prosperous farmer and stock raiser and for many years had lived on the large and well improved farm south of town just across the Iowa-Missouri line. Mr. Simpson was a man of true moral worth, upright and honest in all his dealings and had many traits of character worthy of emulation. He was one of the substantial citizens of that community and enjoyed the esteem of all.

“In the midst of life we are in death.” No one of his age or even many years younger, a few days ago, had promise of a longer life [words unreadable].

Mr. Simpson united with the West Fork Cumberland Presbyterian Church on December 25th, 1885, and remained a member of that congregation until death.

Besides a devoted wife he leaves to mourn his untimely death an aged father, who still lives on the old home place south of Isadora; one sister, Mrs. Henry Swift, of Grant City, Missouri; seven brothers---Henry, of Sheridan, Missouri; G. P., of Blockton, Iowa; T. L., of Ruston, Louisiana; Arthur, of Surprise, Nebraska; N. E., of Fort Collins, Colorado; Dr. E. G., of Naperville, Illinois, and H. C. of Grant City, Missouri---and many other relatives and a host of friends. All the brothers were present at the funeral except T. L. of Ruston, Louisiana. The mother passed away September 19th, 1889.

The sympathy of the entire community goes out to the bereaved wife, aged father and sister and brothers.

The funeral services were held in the Blockton Methodist Episcopal church Sunday afternoon, November 28th, at 2 o’clock, conducted by Rev. A. L. Godfrey of the Redding United Presbyterian church, assisted by Rev. John Wayman of Albany, an old friend of the family, and Rev. Wm. Mercer. The services were very largely attended.

The floral tributes, offerings of love and respect, were many and beautiful and among them was a large wreath presented by the Blockton Community club of which the deceased was a member.

Interment took place in Rose Hill cemetery, Blockton.

[SMITH, EDWIN J. “ED”]

Bedford Times-Press, January 2004

Edwin (Ed) Smith, age 62, of rural Clarinda, Iowa, formerly of Coin, Iowa, died Tuesday, January 13, 2004, at Jennie Edmundson Hospital, Council Bluffs, Iowa. Funeral services were 10:00 a.m., Saturday, January 17, 2004, at Walker-Merrick, with Rev. John Clark Officiating. Visitation with the family was 7:30-9 p.m., Friday, January 16, 2004 at the funeral home. Burial was in Washington Cemetery, Gravity, Iowa. A memorial will be established. Walker-Merrick was in charge of arrangements.

Edwin J. Smith was born January 8, 1942 at Westboro, Missouri, to Fred Smith and Nettie (Jackson) Smith. Ed attended school at Coin and College Springs. He married Sharon Morgan, February 5, 1960, in Omaha, Nebraska. Ed farmed in the Coin area and was a substitute rural mail carrier in Red Oak, Iowa. He also had been a bus driver for the Clarinda Academy. Ed had earned his pilots license and enjoyed flying. Ed was a racecar fan and his favorite pastimes were hunting, fishing, boating, camping, sports and just being with family and friends.

Preceding Ed in death were his father, Fred Smith and sister, Vida Williams.

Survivors include his wife Sharon of the home son, Raymond and wife Jerilyn of Clarinda, Iowa daughter, Diana Bright and husband Bill of Edgerton, Wisconsin mother, Nettie Smith of Clarinda, Iowa sister, Carol Von Eschen and husband Del of Shelby, Iowa grandchildren: Jodie, Frank, Dakota, Melissa, Joel, Matthew great grandchildren, Evan Xander, Breanna, Kobe, and Cameron and many other relatives and treasured friends.

 

 

[SIMONS, CATHERINE HAYES]

Blockton News, Thursday, May 1, 1913, p. 5

Mrs. [Catherine] Simons, mother of T. [homas] R. [iley] Simons, died Monday at the home of her son, James Simons, at Grant City where the funeral was held Tuesday and interment was made in the cemetery at Sheridan. She was a pioneer, well advanced in years and a woman of much worth and usefulness.

[SIMONS, CATHERINE HAYES]

Blockton News, Thursday, May 8, 1913, p. 5

Death of Mrs. Catherine Simons

Mrs. Catherine Simons died at the home of her son, J. [ames] M. Simons, Monday afternoon at 1 o'clock from the effects of paralysis with which she was stricken last Thursday morning, at which time she was found unconscious by members of the family who went to call her to breakfast. The paralysis was so severe that the physicians held out no hope for her recovery but expected her death momentarily; however, the excellent care she received and her remarkable vitality preserved the spark of life in the earthly tenement until Monday afternoon.

Mrs. Simons was a frontier pioneer of four states, having been born in Illinois, April 17th, 1837, only a few years after Illinois was admitted to the Union and only 25 years after the occupants of the garrison at Ft. Dearborn (now Chicago) were massacred by the Indians. Her maiden name was Catherine Hayes. A few years after her birth she moved with her parents to Henry County, Iowa, then a frontier county and state. She was married at her home in Henry County to Thomas M. [axwell] Simons and together they moved to a farm in Taylor County, near Platteville, where they lived until September 5th, 1872, when they moved to a farm in Worth County, 4 ½ miles south of the present town of Sheridan, where, with the exception of a few years, she has since had her home. It was here on January 12th, 1881, that her husband died.

Mrs. Simons was the mother of ten children, all of whom grew to man and womanhood, and only one of whom, Miss Amanda Simons, preceded her mother to the grave. Of the nine living children the following have homes in Douglass County, Washington: Mrs. Dr. J. [ohn] M. F. Cooper, Mrs. Thomas J. Davidson, J. W. Simons and Bert L. [eroy] Simons; Mrs. Della Freemyer lives at Dalkenn, Washington; the oldest son, R. H. Simons, lives at Baker City, Oregon; one daughter, Mrs. Elvina Ellis, lives at St. Joseph, Missouri; T. [homas] R. [iley] Simons at Blockton and J. [ames] M. Simons at Grant City.

Although she had spent her girlhood days in the newly settled state of Illinois and Henry County, Iowa, and her womanhood days in sparsely settled Taylor County, Iowa, and Worth county, Missouri, Mrs. Simons when she was past sixty years of age, again took up frontier work by filing on a homestead in the state of Washington and lived thereon a period of fourteen months until she completed final proof and received a patent from the government. This completed her frontier lifework in four states, the last being in one of the farthest western states. Beginning her married life in 1854 at the age of seventeen, rearing a large and worthy family, met successfully the problems and fought the battles of border state life with a physical strength and mental courage worthy of the highest tribute that can be paid to American womanhood.

She was a devoted member of the Christian church and her funeral was conducted by Rev. D. W. Connor, pastor of the Grant City Christian church at the home of her son, James M. Simons, in Grant City, Tuesday morning at 9 o'clock, after which the remains were interred in the Sheridan cemetery beside her husband, the service at the grave being conducted by Rev. Challie E. Graham, pastor of the Isadora Christian church. ---Grant City Star

[SIMS, LEVI RICEMAN MAXAMILLION "LEWIS"]

Blockton News, Thursday, November 27, 1913, p. 8

Death of Lewis M. Sims

Worth County Times: Another old veteran has answered the final roll call to come and rest on "Fame's Eternal Camping Ground." Lewis M. [Levi Riceman Maxamillion] Sims died at the family home in Isadora, this county, at about five o'clock last Monday morning. He was born July 22, 1846, near Columbus, Indiana. When about 18 years of age he enlisted in Co. L, 10th Indiana infantry and served until August 31, 1865. In 18[?]7 with his parents moved to Worth County and resided here continuously until his death.  August 9, 1889 [1880], he was married to Ella [Ellen] Runyon near Isadora, Missouri, and to them were born two sons---Ralph and Harry, who, with the mother, survive. He also leaves four sisters, namely: Mrs. Minerva Newlon of Tulsa, Oklahoma; Mrs. Lottie Gabbert and Mrs. Lettie Hull, of St. Joseph, Missouri, and Mrs. Estella Keenan, of near Blockton, Iowa. He was a member of the Christian church at Isadora, where the burial services were conducted by Rev. Thompson of Isadora, Monday afternoon at three o'clock, in the presence of a large concourse of friends and neighbors among whom he had lived for many years. The interment was made in the Isadora cemetery under the auspices of the Sons of Veterans.

Lewis M. Sims was not a man of letters as the world knows men, but he possessed a heart whose every throb was attuned to truth, honesty of purpose and kindly deeds. He never did a man wrong knowingly. We knew him for more than thirty-five years and it affords real pleasure to say after his death what we many times said to him in buoyancy of life---kindly words.
[Note: Missouri, Marriage Records, gives the marriage date as August 9, 1880 and the brides' name as Ellen Runnyon.]

[SIMS, LEVI RICEMAN MAXAMILLION "LEWIS "]
Blockton News (Blockton, Iowa), Thursday, November 27, 1913
David Hull land wife, of St. Joseph, came up from Isadora where they had been called by the death of Mrs. Hull's brother, Lewis M. Sims, on Wednesday of last week, to visit at the home of Mrs. Hull's sister, Mrs. E. S. Keenan, northeast of town.

 

[SUPINGER, JOHN RICHARD]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday July 26, 1945 p. 8
Obituary – J. R. Supinger
John Richard Supinger, older son of the late John H. [enry] and Sarah Jane (Zollman) Supinger, was born in Ringgold County, near Blockton, December 4, 1878 and died Saturday July 21 at a hospital in St. Joseph, where he had been taken the previous Monday for treatment. He had not been in good health for several years but the last illness was only of a few days. Mr. Supinger resided all his life in this community and was a carpenter by vocation.

Mr. Supinger and Miss Cora Freeman were married in 1898. She died in 1902. He was married in 1910 to Miss Bertha C. Zollman of Virginia. They were the parents of one daughter, Jane, now Mrs. Elmer Swank of Shenandoah.

He is survived by his wife, daughter, and five grandchildren, Elmer, Anna Mae, Phyllis, John R. and Patty Swank; one brother B. H. Supinger of Grant City; three sisters, Mrs. Lulu Fluharty [Flaherty] of Murray, Iowa, Mrs. Mary Reynolds, Mrs. Lottie Link and Mrs. Agnes Zollman, all of Grant City.

The funeral services were held at the Methodist church Sunday afternoon with Rev. J. E M. Chambers officiating. Burial was in Rose Hill cemetery.

 

 

 [SCOTT, CARL FREDERICK]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, June 25, 1981

Graveside Service Here Today For Carl Frederick Scott

Graveside service for Carl Frederick Scott of Galesburg, Illinois will be held today, Thursday, at 10 a.m. at Fairview Cemetery. Rev. Carl Cummings will officiate. Mr. Scott died Mon., June 22, in Galesburg.

[SCOTT, HAROLD WINFIELD]

Blockton News, Thursday, February 13, 1919, [p. 1]

Obituary - Harold Winfield Scott, infant son of Harley Scott and wife, was born Dec. 16, 1918 and died Feb. 4, 1919, aged 1 month and 17 days.

He leaves to mourn his death [words unreadable] and two sisters.

Funeral services were conducted from the home at Athelstan by W. M. Hunt, pastor of the Holiness church at Athelstan. Text 2 Samuel, 12 chapter, 23 verse. Interment was made in the Athelstan cemetery.

 

[SCROGGIE, FRED ALEXANDER]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, July 4, 1968, p. 3

Fred Scroggie Dies in Wash.

Funeral services for Fred A. [lexander] Scroggie, 83, long time resident of Colokum, Wash, and a native of Bedford, were held June 17 at Wenatchee, Washington. Mr. Scroggie died in a Wenatchee hospital June 13. Interment was at Wenatchee.

He was a brother-in-law of Mrs. Millie Cox of Bedford and a brother of George Scroggie of Hopkins.

Born in Bedford, Sept. 30, 1884, he married Lavana Brown here Jan. 20, 1909. In 1920 the family moved to Tonasket, Wash. In 1926 they went to Sunnyslope where he was engaged in orchard work. Following the death of his wife June 24, 1956, he moved to Colocleum [Colokum] to be near his son.

He was a member of the Malaga Christian Church and the Tonasket Lodge 303, IOOF.

Surviving are: two sons, J. A. (Jake) Scroggie, Colokum, and R. C. Scroggie, Subic Bay, Philippine Islands; a daughter, Mrs Leeman (Naomi) Bridges, Sunnyslope; two brothers, George Scroggie, Hopkins, Mo., and Daniel Scroggie, Boise, Idaho; four sisters, Mrs. G. D. Carr, Allendale, Mo., Mrs. R. C. Conn, Stanton, Calif., Mrs. F. E. (Jessie) Murren, Wenatchee, and Mrs. Pearl Flick, Boise; nine grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren.

Five brothers and a sister preceded him in death.

[SCROGGIE, LAVANA "VANNIE" BROWN]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, July 19, 1956, [p. 1]

Former Blockton Lady Dies in West

Mrs. Lavana Scroggie, 66, of Sunnyslope, Wash., wife of Fred A. Scroggie, died Sunday, June 24, 1956, following a heart attack. Born Sept. 22, 1887 at Freetown, Ind., Mrs. Scroggie moved with her parents to Blockton, when a baby. She was married to Fred Scroggie on Jan. 20, 1909 at Bedford. In 1920 she went to Tonasket, Wash., with her family and in 1926 moved to Sunnyslope. She was a member of the Christian church.

Survivors include her husband; two sons, R. C. Scroggie of Seattle, Wash., Jacob A. Scroggie of Malaga, Wash.; one daughter, Mrs. Leeman Bridges of Wenatchee, Wash.; two brothers, Elvin Brown of Redding, Iowa, Allie Brown of Blockton; six sisters, Mrs. Paxton Owens of Southgate, Calif., Mrs. Wm. Drummins and Mrs. Grant Howard of Grant City, Mo., Mrs. John Cox of Conway, Mrs. John Strom of Wenatchee, Wash., Mrs. Gus Hilley of Des Moines; six grandchildren, six great grandchildren.

Memorial services were conducted in the Jones & Jones Chapel, June 27, 1956 at 2 p. m. with interment in the Wenatchee cemetery.

[SCROGGIE, R. C.]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, May 3, 1984

Former Blockton Resident Dies In Washington

Funeral services for R. C. Scroggie, 73, of Seattle, Washington, a native of Blockton, were held April 18 in Seattle. He died there April 12. Interment was at the Wenatchee City Cemetery, Wenatchee, Wash.

R. C. Scroggie was born June 18, 1910, at Blockton, Iowa, the son of Fred A. and Lavana Scroggie. The family went to Wenatchee when he was 13 years old and he married Emma Elmer on February 25, 1931, at Wenatchee. He worked in the orchards and was a truck driver.

In 1942 he moved to Seattle and went to work as a civil employee for the U. S. Navy, retiring in 1969 as superintendent of transportation. He was then in real estate in Seattle.

Mr. Scroggie was a member of the Wenatchee Eagles for many years.

Survivors include his wife, Emma, Seattle; two daughters, Bonnie Jean, Seattle, and Patricia Louise, Enumclaw; one brother, Jacob Scroggie, Wenatchee; one sister, Naomi Bridges, Wenatchee; 10 grandchildren; and seven great grandchildren.

[SHAY, JEREMIAH "JERRY"]

Blockton News, Thursday, March 20, 1919, [p. 1]

Jeremiah Shay, son of Luke and Julia Shay, was born near Oldenburg, Kentucky, Dec. 15, 1850, and passed away at the home of his son. L. C. Shay, 2 miles northeast of Delphos, Monday morning, March 3, 1919, aged 68 years, 2 months and 18 days.

When he was still a little child his parents moved to Clark County, Iowa, in the spring of 1851.

He came with his parents to Ringgold County in May, 1854, and settled on a farm northeast of Diagonal and Ringgold county has been his home since that time, being a resident of the county almost 65 years.

He was united in marriage to Miss Anna B. Cunningham at Maryville, Missouri, Feb. 9, 1873. To this union were born six children, three sons and three daughters. The three daughters—Margaret, Marinetta and Julia  preceded him in death. The sons are Charles, of Delphos; Clement, of Maloy, and Edward, of San Antonio, Texas. Besides the surviving sons there are four brothers and one sister, J. V. Shay, of Blockton; Mrs. Margaret Hart, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and T. S., W. H. and M. C. Shay, of Maloy, and a number of other relatives. One brother, Edward, died about thirty years ago.

His wife preceded him in death in August, 1905.

Jerry, or Uncle Jerry as he was called by his friends and relatives seemed in the best of health when retiring the night before his death and the announcement of his very sudden demise was a severe shock to the entire community. He was a man of many exceptionally good traits of character and was loved by all who knew him. His friends were numbered by his acquaintances. He was one of the early residents of the county, having seen the prairies change from a hunting ground for the Indians to the prosperous land of today.

The funeral was held at the Immaculate Conception church at Maloy, Thursday morning, March 6, at 10 o'clock. Rev. J. J. Condon, a former pastor of the deceased, came from Churchville to celebrate the mass and the present pastor,, Rev. Henry Pouget, directed the music for the occasion.

He was laid to rest in St. Mary's cemetery beside his wife and daughters.

[SHAY, JEREMIAH "JERRY"]
Blockton News (Blockton, Iowa), Thursday, March 6, 1919
Jerry Shay Dead
Word was received in town Monday that Jerry Shay, brother of our townsman, J. V. Shay, had passed away at the home of his son, L. C. Shay, near Delphos. He leaves three sons, Charles, Clem and Edward, the latter being in the army and the time of the funeral depends on his arrival. Obituary next week.

[SHAY, JEREMIAH "JERRY"]
Blockton News (Blockton, Iowa), Thursday, March 6, 1919
J. V. Shay went to Delphos Monday morning, called there by the death of his brother, Jerry Shay.

 

[SIEMILLER, NEAL]

Blockton News, Thursday, June 26, 1919, [p. 1]

Neal Siemiller Dead

F. A. Siemiller received a telegram on Wednesday of last week, the message having been delayed, stating that his brother, Neal, had passed away at his home in Pueblo, Colorado, at 11 o'clock on Tuesday. This makes the second death in this family of brothers and sisters within three weeks, Mrs. Barkhurst passing away at her home in Warrensburg, Missouri, on May 29.

[SKINNER, WILLIS CORBLY]

Blockton News, Thursday, September 11, 1919, [p. 1]

W. C. Skinner Dead

Willis C.  Skinner, who had not been having the best of health for a number of years, passed away Monday evening at a Clarinda hospital where he had gone sometime since for treatment. He was about 60 years of age and had been a highly respected citizen of a few miles northeast of town for a number of years. A. H. Ostrich went to Clarinda Monday with his auto hearse and brought the remains to the late home of Mr. Skinner where funeral services were held yesterday afternoon.

[SKINNER, WILLIS CORBLY]

Blockton News, Thursday, September 18, 1919, [p. 1]

Obituary- Willis C. [orbly] Skinner, son of [William] Park [inson] and Emeline [Gregg] Skinner, was born in Greene County, Pennsylvania, February 10th, 1854, and passed away September 8th, 1919, aged 65 years, 6 months and 28 days.

He came with his parents to Iowa when he was 15 years of age, locating in Blockton, which was then known as Mormontown, later moving [words unreadable] they lived for a number of years.

He was united in marriage to Phoebe E. [leanor] Brott March 26th, 1885. Soon after their marriage they settled in their present location, which has been their continuous home for the past 38 years. To this union three children were born: Clyde C. [ourtland], who is married and lives nearby, and May E. and Jay P.[arkinson] who remain in the home with their mother.

He leaves his wife, three children and one grandchild, Goldie Skinner. He also leaves three sisters and two brothers, Mrs. Libbie Proctor, of Maloy; Charles Skinner, of Butte, Montana; Mrs. Lucy Reeves, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Mrs. Josie Welton, of Charles City, Iowa. These with other relatives and neighbors are left to mourn their loss.

The funeral services were conducted at the home on Wednesday afternoon by Rev. E. B. Osburn, of Grand Junction, Iowa, who is a former pastor and a friend of the family for the past twenty years. He was assisted by Rev. E. J. Laird, pastor of the M. E. church at Blockton. Interment was made in the Blockton cemetery.

Mr. Skinner was truly an affectionate and good husband. A real father to his children. Always kind and true. He was highly respected by all who knew him, a good citizen and a splendid neighbor. He will be greatly missed both in the home and community.

[SWARTS, CHARLES]

Bedford Times-Republican, Thursday, July 30, 1908, [p. 1]

Foul Crime Suspected

Charles C. Swartz, a Former Blockton Boy, Killed in Switch Yards in St. Joseph.

His Body Mutilated by Engine

Both Legs and One Arm Cut Off—Dies at Hospital—Leaves Wife and Child

Charles C. Swartz, a former Blockton boy, but for some years a Chicago Great Western extra conductor and brakeman, was picked up in the Burlington yards a short distance south of the Francis street depot at St. Joseph at 1:30 o'clock Saturday morning. Both legs and one arm had been cut off, and he was unconscious, and died shortly after being removed to the hospital.

Charley had been run over by the Burlington's Denver flyer. The engineer saw him laying on [the] track and applied the emergency brakes, but the train was too close to stop before reaching him. The front trucks passed over him and his mangled body was pulled out from under the engine by the crew.

When taken to the hospital it was impossible to learn from him his name, and he died without being identified. Later his name was found on his shirt, and his friends notified. When the news of his death reached his wife she was prostrated with grief and is even yet under the doctor's care.

The police believe that Charley was drugged and sandbagged. He was not a man who is in the habit of drinking to excess. He laid off Friday and had a check cashed of $81.05. When he was picked up $10 was found on his person. His gold watch was also found. His shoes and stockings were found a long distance from his body.

About 10 o'clock Friday night Charley left the Delmonico saloon, but the bartender says he was not drunk, and those who saw him tell the same story. He had drank with some of his friends, but always took a small glass and drank very sparingly.

None of his Taylor County friends believe for a moment that Charley was drunk. He was a jolly, good-hearted boy, but he was not a boozer, and nothing could make those who knew him well believe that he had drunk intoxicant enough to make him drunk.

Charles Swartz was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Ed Swartz of Blockton, and was born in Warren County, Iowa, January 4, 1872 [1877]. When quite young he came with his parents to Blockton and lived there until about nine years ago when he moved to St. Joe and began braking for the Great Western. He was married to Miss Maggie Severns, September 8, 1897, and they have one child, Gail, 5 years old.

The funeral was held at the M. E. Church in Blockton on Monday at 1 p. m.

Charley carried insurance to the amount of $1,350 in the Order of Railway Trainmen.
[Note: His last name is spelled Swarts on his headstone and his birth date is given as 1877.]

[SWARTS, CHARLES]

Bedford Free Press, Thursday, July 30, 1908, p. 5

A sad accident occurred at the Great Western yards at St. Joe Friday evening in which Charles Swarts, a former resident of this place, and whose parents and sister still reside here, was run over by a Great Western train amputating both limbs, from the effects of which he died a few hours later. Charley Swarts was born in Marion [Warren] County, this state. He lived with his parents in Colorado for a short time, after which they moved to this place, where he was reared to manhood. He was born January 4, 1877 and died July 25th, 1908, aged 31 years, 6 months and 21 days. In 1897 he was married to Miss Maggie Severns of this place and to them was born one little girl who with her mother are left to mourn her father's untimely death. Mrs. Swarts joined the trainmen and went to work for the G. W. some twelve years ago. The remains were brought to Blockton on No. 2 Sunday evening and funeral services were held in the Methodist church Monday at 1 p. m., Rev. G. W. Wood conducting the services. The floral offerings were profuse. Those of the trainmen of St. Joe who were present at the funeral were L. Lorimer, E. R. Vandusen, F. Fready, G. C. Stricklen, P. Worburton, C. S. Simineo and E. Quigg, also Mell Ostrander of Kansas City. Those of the trainmen's wives were Mrs. W. R. Shields, Mrs. Weddel, Mrs. Ben Haley, Mrs. H. Mansfield, also Newell Mansfield. Mrs. Mandy Severns, mother of Mrs. Swarts and her half brother, Guy Hawkins, of St. Joe, also were present. All the parties named returned to St. Joe on No. 5 soon after the funeral. Interment was made in Rose Hill.

 

[SCOTT, SARAH ANN BROWN]

Blockton News, Thursday, March 4, 1920, [p. 1]

Obituary – Sarah A. [nn] Brown was born in Jackson County, Indiana, Jan. 14, 1864, and departed this life Feb. 27, 1920, aged 56 years, 1 month and 13 days.

She was united in marriage to John W. Scott Feb. 23, 1890, Monday being their 30th wedding anniversary. To this union was born four children, a son, Ralph, of Redding, and three daughters, Mrs. Frank Tamerius of this vicinity and Mrs. Fred Soma and Mrs. G. W. Swartwood of Clearfield, all of whom survive her.

In 1891 she came to Maloy with her husband and resided in that vicinity the remainder of her life.

Her parents, E. [lisha] L. [indsay] Brown and wife, two brothers, Samuel and Philip, and a sister, Ida, preceded her to the better land. Four brothers and three sisters survive her---J. E. and James Brown, of Blockton; Fred Brown, of Mingo; David Brown, of Indianapolis, Ind.; Mrs. Emma Swearingen, of Red Oak; Mrs. Pearl Tharp, of Maloy, and Mrs. Maude Been, of Lakeside, Nebraska, all of whom spent many days at her bedside.

She was conscious until within a few hours of her death. Her suffering had lasted for the last two years, but the end came very peaceful and she met death without a murmur.

She was a member of the Christian church and believed that those who were not prepared to live were not prepared to die.

She passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Frank Tamerius, after being bedfast for the last six months. Everything that could be done was done for her but without success.

She leaves to mourn her departure a loving husband, four children, eight grandchildren, four brothers, three sisters and many friends.

The funeral services were conducted at the Maloy Christian church Sunday afternoon at 2 o’clock, conducted by Rev. Fred Augustine of Benton, and the remains were laid to rest in the Platte River cemetery.

[SPOONEMORE, RICHARD]

Blockton News, Thursday, January 11, 1917, [p. 1]

Richard Spoonemore, son of Orval Spoonemore and wife, was born at Corning, Iowa, November 2, 1916, and died December 30, 1916, at St. Joseph, Missouri. The remains were brought to Isadora for burial. The funeral services were conducted from the Isadora Church of Christ on Tuesday, January 2, by Challie E. Graham, after which the remains were laid to rest in the Isadora cemetery. The bereaved ones have the sympathy of friends in this hour of sorrow. May be comforted with the assurance that the dear one is safe with Jesus.

“Ere sin could blight or sorrow

     fade,

Death came with friendly

   care;

The opening bud to heaven con-

 veyed,

And bade it blossom there.”

[SPOONEMORE, RICHARD]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Tuesday January 16, 1917
BLOCKTON – Richard, the little two months old son of Mr. and Mrs. Orval Spoonemore, died in St. Joseph December 30. The remains were brought to Isadora and the funeral srvices were held at the Isadora Christian church Tuesday, January 2. The services were conducted by Challie E. Graham.