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

[Fordyce, Benson, 1844-1904]

Waynesburg Republican (Greene County, Pennsylvania)

Thursday     January 28, 1904

Benson Fordyce, Esq., of Garard's Fort, died on Monday morning at the home of John Morris, where he was visiting. Pneumonia was the cause of his death. Mr. Fordyce was 59 years of age and is survived by three brothers, James and Jesse who reside in Iowa and Morton, of Frosty Run, this county. The funeral services were held at Whitely Chapel on Tuesday afternoon.

[Fordyce, Benson]

Times-Republican

Thursday    March 10, 1904    p. 4

Benson Fordyce, the brother of James Fordyce of Bedford, and a man well known here, died in Pennsylvania a few weeks ago of pneumonia, after a period of dreadful suffering.  He was a man of genial, happy face and of a fun loving spirit.  He was buried from the home of his brother, Morton Fordyce.  A division of the estate will be made at Waynesburg, Pa., on the 29th of March.

 

 

 

[Fordyce, George]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday     October 13, 1910     p. 5

The remains of George Fordyce, who lived here for many years but of recent years has resided at Anthony, Idaho, were brought here Monday for burial. We have not learned the particulars of his death. The remains were accompanied here by his two sons, Percie and Charles. The relatives and friends have the sympathy of all.

 

[Fordyce, John G.]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday     April 4, 1907     p. 7

Word has just been received of the death of John G. Fordyce in Green County, Pennsylvania The deceased was a cousin of A. [rthur] B [onner] Fordyce, a prominent farmer and stock man of Jefferson township, of James Fordyce of Bedford, and of Hayes Fordyce of Creston. He also had numerous other relatives in this vicinity. Mr. Fordyce was a man of great wealth and largely interested in coal lands.

[FORDYCE, JOHN G.]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, April 4, 1907
The funeral of Mr. John G. Fordyce was largely attended Friday. Rev. Messrs. Cain, Taylor and Dimit participated in the impressive services at the home. A male quartette sang. Five of the pall bearers were members of Company F., 7th W. Va. Infantry, that being the company and regiment of Mr. Fordyce. The Grand Army Post, Sons of Veterans and a guard of honor from Company K paid military honors by their presence. The floral tributes by friends and comrades were beautiful. Thus, another veteran, citizen and friend has been laid to rest. The above is taken from the Waynesburg, Pa., Independent. Mr. Fordyce who had just died and to whom it referred, was a cousin of A. B. Fordyce and J. H. Fordyce of this county, also to Sam W., of St. Louis, Hayes, of Creston and J. G. of Washington county. The late Vint Stephens of this place was a member of the same company with the deceased.

[Fordyce, Margaret Cameron]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday     February 6, 1896    p. 2

SIAM

On Thursday morning of last week at 3 o'clock a. m., Grandma Fordyce passed quietly away after an illness of something over a week. The funeral services were conducted by Elder Craig on Friday at 2 o'clock p. m., at the Christian church after which the remains were interred in the Slam cemetery. A large concourse of sympathizing friends attended the funeral.

[Fordyce, Margaret Cameron]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday     February 20, 1896    p. 3

In Memorium

Margaret E. Cameron was born in Glasgow, Scotland, Dec. 25, 1824. At the age of nine years she came with her parents to this country and settled in Ohio.

At the early age of twelve she was converted and joined the Christian church, and lived an exemplary life in the church of her early choice till death. At the age of sixteen she was married to John [Franklin] Fordyce in Washington County, Penn. Seven children were born to them, one dying in infancy.

Mother Fordyce died January 30, 1896, aged 71 years, 1 month and 5 days. Her home was with her daughter, Mrs. Lon Johnson [Lulu]. The funeral was held at the Christian church Jan. 11, conducted by her pastor Elder Craig.

Yes, she fought a good fight, and kept the faith for fifty-nine years, through joy and sorrow, and died a triumphant death. So it is for those who live right. Life is full of music. Every memory is blessed. The sweet bird notes of heavenly peace ring everywhere, and the last days of life are its happiest days. "Rich in experience that angels might, covet, Rich in a faith that has grown with its years.”
MRS. C. L. HUNTSMAN

[Fuller, Mary Fordyce]

Waynesburg Republican (Greene County, Pennsylvania)

Thursday     April 19, 1900

Mrs. Mary Fuller, wife of Bowman Fuller, died at Bedford, Iowa, April 9, from heart and lung trouble. Mrs. Fuller was born in Greene Township, this county, being a daughter of Harvey Fordyce, deceased, and is a sister of Mort and Benson Fordyce, of Fordyce post-office.

[Johnson, Louise Sophia  “Lulu” Fordyce]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday      March 13, 1947    [p. 1]

Mrs. A. M. Johnson

Mrs. A. M. Johnson Dies At Home Here

Mrs. A. [lonzo] M. [ilton] Johnson, a resident of Bedford and Taylor county for many years, died at her home in Bedford Monday, after being in failing health for several years.

The funeral services were held at the Wetmore Funeral Home Wednesday afternoon conducted by Rev. Gordon F. MacLean. Burial was in the Siam cemetery.

Lulu S. [ophia] Fordyce was born in Washington County, Penn., September 7, 1860 being aged 86 years, 6 months and 3 days at the time of her death.

Before her marriage to Alonzo M. [ilton] Johnson on January 27, 1892, she taught school a number of years.

Mrs. Johnson joined the Christian church at Siam in 1893. She taught the Young Peoples Sunday school class for many years.  In 1911, with her husband and daughter Vera, they transferred their membership to the Christian church in Bedford.

She was the youngest of six children, all of whom preceded her in death.

As long as she was able she attended church and Sunday school regular later depending on radio services. After she gave up radio services, it was interesting to note that if her family skipped a few versus or a chapter in the Bible, she would say,  "You left out a little there."

Those who knew her, enjoyed her flowers, and she wanted other folks to enjoy them as they passed by.

[Proffitt, Millard Delaney]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     March 2, 1967    p. 3

Millard Proffitt Rites Feb. 23

Funeral services for Millard D. [elaney] Proffitt, 89, of St. Joseph, formerly of Taylor County, were held February 23 at Swanson Funeral Home in Hopkins. Mr. Proffitt died February 20, 1967 at Methodist Hospital in St. Joseph, after an illness of two months. Interment was at Siam Cemetery, Siam, Ia.

Millard D. [elaney] Proffitt, son of Elbert [Sevier] and Aseneth [Melvin] Proffitt, was born December 1, 1877 near Blandinsville, Ill. He came to Iowa at the age of three years and lived near Siam and in Hopkins, Mo. Later he went to St. Joseph, Mo., where he was employed at the Robidoux Hotel for eighteen years.

Recently he was a resident of Green Acres Home.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a half-sister, Mrs. James Sleep, who passed away eight years ago on the same date.

He is survived by several nieces and nephews of this vicinity and a host of friends.

 

[Redenbaugh, Earl Robert, Infant Daughter of]

Bedford Free Press

Tuesday     January 2, 1917    p. 10

The infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Earl [Robert] Redenbaugh, who reside near Siam, died Wednesday. Mrs. Redenbaugh was formerly Miss Dessie Clayton.

[REDENBAUGH, EARL ROBERT'S INFANT]
Bedford Times-Republican (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, January 4, 1917
Mr. and Mrs. Earl Redenbaugh were called to mourn the loss of a baby daughter born last Wednesday morning, December 27, 1916. The little one was a flower blooming on this earth only one day, then going to live forever in its beautiful Heaven home. Mr. and Mrs. Redenbaugh have the heart felt sympathy of the entire community.

 

[Renfro, Francis Marion]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday    November 2, 1911     [p. 1]

MARION RENFRO HURLED AGAINST STUMP AND DIES

Prominent Polk Township Farmer Meets With Accident While Assisting in Operation Of Stump Puller

Fractured SKULL IS RESULT

Breaking of Clevis Allows Sweep to Fly Back With Great Force —Son Met Death by Accident Sixteen Years Ago

[Francis] Marion Renfro, a prominent Polk township farmer, met with an accident about noon Tuesday, which resulted in his death two hours later. A broken clevis released a sweep on a stump puller and Renfro was struck in the abdomen by the sweep, the blow knocking him twenty feet through the air. Upon alighting his head struck a log, fracturing his skull.

Mr. Renfro had gone to the field where his son Jesse was pulling stumps, assisted by William Burk, to see if he could give them any assistance. The old fashioned sweep had been attached to a stump and Mr. Renfro began driving the team. The tension was too great for the clevis, which broke, allowing the heavy sweep to fly backward with all of its released force. The back action was too fast for Mr. Renfro who was caught and hurled against the log.

Medical assistance was summoned from Hopkins, but when it was discovered that the skull was fractured it was known that there was no chance for recovery.

Mr. Renfro was 50 years of age, a son in law of Jesse Lasell [Lasswell], a pioneer of Polk Township, and had been a resident of this county for more than twenty years. The widow and ten children survive. One son was killed about sixteen years ago by falling upon a knife.

Funeral services and interment will take place today at Hopkins.
[Note: He is buried in Siam Cemetery, near Siam, Taylor County, Iowa, not Hopkins as stated in the article.]

[Renfro, Francis Marion]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday     November 9, 1911     p. 3

Hopkins Farmer Dies From Injuries

A broken clevis resulted in the death of [Francis] Marion Renfro, aged about 60 years, of three miles north of Hopkins, Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock, following an accident while the aged farmer was engaged in helping his son and another man in pulling stumps. The aged man was struck in the abdomen by the released sweep and knocked twenty feet through the air, his skull being fractured in alighting on a log.

The accident occurred at about noon. Mr. Renfro went out to where his son, Jesse, and William Burk were working to see if he could help them. The old fashioned sweep had been attached to a stump and Mr. Renfro began driving the team. The tension was too great for the clevis, which broke, allowing the heavy sweep to swing backward with great force and striking the driver. The base of the skull was fractured by the blow it had received in falling on the log and Mr. Renfro was carried to the house. Drs. G. W. Kirk and S. D. Large were called and rendered what assistance they could.

Mr. Renfro was a resident of the Hopkins vicinity for many years and was one of the best-known farmers in that community. He is survived by a large family. —Maryville Tribune.

[Renfro, Mary Elizabeth Lasswell]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     February 27, 1947    p. 7

Hopkins

Mrs. Renfro Succumbs

Mrs. Mary E. [lizabeth] Renfro, 78, died Sunday, Feb 16, at a hospital in Council Bluffs. She was a resident of the Hopkins community her entire life excepting the last four years she had been at the home of her son, Ronald, who lived at Neola, Iowa. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Laswell [Lasswell], and their farm in the Valley school district had always been her home.

She was the mother of eleven children, three of whom preceded her.

The surviving relatives are four sons, Jesse Renfro of Vallejo, Calif., Ben Renfro of Hopkins, Roy Renfro of New Market, Ronald Renfro of Neola, Iowa; four daughters, Mrs. Dale Jackson of New Market, Mrs. William Killam [Elma] of Hopkins, Mrs. Edna Layton of McClellan, and Mrs. Ira Thomas of Denver, Colo.

The funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at the Hopkins Christian church, conducted by Rev. Elba Martin. Burial was in the Hopkins cemetery.
[Note: She is buried in the Siam Cemetery, near Siam, Taylor County, Iowa, not in the Hopkins Cemetery as stated in the obituary.]

[Renfro, Mary Elizabeth Lasswell]

Maryville Daily Forum

Tuesday    February 18, 1947    [p. 1]

Mrs. Mary Renfro Dies; Funeral Is Wednesday

Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Renfro, 78 years of age, of Hopkins, died Monday at Mercy hospital in Council Bluffs, Ia., following a short illness. She was born in Taylor County and spent all of her life in Hopkins until recently when she went to the home of her son, Roland [Ronald] Renfro, in Neola, Ia., to stay. She was the former Miss Mary Laswell [Lasswell].

Funeral services will be held at 2 o’clock Wednesday afternoon at the Hopkins Christian church. Burial will be in the Siam cemetery.

Her husband, Francis [Marion] Renfro, died October 3, 1911, in a timber accident. Mr. and Mrs. Renfro were farmers.

Survivors are four sons, Ben Renfro, Hopkins; Roy Renfro, Shambaugh; Roland [Ronald] Renfro, Neola, Ia.; and Jesse Renfro, Vallejo, Calif., and four daughters, Mrs. May Jackson, New Market, Ia.; Mrs. Ela [Elma] Killiam [Killam], Hopkins; Mrs. Edna Layton, McClelland, Ia.; and Mrs. Flo Thomas, Denver, Colo.; 30 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

[Renfro, Mary Elizabeth Lasswell]

Maryville Daily Forum

Wednesday    February 19, 1947     p. 5

Burlington Junction

Mr. and Mrs. Wm. V. Smith of Burlington Junction and their daughter, Mrs. Fred Coulter, of Clearmont, attended funeral services Wednesday of Mrs. Mary Renfro of Hopkins. Mrs. Renfro passed away at a hospital in Omaha, Sunday morning and services were held at the Christian church of Hopkins, Wednesday afternoon. Mrs. Renfro was an aunt of Mrs. Smith.

[Robbins, Russell Bigelow “Ned”, Jr.]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday    November 1, 1928      [p. 1]

Russell B. Robbins

Russell B. [igelow] Robbins, aged 62 years, passed away at his home in Hopkins Wednesday of last week.  The funeral services were held at the Christian church in Hopkins last Thursday afternoon, conducted by Rev. B. H. Harmon. Interment was made at Siam. He was united in marriage in 1907 to Miss Ella Mayers of Bedford, according to the Hopkins Journal. To this union was born 1 son, Russell Robbins, who resides with his mother in Oregon.

 

[ROBBINS, RUSSELL BIGELOW "NED", JR.]
Daily Democrat-Forum and Maryville Tribune (Maryville, Missouri), Thursday, October 25, 1928
Funeral Rites Today Ned Robbins, Hopkins
Died Suddenly Early Yesterday Morning at Home of Brother, J. D. Robbins.
The funeral services for Ned Robbins, Hopkins, who died suddenly early yesterday morning were held this afternoon at the Christian church in Hopkins with the Rev. C. O. Harmon in charge. The burial was in the Hopkins cemetery.
Mr. Robbins was a paper hanger and made his home with his brother, J. D. Robbins, one mile north of Hopkins. Mr. Robbins went to bed apparently in good health. He slept in a downstairs room but about 1 o'clock the family sleeping upstairs heard him up and when the brother went downstairs, he found him dead. Heart trouble was given as the cause of death.
Mr. Robbins was 65 years old and besides the brother with whom he made his home, he is survived by another brother, Sam Robbins, also of Hopkins.

 

[Roush, Theodore O.]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday     July 8, 1897     p. 2

An infant child [Theodore O.] of Chas. [Dodd] Roush, near Siam, died Friday evening, and was buried Saturday from the M. E. Church at Siam.

[Roush, Theodore O.]

Hopkins Journal

Thursday     July 8, 1897

The little 15-months old son of Charley Roush died last Friday with the measles and was buried Saturday. He was a bright child and the parents have the sympathy of a wide circle of friends in their great bereavement.

[ROUSH, THEODORE O.]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, July 8, 1897
An infant child of Chas. Rush [Roush], near Siam, died Friday evening and was buried Saturday from the M. E. Church at Siam.

[ROUSH, THEODORE O.]
Clarinda Journal (Clarinda, Iowa), Friday, July 9, 1897
SIAM – Died, July 2, a little child of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Roush. The little one was 1 year, 5 months and 13 days old. We well know the little one had a good father and a kind and loving mother and if it had lived would have had a good home, but instead of all this the dear little one will have a much better home at God's right hand on high. The funeral sermon was preached by Rev. John Horton of this place and the remains were laid away in the Siam cemetery.