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

[Wysong, William Andrew]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday    October 3, 1895    p. 3

William Wysong Dead

After A Long and Honorable Life He Passed Away Aged 68

William A. [ndrew] Wysong, one of the pioneer settlers of Taylor County, died at his home in Bedford, at 3 o'clock a.m. Sunday, Sept. 27th, 1895, aged 68 years, 7 months and 2 days.

The deceased had been an invalid for several months and more than once it was thought that he could live only a few hours, but like the true pioneer, he stood firm on the threshold of eternity and battled bravely for life.  On last Sunday morning the end came, and peacefully his spirit took its flight for a brighter and better world.

William Wysong was a native of Virginia, 1827 being his natal year.  Later in life he became a resident of Indiana and later of Coles County, Ill.  In 1855 he came to Taylor County and pre-empted 160 acres of land 11 miles northeast of Bedford.  The government title to this quarter section remained with Mr. Wysong to the day of his death, which well illustrates his good business judgment.  He was fond of hunters' sports and few men got more pleasure out of life than himself.  Elder Wm. Cobb conducted the funeral from the residence and the remains were interred at old Lexington, beside that of Mr. Wysong's wife [Eliza Webb], who died on the 19th day of December 1893.  Three sons and two daughters survive the deceased.

"Uncle Billy," as every one familiarly called him, had a large circle of warm friends who cherish his memory.

[Wysong, Elza G.]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    October 15, 1953    [p. 1]

Elza Wysong Dies In Oklahoma City

Elza G. Wysong, 82, retired Oklahoma City jeweler and former Bedford resident, died recently at his home in Oklahoma City of a heart condition.  He had been seriously ill several months.  Last rites were held in Oklahoma City and burial was in Memorial Park cemetery there.

Wysong was a native of Bedford, moving to Oklahoma in 1917.  For 26 years he was associated with the Hartwell Jewelry Co. there, retiring shortly before World War II.  During the war he was called out of retirement to serve as [word unreadable] on precision type instruments with the air force at Tinker field.

He was a member of the First Christian Church and of the Masonic lodge.

Survivors include his wife, Mary [Neal], of the home; a daughter, Mrs. Fred M. Mock [Bernice]; and a grandson, Fred Mock, Jr., of Oklahoma City.

[WYSONG, ELZA GRANT]
Daily Oklahoman (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma), Thursday, September 24, 1953, p. 3
Elzia Grant Wysong – Rites will be at 2 p. m. Thursday in the Guardian funeral chapel for Elzia Grant Wysong, 82, retired city jeweler, who died early Tuesday in his home at 1219 N Klein. Burial will be in Memorial Park cemetery.
Wysong was born in Bedford, Iowa, and came to Oklahoma City in 1917. He was associated with the Hartwell Jewelry Co. here for 26 years, retiring shortly before World War II. He was a Mason and a member of the First Christian church.

[Wysong, Carolyn Elizabeth "Lizzie" Rhinehart]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday   March 19, 1953    [p. 1]

Mrs. Frank Wysong Dies In Oklahoma

Rites for Mrs. [Carolyn] Elizabeth [Rhinehart] Wysong, 81, were held in Oklahoma City, Thursday, March 12.  Burial was in Rose Hill Cemetery there.

Mrs. Wysong died of a heart attack in her home Tuesday night, March 10.

Mrs. Wysong had lived in Oklahoma City since 1910, when she went there from Bedford, her birthplace.  She was a member of the First Christian Church and was active at one time in the Royal Neighbors and Rebekah lodge.

In 1944, Mrs. Wysong and her husband, Frank E. [dgar] Wysong, retired employee of the Oklahoma Railway Co., celebrated their Golden Wedding anniversary.

Besides her husband she is survived by a son, Clark B. Wysong; a daughter, Mrs. E. [dward] F. [ranklin] Bouse [Beulah Gail], both of Oklahoma City; two sisters, Mrs. Ida Smith of Walters, Okla., and Mrs. Evelyn Jefferson of Oklahoma City; and a brother, B. E. Rhinehart of Anamosa, Iowa.

[Wysong, Frank Edgar]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    January 17, 1957    [p. 1]

Frank E. Wysong Dies In Oklahoma

Frank E. [dgar] Wysong, a former resident of Bedford and Taylor County, died in his sleep early Tuesday morning, January 15, at his home in Oklahoma City, according to word received by a relative, Mrs. Ralph Livingston [Edna Phon Singleton] of Bedford.

He is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Gail Bouse and her family, and by a son, Clark Wysong and his family of Oklahoma City.  Mrs. Wysong died several years ago.

Last rites are being held in Oklahoma City Friday morning and burial will also be there.

[WYSONG, FRANK EDGAR]
Daily Oklahoman (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma), Wednesday, January 16, 1957, p. 5
F. E. Wysong, Retired Tram Worker, Dies
Frank Edgar Wysong, pioneer city resident and retired veteran city streetcar motorman, died Tuesday. Wysong, 83, was stricken from a heart ailment in his home at 1510 NW 7.

Services for Wysong will be Friday at 10 a. m. in Garrison funeral home. He will be buried in Rose Hill cemetery.

Born in Bedford, Iowa, Wysong came to Oklahoma City from his native state in 1910. The following year he joined the Oklahoma Railway Co. and for the next 34 years worked as a streetcar motorman. He retired Dec. 3, 1945.

Wysong was a member of the First Christian church and formerly was active in the Odd Fellows and Modern Woodmen of America. His wife, Elizabeth, died here four years ago.

Surviving are a son, Clark B. [ennett] Wysong, 2644 NW 27 and a daughter, Mrs. E. [dward] F. [ranklin] Bouse, 3315 NW 22; four grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

[Wysong, William Harvey "Harve"]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    March 14, 1934    p. 6

Harve Wysong Dies At Veterans Home

[William Harvey] Harve Wysong, 74, brother of Charles Wysong of Bedford, died at the veterans' home at Leavenworth, Kans., Saturday.  The funeral services were held at the home Monday.

Wysong was a veteran of the Spanish-American war, enlisting at Bedford, his former home, with Company I, 51st Iowa.  He had been living at the home since 1912.

Charles Wysong, who had been spending the winter with his son, Frank Wysong at Oklahoma City, Okla., attended the funeral services, and accompanied by Frank Wysong, came to Bedford Monday evening.

[WYSONG, WILLIAM HARVEY]
Bedford Times-Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, March 15, 1934, p. 5
Miss Edna Payne, who had been spending the winter at Neosho, Mo., with Mrs. Bess Griffith, arrived in Bedford Monday evening.  Enroute home she attended the funeral of Harve Wysong, at Leavenworth, Kans., accompanying Frank Wysong of Oklahoma City and C. [harles] B. Wysong to Bedford.

Elza Wysong of Oklahoma City, who attended the funeral of his brother at Leavenworth, Kans., spent Tuesday in Bedford at the home of his sister, Mrs. C. C. Singleton. Mrs. Wysong stopped at Pickering for a visit with relatives.

[Wysong, Martha "Mattie" Butts]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday   March 4, 1954    [p. 1]

Mattie Wysong Dies In Denver

Mattie Wysong died Feb. 17, 1954 in Denver, Colo.  She was the wife of Harve Wysong and mother of Leslie who were all long time residents of Taylor County.

Death was due to the usual complications of old age.

In past years there were many Wysongs in the Bedford area and no doubt a large number of old timers will recall both Mattie and Harve.

Leslie, their only child, has been with the Alexander Film Company in charge of the eastern office in New York City for the past decade.

Funeral services were held in Denver and the body brought to St. Joseph, Mo., for burial.

[Wysong, Amy Marshall]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday    October 15, 1925    [p. 1]

Mrs. Chas. Wysong Passed Away Sunday

Mrs. Chas. Wysong passed away at her home east of Bedford Sunday morning, October 11th, at 8: 45, aged 74 years, 9 months and 7 days.  She and her husband moved to their farm home in March 1875 and her wish was granted that she be permitted to die where she had spent fifty years of her life.

Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon, from the Christian Church, Rev. Fletcher of the Baptist church officiating.  Music was furnished by the Baptist choir.  Interment was given in Fairview cemetery.

The attendance of friends and relatives at the funeral was one of the largest ever seen here, showing the high esteem in which she was held by the people of the community in which she had lived so many years.

Amy J. Marshall, daughter of William and Amanda [Burr] Marshall, was born in Fulton County, Ill., January 4, 1851.  She resided there with her parents until 1867 when they moved to Brunswick, Mo.  They resided there until 1869, then moved to Taylor County, Iowa, locating on a farm near Gravity.

She was united in marriage to Charles [Benjamin] Wysong January 1, 1873, and to them were born two sons, Frank E. [dgar] of Oklahoma City, and Harry Elmer, who died July 25, 1905.  She is survived by her husband, son Frank and three grandchildren, Glen, who resides with his grandfather, Mrs. Gail Bouse and Clark B. Wysong of Oklahoma City and two great grandchildren.

Mr. and Mrs. Wysong also raised their nephew, Leslie B. Wood of Ottumwa, Iowa.  She also leaves to mourn her going, her brother, Frank Marshall of Bedford and two sisters, Mrs. S. [ylvester] Bothel [Florence Josephine] of Denver, Colo., and Mrs. A. [lfred] N.[elson] Longfellow [Salome Ophelia] , who has been with her and ministered to her in her last illness.  Numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

Mrs. Wysong united with the Christian Church in early womanhood and she has lived a model Christian life, giving her time and strength to help friends and neighbors, whenever and wherever needed.

 [O'Dougherty, Peter]                     [Bradley, Granville Monroe "Roe"]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday    January 28, 1926    [p. 1]

Death Visits Two Homes Here Today

This morning at eight o'clock, Peter O'Dougherty, 80 years of age, died at his home in south Bedford.  He had been in very poor health for several weeks.  Funeral arrangements have not been announced yet.

This afternoon Roe Bradley [Granville Monroe] passed away, after several weeks illness and then a stroke a few days ago.

Obituaries will be published next week.

[Bradley, Granville Monroe "Roe"]

Times-Republican

Thursday    February 4, 1926    [p. 8]

Granville Monroe Bradley

Granville Monroe Bradley was born March 8, 1849, in Platte County, Mo., and died at his home in Bedford, Ia., Jan. 28, 1926.  He united with the church at Cameron in very early manhood.  He had been a very consistent worker in the church all his life.  In 1866 he was married to Sarah Jones and to this union was born one son who died in infancy.  Mr. and Mrs. Bradley moved to Iowa in 1870 and have lived practically their entire life in Taylor County.  He leaves a wife and two brothers and two sisters to mourn his demise.  Two brothers passed to the great beyond before him.  He also leaves many nephews and nieces and a multitude of friends to miss his genial presence.

[Bradley, Sarah Jones]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday    March 18, 1926    [p. 1]

Mrs. Roe Bradley Passed Away

End Came Very Unexpectedly.  Found In Bed by Nephew R. E. Bradley

Mrs. Sarah [Jones] Bradley died very suddenly at her home here early Wednesday morning of this week.  The funeral will be held tomorrow, Friday at 2 p.m., at the Christian Church, in charge of the minister, Rev. Coley.  Interment in the Bedford mausoleum.

Mrs. Bradley was found dead in her bed early Wednesday morning, by her nephew, R. E. Bradley.  Mr. Bradley and his wife had visited her at her home the night before, leaving the house about 11 o'clock.  She said she had the flu but apparently was not feeling very badly.  Mr. Bradley fixed the furnace fire for her and urged her to call them during the night if she got to feeling worse.

He stopped at her home the following morning, was unable to get in or rouse her, so suspected that she must be much worse or dead and called some of the neighbors, and together they forced open a window.  Physicians called stated she had been dead since early morning and that heart trouble had been the cause.

She was 77 years of age and had been living alone since the death of her husband, Roe Bradley, a few weeks ago.

[Ridgeway, George]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday    March 18, 1926    [p. 1]

Former Bedford Man Died At Pocatello

George Ridgeway, a former Bedford resident, died March 3rd, at his home in Pocatello, Idaho.  He owned the lumberyard here now known as the Ideal Lumber Yard, and Milton Allen was his partner for a time.  Mr. Ridgeway and his family left here about nineteen years ago for their present home in the west.

Following is an item taken from the Pocatello paper relative to his death:

In the death of George Ridgeway Pocatello lost one of its finest and most beloved citizens.  During his nineteen years of residence in Pocatello he played a prominent part in every phase of community life.  He stood for those things which have made Pocatello a home city and he never failed in his support of the institutions which are working for the betterment and welfare of the community.

Mr. Ridgeway, who was 56, was born in Kirksville, Mo., and has been a resident of Pocatello for nineteen years.  He was treasurer of the Geri State Lumber Company, and had been a member of the official board of directors of the Y. M. C. A.   He was an indefatigable worker for the Y. M. C. A. and rendered valuable service as chairman of the finance committee of the board of directors.  He also served on the school board and on the city council.

Mr. Ridgeway was prominent in Masonic circles and was a past master of the Masonic lodge at Kirksville, Mo.  He was a member of Portneuf lodge No. 18, A. F. and A. M., Pocatello chapter No. 6, R. A. M., Bannock council No. 2, Gate City Commandery No. 4, Knights Templar, and a member of El Korah temple, Mystic Shrine of Boise.  He was also a member of the Woodmen of the World.

He is survived by his wife and two children, Lamar and Kenneth, and by two sisters, Mrs. Charlotte Hendrie of McMinnville, Ore. and Mrs. Mary Nichols of Exeter, Calif., and a brother, Arthur Ridgeway, who is connected with the high school at Bolder, Colorado, who has been in Pocatello the past ten days.

[Rogers, Reid McKinley]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday   October 31 1974    p. 11

Reid M. Rogers, 84, Final Rites Held October 22

Funeral services for Reid M. Rogers, 84, of Bedford, were held October 22 at Shum-Novinger Funeral Home here, conducted by Rev. C. Ray McCain.

Mr. Rogers died October 19, 1974, at Colonial Manor Nursing Home in Bedford.  Interment was at Fairview Cemetery.

Reid McKinley Rogers, son of David R. and Ella C. Gamel Rogers, was born at Bedford, Iowa, September 9, 1890.

He was reared in Taylor Co., and grew to maturity in Ross Township, where he attended public school.

On January 25, 1914, he was united in marriage to Garland Bevans of Bedford, and they lived their entire lives on the farm where he was born.

To this union two children were born:  Troy and Delbert.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a half-brother, and a sister.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Garland, two sons and their wives, Troy and Pauline, Delbert and Helen; two granddaughters, Mary Lou and Jeanne.

He was a loyal member of the Christian Church.

A kind and considerate husband, father and grandfather.    A man who brightened your day when you talked to him, even when he was in poor health.  He will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.

[Larison, George]

Times-Republican

Thursday    June 26, 1913

Obituary

George Larison

George Larison died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. John H. [oward] Roe [Mary Jane], Sunday, June 22, aged 83 years, 10 months and 13 days.  The funeral services were held at the Baptist church Tuesday afternoon conducted by Dr. J. W. Neyman, assisted by Elder Mart Gary Smith and Rev. W. B. Thompson.  The interment was made in the Bedford cemetery.

George Larison was born in Shelby County, Indiana, August 11, 1829.  January 24, 1850, he was united in marriage to Eliza J. [ane] Hasbrook [Holbrook] and to this union were born ten children, six of whom survive.  Mr. Larison came to Taylor County 56 years ago, first living in Benton Township, later moving to Jackson Township, where he lived until he retired from active work, when he moved to Bedford, where he has since resided.  In early life he united with the Baptist church and has always lived a devoted Christian life.

[Larison, George]

Bedford Free Press

Tuesday    June 24, 1913

Obituary

George Larison

Death has claimed another of our old and highly respected citizens in the person of Uncle George Larison, who died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. J. [ohn] H.[oward] Roe [Mary Jane], Sunday afternoon.

Deceased came to Taylor County 56 years ago, first living west of town in Benton Township, later moving to Jackson Township, where he lived until retiring from active work, when he removed to Bedford, where he has since resided.  Few men have led such blameless lives as Uncle George, as he was called by every one, and his friends were numbered by his acquaintances.

George Larison was born in Shelby County, Indiana, August 11, 1829, and died in Bedford, Ia., June 22, 1913, at 2 p. m.

January 24, 1850, he was united in marriage with Miss Eliza J. [ane] Hasbrook [Holbrook] and to this union were born ten children, six sons and four daughters, one dying in infancy.  The remaining nine grew to manhood and womanhood here in the county and six of them survive him.

The wife and mother died six years ago and since her death he has made his home with his children.   He came from Indiana to Taylor County in 1857 and has since resided here.

In early life he united with the First Baptist church and has always lived a consistent Christian life.

Funeral services will be held this afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Baptist church, conducted by Rev. Neyman, assisted by Elder Mart Gary Smith and Rev. William B. Thompson.  Interment in the Bedford cemetery.

[Meek, Anna Turner]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday    March 4, 1909    [p. 1]

Funeral of Mrs. H. A. Meek

The remains of Mrs. H. [arry] A. [lexander] Meek [Anna Turner], arrived here from Colorado Springs, Colo., on Thursday last, accompanied by her husband, who had been with her during her last illness.  Details of her life and death were mentioned in these columns last week.

The funeral was held from the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jeff [William Jefferson] Turner [Nancy Jane Little], on Saturday forenoon at 10 o'clock, conducted by Rev. McMasters, who offered words of comfort to the bereaved relatives.  The beautiful floral offerings bore mute testimony to the high regard in which the deceased was held by so many.  The burial was in Fairview cemetery.

The relatives from out of town attending were Mr. and Mrs. Geo. L. Turner and Mr. John Turner, Broken Bow, Neb.; Mrs. A. [lexander] S. [cott] Meek [Mary Elizabeth Abbott], Washington, Iowa; Mrs. L. [ewis] J. Parrish [Ella Meek], Creston, Iowa.

[Meek, Harry Alexander]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday    May 16, 1912    [p. 1]

Died In Creston Hospital

Bedford people were saddened Monday evening on learning that Harry A.[lexander] Meek had died at the hospital at Creston, following an operation for appendicitis on Saturday evening.  Last winter he had a serious sickness, but he rallied and was apparently getting along nicely, being at his place of business regularly.  When he closed the cafe Monday evening, however, he remarked that he was not feeling very well.  Tuesday morning about 2 o'clock he aroused his parents who were living with him, and complained of severe pains.  Medical aid was summoned but no improvement was noted in his condition.  It was then decided to take him to Creston, which was done Saturday noon and it was found an operation was imperative.  This was performed at six o'clock that evening, with but slight hopes of recovery.  Monday, however, he seemed somewhat improved and his father came back to Bedford encouraged.  At about 3:30 that evening he received the sad message that Harry had passed away and he returned that night to Creston.  His mother and sister, Mrs. L. [ewis] J. Parrish [Ella], and his brother-in-law, Geo. L. Turner of Broken Bow, Nebr., were with him during his last moments.

Harry, as he was known to everyone, was of a bright, genial disposition, true to a friend, kind to the poor and distressed and always ready to help, even beyond his means, the needy.  He was blessed with good parents and his mother's whole life's interests were entertained with the welfare of her boy.  Her daily prayers and constant thoughts were with and for him, and in return Harry repaid her with a life of devotion, love, and care.  You could always depend on being met with a smile from him, even when suffering the most.  Since the loss of his wife some three years ago the greater part of life's happiness had fled for him but he nevertheless always attempted to be cheerful and courageous.

Harry Alexander Meek was born on a farm near Bedford, November 25, 1873, and died at Creston, Iowa, May 13, 1912.  His parents moved to Bedford when he was less than a year old and this has been his home since.  His father conducted a jewelry store here and after attending the public schools he learned the jeweler's trade.  Later he purchased a drug store, which he conducted for several years, and for the past seven years he has conducted the Oxford Cafe, where he was a general favorite with all whom he met.

He was united in marriage to Miss Anna Turner, his boyhood sweetheart, in 1898.  They lived happily together until death summoned her three years ago.  The greater part of the time since, he has made his home with his parents.

The remains arrived in Bedford Tuesday afternoon and were met at the station by a large number of his boyhood friends.  His parents, Mr. and Mrs. A.[lexander] S. [cott] Meek, his sister, Mrs. L. [ewis] J. Parrish [Ella] and her daughter, Miss Beulah, of Creston, and his brother-in-law, Geo. L. Turner, of Broken Bow, Nebr., accompanied the remains.  They were taken to the home, where on Wednesday afternoon at 4 o'clock the funeral services were held, conducted by Rev. Wm. B. Thompson, assisted by Rev. J. A. Currie and interment was by the side of his wife in Fairview cemetery.

[Meek, Alexander Scott]

Times-Republican

Thursday    October 30, 1913    [p. 1]

A. S. Meek Dies In Washington

More than Thirty Years A Resident of Taylor County---In Business In Bedford

Returns To Old Home To Die

Had Been Ill About a Month As A Result of Blood Poisoning---One Daughter Survives

Alexander S. Meek, for more than thirty years a resident of Taylor County, died at his home in Washington, Iowa, Wednesday morning.  He lived on a farm for a few years, and later was engaged in the jewelry business in Bedford.  About a year ago he returned to Bedford to reside for a time after a few years' absence, and after the death of his son, H. [arry] A. [lexander] Meek, returned to Washington County, his former home.  The following is from the Washington Journal of Wednesday:

Alexander Scott Meek, a member of one of the best known pioneer families in this community and himself a resident of Washington for many years, died this morning at his home, 303 North Avenue B, after an illness of about four weeks, as an indirect result of blood poisoning.  Four weeks age he had a slight injury to one hand and poisoning developed.   Mr. Meek apparently recovered from that illness but was in a poor state of health as a result, and a cold contracted recently assumed alarming proportions and resulted in his death this morning.

Mr. Meek was seventy-four years and five months of age.  He was born in Carroll County, Ohio, on May 30, 1839, and was a son of Joseph M. [cCombs] Meek and Eliza Scott Meek, who came to this county sixty-four years ago.   Mr. Meek grew to manhood here and in 1862 he went to Clarinda, where he was married to Mary Elizabeth Abbott, on July 12, 1863.  They lived in Clarinda for six years and then moved to Taylor County, and after five years went to Bedford, where the home was for twenty-seven years.  Twelve years ago Mr. and Mrs. Meek came to Washington and have lived here since.

To them were born four children, of whom three are dead.  The one living is a daughter, Mrs. L. [ewis] J. Parrish [Ella] of Creston.  Two grandchildren of Mr. Meek are also living, Beula Canfield of Swink, Col., and Georgia Parrish of Creston.  Besides the widow there are surviving the following brothers and sisters of Mr. Meek:  Mrs. A. [lexander] M. Trimble [Caroline], of Chariton, Mrs. Louisa J. Arthaud of Washington, Louis Meek, of Washington, Mrs. Sarah M.[alissa] Gardner of Ainsworth, Marcellus R. Meek of Washington, Mrs. Ella Cherry of Washington.

Mr. Meek was a member of the local Methodist church and was a man who enjoyed the highest degree of respect and confidence of his neighbors and acquaintances.  The body will be taken to Clarinda for burial.  A short service will be held here tomorrow afternoon at 3:30 at the residence.