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

[Stewart, Samuel Oscar]

Bedford Times-Republican

Tuesday    February 14, 1922

Sam Stewart Dead

Sam [uel Oscar] Stewart, who for the past week has been very low with smallpox, died at his home at 2:30 yesterday afternoon.  While his death has been expected yet when the news was given out that he had passed away it cast a gloom over the entire city.  The widow and relatives have the heartfelt sympathy of all who know them, in the hour of their great sorrow.

[Stewart, Samuel Oscar]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday    March 9, 1922    [p. 1]

Memorial for Sam Stewart.

Announcement is being made this week in the Methodist church of a memorial service to be held at the church next Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock for Sam Stewart, who died here recently from smallpox.

[Stewart, Samuel Oscar]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday    March 9, 1922

Memorial Services

Next Sunday at 2 o'clock in the M. E. church, memorial services for the late Sam Stewart, who died with smallpox, will be held. Mr. Stewart was one of the unfortunate ones who died with the dreaded disease, and was laid away without even his closest friends being permitted to attend the funeral. He was a man who had many friends and we are satisfied that the church next Sunday will be filled to its capacity, and should be. Rev. Gable will have charge of the services. Remember the time, 2 o'clock.

[Stewart, Samuel Oscar]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday    March 16, 1922    p. 5

Obituary—Samuel O. Stewart

Samuel Oscar Stewart was born March 6th 1869 in Jackson Township this county. He was one of a family of ten children and lived on the farm with the family until he was a man grown and then a little more than twenty years ago moved to Bedford where he had since made his home.

He was married to Emma Dickerson, January 7th, 1902 and thus began a very happy and congenial married life.

With his good wife he joined the Methodist church some years ago and has been a loyal and devoted member of the same.

Honest and upright in all his dealings with his fellow men, cheerful and happy in disposition, willing and ready to aid and assist in every worthy cause, Brother Sam Stewart was a man we sorely miss in our community and church life.

Being employed in the Stephens-Taylor hardware store, he came into contact with the dread disease, smallpox, and though he made a gallant struggle for life, he could not hold out against the grim destroyer and died February 13th, 1922.

He was attended during his last illness by his devoted wife and a trained nurse who ministered to his every need.

Thus in the prime of life, one of our best citizens has been called to the great home gathering across the dividing line of time and eternity. We sorrow today with those who mourn and yet with a consciousness of the goodness and mercy of God and remembering his splendid Christian character, we are constrained to say that all is well.

Besides his wife, he leaves one brother, J. [ohn] W. [illiam] Stewart of Jackson Township and one sister, Mrs. Anna Wright of Hemingford, Nebraska.

[Note:  The same obituary was published in the Bedford Times-Republican, March 14, 1922.]

[Stewart, John William]

Bedford Times-Republican

Tuesday    December 4, 1923    [p. 1]

John Stewart Dies

Word was received announcing the death of John [William] Stewart at the home of his daughter in Reinbeck, Iowa, yesterday morning, and stating that the body would arrive by way of Blockton this afternoon and that the funeral would be held at the Baptist church tomorrow (Wednesday), after which the body will be interred in Fairview cemetery.

[Stewart, John William]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday    December 6, 1923    p. 5

John W. Stewart Dead.

John William Stewart, a former resident of this community and a brother of the late Sam Stewart who died here a year or so ago during the small pox epidemic, died at the home of his daughter in Reinbeck, Iowa, Monday, December 3rd and was buried here Wednesday, December 5th. The funeral was held at the Baptist church at 2 o'clock with Rev. Fletcher in charge. Interment was in the Fairview cemetery.

Mr. Stewart and his wife had been living for a number of years in Taylor county until about a year ago when they moved to Cedar Falls, Ia., to be near their children living there. Last May he was stricken with paralysis and since that time had been bedfast. About a week before his death, he and his wife moved to their daughter's home in Reinbeck, where on December 3rd, he had rounded out 70 years, 3 months and 22 days, when death came and opened the doors and let his soul pass to that Better World where he will await those he loved here.

He was born in Knox County, Ill., on August 11, 1853. When ten years of age he came to Iowa and Taylor County with his parents. He was married to Miss Elvira [Catherine] Larison in 1885 and to them three children were born, Della Mae, Carrie Leota and Georgia Rowena. He leaves to mourn his loss, his wife, two daughters, Mrs. Carrie Weir of Cedar Falls, Iowa, and Mrs. Georgia Runft of Reinbeck, two grandchildren and a sister, Mrs. Anna Wright of Hemingford, Nebr.

About 20 years ago he united with the Baptist church of Bedford and retained his membership here until last spring when he took his letter to the church at Cedar Falls.

[Stewart, John William]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday    December 6, 1923    p. 5

Obituary

John William Stewart was born in Knox County, Ill., Aug. 11, 1853, and died Dec. 3, 1923, aged 70 years, 3 months and 22 days. He moved to Taylor County, Ia., with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. E. [lias] V. Stewart [Isabella Stewart], when ten years of age.

He was married to Miss Elvira [Catherine] Larison, Feb. 24, 1885. Three children were born to this union, Della Mae, Carrie Leota and Georgia Rowena. Della Mae Walker, wife of Roy Walker, preceded him in death on Dec. 22, 1918, at her home in Bedford. The living relatives are [the] wife and two daughters, Mrs. Carrie Wier [Weir] of Cedar Falls, Mrs. Georgia Runft of Reinbeck; two grandchildren, Orin, the son of Della, [Arthur] Junior the son of Georgia; and one sister, Mrs. Anna Wright of Hemingford, Nebr., who was unable to be present.

Mr. and Mrs. Stewart lived in Taylor County until about a year ago when they moved to Cedar Falls to spend their remaining years near their children. Mr. Stewart was stricken with a paralytic stroke on May 6 and remained bedfast until death, always patient and appreciative of what was being done for him.

About a week ago they moved, he and Mrs. Stewart, to their daughter's home at Reinbeck, in order to give them both better care through the winter, not knowing the end was so near for the Father. He united with the Baptist church at this place about 20 years ago, always remaining in that faith. When he moved to Cedar Falls he took his letter and went into the church at that place.

[Johnston, Henry Pearl]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday    June 9, 1921    p. 5

Obituary—Pearl Johnston.

[Henry] Pearl Johnston was born in Taylor County Iowa September 23, 1873 and departed this life at his home near Gaynor, Mo., June 3, 1921 at the age of 49 years.

He had always lived in and near Bedford, being well known in this community. On February 9, 1898 he was married to Cina [Jane] Dickerson and two children were sent to bless the home, Mrs. Carol McKee and Walter Johnston, both of whom were present at the funeral. He united with the Methodist church in 1905 and had always been a faithful and consistent Christian. Besides the wife and children he leaves to mourn his loss, three brothers, Charles M. [ilton] of Bedford, Willis [Long] of Hydro, Okla. and James E. of Alamosa, Colo. In the passing away of M. [Henry Pearl] Johnston, the family has lost a kind and indulgent father, the church a willing worker and the community a good neighbor and friend. He had been sick for several months and during all that time, never uttered a complaining word to any near him.

The funeral services were conducted Monday by Rev. Gable of the Methodist church here and interment made in the Bedford cemetery.

[Wilson, John Robert]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday    March 16, 1922    p. 5

Obituary — John Wilson.

John Robert Wilson was born in Taylor County, Iowa, Dec. 12, 1859, and died at his home in Clarinda, Iowa, March 3, 1922, aged 62 years, 2 months and 19 days.

He was married to Mary C. [Kathryn] Kinhart, and to this union were born four children: J. [oseph] H. [enry] Wilson of Houston, Texas; M. [elvin] W. [esley] Wilson of Kimball, Neb.; Mrs. Grace [Mabel] Whitecotton of Bashaw, [Alberta], Canada; Mrs. Maude [Louise] Pace of Bedford, Iowa. These children and 7 grandchildren are left to mourn the loss of a father and grandfather.

His wife, mother and father and one brother and one sister have preceded him to the better world. The cause of his death was stomach trouble.

The services were held at the Bedford cemetery, Tuesday, March 7, conducted by Rev. Fletcher. He was laid to rest by the side of his companion in the Bedford cemetery.

Mr. Wilson made his home in Bedford for many years and will be remembered here by many of the older residents.

[Wilson, Mary Kathryn Kinhart]

Bedford Free Press

Wednesday    June 24, 1919    p. 4

Obituary—Wilson.

Mary Kathryn Kinhart was born April 16th, 1860, departed this life from her home in Bedford, Iowa, Saturday June 21st, 1919 at 4:45 a. m.

Deceased grew to womanhood at Clayton, Ill. and came to Bedford in early womanhood Here she became the wife of Mr. J. [ohn] H. [Robert] Wilson in 1884. Soon afterward they went to Minnesota to live, returning later to Bedford where deceased has since lived and where her family of four children were reared.

These are Joseph Henry Wilson, Houston Tex., Melvin Wesley Wilson, Kimball, Neb., Mrs. Grace Mabel Whitecotton, Ponoka, [Alberta] Canada, and Mrs. Maude Louise Pace, residing eight miles south of Bedford.

Other immediate members of the family of the deceased are three grandchildren, two sisters, Mrs. Elizabeth Kennedy, Ashland, Neb., and Mrs. Emma Paxton, Rox [bury], Maryland and a brother John Kinhart, Clayton, Ill.

Deceased was converted under the preachings of the Rev. "Billy" Sunday at the time of union meetings conducted at the Presbyterian Church house in Bedford in 1902. She came into the fellowship of this Baptist church and was baptized by the pastor Rev. D. W. Griffith and remained within its membership to the time of her decease.

The death of this citizen of Bedford comes as a surprise to most of us, as Mrs. Wilson was in fairly normal or usual health till a few days past when she became victim of a slight accident, which wound rapidly developed blood-poisoning and this citizen, mother, neighbor, friend, hastened from familiar scenes of earth to answer the summons, so arbitrary in its dealings, so saddening in its results, and so cosmopolitan in the personnel of its recruits.

In the sadness of this hour may all hearts be cheered by the presence of her Saviour of the past seventeen years, as He waits to say to you, "I am the Resurrection and the Life; he that believeth in me, tho he were dead, yet shall he live.Ó

Funeral services were held at the Baptist church Monday afternoon at 2:30 conducted by Rev. C. C. Hatcher.  Interment in Bedford cemetery.

                                                              Rev. C. C. Hatcher

[Wilson, Mary Kathryn Kinhart]

Bedford Free Press

Wednesday    June 24, 1919    [p. 1]

Attends Mother's Funeral

Mr. and Mrs. [Joseph] Henry Wilson and child arrived Sunday evening from Houston, Texas to attend the funeral of the formerŐs mother, Mrs. Mary [Kathryn Kinhart] Wilson, held Tuesday afternoon. Mr. Wilson is proprietor of a large auto repair business at Houston.

[Kettle, Henry Allen]

Clearfield Chronicle

Thursday    August 7, 1969    p. 7

Henry Kettle of Blockton Dies

Funeral services for Henry Allen Kettle were held Thursday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from the United Methodist Church in Blockton, conducted by the Rev. Clarence Landis.

Burial was in the Rose Hill Cemetery at Blockton.

Mr. Kettle, a resident of Blockton, died July 29, in the Ringgold County Hospital at the age of 88 years.

He is survived by his widow Myrtle; two sons, Byron [Levi] of Blockton and Dale [Henry] of Waverly, Nebr; four daughters, Mrs. Lyle Fuller [Mildred] and Mrs. Merrit Willhite [Marjorie] of Grant City, Mo.; Mrs. Mabel Smith of Springfield, Mo. and Mrs. Wayne Haidsiak [Jean] of Clearfield; nine grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

[Kettle, Henry Allen]

Clearfield Chronicle

August 14, 1969    p. 11

Henry Allen Kettle

Henry Allen Kettle, son of William Byron and Lucy Gilfillan Kettle, was born near Chillicothe, Illinois, on December 15, 1880.

He passed away Tuesday morning, July 29, 1969 in the Ringgold County Hospital in Mt. Ayr, Iowa after a lingering illness. He had attained the age of 88 years, 7 months and 14 days.

While a young man he spent several years in Northwestern Iowa. He returned to Illinois and started farming, living with his mother and grandfather.

On September 8, 1909, he was united in marriage to Miss Myrtle Bean and this coming September they would have observed their 60th Wedding Anniversary.

To this union were born 2 sons: Byron Levi Kettle of Blockton, Iowa and Dale Henry Kettle, now of Waverly, Nebraska and four daughters, Mrs. Mildred Fuller and Mrs. Marjorie Willhite, both of Grant City, Missouri, Mrs. Mabel Smith of Springfield, Missouri and Mrs. Jean Haidsiak of Clearfield, Iowa. Also nine grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren.

Most of his life was spent in farming first in Illinois and in 1921 he moved his family to Delphos, Iowa. In 1927 they moved to the Blockton vicinity until 1955 when they moved into Blockton where he resided until his death.

On January 25, 1959, when Rev. I. G. Wilkins was pastor here, in Blockton Methodist Church, Henry yielded his life to Jesus Christ in faith and became a member of the Blockton United Methodist Church.

Henry was born close to nature and he remained close nature until the very last. His pride and joy, next to his family, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, was his large garden. His hands together with his mind were always active. He made many a piece of furniture which are found in our homes, along with many other knickknacks; He also wrote a large number of inspiring and challenging poems and articles, which could fill a good sized book.

He was a gentle affectionate and generous father and husband.

We shall always cherish in our memories the warm greeting and pleasant smile along with his ever active life of service to his god, his family and numerous neighbors and friends.

The funeral services were held on Thursday, July 31, 1969, at 2:30 p. m. in the Blockton United Methodist Church, Blockton, Iowa with Rev. Clarence H. Landis officiating and Rev. George W. Swan, pastor of the Blockton Christian Church, assisting.

Special music was provided by Mrs. Edgar Meek and Mrs. Donald Weaver with Miss Susan Clayton accompanying on the piano.

Burial was in the Rose Hill Cemetery, Blockton, Iowa.

Pallbearers were R. B. Owens, Wayne Kemery, Bert Drodake, Jack Campbell, George Hillers, and Hugh Miller.

[Kettle, Myrtle May Bean]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     June 10, 1982    p. 4

Myrtle May Kettle, 94, Final Rites Were Held June 3

Funeral services for Mrs. Henry Allen (Myrtle May) Kettle, 94, of Blockton, held June 3 in Wilson-Watson Funeral Chapel in Mount Ayr, were officiated by pastor Milt Henderson with Sam Smith assisting.

Special music was provided by Charles Cobb, Dean Cobb and Velma Walters.  Mrs. Kettle died June 1, 1982 in Ringgold County Hospital in Mount Ayr.  Interment was at Rose Hill Cemetery, Blockton, Ia.

Myrtle May Kettle was born on June 21, 1887, near Chillicothe, Ill., the daughter of Levi Bean and Mary Call Bean.  As a young woman she taught school in Illinois.

On September 8, 1909 she was united in marriage to Henry Allen Kettle.  To this union were born six children.

She became a member of the Blockton Methodist Church on Jan. 25, 1959 and was a faithful worker as long as her health permitted.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and two grandsons, Duane Kettle and Tim Willhite.

Those who survive are her sons and daughters:  Byron Levi Kettle and Mabel Smith, both of Blockton, Iowa; Mrs. Mildred Fuller and Mrs. Marjorie Willhite, both of Grant City, Mo.; Mrs. Jean Haidsiak of Clearfield, Iowa and Dale Henry Kettle of Creston, Iowa; eight grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren and one great great granddaughter.

[Horton, John William]

Clearfield Enterprise

Thursday    January 2, 1936    p. 4

J. W. Horton

John William Horton was born in Buffalo, New York, April 21, 1860, and passed away at his home one mile east of Clearfield, on December 26, 1935, aged 75 years, 8 months, 5 days.

When a boy 11 years of age, he moved with his parents to Adams County near Cromwell, Ia., where he grew to manhood.

He was united in marriage to Miss Carrie [Mae] Cunningham in June of 1880. Seven children were born to this union: —

Grace [Helen] Schroeder, Barrington, Illinois; Harry Horton, Botha, Canada; Bess [Mabel] Fisher, Gardiner, Montana; Clyde [William] Horton, Bedford; Madge Reynard, Van Wert, Ia.; Floyd Horton, Blockton; and Guy [Noble] Horton, Diagonal.

Fourteen grandchildren and four great grandchildren survive him—also two sisters, Mrs. Mary Crawford of Creston and Mrs. J. M. Williams of Des Moines.

He was converted at the age of 54 and united with the Methodist church of Clearfield during the pastorate of Rev. D. B. S. Prather. He became very active in all church activities, and in his early Christian life was appointed as a trustee of the church and faithfully performed the duties that were entrusted to his care.

For over 40 years he lived in the vicinity of Lenox and Clearfield. He was conscientious in all his dealings with his fellowmen. A kind neighbor and leaves a host of friends.

Funeral services were held on Saturday afternoon, in Clearfield Methodist church, the pastor, Rev. W. C. Henn, addressing the people. Pallbearers were E. M. Lourie, Robt. Berg, C. M. Frame, H. O. Calkin, W. E. Johns and L. H. Andrews. The singing was by a quartet, Misses Helen Abarr, Mary Swan, E. C. Heaton and Don Green. Interment was in Clearfield Cemetery.

[Horton, Guy Noble]

Clearfield Chronicle

Thursday    February 18, 1971    p. 6

Guy N. Horton Of Lenox Dies

Guy N. [oble] Horton, 65, passed away at the Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines on Tuesday of last week, following a short illness.

Mr. Horton was a resident of the Lenox Community. He had been a bus driver for the Lenox Community Schools for about 11 years.

Mr. Horton is survived by his wife, Ruth [Hansell]; a son, Charles Horton of Denver, Colorado, a granddaughter, a brother, Floyd Horton of Lenox and a sister, Mrs. Madge Reynard of Bedford.

Mr. Horton was a retired farmer.

Final rites were held in Lenox at the Bender Funeral Parlors on Friday at 2:00 P. M. with Rev. Floyd T. Newbrough officiating with burial in the Lenox cemetery.

 [Baker, John Riley]

New Market Herald

Thursday    July 3, 1930    [p. 1]

John R. Baker Died Friday Morning

End Came About Eight O'clock Without Pain or Suffering.

Mr. John R. [iley] Baker, one of the early pioneers of Taylor County, died Friday morning, June 27, 1930, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. S. [tillman] B. Aid. His death came as a surprise to many, as few realized his true condition. He was up and around as usual the day before, and only for the fact that he was each day becoming more restless and discontented, his condition seemed about the same. Only those who were with him constantly, realized that the end was drawing near.

Obituary.

John R. [iley] Baker, son of Martha E. [Locke] and Bryant H. [iggs] Baker, was born in Monroe County, Tennessee, January 20, 1847, and departed this life at the home of his daughter, Mrs. S. [tillman] B. Aid, in New Market, Iowa, June 27, 1930, being at the time of his death 83 years, 5 months and 7 days old.

His parents moved to Georgia in the spring of 1847, living there until 1850, then moved to Davis County, Iowa. They came to Taylor County in 1855, where he has since resided.

He was united in marriage with Martha M. Alvord, November 27, 1866. To this union were born four children, three of whom preceded their father in death. They were Martha E. who died Oct. 25, 1895; Mrs. Harriett L. Wisecup, Sept. 4, 1889; and Jesse A., Oct. 31, 1895. One daughter, Mrs. Elba J. [ane] Aid, survives her father. His wife, Martha M. Baker, died August 9, 1912.

Besides the daughter, he leaves to mourn his departure, three brothers: Samuel of Clarinda; Elihu M. of Gravity; and William H. of El Reno, Okla.; two grandchildren, Roy Aid and Mrs. Nellie Journey, both of New Market; seven great grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.

On May 11, 1925, he was united in marriage with Mrs. Sarah Bergan of Burlington Junction, Mo. She passed away Oct. 25, 1928.

He was a member of the Baptist church, having first united with the church at Hayden Grove in 1876. Having moved to the vicinity of New Market, he became one of the charter members of the New Market church, which was organized in 1882. He has always lived a faithful Christian.  The funeral was held at the Baptist church in New Market, Sunday, June 29, 1930, at 2:00 p. m. conducted by Rev. E. B. Osborn. Interment was made in Memory cemetery.

Relatives and friends from out of town who attended the funeral were:

Mr. and Mrs. Gail Aid and daughter and Mrs. Jessie Aid of Council Bluffs; Mr. and Mrs. Will Aid of Shenandoah: Mrs. Louisa Perry of Emmett, Calif.; Mr. and Mrs. Claire Perry of Shambaugh; Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Baker and son of Le Roy; Mr. and Mrs. Don Curry of Shambaugh; Mr. Samuel Baker, Mr. and Mrs. James and daughter and Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Morgan all of Clarinda; Mr. and Mrs. Orvie Baker, Mr. and Mrs. E. M. Baker, Mrs. Emma Wisecup and granddaughter, Mrs. Kate Alvord, Mr. and Mrs Jesse Wilson, Mr. and Mrs. Marion Wilson, and Miss Stella Alvord, all of Gravity; and Mr. and Mrs. Salyards of Lenox.

The sincere sympathy of the community is extended to the bereaved relatives in their sorrow.

[Robbins, Chauncey R.]

Clearfield Enterprise

Thursday    September 30, 1937    p. 2

Mr. Chauncey R. Robbins, who was for much of the summer very ill here at the home of his daughter, Mrs. G. [eorge] W. [illiam] Fawcett [Etta], died on Sunday at the Fawcett home in Clarinda.  Funeral was on Tuesday at New Market.  Mr. Robbins was 80 years, 9 months, and 10 days old at time of death.

[Robbins, Chauncey R.]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    September 30, 1937    p. 3

NEW MARKET

C. R. ROBBINS DIES

Was Rural Mail Carrier at New Market 12 Years

C. [hauncey] R. Robbins, a rural mail carrier out of New Market for 12 years, died Sunday afternoon, Sept. 26, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. George Fawcett [Etta] in Clarinda, at the age of 80 years, 9 months and  16 days.

Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at the Walter Prather home in New Market, conducted by Rev. C. K. Shackleford.

Chauncey R. Robbins was born Dec. 16, 1856 at Morrison, Ill. In 1875 he went to Atlantic, Iowa where three years later he was married to Mary Ellen Smith. In 1896 they moved to Taylor County to their own farm adjoining New Market. To this union were born eight children, three of whom have passed on; also his wife who died in 1930.

About a year ago, Chauncey, as everyone called him, noticed his health was failing so he divided his time staying at the homes of his two daughters, Mrs. George Fawcett [Etta] and Mrs. Warren Baker [Leona Pearl].

He is survived by five daughters, sixteen   grandchildren   and four great grandchildren.

[Fawcett, Elizabeth Ann Pedley]

New Market Herald

Thursday    July 13, 1922    p. 3

Geo. [William] Fawcett and family were called to Sharpsburg Tuesday by the serious illness of his mother [Elizabeth Ann Pedley]. But his mother passed away before they arrived. She has been very low for some time and has been unconscious since Sunday.