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

[Brouse, James]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    July 11, 1974    [p. 1]

Hitchhiker Dies In Two Vehicle Crash Near Bedford

A Lincoln, Nebr, man was killed July 3 at 6:50 p.m. while hitchhiking along Iowa 2 five miles east of Bedford.

State Trooper David Dudley of Bedford identified the victim as James Brouse, 24.

Dudley said a pickup driven by Richard Brown, Thayer, Ia., was eastbound and stopped on a curve on the traveled portion of the highway to pick up Brouse.

A pickup driven by Dan Ray Ware, Shenandoah, Ia., was westbound. Ware told authorities that as he rounded the curve he saw Brouse step onto the highway. Ware swerved his vehicle in an effort to miss both the hitchhiker and the other truck, but struck the Brown's pickup head on, knocking it into Brouse.

Brouse was dead on arrival at the Clarinda Municipal Hospital, according to Sheriff Marven Weed and Trooper Dudley who covered the accident.

[Cathcart, Andrew Jackson]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday    February 2, 1911    p. 4

A Pioneer Answers Final Summons

Andrew Jackson Cathcart was born in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, October 22, 1825, and died at Bedford, Iowa, January 30, 1911, in the eighty-sixth year of his age. In 1831 his parents moved to Michigan and settled at White Pigeon. There he grew to manhood. In 1857 he came to Iowa and located in Blakesburg, but remained there only a short while. In 1858 he came to Bedford and this has been his home ever since.

Mr. Cathcart was one of the early pioneers of southwestern Iowa. He had faith in the future of the country and gave his life to its development. For many years he was in the dry goods business with his brother-in-law, Mr. Windsor. In the early days of the town he did much for its advancement. He stood for business honesty, and was thrifty and successful. The full vigor of his life was put into the foundation upon which the structure of our present commercial prosperity rests. At great labor and self-sacrifice the men of his generation started Iowa on a career of material prosperity unsurpassed.

In his later years when the infirmities of age made it wise for him to withdraw from the active conduct of business Mr. Cathcart withdrew from the dry goods business and with Mr. F. N. Lewis became interested in the lumber business. For several years he has been entirely out of business, enjoyed a well-earned rest before the final summons home.

As a man Mr. Cathcart was honest, upright and straightforward in his dealings with his fellow men. He was of a quiet, unassuming disposition. His was a long and a useful life. He so lived as to command the esteem of every citizen of the town.

He was born in a Presbyterian home and his early life was surrounded with a vital Christian atmosphere, and he never forgot his early training. For many years he did not unite with the church, but he was always interested in religious matters, and in the later years of his life was identified with the church as a member, and died in the full assurance of his father's faith.

The deceased was never married and he leaves to mourn one brother, J. [oseph] S. [tewart] Cathcart, of Bedford, and three nephews, B. [ruce] B. Dentler, of Council Bluffs, Iowa, Frank Dentler, Bloomsburg, Pa., and James Dentler, Kansas City, Mo. Two nieces also survive him. They are Miss Ida Cathcart, LaGrange, Ind., and Mrs. Frank Junod, Lamour, S. D.

For a few days Mr. Cathcart had been suffering from a slight attack of the grippe, but did not seem to be in a dangerous condition. On Monday morning however, he passed away without a struggle and seemingly without a pain. He fell asleep and the angels carried his spirit back to God who gave it.

The funeral services were held from the home in North Bedford Wednesday morning at 10 o'clock, conducted by Rev. S. E. Henry, after which the body was taken to White Pigeon, Mich., on the noon train for burial.

[Cathcart, Joseph Stewart]

Bedford Free Press

Tuesday    May 13, 1913      p. 5

OBITUARY.

Joseph S. Cathcart.

Joseph S. [tewart] Cathcart, who has long been an invalid, succumbed to his infirmities last Tuesday. Last year he and Mrs. Cathcart spent several months on the coast, He was benefited for a time, but this was only temporary relief and he again took a turn for the worse until it was decided to return home, his condition having become so critical that it was feared he would not live to reach home. He survived the trip, however, but never rallied and has gradually grown weaker day by day.

He died at his home in Bedford, at 11 a. m., Tuesday, May 6. Funeral services were held at the home Thursday at 3 p. m., conducted by Rev. J. A. Currie, after which the remains were taken to Clarinda by way of Creston and interred in the Clarinda cemetery, where his daughter is buried.

Joseph Stewart Cathcart was born on a farm near Constantine, Mich., March 3, 1833. With his brother [Andrew] Jackson, and brother-in-law, J. [oseph] M. Windsor, he came to Blakesburg, Ia. in 1857, where they were in business a short time. In 1858 they removed to Bedford, founding the business that continued through the pioneer days of the county and down to modern times when the senior members of the firm retired on account of their age. In 1862 the deceased went to Clarinda where on April 10, 1862, he was married to Sarah Frances Connor of Clarinda and from this union two children were born, Mary L., who died Jan. 12, 1895, and J. [oseph] E. [dwin], who with the aged wife survives him. The deceased united with the Presbyterian Church in 1910.

[Cathcart, Joseph Stewart]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday     May 8, 1913    [p. 1]

JOSEPH S. CAThCART IS CALLED BY DEATH

Came to This County Half a Century Ago With Brother and Windsor.

WAS MERCHANT In CLArINDA

Resident of Bedford During Last Twenty years— Funeral Service Thursday

Joseph Cathcart died at his home in Bedford Monday, May 5. He had been a resident of Bedford for more than twenty years, and first came here in 1858.

The funeral services were held at the home Thursday afternoon at 3 o'clock, conducted by Rev. J. A. Currie. Interment was made at Clarinda.

Joseph Stewart Cathcart was born on a farm near Constantine, Mich., March 3, 1833. He came to Iowa in 1857 locating at Blakesburg, where he was engaged in the mercantile business with his brother, A. [ndrew] J. [ackson] Cathcart, and brother-in-law, Mr. [Joseph M.] Windsor. In 1858 the firm Windsor, Cathcart and company moved to Bedford, Joseph Cathcart remaining with them until 1862 when he went into business for himself at Clarinda, where he remained for about thirty years. April 10 1863, he was united in marriage to Sarah Frances Connor at Clarinda. To this union were born two children, Mary L., who died January 12, 1895, and J. [oseph] E. [dwin] Cathcart of Kansas City. Mr. Cathcart moved back to Bedford in 1893. He united with the Presbyterian Church here in 1910.

[Cathcart, Sarah Frances Connor]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday    August 7, 1919    p. 8

Mrs. JOS. Cathcart Dead.

Wm. Scane received word Tuesday from his sister [Harriet Scane Cathcart] at Kansas City stating that Mrs. Joseph Cathcart [Sarah Frances Connor] had just died [August 1, 1919] at the home of a sister at Pasadena, Calif., and that the remains would be brought to Clarinda this week for burial. No further particulars have been received.

[Cathcart, Sarah Frances Connor]

Los Angeles Times

Sunday    August 3, 1919     p. I16

CATHCART At 723 Ottawa street, August 2, Sarah Frances Cathcart.

Remains at Branch Brothers, 833 Figueroa.

[Cathcart, Sarah Frances Connor]

Los Angeles Times

Monday    August 4, 1919 p. I12

Cathcart At 723 Ottawa street, August 2, Sarah Frances Cathcart.

Remains at Branch Brothers, 833 Figueroa.  Interment Clarinda, Ia.

[Cathcart, Sarah Frances Connor]

Los Angeles Times

Wednesday     August 6, 1919      p. I16

Official Death List

Name and place of death          Age     Date

Cathcart, Sarah      Los Angeles 73    Aug. 1

[Clements, Myrtle Amanda Swaney Smith]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    February 8, 1945    p. 2

HOPKINS

Mrs. Clements Dies

Mrs. O. [tto] C. Clements [Myrtle Amanda Swaney Smith] died at her farm home [February 2, 1945] 7 miles southeast of here and burial was on Tuesday afternoon from the Pickering Christian church. She was 48 years of age. Surviving are the husband, three sons, Albert Swaney, George Smith and Wm. Andrew Smith; three sisters and two brothers. Burial was in the White Oak cemetery.

[Clements, Myrtle Amanda Swaney Smith]

Maryville Daily Forum

Friday    February 2, 1945    p. 5

Mrs. Clements Dies at Her Home Near Hopkins

Mrs. Myrtle [Amanda Swaney Smith] Clements, 48 years old, died at 6:50 o'clock this morning at her home, five miles southeast of Hopkins, following an illness of three months.

She was born February 4, 1896, in Nodaway County and on February 16, 1923, she was married to Otto C. Clements. She had resided at the present residence twelve years.  Mrs. Clements was a member of the Christian church of Pickering.

Besides her husband, she is survived by three sons, Albert Swaney, and George Smith, Hopkins, and William Andrew Smith, who is stationed in the South Pacific; four sisters, Mrs. Ethel Rutherford, Clearmont; Mrs. Harry Alexander, Tujunga, Calif.; Mrs. Roland Rickard, Willamina, Ore., and Mrs. Martell Morris, Burbank, Calif., and two brothers, Everett Swaney, Maryville, and Roy Swaney, Braddyville, Ia.

Funeral services will be held at the Christian church at Pickering and burial will be in White Oak cemetery, near there.  Other funeral arrangements have not been completed.

[Crippen, Stanley Eugene]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    July 11, 1974    [p. 1]

St. Joseph Youth Dies in Accident at Three Fires

A 19-year-old St. Joseph, Mo., youth, Stanley Eugene Crippen, lost his life Saturday morning [July 6, 1974] in a water accident at the Lake of Three Fires beach area. Although swimming hours do not begin until 10.00 a.m., Crippen with some other youths had entered the water before 10:00 a.m. and before lifeguards were on duty. One of the victim's companions screamed when Crippen failed to come up after going under.

The body was recovered by Jim Cox in about 10 feet of water about midway between the life lines and the diving raft, reports Larry Aldridge, Three Fires resident park ranger. Because none of Crippen's companions knew exactly where he went under it required about 30 minutes to locate the body. In addition to Cox, others making numerous dives in the search were life guards Dean Harris, Sue Sheffield, Doug Burks and assistant park   ranger Dennis Shackelford.

Summoned immediately to the scene when the youth was reported ÒunderÓ were the Bedford Ambulance Service and Sheriff Marven Weed. Lifeguards administered heart massage and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Joe Wilson, Bedford first aid specialist, continued the attempts to revive Crippen. County Medical Examiner, Dr. R. W. Jones, pronounced Crippen dead at 10:35.

Young Crippen had been camping with his girl friend's parents at Three Fires State Park. Friends of the victim said he could not swim.

Saturday's tragedy was the first to occur in the beach area of the lake.

The first drowning at the Lake of Three Fires occurred on May 9, 1952 when Prentice Price of rural Gravity lost his life in a boating accident across the lake west of the cabin area.

[Fox, Mable Ellen Rabourn]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    February 8, 1945    p. 2

SHERIDAN

MRS GEO. FOX SUCCUMBS

Mrs. Dall Churchill received a telegram Thursday from Sedalia, Mo., that her niece, Mrs. Mable [Ellen] Rabourn Fox had died Wednesday evening. The funeral services were held Monday. She is survived by her husband, Geo Fox; four sons, her father, George Rabourn; and four grandchildren. (Burial was at Sedalia.

Mrs. Fox was born at the home of her grandfather Mitchell, northwest of Sheridan.

[Fox, Mable Ellen Rabourn]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    February 8, 1945    p. 2

SHERIDAN LOCALS

Mrs. Dall Churchill left Sunday for Sedalia to attend the funeral of her niece, Mrs. Mable Fox.

[Harrison, Janet Eileen Smith Roberts]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    July 18, 1974    p. 7

Mrs. Roger Harrison Last Rites Held Here Wednesday

Funeral services for Mrs. Roger (Janet) Harrison, 27, of Bedford were held Wed., July 17, at the First Baptist Church in Bedford with Rev. Ollie Odle officiating. Mrs. Harrison died July 14, 1974, in her home west of Bedford. Interment was at Fairview Cemetery, Bedford.

Her survivors include her husband, Roger; and four children, Cathy, 9, Sam, 8, Tammy, 5, and Jeff, 2.

[Harrison, Janet Eileen Smith Roberts]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    July 25, 1974    [p. 1]

Janet Harrison, 27, Final Rites Held Here July 17

Funeral services for Mrs. Roger (Janet) Harrison, 27, of Bedford, were held July 17 at the Baptist Church in Bedford, with Rev. Ollie Odle officiating. Mrs. Harrison died at her home west of Bedford July 14, 1974 after a lengthy illness. Interment was at Fairview Cemetery, Bedford.

Janet Eileen Smith Harrison, daughter of Walter and Esther Smith, was born November 29, 1946 at Clarinda, Iowa.

Janet attended the Bedford Community public schools. She was a lifetime resident of Taylor County.

On December 6, 1963 she was married to Arthur Roberts and to this union two children were born. Mr. Roberts preceded her in death.

On December 16, 1967 she was united in marriage to Roger Harrison and to this union two children were born.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Earl McGuire.

Janet leaves to cherish her memory her husband, Roger; two sons, Sam and Jeffery; two daughters, Catherine and Tamela; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Smith, Bedford; four brothers, Calvin and Glenn Smith of Council Bluffs, Iowa; Alvin and James Smith of Bedford; one sister, Mrs. Barbara Parker, of Council Bluffs, Iowa; her parental grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Smith, of Clarinda, Iowa; several aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, other relatives and many friends.

Last December she accepted Christ as her Lord and Saviour but because of the nature of her illness she didn't get to attend church.

Janet was a loving wife and wonderful mother. She was kind, considerate and always cheerful even to the end. She will be sadly missed by her family and all who knew and loved her.

[Large, William]

Adams County Union-Republican (Corning, Iowa)

Wednesday    May 31, 1905    p. 8

William Large, of Taylor County, father-in-law of Dr. F. [rancis] E. Potter, died at the hospital in this city on Friday of last week, aged 83 years. Mr. Large is one of the best-known and wealthiest citizens of Taylor County, where he had resided for many years. He recently came to Corning for treatment, and although his advanced age was against him, yet was considered in no immediate danger. He had been out in the yard only a short time before his death, which was very sudden. The funeral services were conducted from the residence of Dr. Potter on Sunday at 12 o'clock, Rev. Jay Kirkendall officiating, and the remains were sent to the home of the deceased in Athelstan for interment. The Masonic fraternity, of which Mr. Large was a member, was present at the funeral and escorted the remains to the depot.

[McAlister, Thomas D. "Roger", Jr.]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    July 18, 1974    p. 7

Roger McAlister, Jr. Final Rites Held July 15

Funeral services for Thomas D. "Roger" McAlister, Jr., 42, Route #2, Red Oak, Iowa, former local funeral home employee, were held July 15, at the Nelson-Boylan Funeral Chapel in Red Oak, Iowa, with the Rev. Robert Ruleman officiating and burial in Evergreen Cemetery, Red Oak, Ia.

Mr. McAlister, who resided in Red Oak the past 12 years, died July 12, 1974 in Shenandoah, Iowa after an electrical accident. He was a lineman for the Iowa Power and Light Company for the past nine years.

He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas D. "Roger" McAlister, Sr., and was born August 28, 1931 in Sheridan, Mo. He was married in 1951 to Barbara Jean Freeman.

Survivors include his wife, Barbara Jean; three sons, Roger, Mike and Terry all residing at home; two brothers, Charles McAlister of Denver, Colorado, Bill McAlister, of Washington, D.C. and one sister, Mrs. Ann Taylor of St. Louis, Missouri.

Mr. McAlister was a member of the First United Methodist Church, and a member of Lorraine Post  #67 of the American Legion, in Red Oak, the   Defiance   Lodge  #88 AF & AM of Sheridan, Missouri, was also a member of the Red Oak School Board, and a veteran of the Korean Conflict.

[Mathes, Isam]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    April 25, 1974    p. 6

RUBY SHARP'S BROTHER DIES IN GEORGIA     

Isam Mathes of Milledgeville, Georgia, brother of Ruby Sharp of Bedford, died April 9. Funeral services and burial were held at Jackson City, Georgia

[Richmond, Merle]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    April 25, 1974    p. 6

Merle Richmond Dies in Kansas City

Merle Richmond of Kansas City, formerly of Gravity, died there Sunday night. Services were held in Kansas City Tuesday with burial in North Carolina

His survivors include his wife, Helen, who is a cousin of Mrs. George Depew.

[Sobbing, Myrtle Marie Ridenour]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    March 10, 1983    p. 8

Myrtle Sobbing, 80 Last Rites Were Held February 23

Funeral services for Mrs. Joseph William (Myrtle Marie) Sobbing, 80, of Red Oak, held February 23 in Nelson-Boylan Funeral Chapel in Red Oak, were conducted by Rev. Ron Petrak. Mrs. Sobbing died February 20 in Jennie Edmundson Hospital in Council Bluffs after a brief illness. Interment was at Shearer Cemetery near Braddyville.

The daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Ridenour [Nancy Charlotte Maxwell], she was born January 29, 1903, at Clarinda and lived in Hopkins, Mo., Pickering, Mo., Norwich and Emerson before moving to Red Oak. She retired from Union Carbide in Red Oak in 1969. She was a Methodist.

She was married in 1921 to Joseph William Sobbing, who was killed in a traffic accident near Emerson in 1948, which also took the life of a son, Ivan Albert. A sister Elsie [Irene] Fearnot of Bedford preceded her in death in November 1982.

Surviving are son, Jessie, Glenwood; daughter, Maxine Sayers, McAllen, Texas; 13 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren; two brothers, Rolla Ridenour of Red Oak and Orville Ridenour of Bedford; three sisters, Mabel [Belle] Wolfe of Murray, Susie [Crystal] Herring of Bedford, [Lilllie] Pearl Orr of Martinez, Calif.

[Sowers, Abner B. "Ab"]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     January 13, 1944    p. 7

hopkins

Abner Sowers Dies

The death of Abner Sowers, 85, a retired farmer residing six miles southwest of here, occurred Thursday, January 6, at the home of his son, Dale. He had lived on this farm 60 years. He is survived by three sons, Dale, Clarence O. of Murdock, Kansas, and Harley of Oxnard, Calif. Rites were held from the Methodist church Saturday afternoon, conducted by W. H. Hansford. Burial was in the Hopkins cemetery.

[Sowers, Abner B. "Ab"]

Maryville Daily Forum

Friday     January 7, 1944    [p. 1]

A. B. Sowers Dies; Was Farmer Near Hopkins

Funeral services will be conducted at 2 oÕclock Saturday afternoon at the Methodist church in Hopkins for A. [bner] B. Sowers, 85-year-old retired farmer, who died at 1 o'clock Thursday afternoon at the home of his son, Dale Sowers, of near Hopkins.

The pastor, Rev. W. H. Hansford, will officiate.  Burial will be in the Hopkins cemetery.

Mr. Sowers was born October 11, 1858, and had resided at the present residence sixty years. He was married to Elizabeth Eads, who preceded him in death. Mr. Sowers was a member of the Methodist church. He is survived by two other sons, C. [larence] O. Sowers, Murdock, Kas., and Harley Sowers, Oxnard, Calif.

[Sowers, Elizabeth Eads]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     November 9, 1939    p. 8

HOPKINS

MRS. SOWERS SUCCUMBS

Aged Lady Dies At Her Home Southwest of Hopkins

Mrs. A. [bner] B. Sowers [Elizabeth Eads], 78, died Friday afternoon at her home six miles southwest of Hopkins, Mo. Mr. and Mrs. Sowers, who had been married sixty-two years, had lived at the present home for the past fifty-six years.

Mrs. Sowers was born in Monroe, county, Iowa, April 14, 1861. Surviving are her husband, three sons and a sister: Clarence Sowers of Murdock, Kans.; Harley Sowers of Oxnard, Calif.; Dale Sowers of Hopkins, and Mrs. Mary Thompson of Clarinda.

Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at the Methodist church in Hopkins conducted by Rev. Paul Barton. Burial was in the Hopkins cemetery.

[Sowers, Henry]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    February 8, 1945    p. 2

SHERIDAN

FORMER RESIDENT DIES

Mr. and Mrs. John Anton received word Thursday from San Diego, Calif., from their daughter, Gladys Sowers that her husband, Henry Sowers, 30, had passed away. The body is being sent to Albany, Missouri, their former home, for burial. He is survived by his wife and three small children.

[Underwood, Richard James]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    July 18, 1974    p. 8

Richard Underwood Last Rites Held

Funeral services for Richard James Underwood, 53, of Sharpsburg were held June 28 at the Sharpsburg Presbyterian Church with Rev. Wallace Nelson officiating. Mr. Underwood died June 24, 1974 after a long illness. The American Legion Post of Lenox conducted military rites at the Conway cemetery.

Richard James Underwood, son of Clifford and Bessie Sweigard Underwood, was born near Sharpsburg October 3, 1920.

Mr. Underwood was graduated in 1938 from the Sharpsburg High School and in 1942 enlisted in the navy and served his country during World War II until October 1945.

On June 18, 1944, he was united in marriage to Theoma Mathews of Humboldt, Nebr. To this union were born two daughters, Mary Faye and Patricia Ann.

Richard farmed on the place he lived all his life until failing health left him unable to function in his work.

He was a lifelong member of the Sharpsburg United Presbyterian Church; he also was a member of the American Legion of Lenox. He served his community and church in several ways.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Theoma; daughters, Mary, and husband, Denis Gibbs, of Omaha, and Patricia and husband, David Miller, of Sharpsburg; two grandchildren, Jill Marie and Susan Ann Miller; his mother, Bessie Underwood; an aunt, Mrs. Fritz Popken of Tomkins Cove, N.Y.; several other aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father and an infant sister.

His courage, patience and good humor throughout his illness proved an inspiration to everyone who knew him.