Metheny, Alfred Newton

METHENY, GILBERT, JOBE, BROWN, FLETCHER, HIATT

Posted By: Donna Lindauer
Date: 3/12/2026 at 19:40:33

The Fremont County Herald
Sidney, Iowa
Thursday, February 28th, 1918

Following a lingering illness of more than a year, and during the last three months of which time he was confined to his bed, Alfred Metheny, for more than 25 years a resident of this county, most of which time was spent in or near this city, passed away at the family home near Bly, Missouri, last Friday.

The body was brought here for burial and the funeral services were held from the Methodist Church Sunday afternoon, conducted by Rev. R. R. Moser. Interment was made in the Sidney Cemetery.

Alfred Newton Metheny was born January 1, 1842, near Fairmont, West Virginia, where he lived until reaching manhood's estate, when he came with his parents to Iowa in 1867, settling on a farm near Carl in Adams County. Living in various parts of the state until early in the 80's, he came to Fremont County and purchased the old elevator and mill which was located near where the Burlington Depot is now located. This he operated for years and only discontinued making flour when the patent roller process came into vogue.

About 28 years ago, having quit the flour mill and grain business, Mr. Metheny purchased the fine farm northwest of this city, upon which he lived continuously until seven years ago, when with his faithful companion of many years whom he had married in 1868 while living near Carl, he went to Bly, Missouri, and purchased a fine tract of 200 acres upon which part of the town of Bly is now located. The home place is still in the family and is being farmed by his son Jesse.

Born of sturdy stock and being of deep convictions and strong opinions, Mr. Metheny was a veteran of the Union Army, having served three years with the Sixth Virginia Artillery in the Civil War. He chose to cast his lot with the north against the south, notwithstanding he was reared a souther. Because of this service he took special delight for years before leaving here in attending the meetings of the local G.A.R. Post, of which he was a member.

Married in 1868 to Miss Ruth Gilbert, he was the father of 14 children, 10 of whom with the enfeebled mother, who was unable to be here to attend the funeral, are alive and mourn the going from their midst of their loved one. These with a sister living at Burlington Junction, Missouri, and a brother Sanford, who lives at Anita, Iowa, and who was at the funeral along with 25 grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

The children are Mrs. Mary Jobe of Omaha; Mrs. Cora Brown and Elmer Metheny of Hamburg; Mrs. Kate Fletcher, Dick and Jesse Metheny of Sidney; Wm. Metheny of Bly, Missouri; Mrs. Bessie Hiatt of Anderson; Alva Metheny of Ayr, Nebraska; and Robert Metheny.

The body was brought to this city from Hamburg and taken to the home of Mrs.Kate Fletcher.