Bedford, Clendenin Z. (1825-1907)

BEDFORD, RHODES, POPE, CLARKE

Posted By: Jane Adams (email)
Date: 4/2/2005 at 13:54:45

"Fairfield Daily Journal"
Thursday, January 3, 1907
Page 2, Column 4

DIED ON TUESDAY

C. Z. BEDFORD, Well Known Civil War Veteran Dies, Age 81.

Captain C. Z. BEDFORD for years one of the best known characters in Fairfield died Tuesday night at 7:30 o'clock at his home. He was known throughout the county as “The Spectacle Man” and as an auctioneer. Of late he has been in feeble health and has maintained a stand at the corner of Main street and Broadway.

Capt. Clendenin Z. BEDFORD, son of the late Col. Elias BEDFORD, was born at Lexington, Ky., May 5, 1825. He was consequently nearly 82 years of age.

He first enlisted as a lieutenant in Co. K 15th Indiana Volunteer Infantry in June 1861. He was commissioned as captain of this company Feb. 1, 1863. He was honorably discharged Feb. 4, 1864. Captain BEDFORD’s father served with distinction in the Mexican War.

Prior to the war he was married to Miss Rachel RHODES at Lafayette, Ind. and five children were born of this marriage, all of whom are now dead except one daughter, Mrs. Mary POPE of Oakland, Cal.

He was again married to Ella E. CLARKE Feb. 27, 1869, at Pittsburg. She survives him.

Capt. BEDFORD came to Rome, Iowa, in 1874 and removed from that place to Fairfield in 1876 and has lived here ever since.

He united with the First Methodist church of Fairfield about 12 years ago and has been a faithful and constant member.

Capt. BEDFORD’s record in the war of the rebellion was that of a brave soldier and surpassed by none.

The funeral will be held from his late residence Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock, conducted by Rev. Thomas Osborn.

The Grand Army Post will escort the body to the cemetery and have charge of the services at the grave.

~~~~

The Fairfield Ledger"
Wednesday, January 9, 1907
Page 7, Column 1

A SOLDIER OF TWO WARS.

Capt. Clendenin Z. BEDFORD, one of Fairfield’s best known characters, died at his home in this city the night of the 2nd inst. He had been in failing health for some time past. Capt. BEDFORD was a native of Kentucky, born at Lexington, May 5th, 1825. He was a son of Col. Elias BEDFORD, who commanded a regiment in the Mexican War, and was himself a soldier in that war. In June, 1861, he again entered the service of the United States as lieutenant of Company K, 15th Indiana infantry, was commissioned captain February 1st, 1863, and was mustered out with that rank February 5th, 1864. He came to this state in 1874, lived at Rome two years and then came to this city, which has since been his home. For many years he was well known as an auctioneer and later built up quite a trade as a salesman of notions and spectacles, and had an extensive acquaintance in southeastern Iowa. He not only commanded a company in the War of the Rebellion, but was on special duty as government scout and detective, both during and after the war, and had many thrilling experiences in his military life. He had an excellent record as a soldier and was a useful citizen in many ways. Capt. BEDFORD was married to Rachel RHODES at Lafayette, Ind., in the early '50's and was the father of five children. Only one now survives, Mrs. Mary POPE of Oakland, Cal. February 27th 1869 he was married to Mrs. Ella E. CLARKE, who survives him.
She is in fairly good health but has been totally blind for several years. The aged husband’s tenderness toward and thoughtfulness for the afflicted wife has touched many a heart in this city. Capt. BEDFORD had been a member of the Methodist church for twelve years past, and Rev. Thos. Osborn, pastor of that church, conducted the funeral service Friday afternoon. George Strong Post, G.A.R., escorted the body of its dead comrade to the cemetery and had charge of the final exercises at the grave.

~~~~

This data has been transcribed for genealogical purposes; I am not related to the subject.