Obituaries - Chickasaw County, Iowa GenWeb!

CHICKASAW COUNTY
Another IAGenWeb Project

OBITUARIES AND DEATH NOTICES
NASHUA REPORTER, JANUARY - MARCH 1903

1 January 1903

Obituary-- Samuel Byam died at his home three miles northwest of Nashua, Sunday, December 28, 1902. The cause of his death was apoplexy. Although he had been feeble for several months, when the end came it was unexpected and the family were wholly unprepared for the sad bereavement. Samuel Byam was born in Rome, N. Y., Jan. 29, 1827. At the age of 17 he moved with his parents to Waukesha county, Wis. In 1861, he was united in marriage to Miss Lucy Smith at Neosh, Wis., and in 1865 they moved to Benton county, moving to this vicinity about five years ago. Eight children were born to them, seven of whom, with the wife, survive him. The children are Mrs. Mame Gould, Winfield Byam of Greene, Mrs. W. C. Krueger, of New Hampton, Mrs. Fred Farr, of Roots Siding, Edith of Peoria, Ill., Julian and Ferne, of this city. The funeral was held from the home on Tuesday at 2 p.m., Rev. A. D. Stevens conducting the services, and the remains were interred in Greenwood cemetery.

From Bassett-- Lewis Stevenson died at his home near town very suddenly Wednesday evening. He had just eaten his supper and started to walk across the room when he dropped dead. He had been in poor health for some time.

8 January 1903

Gone to His Rest-- Henry Lundt, an old resident of Pleasant Valley, died at his home last Saturday, Jan. 3, after a short illness, at the age of 52 years, 3 months and 12 days. Deceased was born in Germany Sept. 22, 1850. At the age of 14 he emigrated to America, settling at Guttenburg, Iowa. At this place a few years later he was married to Miss Margaret Brockman. They then moved to Pleasant Valley, which place was his home until his death. He is survived by his wife, one son and six daughters--William Lundt of Nashua, Mrs. G. Wedeking, Mrs. F. Poppe, Mrs. Wm. Buchholz, Mrs. D. Wedeking, all of Pleasant Valley, and Misses Caroline and Anna, who still reside at home. The funeral was held from the German Evangelical church, which he helped build a number of years ago, Rev. Hardt officiating, and the remains were interrred in Pleasant Valley cemetery. Those from abroad attending the funeral were two brothers of the deceased, William and Fred Lundt, of Osterdock, and a brother of the widowed woman, August Brockman, of Millville.

Pioneer Dead-- Lewis Stevenson died suddenly from heart failure at his home near Bassett Dec. 23, at the age of 68 years, 9 months and 19 days. Deceased was born in Cataraugus county, N. Y., March 4, 1834, and when but a boy he emigrated with his father's family first locating in Pennsylvania and then in Indiana, finally coming to Iowa in 1855 and settling in Chickasaw county. In this county he spent the remainder of his life. He was married on Sept 19, ---, to Miss Caroline DeFields, to which union were born eleven children, five having preceded the father. Six are left to mourn the loss of a father. They are Lucy, of Ionia, Isabelle of Denver, Mo., Viola, living near the old home, Clara of Waverly and James and William, at home with the mother. He was a kind husband, a good father and a good neighbor always doing his duty as he saw it. The funeral was held at Chickasaw, Rev. Maxwell of the Congregational church, officiating, and the remains were laid to rest in the Chickasaw cemetery.

Helm O. Stearns died at his home in the city on Friday, Jan. 2, at the advanced age of 81 years. Mr. Stearns had been in feeble health for several months past, and for tn days prior to his demise was confined to his room. The cause of his death was due to his declining years. The funeral was held from the house Saturday, Rev. L. J. Ingraham conducting the services and the interment was at Oak Hill cemetery.

15 January 1903

Death of a Pioneer-- James M. Hooker was born Sept. 16, 1832, in the state of New York, and died at Ionia, Iowa on Jan. 10, 1903, making his age at death some seventy years and four months. Mr. Hooker removed with his people to Wisconsin about 1850, and the next year to Illinois, near Rockford. He was here united in marriage to Miss Rosaltha M. Marvin on Oct. 12, 1857. Here two children were born to them, Clara, now Mrs. Mead, and Myra, now Mrs. H. M. Skeals. About 1865 them came to Bremer county and the next year to Chicksaw county and built on the place when Mr. H. died. Death came suddenly and without warning. He was at work in the barnyard with his son, Clarence and with a sudden exclamation he fell to the ground and ceased to breathe. Two daughters, a son, two brothers and a sister survive to mourn his loss. Mr. Hooker was an old resident of Chickasaw county, and was always welcomed as an honored guest among old settlers. His influence in political circles was strong. he was a very public spirited citizen, a fine neighbor and devoted to his loved ones. He was very tender hearted and of generous impulses. A host of friends mourn their loss. In the winter of 1890 and 1891, Mr. Hooker became a decided Christian and very active in the work of the Master of of the Ionia Congregational church, of which he became a member. He was with Mr. Packard in most of his revival meetings in the county, often walking to Bassett. His testimonies were convincing and his appeals eloquent. The deep Christian joy shown forth from his features and one who knew him could doubt his conversion. In recent years, owing to various circumstances, his bright experiences and active service seemed to pass under a cloud. But his Christian faith remained to the end, and in his last days here, his thoughts seemed especially to turn toward spiritual realities. The funeral services were conducted at the home, owing to the sickness of Mrs. Hooker, Rev. N. L. Packard of Riceville, his former pastor,. preaching the service. The body was laid to rest in Greenwood. Mr. J. W. Hooker, a brother, was present from Denver, a sister, Mrs. Height and family, from Nora Springs,. Many were present from the county.

Obituary-- Mr. Alexander Jones, an old resident of Nashua, died at the home of his son Jacob Jones, Sunday, January 11, 1903 after a long illness. Mr. Jones was in the 81st year of his age, born in Canada and moved with his parents to Winnebago county, Ill., was married in 1842 to Sarah Ann Harvey and moved to Iowa in 1848. Eleven children were born to them, three of whom with the wife passed on before him. One brother and eight children remain to mourn his departure, among whom are: Mrs. Elizabeth Odell, Staples, Minn., Mrs. Martha Kuhns, Mrs. Lourinda Coates, Mrs. Mary Downing, Mrs. Hannah Springer, Wesley Jones, Jake Jones, Mrs. Lila Barlow, all of whom, excepting Mrs. Odell, were at his bedside when he passed away. In 1862 he enlisted in Co. G, 27th Reg. Iowa Vol. infantry. In 1878 he united with the United Brethern church. The funeral service, under the charge of Geo. W. S. Dodge Post, was held at the home, and at the Todd school house, Tuesday, Jan. 13, Rev. Dodd, of Charles City, preaching the funeral sermon.

Ionia--The remains of C. W. Rowley, of Elma, were taken through here, Sunday, to the cemetery at Chickasaw for burial. Mr. Rowley was a resident of this place for many years.

Ionia--Mrs. Nettie Crooks died at her home, three miles southeast of town, Tuesday. She leaves a family of small children besides a husband, parents, brothers and sisters. Death is sad, but doubly so when it takes a mother from the little ones, that need her so much. North Riverton--Sad news come to this neighborhood the past few days announcing the death of Mrs. George Parker on Jan. 7, in Mason City, leaving two little children, one a tiny babe, and a sorrowing husband. She taught the school at Carrville for a few terms and leaves many friends and relatives here.

22 January 1903

Death of Mrs. J. A. Yarger-- One of the saddest deaths it has ever been our duty to report occurred yesterday forenoon when Mrs. J. A. Yarger gave up her life as a sacrifice to her little baby boy, which was born Monday morning. The cause of death was uraemic blood poisoning. Mrs. Yarger was thought to be getting along fairly well and on Tuesday night slept well until along towards morning. A short time before daylight she was taken with convulsions, passing from one to another until the hour of death. Everything possible was done to ward off the hand of death but it was very evident that it was out of the reach of human power to save her life. As this writing no funeral arrangements have been made.

29 January 1903

Obituary-- At her home in Nashua, at 11 a.m., Wednesday, January 21, 1903, of puerperal convulsions and kidney trouble, Mary J., wife of J. A. Yarger, aged 37 years, 7 months and 12 days. Mary J. Davidson was born at Fort Atkinson, Winneshiek county, Iowa, June 9, 1866. While she was yet a little child her parents removed to Chickasaw county, Iowa, where she has lived continuously since. She married J. A. Yarger, at New Hampton, Dec. 1, 1889, and to them two children were born--one son, Eddie, now 12 years old, and the babe born Tuesday. She was a member of the Royal Neighbors and the Eastern Star chapter at New Hampton and the Emanon Club and Congregational church at Nashua. Besides the bereaved husband and children she leaves a father, mother, four brothers, and five sisters residing at San Jose, California. The funeral was held from the Congregational church Friday at 10 o'clock a.m. Rev. Edwin Ewell officiating. There was a large attendance of the numerous friends of the family, besides the ladies of the Royal Neighbors and the Emanon Club, of which organizations deceased was a member. Many of the members of the latter accompanied the remains to New Hampton where interment took place. A large delegation of New Hampton citizens, as a tribute of respect, met the cortege at the outskirts of town and followed to the cemetery.

Beatrice, the little four-months-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Cagley died Thursday, Jan, 22, after a short illness with whooping cough. The funeral was held at the home Friday and the body was taken to the Cagley cemetery for burial. The family has the sympathy of the community in their bereavement.

Dorothy Louise, the baby daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George R. Hall, died Tuesday night from an attack of bronchitis. The baby was, but a few day over one month of age, but the grief of her parents is none the less for her short stay with them. They have the sympathy of their friends in their loss. The funeral will be held from the home at 12:30 today (Thursday) and interment will be at Oak Hill. Rev. Stevens will officiate.

Mrs. A. B. Merriam, the aged mother of Dr. Brackett, died very suddenly of heart failure at the Emergency hospital; she had been debilitated by a broken limb, the result of a street car accident at Minneapolis in September

5 February 1903

PROMINENT CITIZEN PASSES AWAY. Died at his home in Nashua, Friday Jan. 30, 1903, George T. Bellamy, from heart trouble, aged 61 years and 25 days. George Thomas Bellamy was born in St. Lawrence county, New York, Jan. 5, 1842. He was the son of Rev. Thomas Bellamy, a Presbyterian clergyman. At an early age he removed from his eastern home, settling first at Cedar Falls, Iowa, where in 1865 he married Miss Sarah A. Smith. Soon after he became associated in the grain and commission business with Mr. A. A. Turner. In 1868 these gentlemen settled in Nashua, where for many subsequent years they remained partners, building up a large and lucrative business extending to a number of points outside this city. Mr. Bellamy was a man of exceptional energy, sound judgment and rare executive ability. Socially he was genial, fraternal and kind. As a citizen he was public spirited and generous, giving liberally of his means and time to all causes which he deemed of value to the city and contiguous country. While never a politician in the sense of seeking an office, he took a keen interest in economic and political questions, and was among the best versed of our citizens upon these and kindred subjects. It was in his home however, that Mr. Bellamy's excellent qualities shown brightest. He loved his home, and when business, social or public duties did not prevent, he was always to be found there. After a lingering illness extending over a period of nearly two years, which baffled all that love and skill could devise, he passed away on Jan. 30, 1903. He is survived by Mrs. Bellamy and three children, a daughter, Mrs. T. M. Partridge of Minneapolis and two sons, Smith and James, both residents of Nashua. The funeral was held from the residence of the deceased on Sunday afternoon, Feb. 1, being attended by a very large concourse of the representative citizens of Nashua and adjoining towns. The services were conducted by Rev. L. D. Boynton, of Minneapolis, an old and intimate friend, assisted by Rev. Mr. Ewell, pastor of the Congregational church. The interment was in the family lot at Oak Hill.

12 February 1903

A Sad Death--It was with deep sorrow our people heard of the death of Mrs. James B. Bellamy, which occurred Sunday afternoon, after an illness of several weeks duration. He death is especially sad, being cut off just when life was the fairest. A happy home circle is broken and left desolate by the taking away of this young wife and mother. Obituary: Franc Pearl Hunter was born in Kensett township, July 17, 1878, and died in Nashua, Feb. 8, 1903. She spent most of her life in Northwood and was a graduate of the Northwood High School class of 1896. She was married March 25, 1900, to James B. Bellamy and they came to Nashua to make their home in November of the same year. One child, was born to them, a baby boy, Gaylord, who will be two years old the 7th of next March. She was a member of the M. E. church at Northwood, and one of her former pastors, Rev. Frank Cole, conducted the funeral services; he also officiated at her marriage. She leaves a husband and a child, a father and mother, all of Nashua, and one brother, W. R. Hunter, of Kensett, Iowa. The deceased was a woman of many noble qualities and christian virtues and won the respect and love of all with whom she came in contact. The funeral services were held from the home of Mrs. G. T. Bellamy on Tuesday afternoon and were largely attended by sympathizing friends. Interment took place at Oak Hill. Those from away in attendance at the funeral were: Her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. G. M. Woodward, and Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Hunter, and Mr. and Mrs. Ed Collier, all of Northwood; Mrs. Fannie Partridge, of Minneapolis, Ed Smith, of Cedar Falls, W. R. Hunter, of Kensett, and Mr. and Mrs. E. W. Speedling, of Marble Rock.

Plainfield--The nine year old daughter of Mrs. Kittie McCormack, of Waterloo, was brought here on Thursday last and buried in the Willow Lawn cemetery. Also, the funeral of Mrs. Mary J. Scott was held at the Baptist church last Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Her son, Oscar, attended from Minneapolis.

From the Waterloo Reporter--Hazel Wilcutts, the eleven year old daughter of Mrs. C. M. Wilcutts, residing at the corner of East Fourth and Water streets, died Wednesday afternoon after a prolonged illness of Bright's disease. The child had been ailing for some time and the end was not unexpected. The funeral service was held at the home at 10 o'clock Thursday morning, Rev. Beeman officiating. The remains were shipped to Plainfield for interment.

19 February 1903

Death of Mrs. J. F. Troutner--It is with sadness we chronicle the death of Mrs. John F. Troutner, which occurred at her home in Charles City, Monday evening. Mrs. Troutner had been a sufferer from cancer and some weeks ago went to Milwaukee for treatment but failed to get relief and last Saturday she returned to her home to die. Deceased, until about two years ago, had resided on a farm northeast of Bradford, and with her husband was one of the pioneers of the country. She was a woman universally loved and leaves besides a husband and a family of grown children, many friends who will deeply mourn her departure. The funeral services were held at the home at 10 a.m. yesterday and the remains were laid to rest in Greenwood cemetery.

Death of Mrs. John Bissonnette--Mrs. John Bissonnette died at her home in Charles City last week Wednesday. She was formerly Miss Lizzie Gherkin, of Plainfield, and after her marriage lived in Deerfield township, this county, until about a year ago. She was 33 years of age. She left a husband and five children, the youngest about four weeks old.

Mr. and Mrs. Harley Barber, east of town, were called to mourn the death of their 7-month-old baby boy, Aldis, Tuesday. The baby had been ailing all winter with whooping cough, but was improving until Saturday, when it was taken with indigestion which proved fatal. The funeral was held at the home yesterday at 10 o'clock, conducted by Rev. Bird, of Frederika, and the remains were interred in Greenwood cemetery. The sorrowing parents have the sympathy of a large circle of friends in their bereavement.

Obituary of Mrs. Richard Layton--Sarah Brown was born in Colchester, England, Jan. 1, 1804. She was married to Richard Layton when she was 23 years of age, in Yorkshire, England. They came to America in 1852, settled first in New York state. The came to Bradford township, Chickasaw county, Iowa, in May 1856. She lived there until 8 months ago when she came to Waverly to live with her daughter, Mrs. Hannah Meadows. Mrs. Layton died peacefully at 2 o'clock a. m., Feb. 11, 1903. If she had lived ten months and 16 days longer she would have been just one hundred years old. He children living are Wm. Layton, 75, Richard Layton, 72, Mrs. Mary Billings, 65, and Mrs. Selena Wright, 55, all of Nashua and vicinity; and Mrs. Hanna Meadows, 58, of Waverly. Grandma Layton was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church for 76 years. Her husband died July 18, 1901. Her son, Mr. Wm. Layton and her daughter, Mrs. Wright, of Nashua, were down and they and Mrs. Meadows accompanied the body to Nashua where the funeral services were held. The body was buried in Oak Hill cemetery.

Obituary of Mrs. J. F. Troutner--Frances Maria Perry was born Aug. 1842 at Rome, N. Y., and died at her home in Charles City Feb. 16, 1903. Her early life was spent in Waukegan, -----. But in 1855 she came to Bradford, Iowa and on November 1, 1864, was married to J. F. Troutner. Seven children were born to them, six of whom are living and all of them present at the sad rite. They are Mrs. T. J. McCarthy, Milwaukee, Wis., Homer, Grace, Andrew M., Edith B., Ruth L., and --die A., who died in childhood. From the time of her marriage till August, 1900, was spent on a farm in Bradford, Iowa, where as a wife and mother her one ambition was to make home the sweetest place on earth.

Her Long Life Ended-- Died, Thursday afternoon, Feb. 19, 1903, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. James Wiley, Mrs. Catherine Murkley, from paralysis at the age of 87 years, 4 months and 27 days. Catherine Weger was born in Morrisburg, Canada, Sept. 22, 1815. In 1836 she was united in marriage to John Murkley. In 1848 she moved to Wisconsin. Her husband departed this life in 1855. Mrs. Murkley was the mother of eight children, five of whom survive and mourn her loss--Messrs. John and Wm. Murkley, of Berlin, Wis., Mrs. J. B. Knight, of Norway, Mich., and Mrs. Mary Wiley, of Nashua, Iowa. For twenty years the deceased had made her home Berlin Wis. In August, 1901, she came to Nashua and made her home with her daughter, where she peacefully passed away Feb. 19, in her 88th year. March 24, 1902, she was stricken with paralysis and remained helpless to the end. She was most tenderly and untiring cared for by her daughter, who did all that could be done to give comfort in her last days. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. A. D. Stevens, of the M. E. church, at the home of her granddaughter, Mrs. Johnson Keller, Sunday, Feb. 22, at 2 o'clock p.m. Interment was in Oak Hill.

5 March 1903

Mr. Scharff received the sad news of the death of his father at Praire du Chein. It was only about five weeks ago he was called home by the death of his mother which makes the bereavement double sad. He left Thursday to attend the funeral.

19 March 1903

Called to Her Heavenly Home--Died, at her home east of Nashua, after an illness of several months, on Wednesday, March 11, Mrs. W. T. Corlett, at the age of 27 years, 5 months and 13 days. The immediate cause of her death was consumption of the larynx. Fanny S. Wright was born in Bradford township on Sept. 27, 1875. Her whole life has been spent in this community, and she was well known as a woman of most exemplary character, a true, loving wife and a warm friend. She was united in marriage to W. T. Corlett Feb. 7, 1895. Her many friends join with the husband and her parents in mourning her death. It seems sad to think that she was sundered from earthly ties when just in the zenith of her womanhood. But it is one of the immutable decrees of Providence that she be taken away and the burden of her loss must be borne as uncomplainingly as possible by her sorrowing relatives and friends. The funeral was held from the home on Friday afternoon, Rev. Edwin Ewell officiating, and the remains were laid to rest in Greenwood cemetery.

The youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Emil Tonn living south of here, died Friday morning after having undergone an operation for appendicitis the day before. The operation was the one chance held out for him, but owing to his extreme youth--3 years--he could not stand it. The funeral was held Sunday afternoon and the little body laid to rest in the Lutheran cemetery, south of here. The parents have our sincere sympathy.

From Bassett--The little baby of Mr. and Mrs. Clint Miller died last Thursday night. The funeral was held at the home Sunday and the burial was at Rowley Hill cemetery.

Mr. and Mrs. L. B. Scales were called to mourn the death of their baby boy, who was born into this world Feb. 22 and died Monday, March 15. The little boy was never very strong and the ray of sunshine in the home was of short duration. The funeral service was held Tuesday afternoon conducted by Rev. Ewell and the burial was in Greenwood cemetery.

26 March 1903

Death of Mrs. Ed. Prudhon--Mrs. Ed. Prudhon passed away at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Howard, in this city last Monday afternoon, after a protracted illness form that dread disease, consumption. For some time Mrs. Prudhon had been in Colorado in the hope of benefiting her health but it was of no avail and last Thursday she returned home to die among her relatives and friends. Clara A. was the last of five daughters of Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Howard, and was born in Riverton township, Floyd County, Iowa, March 29, 1862, and was married in May 1884 to Mr. Ed Prudhon. Three children--two boys and a girl--were born to them, who with the husband father, mother and one brother survive to mourn their loss. Mrs. Prudhon was a woman of excellent qualities and greatly beloved by all who knew her and her death is sincerely mourned. The funeral services were held at the Congregational church at 2 p.m., yesterday, conducted by Rev. Ewell, and interment was in Greenwood cemetery.

Many Thanks To Volunteer Sheryl McClure

CHICKASAW COUNTY MAIN PAGE