Crawford County, Iowa, IAGenWeb

Obituaries

Susan Belle Davis (McCutcheon) (1880 - 1940)

Death: 14 July 1940, Schleswig, Iowa
Source: Unknown newspaper

Mrs. J. E. Davis Dies Suddenly; Ill Only a Few Hours

The community was shocked and saddened when it learned of the sudden death of Mrs. J. E. Davis, Sunday afternoon. Mrs. Davis had been in good health. Early Sunday she fainted and complained of feeling sick in her stomach. She took a headache tablet and returned to bed. About 11:00 O'clock she became suddenly worse and a doctor was summoned. Her condition continued to get worse and she passed away at 12:45 p.m.

Mrs. J. E. Davis, nee Susie Belle McCutcheon, was born Jan. 24, 1880. She was 60 years, 5 months and 20 days old at the time of her death.

She married John Rollins in 1902 and to this union three children were born, James Leslie, Don and Arlene. Mr. Rollins died in 1913.

In 1920 she was united in marriage to J. E. Davis. They moved to Schleswig in 1921, and this has been their home ever since.

Mrs. Davis was a kind hearted woman, deeply loved by her neighbors and friends. She loved children and received a great deal of enjoyment in caring for the smaller children in town.

She leaves to mourn her passing, her husband, three children, James Leslie Rollins of Evanston, Ill., Don Rollins of Odebolt, and Arlene, Mrs. R. R. Weed of Charter Oak; one step daughter, Mrs. Ruth McMican of Sioux City; 11 grandchildren; two brothers, Edward McCutcheon of Vail and John McCutcheon of Bismark, S. D., one sister, Mrs. Lizzie Hulce, Murdo, S. D.

Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon, at the Gottburg funeral home, with Rev. J. G. Leatch, of the Presbyterian Church of Denison, in charge. Burial was made in the Oakland Cemetery at Denison.

Submitted by Susan Thomas


Devaney (Giblin), Isabelle Cecelia (1876-1956)

Denison Review - October 10, 1956
Isabelle "Belle" Cecelia Giblin
Born: January 16, 1876 in Brooklyn, New York
Parents: Thoms Giblin and Ann McLaughlin Giblin
Spouse: Michael Devaney
Marriage: April 30, 1900 at St. Ann's Church in Vail, Iowa
Children: Edward, John, Joseph, Francis, Anna, Clarence, Mary, Susie (Harvey Roy), Florence, Francis, and Zita Mae (Henry Hass)
Death: September 26, 1956 in Denison, Iowa
Burial: September 29, 1956 at St. Ann's Cemetery
Siblings: John, Mary, Annie, Mary E. "Mayme" (Dave McCullough), Catherine "Kittie" (John Brogan), and Delia (George Knott)

Submitted by Paula Curcio


Rev. J. W. Denison (1818 - 1881)

Rev. J. W. Denison passed to his rest in 1881. He was born in New York, April 9, 1818. He entered the ministry in 1846 and served successively the churches at Upper Alton, Brimfield and Rock Island, Illinois. His health failing he came to Iowa in 1856 as agent and co-partner of the Providence Western Land Company, and entered over 20,000 acres of land in Crawford County.

Here he settled down, founded the town of Denison, and during his first year of residence here organized the Denison Baptist Church, of which he was pastor until 1863. After his retirement every successive pastor found in him a judicious counsellor, an earnest co-laborer, and a warm personal friend.

Historical Sketches of Iowa Baptists, Burdette Company, Burlington, Iowa, 1886, page 496.

Submitted by Ken Wright


Devaney, Michael (1870 - 1946)

Michael Devaney, Vail Iowa
Died: March 27, 1946, illness of several months
Born: November 28, 1870, England
Marriage: April 30, 1900. to Belle Giblin, farmed in Vail
Surviving: wife, Edward, John, Joseph, Francis and Anna at home, Clarence of Oakland CA, Mrs Harry Roy and Mrs. Henry Hass of Denison
Preceding in Death: Daughters Mary and Florence
Funeral: St. Ann Catholic church Vail
Burial: St. Ann Cemetery
Pallbearers: Walter Horrig, Raymond Pound, William Raine, Raymond Hickey, Howard Linberg and Donald McCaffrey


Submitted by Helen Carey Papalekas


Devaney, Michael (1870-1946)

Denison Review - April 11, 1946
Michael Devaney
Born: November 28, 1870 in England
Parents: Patrick Devaney Spouse: Isabelle "Belle" Cecelia Giblin
Marriage: April 30, 1900 at St. Ann's Church in Vail, Iowa
Children: Edward, John, Joseph, Francis, Anna, Clarence, Mary, Susie (Harvey Roy), Florence, Francis, and Zita Mae (Henry Hass)
Death: March 27, 1946 in Vail, Iowa
Burial: March 29, 1946 at St. Ann's Cemetery
Siblings: Thomas, John, Mary, and Ella

Submitted by Paula Curcio


Dobson, Harry (1883 - 1909)

Dow City Enterprise 11-5-1909

Harry Dobson of Deloit was killed almost instantly by the bursting of a fly wheel. He was engaged with others in sawing wood when the accident happened.

He was born in Deloit, July 24, 1883 and grew to manhood where he was highly respected as an honorable, upright citizen and neighbor.

He was the youngest son of Mrs. T. C. Dobson of Deloit and a brother of Mrs. A. H. Rudd of Dow City.

The funeral was preached by Elder J. W. Wight of Lamoni, Iowa and was very largely attended. The remains were interred in the Deloit cemetery. He leaves a wife and one son, his mother, two brothers, four sisters and many other relatives and friends to mourn his departure. We extend sincere sympathy to the bereaved ones.

Submitted by Melba McDowell


Dobson, John (1834 - 1911)

Denison Review - October 25, 1911

It is with deep regret that ... comes the duty of The Review this week to chronicle the death of Crawford County's oldest settler, John Dobson, who departed this life at his home in Deloit on Saturday morning, October 21st, after a lingering illness. He has been afflicted for the past year with tumor of the stomach, which hastened his departure from this life.

John Dobson was born in Tazewell county, Illinois, December 21, 1834, being at the time of his death 76 years and 10 months of age. His ancestry can be traced back to Roger Dobson, who was born in England in 1683 and died in 1767. He was one of a family of eleven children and was the only surviving member of this family. John and his brother, Thomas, were closely identified with the early history and development of Crawford county.

In April, 1852 they, with their father, Benjamin Dobson, came to Crawford county, settling at Mason's Grove just east of the present site of Deloit, and there built the first saw mill, which was later converted into a flour and grist mill and was operated by them for eighteen years. They endured many hardships during their pioneer days being compelled to make many trips to Council Bluffs hauling merchandise from there, as that was the nearest trading point. The ground was broken and their first farming done with teams of oxen on the present site of the town of Deloit, which town they named.

The early school training of John Dobson was obtained under great difficulties, for in those days educational facilities were exceedingly limited. He attended a subscription school in Illinois, the first term being in 1839 and continued his studies until old enough to commence work in the fields on his father's farm.

He continued to follow farming as a vocation until 1900 when he started a hotel business in Deloit, with which he met with a great deal of success until a few years ago when his hotel was destroyed by fire.

Mr. Dobson was united in marriage on February 18, 18555 to Miss Lucy Jane Winans, of Deloit, who lives to mourn his death. Unto this happy union were born eleven children: Merinda; Julia Ann and Mary Jane, twins, the latter of whom passed away Feb. 27, 1890; Clinton M. who resides in the state of Washington: Franklin C: Julian Elihu and Junius, twins; both of whom are now living in Idaho; Cora, Edith C. and two deceased.

He is also survived by 23 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Mr. Dobson was a very active man and was able to attend to his duties up until a few months before his death. His affectionate wife and faithful daughter, Edith, tenderly and lovingly administered to his every want and were assisted by a host of sympathetic friends. "Uncle John," as he was commonly known, was loved and respected by all who came in contact with him and everyone feels that they have lost a faithful friend in the death of this beloved pioneer.

The funeral services were held at the L. D. S. church at Deloit Monday, October 23rd at eleven a.m. conducted by Elder J. M. Baker, of Omaha, Neb. The church was filled to overflowing with the friends and fellow citizens of this estimable old gentleman. The body was laid to rest in the Deloit cemetery where his father, mother, two brothers, a sister and his two children are buried. The sympathy of a host of friends is with the family in their hour of sorrow, with which the Review joins.

Submitted by Melba McDowell


Mrs. Lucy Dobson (1836 - 1929)

Denison Review - Wednesday, Jan. 23, 1929

MRS. LUCY DOBSON DIED WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON JAN. 16
Former Resident of Crawford County for Many Years Died at Home of Her Daughter in Ulmer
REACHED THE AGE OF 92 YEARS
Her Life and Inspiration to All Who Knew Her and Memory Will Long Line in Hearts of Loved Ones

Lucy Dobson, an old pioneer resident and well-known citizen of Crawford County, and familiarly called "Aunt Lucy" by her many old friends and neighbors, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. G. A. Putbreese, in Ulmer, last Wednesday afternoon. Her death came suddenly and was a shock to her relatives and friends. She had reached the ripe old age of 92 years, 7 months and 25 days.

Almost five years ago she suffered two strokes and was confined to her bed for six weeks. Since that time she was never able to walk, but was brought from her room each day in her big chair and sat up all the day enjoying her company and the everyday affairs of the farm, retaining her interest in these to the last. She was in apparent good health until Sunday evening when she began to suffer some from gastritis. Monday she was up for an hour but was not able to leave her room after that. On Wednesday afternoon she enjoyed a short visit from a nephew and niece, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Barrow, of Manilla, and only five minutes before her death she bade them a cheerful goodbye. She had suffered some discomfort for an hour or so before her departure, but not enough to alarm anyone.

Lucy Jane Winans Dobson, daughter of Clark and Catherine Winans (NOTE: from submitter - Lucy was daughter of Clark and Julia Graves - Catherine being his second wife but not Lucy's mother) was born May 22, 1836 near Warren, Trumble County, Ohio. From there they moved to several points in Illinois, finally coming to Iowa, settling in Boone County for three months and then coming to Crawford County in September 1854. She made her home continually in this county for sixty-one years until the marriage of her daughter, Edith.

On February 18, 1855, Lucy Winans was married to John Dobson and from this union ten children were born; namely: Metellis of Tillamook, Ore; twin boys Julian and Junius of Orofino, Idaho; Cora, wife of T. G. Wanless of Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada and Edith, wife of G. A. Putbreese of Ulmer, with whom she made her home. Those preceding their mother in death are Mrs. Merinda Mason: twin daughters, Mrs. Mary Hatfield and Mrs. Julia Wiley, one son Frank and another son died in infancy.

Besides rearing a family of her own, Mrs. Dobson mothered three homeless children until their maturity. Twenty grandchildren and four step-grandchildren are also left to mourn her death.

The life of Mrs. Dobson has been an inspiration to all who have know her and her memory will be cherished for many years. She was a member of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for seventy-two years. In her home the missionaries always found a hearty welcome. Her life was well illustrated in the funeral sermon preached by Elder Carl Winey of Deloit, when he made mention of the Martha of Bible times, in this life she had many tasks to look after, but her work was always well done. Funeral services were held Friday at Deloit. Interment in the Deloit cemetery.

Submitted by Melba McDowell


Sarah K. Dobson (1823 - 1909)

Denison Review, May 5, 1909
Death of a Crawford Pioneer
Came to This County in 1852 and Resided Here Since
Widow of Elder Thos. Dobson - Founder of Great Family of Latter Day Saints
Early County History Recalled by Her Death.
(*Two pictures with article - one of Sarah Dobson and one of four generations of Dobson family)

Sarah K. Dobson was born Aug. 24, 1823, near Bowling Green, Warren County, Kentucky and died April 27, 1909, being 85 years, 8 months and 3 days old, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Ellen Horr, with whom she has been living the past 12 years. She was the daughter of William and Elizabeth Taylor and a relative of Ex-President Zachary Taylor. The Taylor family is traced back to the thirteenth century.

Her mother's maiden name was Elizabeth Patrick, daughter of John and Elizabeth Patrick. She descended from one of three Irish brothers that settled in the east in an early day, two of them went back to Ireland and the one that remained is said to be the father of all the Patricks in America. William and Elizabeth Taylor were the parents of 14 children of whom Mrs. Dobson has only one surviving brother, Green Taylor of Utah.

She married Thomas Dobson on October 29, 1843 and to them 10 children were born, two dying in infancy and T. C. Dobson, F. T. Dobson and Sarah A. Newcom known by those residing here with her husband, who died 30 years ago last July, have preceded her to the great beyond.

Of those living are 5 daughters, Mrs. J. H. Smith, Clearwater, Neb., Mrs. I. E. Geith, Addy, Washington; Mrs. S. Horr of Deloit, Mrs. S. P. Spence, Garden Grove, Iowa and Mrs. J. S. Myers, Brentwood, Arkansas.

After their marriage they resided in Hancock Co., Ill. Until the spring of 1846 they moved to Pottawattamie Co., Iowa and in the fall of 1849 to Union Grove, Harrison Co., Iowa where they lived until the spring of 1852, when they came to Mason's Grove, Crawford Co., Iowa where her husband immediately set about looking up some claims. After locating a claim he built a log cabin which he introduced to his wife and three children, where they lived a true pioneer life of early days, without the many advantages of the women of today, cooking by a fireplace, we understand. She had the pleasure of entertaining all the women in the county to a quilting.

They moved in a frame building in Deloit in the year 1858, where she resided until she came to live with her daughter. Her home was always made welcome to all and she took great pleasure in looking after the comfort of others besides her family. Many homes were visited in time of sickness and their wants administered to the best she could give. She united with the L. D. S. church in her girlhood days and remained a true Christian and neighbor.

Beside her children, her posterity numbered 64 grandchildren, 88 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren who will ever cherish and revere her sacred memory and the good council and instruction given them. She was very proud of her posterity, the total number being 154 beside those who married into the family. Of this number only one daughter, four grand children, Mrs. A. H. Rudd, Harry Dobson and Eunice Dobson and Beatrice Riggleman and Lemuel Dobson were permitted to be present at her funeral.

She lived 63 years in the state of Iowa and 57 years at Deloit. About the year 1862 they drove to Des Moines and purchased their first cook stove. Although her husband was away from home a great deal acting as recorder in Denison 6 years and attending to various duties beside missionary work, she attended to family without a murmur and reared her children, always instructing them in the ways of righteousness and truth. Her husband preceded her to the grave 30 years last July.

Her funeral was held Thursday at 11:00 a.m., the discourse was preached by Elder Charles Derry of Woodbine, Iowa. The pallbearers were: J. G. Myers, S. F. Wedlock, C. W. Winey, John Cose, F. H. Brogden and T. Munsey. Mr. Juddy Bond of Denison in charge, the remains were laid to rest by the side of her husband in Deloit cemetery to await the resurrection of the just.

Submitted by Melba McDowell


William Dougherty (1868 - 1932)

William Dougherty, died suddenly at home on March 6, 1932, as a result of a heart attack after recovering a week ago from influenza.

He was born in Clinton Co. IA, Jan. 13, 1868. His parents were Daniel and Bridget Harkins Dougherty, natives of Ireland. He came to Crawford Co in 1878 and farmed northeast of Manilla.

He was married to Catherine Monahan Jan 21, 1889.

Survivors include his wife Catherine, children, Mrs. Lillian Rice of Deloit, Frank of Monticello, Mrs. Marie Berkmeir of Sioux City, Mrs Madonna Graham and Angela Dougherty both of Ann Arbor MI, Margaret of Sioux City and Rita at home, and his brothers John of Columbus NE, Cornelius of Sanborn, Patrick, Hugh of Manilla and James of Sioux City.

Preceding him in death were his brothers, Edward, Philip and Dan, and one sister, Mrs Anna Ryan.

Funeral: Sacred Heart Catholic Church Manilla
Burial: Mount Calvary Cemetery, Manilla
Pall Bearers: George Riggs, Edward McGuire, Dennis McMahon, Hugo Willy, S. J. Reiff, L.L. Sheffield

Submitted by Helen Carey Papalekas


Adela DeMey (Meggers) (1901 - 1987 )

Adela Ann DeMey was born July 5, 1901 in Hanover Township the daughter of John Meggers and Ida Zage Meggers. She died on Jan. 22.1987, at the Denison Care Center at Denison, la. at the age of 85 , years, 6 months and 22 days. Adela grew up in Hanover Township where she attended rural schools.

On April 6, 1920 she was united in marriage to Henry DeMey of Denison. Ia. They made their home on various farms in Crawford County before retiring from farming at which time they made their home in Arion. Mr. DeMey died Dec. 25, 1972. She continued to live in Arion, making her home with her son Delmore until entering the Denison Care Center in December of 1985. She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Dow City.

In addition to her parents and her husband, Adela was preceded in death by three children in infancy, two grandchildren, Joseph Spreng and Eddie Millard, three great grandchildren, Bradley Grandt, Ryan Patchen and Megan Cue, one sister, Minnie Pirwitz and one broter Pete Meggers.

Survivors include six sons, Robert and his wife Gwen DeMey of Dow City, Edward and his wife Jean DeMey of Carroll. Donald and his wife Marilyn DeMey of Denison Henry and his wife Donna DeMey of Denison. Delmore of Arion and John and his wife Janice of Denison. Six daughters. Marcella and her husband Dale Millard of Sioux City, Lauretta Malone of Dow City, Rose and her husband Fred Spreng of Dow City, Betty and her husband Alvin Patchen of McCool Junction, Neb., Ellen and her husband Bill Brink of Dow City and Sharon and her husband Richard Cue of Dunlap, thirty nine grandchildren. sixty four great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. One brother John and his wife Eleanora Meggers of Charter Oak. one sister Rose Meggers of the Dunlap Care Center of Dunlap, Ia., several nieces and nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Funeral services were held Saturday, Jan. 24, 1987 at 10 a.m. at the St. Mary's Catholic Church in Dow City with burial in the Dow City Cemetery. Father John Vakulekas officiated at the services.
Serving as pallbearers were Dennis DeMey, Kevin Cue, Wayne Malone Jr., Jary Patchen. Thomas Brink and Nick Millard.
Funeral arrangements were made under the direction of the Huebner Funeral Home of Denison.

Transcribed by: Bob Kuehl