Obituaries
submitted by: Julia Johnson - julia.johnson63@gmail.com
 
 
[Hastings, Thomas]

Bedford Times-Republican

Tuesday        August 21, 1923      p. 3

Thomas Hastings, who died in Dakota, was buried yesterday the Titus cemetery.

[Lowrey, Earl Ray]

Taylor County Republican

Thursday      July 24, 1884      p. 4

Died,

About noon on Sunday last, six miles east of town, Earl Ray Lowrey, aged nearly sixteen months. The funeral took place on Monday and was conducted by Rev. R. A. McKinley. Little Earl was a twin and the first to break the circle of a large family.

[McMahill, Zilpha Estella Rubart]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday      April 5, 1906     p. 3

The body of Mrs. Henry McMahill [Zilpha Estella Rubart] who died at Omaha will arrive here on the early morning train tomorrow. The funeral will be held at the Presbyterian Church at 11 a. m., conducted by Rev. Barackman. Interment at Titus cemetery.

[McMahill, Zilpha Estella Rubart]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday    April 12, 1906     [p. 1]

Obituary

Zylpha [Zilpha] Estella Rubart was born in Warren County, Illinois, March 3d, 1853. Was married to Henry McMahill July 31, 1878, at Monmouth, Ill.

They moved to Iowa soon afterwards settling near Bedford where they lived 12 years, but for the past 8 years she has resided Omaha, Neb.

She had been afflicted for a number of years and last January was in the hospital where she underwent an operation and for a time seemed to be improving when other complications set in and she begun to fail rapidly, dying at 3:10 Wednesday morning Apr. 4th, aged 53 years and 1 month.

The body was brought to Bedford, Iowa, Friday morning Apr. 6th. The funeral services were held at the Presbyterian Church, conducted by the pastor Rev. Barackman, after which she was laid to rest in the Titus cemetery. She leaves to mourn her loss a husband and three sons, Bert, Arthur and Ollie, besides her aged mother Mrs. Rubart, four sisters, Mrs. Nancy Wilson of Nevada, Mo., Mrs. Pary [Julia Paracinda] Atkins, Bedford, Mrs. Laura [Ellen] Wall, Cadams, Neb., Mrs. Ida Rayborn, Bedford, and one brother Mr. A. [lbert] C. [icero] Rubart, Bedford.      C.

[Meredith, Namah “Namie” Ward]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday     September 1, 1910     [p. 1]

MRS. NAMAH MEReDITH.

The body of Mrs. Namah Meredith was brought to Bedford Tuesday morning from Rushville, Ind., and interment made in the Graceland cemetery. The deceased was a sister-in-law of Mrs. Margaret Miller and also an aunt of T.[homas]  A. [ddison]  Meredith, both of this city. In regard to her death the Rushville Daily Republican says:

Mrs. Namah Meredith, who is familiarly known throughout this community by the simple and respectful name, "Aunt Namie," was called to her reward this morning at eleven o'clock at the Meredith home in North Morgan street, from a stroke of paralysis which she suffered about two weeks ago. Her life was one full of pathos and interest. She never courted sympathy, for she was an optimist of the most perfectly developed kind. Above all she was a perfect type of the Christian woman, who saw the happy side of everything through faith and faith alone.

"Aunt Namie" was born in Ontario County, New York, on June seventh, 1828. She resided in that county with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jabez Ward until she was twelve years of age, and from there she and her parents moved to Venango county, Pennsylvania, where site grew into womanhood. She was a pioneer teacher in that county and there she fell in love with children and the events and things that would make of them strong men and women. In 1854 she went to Bedford, Iowa, where she taught school until 1859, when she married Joseph C. Meredith, who was a brother of the late Thomas Meredith of this city. In 1861 her husband and ten-months old child, which had blessed the union, were both taken into the great beyond. Her careful attention to both her husband and child through their illness weakened her health, which she never fully regained in all her life.

In 1861 she came to this county, where she reentered the teaching profession at various schools throughout the county. Her health completely failed her in the early seventies and she went to a ranch near Boulder, Colo., which was owned by her brother, Calvin Ward, and there she remained until his death, which left her again a creature of circumstance. After his death she came back to this city, where she has resided ever since. About eight years ago she and Mrs. Susan Tingley took habitation together in West Fifth Street, where they have resided in a companionship that if it was thoroughly known to the world would serve as a tremendous example of the brotherhood of man and the sisterhood of woman. Perhaps to no one does her death come with such a shock as to her venerable sister, Mrs. Tingley. The beauty of their lives together is far beyond the power of human description.

[Meredith, Namah “Namie” Ward]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday      September 1, 1910       p. 5

Mrs. Namah Meredith.

Remains of Mrs. Namah Meredith, who died in Rushville, Ind., August 27, were brought here Tuesday for interment by the side of those of her husband in the Graceland cemetery. She was an aunt of T. H. Meredith of this city, and was a resident of Bedford in 1854. Her name was the first on the roll of the First Presbyterian church of Bedford. Short services were conducted by Rev. S. E. Henry at the Miller home on Pennsylvania Street.

The events of her life are set forth in the Rushville Republican as follows:

"Aunt Namie" was born in Ontario County, New York, on June 7, 1828. She resided in that county with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jabez Ward, until she was twelve years of age, and from there she and her parents moved to Venango county, Penn., where she grew into womanhood. She was a pioneer teacher in that county and there she fell in love with children and the events and things that would make of them strong men and women. In 1854 she went to Bedford, Ia., where she taught school until 1859, when she married Joseph C. Meredith, who was a brother of the late Thomas Meredith of this city. In 1861 her husband and a ten-months-old child, which had blessed the union, were both taken into the great beyond. Her careful attention to both her husband and child through their illness weakened her health, which she never fully regained in all her life.

In 1861 she came to this county, where she re-entered the teaching profession at various schools throughout the county. Her health completely failed her early in the seventies and she went to a ranch near Boulder, Col., which was owned by her brother, Calvin Ward, and there she remained until his death, which left her again a creature of circumstance. After his death she came back to this city.

[Neumeyer, Amanda Malvina Morris]

Bedford Free Press

February 3, 1914     p. 5

Amanda Neumeyer

Mrs. Amanda Neumeyer died at her home in Polk Township Tuesday Jan. 27. Funeral services were held at High Prairie church at 1 o'clock Thursday afternoon, conducted by Elder William Cobb of Bedford. Interment was made at Graceland cemetery.

Amanda M. [alvina] Neumeyer was born in Shelby County, Indiana, March 30,

1841. She was the daughter of Jesse and Mary [Jane] Morris and was of a family of twelve children. At an early age the family removed to Owen County, Indiana, where they remained until 1858, when they removed to Taylor County, Iowa, settling in Polk Township. She was married July 28, 1859, to Solomon Neumeyer, who about that time had also emigrated from Indiana. He still survives her but was unable to be here by reason of sickness at the home of his son near Burwell, Neb. To Mr. and Mrs. Neumeyer were born nine children, one son having died in infancy, and another at the age of five years, and a daughter, Mrs. [Elizabeth] Emma Tivey, who died at Schuyler, Neb. The children who survive their mother's death are Mrs. [Mary] Flora Hicks, of San Jose, Cal., [George] Walter of Burwell, Neb., Jacob [William] of Survey, Neb., Henry [Elmer] of Bedford, [Ira] Bruce of Boise, Ida. Besides the children she leaves to mourn her death two brothers and two sisters, John Morris of Lawrence county, Mo., Marlon Morris of Phoenix, Ariz., Mrs. Charles Dresher of Bedford, and Mrs. Keller Thompson of Hopkins, Mo.

Mrs. Neumeyer was converted at the age of 14 years and joined the Separate Baptist church in which she remained until after coming to Iowa when she joined the Christian Church of which she was a member until the time of her death.

[Neumeyer, Charles M.]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     August 8, 1940     [p. 1]

Charles Neumeyer, 78 Dies Tuesday, Aug. 6

Charles [M.] Neumeyer, 78, died at he home of his brother, Henry Neumeyer   southwest of Bedford Tuesday, August 6.

The funeral services were held at the Wetmore Funeral Home at 10:30 o'clock this (Thursday) morning, conducted by Rev. A. Douglass Steffenson. Burial was in the Graceland cemetery.

Mr. Neumeyer had been in the west for several years and was brought back to the home of his brother near Bedford about two months ago. He was a member of the Bedford I.O.O.F. lodge.

[Neumeyer, Constance Alveretta  “Connie” Florea]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday      November 17, 1983     p. 4

Constance Neumeyer Final Rites Were Held in Hopkins

Funeral services for Mrs. Henry (Constance Alveretta) Neumeyer, 93, of Hopkins, Mo., were held November 10 in Swanson-Price Funeral Home in Hopkins conducted by Rev. Carl Cummings. Mrs. Neumeyer died in her Hopkins home November 8, 1983. Interment was at Hopkins Cemetery, Hopkins.

Constance Alveretta Florea Neumeyer was born January 5, 1890 to William and LeNora Florea of Pickering, Missouri.

She was the oldest of ten children: five girls and five boys of whom four are living: Ruth Collins of Redlands, Calif., Faith Spencer of Bedford, Iowa, Frank Florea of Bonners Ferry, Idaho and John Florea of Aurora, Nebraska.

On February 19, 1908 she was united in marriage to Henry [Elmer] Neumeyer at Siam, Iowa. To this union seven children were born: Jason, Louise, Verna, George, Sidney, Richard and Howard all of whom survive: Mr. and Mrs. Jason Neumeyer of New Market, Ia.; Mrs. Louise Archer of Hopkins, Mo.; Mr. and Mrs. George McDonald of Hopkins, Mo.; Mr. and Mrs. George Neumeyer of Hopkins, Mo.; Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Neumeyer of Bonners Ferry, Idaho; Mr. and Mrs. Richard Neumeyer of Bedford, Ia.; Mr. and Mrs. Howard Neumeyer of Payette, Idaho.

Also surviving are seven grandchildren; four step grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren.

She and her husband Henry were like parents to Connie's younger brothers and sisters as they lost their mother when she was only 43 years old and the youngest brother was only two years old.

Both she and her husband were hard working farm people living on the farm most of their active years until they retired in 1948 and moved to Hopkins, Mo. She continued to reside in Hopkins following the death of her husband. She was a member of the Christian Church.

She will be remembered by her family and friends as a kind and loving mother, friend and neighbor, and she will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.

[Neumeyer, Henry Elmer]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday      July 15, 1965     p. 8

Rites Held In Hopkins For Henry Neumeyer

Funeral services for Henry Elmer Neumeyer, 87, lifetime resident of Taylor County, were held July 11 at the Hopkins Christian Church with Rev. Loyd Mean officiating. Mr. Neumeyer died July 9, 1963 at his home in south Hopkins. Interment was at the Hopkins cemetery.

Included in the services was the following obituary.

Henry Elmer Neumeyer was born September 1, 1877 at Bedford in Taylor county to Solomon and Amanda [Morris] Neumeyer. He was born in a log house where later his seven children were born, except in a different house.

Henry was the last of his family consisting of five brothers who were Charles, Walter, Jacob, Bruce and two sisters, Flora and [Elizabeth] Emma.

In [February 19] 1908 Henry was married to Constance Florea, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Florea of Siam, Ia. To this union seven children were born, Jason of New Market, Iowa; Mrs. Louise Archer of Blockton, Iowa; Mrs. Verna McDonald of Los Angeles, Calif.; George of Hopkins; Sidney of Bonners Ferry, Idaho; Richard of Conway, Iowa; and Howard of Payette, Idaho, all of whom survive along with the mother of the home. He also has six grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, three great grandchildren and 9 step-great grandchildren.

Mr. and Mrs. Neumeyer celebrated their Golden Wedding in 1958 with all of their children present.

He was a 50-year member of Plumb Lodge, No. 285 at Siam. He received his 50-year pin from this lodge last year.

Henry was a farmer most of his life in Taylor county. He lived there until 1941 when he bought a farm and moved to Athelstan, Iowa. Here they lived until 1948 when they moved to their present home in Hopkins.

Henry worked after moving to Hopkins and retired at age 82. He had many friends and always had a cheerful greeting for everyone. He was an honest hardworking man of good morals and a kind and affectionate father to his family.

He will be sadly missed by his family and friends.

[Neumeyer, Ira Bruce]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     January 5, 1950      p. 8

Bruce Neumeyer Dies In Alaska

Bruce Neumeyer, 67, a former resident of Bedford, died December 8 from virus pneumonia at Anchorage, Alaska, according to word received by his brother, Henry [Elmer] Neumeyer. No other details are known.

Ira Bruce Neumeyer, youngest son of Solomon and Amanda [Morris] Neumeyer, was born February 16, 1882 at Bedford, Taylor county, Iowa.

He is survived by a daughter, Mary Edith Arecton of San Francisco, California.

[Neumeyer, Solomon “Sol”]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday      February 7, 1924     p. 7

Obituary – Solomon Neumeyer

Solomon Neumeyer, son of Charles and Elizabeth [Wagner] Neumeyer, was born in Redding, Pa., February 8, 1835 and died at the home of his son, Walter near Orleans, Nebraska, January 29, 1924, aged 88 years, 11 months and 21 days.

When ten years of age he moved with his parents to Spencer, Indiana. In the year 1857, he came to Missouri where he resided for two years. He then located in Taylor county, Iowa, which became his permanent home.

July 8, 1859, he was united in marriage to Miss Amanda Morris who preceded him in 1914. To this union, nine children were born, three of whom have also preceded him.

The surviving children are Mrs. Flora Hicks, Charley, Walter, Jacob, Bruce and Henry Neumeyer. Besides these he leaves twenty-nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Funeral services were held at the High Prairie Church, Saturday forenoon at 11 A. M. conducted by Leslie R. Cobb. Interment was in the Graceland cemetery.

NEUMEYER, SOLOMON "SOL"]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, February 7, 1924
SIAM – The funeral of Solomon Neumeyer was held Saturday at 11 o'clock at High Prairie and interment in Titus cemetery. The Masonic order at this place gave their beautiful ceremony at the grave.

 

 

[Rayborn, Nancy Arminda “Minnie” Pace]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday      August 10, 1972     p. 8

Minnie Rayborn Rites July 29

Funeral services for Mrs. Clifton W. (Minnie) Rayborn, 79, of Cedar Rapids, were held July 29 in Cedar Rapids. Mrs. Rayborn died July 27 in Cedar Rapids. Graveside services were held July 29 at Graceland Cemetery near Bedford, conducted by Loren Daley.

Nancy Arminda Rayborn, born August 10, 1893, was the fifth of eight children born to B. [asil] B. [rooks] and Alice [Viola] Nash Pace.

Mrs. Rayborn was a telephone operator for 16 years in Siam and 22 years for Iowa Electrical Light and Power Co. of Cedar Rapids.

She was a loyal member of the Cedar Christian Church at Cedar Rapids and Past Matron of Highland Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star in Siam.

Her survivors include two sons, William Leland (Bud), Cedar Rapids and Robert of Birmingham, Ala.; daughter, Mrs. Harvey (Marion) Young, New Market; brother, Oliver M. Pace, Piedmont, Calif.; eight grandchildren; seven great granddaughters; other relatives and friends.

[Wiand, Henry Frank]                                            

     [Rector, Charles Melvin]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    October 23, 1952     [p. 1]

Wiand & Rector Fatally Injured

Henry Wiand, 47, farmer of Conway, was killed Thursday night north of Gravity, in a collision with a truck.

Injured in the head-on crash were two passengers in Wiand’s car, Charles Rector, 45, Bedford, and Charles Wiand, 43, the driver's brother and also a farmer of the Conway area. Rector died Saturday.

According to Sheriff Harry Lucas, Wiand was heading south, while the truck, owned by the Corning Rendering Co., was going north. The sheriff said tracks on the highway showed the Wiand car swerved into the path of the truck.

Henry Holker, Corning, driver of the truck, said the car seemed to lock brakes before it veered out of its lane.

Wiand is survived by his wife Pauline; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Wiand, of Lenox, two brothers, Charles of Sharpsburg, Francis of Lenox; two sisters, Mrs. Martha Normile, Mt. Clemens, Mich., Mrs. Luetta Leckleitner, Seattle, Wash.

Funeral services were held in St. Patrick's church, Lenox, at 9:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 20 in charge of Rev. Father Adam Reiss. Burial was In St. Patrick's cemetery, Lenox.

Rector's services were held at the Shum Funeral Home in Bedford Monday afternoon, with burial in Graceland cemetery.

[Wiand, Henry Frank]                                                  [Rector, Charles Melvin]

Lenox Time Table

Thursday     October 23, 1952     [p. 1[

Two Die In Car Accident

Two men died and third was injured in an automobile wreck Thursday, Oct. 16, at 5:50 p. m., on Highway 148, four and a half miles north of Gravity. Henry Wiand, 47, farmer of near Conway, was killed in a collision between his car and a truck driven by Henry Holker of Corning. Mr. Wiand died within a few minutes of the crash.

Charles Rector, 52, of Bedford who was riding with Wiand, was taken to the Corning hospital where he died Friday night.

Charles Wiand, 45, brother of the deceased, was also a passenger in the car. He suffered a broken ankle and bruises. He was taken to the Corning hospital where his leg was placed in a cast so that he could attend his brother's funeral. He underwent surgery for his injury Tuesday morning.

Holker, who was not injured, was driving a truck for the Corning Rendering Company.

Funeral services for Wiand were held at St. Patrick's Church in Lenox, Monday morning at 9:30, conducted by Father Adam Reisz, with burial in St. Patrick's Cemetery.

Services were held for Charles Rector at the Shum Funeral Home in Bedford, Monday afternoon. Burial was in Graceland cemetery.

Those from a distance who came to the Wiand services were Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Miller, Mrs. Curt Peterson and Mr. and Mrs. Drexel Miller of Galesburg, Ill.; James Wiand, nephew who is in the service and stationed at San Diego, Cailf.; Everett Colgrove, Dallas Tex.; Mr. and Mrs. Merritt Colgrove and son, Francis, Girard, Kan.; Mrs. Ray McCracken, Pittsburg, Kan.; Mrs. Jim Normile and son Mickey, Mt. Clemens, Mich.; Mrs. Lyle Leckleitner of Seattle; Mr. and Mrs. Ray Colgrove, Pawnee City, Nebr.; Mr. and Mrs. Harry Selders, Des Moines.

OBITUARY—WIAND

Henry Frank Wiand, son of Frank and Lulu Wiand was born April 9, 1905, on a farm southwest of Lenox and passed away October 16, 1952 at the age of 47 years, 6 months and 7 days. He obtained his education at Lenox, Iowa. Upon reaching manhood he chose farming as his work. February 5, 1930, he was united in marriage to Pauline McManus.

Those left to mourn his loss are his wife, Pauline; his parents Mr. and Mrs. Frank Wiand; two brothers and two sisters, Charles of Sharpsburg; Francis of Lenox; Martha Normile of Mt. Clemens, Mich.; and Luetta Leckleitner of Seattle, Washington; several other relatives and a host of friends.

Pall Bearers at the funeral were Donavon McManus, Paul Vanderplum, Charley Jones, Chester Shimer, Paul Chitty and Robert Thompson.

[Rector, Charles Melvin]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    October 30, 1952      p. 5

Obituary - Charles Rector

Charles Melvin Rector, son of James [Markes] and Elizabeth [Myra McGee] Rector, was born April 25, 1900, in Greene County, Tenn., and died Oct. 17, at Rosary hospital, Corning, at the age of 52 years, five months, 25 days.

When a small child at the age of two, he moved with his parents from Tennessee to a farm near New Market, Iowa; later moving to Bedford, where he had since made his home. The past few months he had been employed on the Henry Wiand farm near Conway.

On October 16, he was in an automobile accident, which caused his death.

He was a member of the Methodist church.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents in September 1948.

Surviving are: one brother, Larry L. Rector, Oakland, Calif.; two sisters, Mrs. Walter Ewart [Grace Ethel] of Hastings, Nebr.; Mrs. Fred Jeffers of Inavale, Nebr.; five nieces and two nephews.

Funeral services were held at the Shum Funeral Home, Monday, Oct. 20, conducted by Rev. Fred H. Cowles. Burial was in Graceland cemetery.

 

[Rector, Elizabeth Myra McGee]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     September 16, 1948     [p. 1]

Mr. and Mrs. Rector Both Die This Week

Mrs. James Rector [Elizabeth Myra McGee], 73, died at the University Hospital in Iowa City Friday night, September 10, where she had been taken on Wednesday for medical care. She had been in failing health for several years.

The funeral services were held at the Shum Funeral Home Tuesday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Fred Cowles. Burial was in the Graceland cemetery.

Mr. Rector, who had been ill several months, died at the home in Bedford about 9 o'clock Wednesday morning, Sept. 15. He was 72 years of age. The funeral services will be held at the Shum Funeral Home at 2 o'clock Friday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Cowles. Burial will also be in Graceland cemetery.

[RECTOR, ELIZABETH MYRA MCGEE]
Bedford Times-Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, September 23, 1948
Obituary – Mrs. James Rector, 73, died in the University Hospital in Iowa City Friday night where she had been taken on Wednesday for medical care. She had been in ill health for several years.
Elizabeth Myra McGee, the daughter of Robert and Elizabeth McGee, was born in Green county, Tenn. August 1, 1875, being aged 73 years, 1 month and 9 days at the time of her death.
On May 7, 1897 she was married to James M. Rector. He died September 15, 1948.
She is survived by four children [words unreadable] and Mrs. Fred Jeffers of Inavale, Nebr., 7 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Also, one sister, Malisa Sarmes of Inavale, Nebraska.
In 1902 Mr. and Mrs. Rector moved from Tennessee to Taylor county and resided on a farm near Bedford before they moved to town. Mrs. Rector became ill August 4 and was taken to Iowa City, Sept. 3, where she passed away of cerebral hemorrhage.
She was a member of the Bedford Methodist Church.
The funeral services were held at the Shum Funeral Home Tuesday afternoon conducted by Rev. Fred Cowles. Burial was in the Graceland cemetery.

 

[Rector, James Markes]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     September 23, 1948      p. 6

Obituary – James Rector

James [Markes] Rector, son of James and Polly Anne [Jackson] Rector, was born in Greene County, Tenn., Jan. 1, 1876 and died at Bedford Sept. 15, 1948, at the age of 72 years, 8 months and 14 days.

On May 7, 1897 he was married to Elizabeth Myra McGee. To them four children were born.

He is survived by two sons, Charles Rector of Bedford, and Luther Rector of Oakland, Calif., two daughters, Mrs. Walter Ewart [Grace Ethel] of Hastings, Nebr. and Mrs. Fred Jeffers of Inavale, Nebr., 7 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren; his aged step-mother, Lucinda Rector, one sister, 2 brothers, 3 half-sisters and one half-brother.

In 1902 Mr. and Mrs. Rector moved from Tennessee to Taylor County, Iowa, and resided on a farm near Bedford until a few years ago when they moved into town. Mr. Rector became ill last November, and was taken to Iowa City for an operation on July 23. He returned to his home on August 5 and had been confined to his bed since. He was a kind father, a real neighbor and friend.

Funeral services were held at the Shum funeral Home Friday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Fred Cowles. Burial was in the Fairview cemetery.

[Note: He was buried in Graceland cemetery, west of Bedford, Taylor Co., Iowa, not in Fairview cemetery, Bedford.]