Obituaries
submitted by: Julia Johnson - julia.johnson63@gmail.com
 
 

[Britt, Mary Ann Durham]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday     February 9, 1905     p. 5

Frank Greeley informed us that he received word yesterday from Illinois to the effect that his aunt [Mary Ann Durham], aged 91 years was dead. She was the oldest resident of Bureau Co. Illinois, having lived there seventy years. —Gravity Independent

[Douglas, Matthew Henry]

Gravity Independent

Thursday     June 2, 1927     p. 5

Obituary—Matthew Douglas

Matthew [Henry] Douglas died at his home near Callao, Missouri, on Thursday morning, April 7, 1927, at the age of 68 years. He was born of Scotch-Welsh parentage, at Spring Green, Wisconsin, August 24, 1869. During the following year he removed with his parents to the state of Iowa, where he grew to manhood.

On March 28, 1900, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary [Ellen] Thomas, a member of the well-known and highly respected family of Corning, Iowa. After spending three years on an Iowa farm, Mr. and Mrs. Douglas removed to Missouri, and purchased the home place, where they have resided the past 25 years.

The deceased was an active member of the Concord Christian church with which he united in 1914. He leaves to mourn the loss of a good husband, father, and brother, his wife, Mary Thomas Douglas; a daughter, Orange Pauline; two sons, Harold and Henry; two brothers and two sisters.

Funeral services were conducted at Concord, Missouri, April 9, by Rev. O. L. Angel of Macon. Interment in adjoining cemetery.

No words could express the high esteem in which the deceased was held by his friends and neighbors, and the many kind deeds and visits bestowed upon this good man during his recent illness, were made in recognition of love and respect for a true friend and an accommodating neighbor.

[Feeney, Agatha Barton]

Gravity Independent

Thursday     June 16, 1932    [p. 1]

Obituary- Mrs. P. I. Feeney

Agatha Barton was born near Martinsburg, Keokuk County, Iowa, February 9, 1870.

In 1874, her parents came to Taylor County, Iowa, where she grew to womanhood, teaching in the public schools for a number of years.

She was united to Patrick J. Feeney on June 5, 1900. After living for several years in Gravity and vicinity, they moved to Lenox, where she and her mother have since resided. Her husband passed away January 18, 1924.

Since December, Mrs. Feeney's health has failed rapidly, and after many days of suffering, her Heavenly Father saw fit to call her home, Saturday, June 11, 1932. She left to mourn her going, her mother, Mrs. Mary Barton of Lenox, two brothers, Cassius, of Braddock, S. Dak.; Chester, of Mapleton, Ia.; three sisters, Mrs, Celesta Smith of Gravity, Ia.; Mrs. Sadie Wilson of Riverside, Cal ; and Mrs. Irene Rogers of Chamberlain, S. Dak.; many other relatives and numberless friends.

She united with the Lenox Methodist church in 1918. She was also a member of Salome Chapter, Order of Eastern Star, and a member of the Mayflower club of Lenox.

Funeral services were held at the Arnold Funeral Home in Lenox, on Monday afternoon, June 13, conducted by Rev. Floyd L. Shepherd of the Methodist church.

A quartette composed of Mrs. W. H. Madden, Mrs. F. L. Shepherd, Mr. Marvin Fleming and Mr. Arthur Muncy furnished the music. Interment at Lenox.

[Note: The same obituary was printed in the Lenox Time Table, June 16, 1932, page 1.]

[Feeney, Agatha Barton]

Gravity Independent

Thursday     June 16, 1932    [p. 1]

Among those who attended the funeral of Mrs. P. J. Feeney at Lenox were: Mesdames Geo. Beemer, Ed Lock, Jay Beemer, Alice Johnson, S. L. Ray, Camelia Nelson, Ora Nelson, Mr. and Mrs. E. J. Posten, Misses Mina Morris, Minnie Johnston and Gertrude Posten.

[Greeley, Dennis Payson]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday    March 11, 1923      p. 3

Captain D. P. Greeley Dead

Frank Greeley received the sad tiding that his uncle passed over the dark river Thursday, February 25th at the Soldiers' National Home, Sawtelle [Los Angeles], Cal. Captain D. [ennis] P. [ayson] Greeley has resided near the Home on a fine tract of land of his own for a number of years. There where flowers bloom the year round, he could enjoy the fellowship of old comrades, he passed down life's hill. With him life was worth earnestly living. The following sketch of his life was handed to us for publication:

Born August 12, 1823, in the town of Enfield, Grafton County, New Hampshire. Came to the city of Rochester, N. Y., with his parents in the fall of 1833. In the spring of 1837 moved with his parents to Bureau County, Ill., settling on a farm. In the fall of 1844 Mr. Greeley then in his 22d year went east to New Hampshire, where he lived until the fall of 1874, when he married Miss Sarah H. Hills of Epping, New Hampshire, and then returned with his wife to his home in Bureau county, Ills., where he bought a farm and went to farming. In the fall of 1853 he leased his farm and with his wife went to St. Louis, Mo., to spend the winter. In the spring of 1854 he went to Iowa City, Iowa, and made his home there, selling his farm in Illinois. In the winter of 1858 he was commissioned by Governor Lowe, of Iowa, to select swamplands in the counties of Clay, Buena Vista and Pocahontas.

When the Civil War broke out he enlisted as private in company "B" 11th Iowa Volunteer Infantry, Sept 12th, 1861 for three years, or during the war. He was appointed Commissary of the Post of Camp McClellan, Davenport, Iowa, and was made Commissary of the 11th Reg't. Iowa Volunteer Infantry October 5, 1861. He was commissioned Second Lieutenant Co. '"B" of same regiment December 6, 1861. He was wounded on the head by a bursting shell and falling tree at the battle of Corinth, Mississippi, Oct. 3, 1862. Promoted First Lieutenant February 17, 1863. He was appointed Captain Company "A" 8th U. S. Volunteer Infantry July 6, 1863, and resigned from the service December 24, 1863, on account of disability incurred in line of duty.

[Greeley, Dennis Payson]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday     March 11, 1909     p. 3

Answers Last Roll Call.

Frank Greeley received word last week of the death of his uncle, Capt. D.[ennis] P. [ayson] Greeley, who passed away at the National Soldier's Home at Sawtelle [Los Angeles], California.

Capt. Greeley was born August 12, 1823 in Grafton county, New Hampshire.

He came to Iowa in 1854, and settled at Iowa City, and four years later, was commissioned by the governor to select swamp lands in a of counties.

When the civil war broke out he enlisted in Co. B. 11th Iowa Inft. He served with distinction during the May, and was promoted for merit, to captain. He resigned as captain of Co. A. 48th U. S. Vol. Inft., July 6, 1863, on account of physical disability.

[Hibbs, Joseph A.]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday      October 18, 1906     p. 7

Obituary.

Joseph Hibbs was born at Athelstan, in December 1888, and died at Muskogee, I. T., Friday, October 12, of tuberculosis. The remains were brought to Athelstan and the funeral held at the home his uncle, J. [ohn] W. Large at 10:30 Monday morning, conducted by Rev. Stuart, of Liberty, Mo.

He leaves aside from other relatives, his mother, Mrs. H. [erbert] Ramsey to mourn.

[Hibbs, Joseph A.]

Adams County Free Press

Wednesday     October 17, 1906      p. 6

Joe Hibbs died Thursday at the home of his mother, Mrs. H. [erbert] M. Ramsay [Alma Jane Large], at Muscogee, Indian Territory, of consumption, aged 17 years and 10 months. The remains were taken to Athelstan, where the funeral was held Sunday at 10 o’clock, at the home of his uncle, John Large. Joe made his home with his uncle, Dr. Potter, nearly all his life until the last two years when the doctor took him to New Mexico for the benefit of his health. He failed so rapidly that he was sent to a special sanitarium at Davenport, but the treatment was of no avail. A few weeks ago he returned to Muscogee, visiting at Corning en route. Joe had many friends in this vicinity. Dr. F. [rancis] E. Potter and Roy Hilliard attended the funeral from Corning.

 

[Kysar, Oliver A.]

Gravity Independent

Thursday    January 5, 1928    [p. 1]

O. A. Kysar Stricken

O. [liver] A. Kysar former citizen of this place and cashier of one of the local banks here, also treasurer of Taylor county for four years, was stricken with paralysis at his home in Bedford Wednesday evening of last week. He had been at the store during the day assisting in the work of making the annual inventory and appeared in his usual health.

About nine o'clock in the evening he was stricken and lapsed into a state of unconsciousness, which lasted for nearly three days. His condition is improving but he is still in a very serious condition.

LATER: —He passed away at about ten o'clock this morning.

[Kysar, Oliver A.]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday      January 12, 1928      p. 3

Oliver A. Kysar

Oliver A. Kysar, third son of John Cobb and Delilah Ann [Moore] Kysar was born Feb. 23, 1871, at the home farm adjoining Gravity, Ia., and died at his home in north Bedford, on Thursday, Jan. 5th, 1928, being past 56 years of age. Mr. Kysar received his education, excepting the business course, in the schools of Taylor County. When a young man of 21, he engaged in the banking business, following this until seven years ago when he came to Bedford and with Mrs. Kysar took up the county treasurer's work for four years. At the close of his second term he became a partner in the Kysar-Worley hardware business, in which he was actively engaged at the time of his death. On August 24, 1906, he was married to Myrtle May Barger and true companionship founded a home that will stand as a monument to his memory. Besides his devoted wife he leaves three brothers, C. [harles] H. [arvey] Kysar and G. [eorge] O. [rvis] Kysar of Boulder, Colo., and F. [rederick] G. [arrett] Kysar of Gravity, Ia. The two former mentioned brothers were not able to come to Bedford at this time. Mr. Kysar was baptised into the M. E. faith and was a faithful, consistent member up to the time of his going. He was also a member of the Masonic Order, the Order of the Eastern Star and the Modern Woodmen of America.

Funeral services were held at the Methodist church Saturday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock, and the body was taken to Gravity for burial.

[Ledgerwood, Charles Edward]

New Market Herald

Thursday      June 30, 1932     [p. 1]

Charles Edward Ledgerwood

Charles Edward Ledgerwood, son of J. [ohn] W. [esley] and Cynthia [Ann Alumbaugh] Ledgerwood, was born in Andrew County, Mo,, October 27th, 1870, and passed away suddenly at his home in Gravity, Iowa, June 23rd, 1932, at the age of 61 years, 7 months and 26 days. He moved as a boy with his parents to Taylor County, Iowa, and has made his home in or near Gravity ever since.

He was united in marriage with Florence Mae Flowers, June 26, 1893. She died April 1, 1898. To this union two children were born, Ralph, of Hamburg, Iowa, and Vera Ledgerwood Van Scyoc, of Osborne, Kansas. He was married a second time to Edith Johnson, July 12, 1899. She died July 1, 1931. To this union three children were born, Leon, of Gravity, and Rex and an infant child who preceded their father in death.

He is survived by his aged parents; three children; eight grandchildren; two sisters, Mrs. Ollie [May] Heater, of St. Joseph, Mo., and Mrs. Fannie Monahan, of Gravity; two brothers, Frank, of Greenfield, Iowa, and Carl [Wesley], of Duluth, Minn. One brother, [Joseph] Robert, died as a child of one year.

Funeral services were held for him on Sunday afternoon, June 26, at 3:30 in the Gravity M. E. church, conducted by the pastor, the Rev. E. LeRoy Pullman. Burial was made in the Gravity cemetery.

[Ledgerwood, Edith Johnson]

Gravity Independent

Thursday       July 9, 1931     [p. 1]

Edith Johnson— Ledgerwood

Edith Johnson Ledgerwood, daughter of James [W.] and Virginia Johnson, was born in Henry Co., Iowa, August 7, 1874, and died at her home in Gravity, Iowa, July 1, 1931. At the time of her death she was 56 years, 10 months and 23 days of age.

In the time of her childhood, she moved with her parents to Page County and later to Taylor County, where she resided most of her life.

She was united in marriage to Charles E. [dward] Ledgerwood, July 12, 1899. To this union three children were born, two of which preceded her in death.

Mrs. Ledgerwood united with the Methodist Episcopal church in her girlhood and remained an active member in all church organizations to the time of her sickness.

Mrs. Ledgerwood was held in the highest esteem by the entire community. In her church work she was an inspiration with her beautiful contralto voice. Her service was given freely, unstintedly. The last ten years of her life have been spent within the confines of the home but through it all she has been a patient sufferer, meeting her loved companion and hosts of friends with a cheery smile and a hopeful attitude.

The deceased was a member of the Eastern Star and took an active part in its work.

She leaves to mourn her departure, her husband, her son, Leon of Gravity, Iowa; two step-children, Ralph, of Hamburg, Iowa; Vera VanSyoc, of Osborne, Kansas; seven grandchildren; also two sisters, Mrs. Nettie Farnham of Sharpsburg, Iowa; Mrs. Frankie Fisher of Belvedere, California.

The funeral services were held July 3, at 2:00 p. m., in the Methodist church under the direction of her pastor, Rev. A. J. Matthews, assisted by Rev. Tackett of the Free Methodist church, and Rev. Warrior of Blockton. Music was furnished by Mrs. Wainwright and Mrs. Matthews, George Roberts and Earl King.

Interment was made in Gravity cemetery.

______________________________

Rev. and Mrs. Warrior of Blockton were here Friday afternoon to attend the funeral of Mrs. Ledgerwood.

[Ledgerwood, Leon]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     August 4, 1949    p. 8

GRAVITY

Leon Ledgerwood Dies

Friends received word of the death of Leon Ledgerwood of Macomb, Illinois. Burial was in Macomb.

[Ledgerwood, Leon]

Gravity Independent

Thursday    August 4, 1949    p. 3

Word was received here Saturday of the death of Leon Ledgerwood, of Peoria, Ill. He passed away at the hospital there Saturday morning. Funeral and burial services were held at Peoria.

[Ledgerwood, Wallace Quillan]

Bedford Times-Republican

Friday     December 8, 1905    p. 3

Dies at St. Joseph Hospital

Wallace Q. [uillan] Ledgerwood died Saturday at the hospital at St. Joseph after a long period of suffering due to cancer of the stomach. The deceased was 40 years of age and during all his life has been a resident of Taylor County. His father, John Ledgerwood, was one of the first settlers and Wallace was born on the farm near Platteville. He has always been an honest, hard working, God fearing man; he enjoyed the highest respect of his neighbors, and the confidence of all who knew him; he was a true friend, a devoted husband and a kind father. The funeral services were held at the church on Tuesday at 10 a. m., conducted by Rev. Price and interment was made at Platteville. A wife and five children remain [to] mourn his loss.

[Ledgerwood, Wallace Quillan]

Bedford Times-Republican

Friday     December 8, 1905    p. 3

Frank Ledgerwood, who was born and raised in Taylor County, but who for some years has been living at Bloomfield, Iowa, was in the city Tuesday having been called here to attend the funeral of his uncle Wallace. Frank went from here to Gravity and is visiting for a few days with relatives at that place.

[Liggett, Mary Howard Hill]

Gravity Independent

Thursday       March 12, 1931    [p. 1]

Mrs. Mary Liggett

Mrs. Mary [Howard] Hill Liggett of New Market passed away Monday morning about 2 o'clock after a short illness. Mrs. Liggett was formerly a Gravity resident, making her home here for many years. She had been spending most of the winter with her daughter, Mrs. Ollie Shafer at Jackson, Michigan, and returned to her home at New Market, about six weeks ago. Funeral services are being held today at the New Market M. E. church. Interment at Gravity cemetery.

[LIGGETT, MARY HOWARD HILL]

Bedford Times-Republican, Thursday, March 19, 1931, p. 2

New Market

Mrs. Mary Liggett died Tuesday morning at 12:30 o’clock. She had been in failing health for some time but the immediate cause of her death was heart trouble. She was 77 years old. She is survived by two sons, John Hill of St. Joseph, Mo., and Hyman Hill of New Market, and one daughter, Mrs. Clyde Schaffer of Michigan. Funeral services were held Thursday afternoon, from the Methodist church, conducted by Rev. L. M. Kirby and burial was in the Gravity cemetery.

[LIGGETT, MARY HOWARD HILL]

Clarinda Journal, Thursday, March 19, 1931, p. 5

Mrs. John Liggett

Mary R. Howard, daughter of Olive and Hyman Howard, was born in Morrow County, O., Sept. 13, 1853 and departed this life at her home in New Market, Ia., March 10, 1931, at the age of 77 years, 5 months and 25 days.

When she was 15 years of age she moved with her parents to a home near Gravity, Ia. March 22, 1875 she was united in marriage to Edwin P. Hill. To this union six children were born. The husband and three daughters, Edna Irene, Tressie May and Jennie Gertrude preceded her in death. Three children, John R. Hill of St. Joseph, Mo.; Mrs. Olive Shaffer of Mason, Mich., and Hyman A. Hill of New Market still surviving to mourn their loss.

On May 7, 1903, she was married to John H. Liggett, who passed away March 26, 1915.

At the age of 12 years she united with the Methodist church. She held her membership at Gravity while she lived there and when she came to New Market transferred her membership there. She was a faithful member until the time of her death.

Besides the three children, she leaves one brother, Geo. A. Howard of Garfield, Wash.; thirteen grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, six nieces and two nephews.

Funeral services were held at the New Market Methodist church and the body laid to rest in the Gravity cemetery.

[LIGGETT, MARY HOWARD HILL]

Clarinda Journal, Thursday, March 19, 1931, p. 3

New Market, March 13---Mr. and Mrs. John Hill and daughter, Freda, of St. Joseph, Mo., were called to New Market Tuesday by the sad news of the death of Mr. Hill’s mother, Mrs. Mary Liggett.

 

[McKune, Mary Frances Sample]

Gravity Independent

Thursday     July 31, 1930     [p. 1]

A telephone message received here yesterday announced the death of Mrs. L.[evi] D. [ecatur] McKune [Mary Frances Sample]] at the home of her daughter in Ottumwa. The body will be brought here for burial and will arrive today. Funeral arrangements are not known.

[Madden, George Harry]

New Market Herald

Thursday      June 30, 1932     [p. 1]

George Harry Madden

George Harry Madden, son of W. [illiam] E. [dward] and Emma E. [Scholey] Madden, was born near Hawleyville, Ia., August 8, 1888, and passed away at his home in Gravity on June 21, 1932, following a courageous battle with cancer, at the age of 43 years, 10 months, and 13 days.

He was united in marriage with Miss [Carrie] Wave Morris on June 18, 1913. To this union three children were born, Helen, Floy, and Howard, all of whom are living.

He was baptized as a child in the Methodist church in Hawleyville and upon his deathbed professed a profound faith in Christ.

He is survived by his wife and three children, his father and mother, and two brothers, Edward Madden of Hawleyville, and Manley Madden of Villisca.

Funeral services were held for him Thursday afternoon, June 23, at 2 o'clock, in the Gravity M. E. church, conducted by the pastor, the Rev. E. LeRoy Pullman, followed by a brief service by the Masonic Lodge. Burial was made in the Dallas Center cemetery northeast of New Market.

[Posten, Eugene Joseph “Gene”]

Gravity Independent

Thursday     July 3, 1947    [p. 1]

Obituary

Eugene Joseph Posten

Eugene Joseph Posten, son of Joseph I. and Ellen [Payne] Posten, was born in Johnson County near Solon, Iowa, on July 31, 1869. He departed this life June 25, 1947, at the age of 77 years, 10 months, 24 days. When he was about 3 years old, he came with his parents to Taylor county and resided on a farm near Gravity.

On December 6, 1891, he was united in marriage to Ida A. Irwin. Last December 6 they observed their 55th wedding anniversary. Four daughters were born to this union: Gertrude, Inez, Helen and Icea.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two daughters, Inez, who died in infancy and Icea [Marie], who died on May 26, 1927; two sisters, Mrs C. [harles] A. Huss [Belle] and Mrs D. [ouglas] W. [infield] Herring [Rhoda Elizabeth], and three brothers, Wade, who died in infancy, George and Gilbert.

He is survived by his wife and two daughters, Gertrude Posten of Gravity and Mrs William Chandler [Helen Margaret] of Arlington, Va.; two granddaughters, Mrs Roy W. Mohrman of Chicago, Ill., Mrs James W. Gibson of Ames, and two great grandsons. He also leaves three brothers, David of Lawson, Mo., Ernest of Gravity and Clifford of San Diego, Calif., and one sister, Mrs Maggie Babcock of Red Willow, Alberta, Canada.

After his marriage he resided on a farm until 1901. At that time he moved to Gravity where he lived continuously until his death.

He was engaged in a number of business enterprises in Gravity but over 35 years were spent in operating a meat market.

He was united with the Christian church and was also a member of the Masonic and Woodman lodges.

In his passing his family has lost a kind husband and affectionate father and the community has lost a good friend and neighbor.

The funeral services were held at the Christian church Sunday afternoon at two o'clock, the funeral sermon being delivered by Rev. Eppard of Clarinda, a former pastor of the church here. He was assisted by Rev. Bertha Brown of the Gravity Free Methodist church.

The music was by a quartette composed of Mrs Cleo Savage, Mrs Cecil Morgan, Don Foreman and Earl King. Gordon Hill sang a solo and Mrs Claude Gray presided at the piano.

The pallbearers were: Orville Posten, Forrest Posten, Lyle Postern, Carrol Posten, James Richardson and Howard Irwin. Burial was in the family lot in the Gravity cemetery.

[Posten, George Payne]

Gravity Independent

Thursday    August 14, 1930    [p. 1]

Obituary—George Posten

George Payne Posten, son of J. [oseph] I. and Ellen [Payne] Posten was born in Taylor County, Iowa, May 15, 1882 and died at his home, August 6, 1930, at the age of 48 years, 2 months, 26 days.

He was married to Maude Fleming, on June 21, 1906. To this union three children were born, Alyene, Lyle and Carrol, all at home.

He also leaves five brothers and two sisters to mourn his departure: J. [ames] G.[ilbert] Posten, E. [rnest] M. [cColm] Posten, and E [ugene] J. [oseph] Posten of Gravity; Dave Posten of Excelsior Springs, Mo.; Clifford Posten of San Diego, Cal.; Mrs. D.[ouglas] W. [infield] Herring of Corning, Ia.; and Mrs. Maggie Babcock, living in Canada; one sister, Mrs. Belle Huss, and one brother, Wade Posten have preceded him in death.

George Posten spent his entire life in Taylor County and has won a large circle of friends by his unselfish, friendly and energetic living with his fellowmen.

Since his illness nearly two years ago, he has suffered more than his closest friends could know, for he didn't complain. Although he was frail in body, his farm showed no signs of neglect.

Besides his wife and children and the immediate family, there are many other relatives and a host of friends who are saddened because of his passing.

The entire community extends their sympathy to the bereft family.

The funeral service was held Friday afternoon at two o’clock, at the home, one mile west of town and interment was made in the Gravity cemetery. Rev. W. H. Warrior of the Methodist church conducted the service. Prof. Irvin J. Barr sang two vocal solos, and a large number of relatives, old friends and neighbors were in attendance.

[Posten, George Payne]

Gravity Independent

Thursday    August 14, 1930    p. 8

Dave Posten of Excelsior Springs, Missouri, came last week and attended his brother, George Posten's funeral.

[Posten, Icea Marie]

Gravity Independent

Thursday     June 2, 1927     [p. 1]

Funeral Service Sunday

The funeral service over the mortal remains of Miss Icea Posten was held Sunday afternoon at two o'clock at the Christian church here. The church was at least one-half too small to accommodate the people who wished to attend, and it is believed that almost as many were forced to remain outside as were in the building.

Rev. Greene, pastor of the church preached the funeral sermon. The beautiful display of flowers was unusual and typical of the season of the year and character of the deceased. In life she delighted in flowers, and it was entirely fitting that at this time the floral tributes to her should be as they were Sunday afternoon.

After a long struggle, she passed quietly and quickly away at the home here Thursday afternoon. Everything possible was done to prolong her stay but the summons came quickly and she answered it bravely and unfalteringly. Interment was made in the Gravity cemetery. The sorrowing relatives have the united sympathy of all in their bereavement. The following obituary was read at the funeral service:

Icea Marie Posten was born March 27, 1900 in Taylor county, Iowa, and departed this life after several years of poor health May 26, 1927 at the home of her parents, Eugene J. [oseph] and Ida A. Posten, at the age of 27 years, 1 month and 29 days.

She leaves to mourn her loss her father, mother, two sisters, Miss Gertrude Posten and Mrs. Helen Chandler, and two nieces, Jean and Mary Jane Chandler, a great number of relatives and friends untold including those of the Eastern Star of which order she was a member.

The whole community has been brought to sorrow by her going, old and young alike, because of her kind, gentle, womanly ways. Never was there one in the community more loved and honored than she.

Again it has been proved that the amount of good you can accomplish in the world does not depend upon the number of years you live and serve, for we are told by the ancient chroniclers of one who lived 969 years, but we know nothing of his accomplishments in life, but today we are recalling the life of one who lived only a small portion of her allotted time, and all who have come to know her say alike, hers was a righteous, noble life.

When only twelve years old she too, like her Christ, said to the world, I must begin the Christian life, which she has always [been] following until her death.

The church and Sunday school will miss her for the position she has filled as secretary of the Sunday school for a number of years, and she has always been found steady at her post until about four months ago she became bedfast and was forced to give up the work.

Not only was she a busy body at the church, but at the home and at her work as well, for she could always see something to do to help others.

The burden is heavy upon us because she leaves us behind, but we know by her fruits while privileged to serve God and humanity, that she was ready to “depart and be with Christ which is far better."

May the great God of peace and love, who sustains and keeps us, be near to comfort and guide our lives until we too have crossed the bar to meet her and our Savior face to face.

[Posten, James Gilbert “Gib”]

Adams County Free Press (Corning, Iowa)

Thursday    January 5, 1933     p. 6

Mr. and Mrs. Jim Richardson and son, Lowell, attended the funeral in Gravity Monday of Mr. Richardson’s uncle, J. [ames] G. [ilbert] Posten.

[Posten, Joseph “Joe”]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday     May 9, 1907     p. 4

Gravity Items

Mr. Joe Posten, who has been very ill with pneumonia for several days, died at his residence in Gravity this Wednesday forenoon, at 6 o'clock.

[Posten, Joseph “Joe”]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday     May 9, 1907    p. 5

Word was received here yesterday of the death of Joseph Posten of Gravity. Mr. Posten was a retired farmer and one of the old settlers of the county. Pneumonia was the cause of his death and he was sick but a short time.

[POSTEN, JOSEPH "JOE"]
Villisca Review (Villisca, Iowa), Thursday, May 9, 1907
Joseph Posten of Gravity Dead
Joseph Posten, an uncle of Andrew Posten of this city, died at his home in Gravity yesterday morning at six o'clock of pneumonia after an illness lasting but four days. Funeral services will be held Friday morning at Gravity and interment will be made in the Brown cemetery at Guss. Mr. Posten was a resident of the vicinity of Guss about thirty years and is well known to many people in that neighborhood. He was a brother of the late Chas. Posten and is the fourth one to pass over the Great Divide since the Posten reunion held in Villisca last June. He is survived by a wife, who is herself critically ill with paralysis and may die and eight children who live at Gravity. He was seventy years old—the last of the Posten boys. He has one sister living in Scott county.

[POSTEN, JOSEPH "JOE"]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, May 16, 1907
GRAVITY - The funeral of Joseph Posten was held Friday a. m. at the Christian church.

[POSTEN, JOSEPH "JOE"]
Villisca Review (Villisca, Iowa), Thursday, May 16, 1907

A. [ndrew] Posten and wife of Villisca were in Guss last Friday to attend the burial of Mr. Posten's uncle, Mr. J. [oseph] Posten, who died in Gravity last Tuesday and was interred in the Guss cemetery Friday.

 

[Utter, Joseph Alexander]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     August 17, 1933     [p. 1]

Former Resident Dies In Michigan

Joseph A. [lexander] Utter, 85, a former resident of Jackson Township and also of the Gravity community, died at the home of his son, Clarence Utter in Bellaire, Mich., Wednesday, July 26. Burial was made at that place. Utter was born in Morrow County, Ohio, October 15, 1847. He was married to Catherine Jane Henry, Dec. 17, 1867. To them were born three children, Arthur, Rosabel, and Thomas. Mrs. Utter died in 1878. Later he was married to Mary Alice Levering. To them was born two sons, Alex and Clarence. Mrs. Utter died in 1931.

He was a member of the United Brethren church of Haviland, Ohio, and later he affiliated with the First Christian church of Neosho, Mo. He had been a resident of Central Lake and Bellaire, Mich., for the past twenty-two years, moving to that state from Jackson Township in 1911.

Surviving relatives are four sons, Arthur Utter of Central Lake, Mich., Thomas Utter of Gravity, Alex Utter and Clarence Utter of Bellaire, Mich.; one daughter, Mrs. Rosabel Steel of Kansas City, Mo.; one brother, J. F. Utter of Amarillo, Tex. There are also nine grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. All of the children except the daughter were present in Michigan for the funeral services.