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

[Adams, David Harrison]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday     June 1, 1916      [p. 1]

veteran of civil war dead

D. H. ADAMS WAS PIONEER OF TAYLOR CO.

Came Here over 50 Years Ago and Has Been Almost a Continuous Resident Since

Tuesday, May 30, at 11:45 P. M., Harrison Adams, who has been in failing health for the past year, died at his home in west Bedford. Funeral services were held at the home at 2. P. M. today, conducted by Rev. Leslie Cobb. Interment in the Bedford cemetery. Sedgewick Post, G. A. R., of which deceased was a member, had charge of the services at the grave.

Deceased has been a resident of this vicinity for fifty years. Reared his family here and contributed his share to the development of the county, with which he has been identified through almost its entire history. A good neighbor, a faithful friend, these are the words we hear. Among the first to enlist in the service of his country in the dark days of the rebellion, his command was one of the last to be mustered out. It is a remarkable coincidence that his passing should occur on the anniversary of the birth of the order formed to perpetuate the memory of the preservers of the Union.

David Harrison Adams was born in Park [e] County, Ind., February 3, 1839, and he died on May 30, 1916, aged 77 years, 3 months and 28 days. Early in life he came to Aledo, Ill., where he lived for a time, later coming to this county, living with relatives a short time, when he returned to Aledo, where he was married Aug. 29, 1861, to Cynthia J. Foreman to which union five children were born, two of whom Mayola and Cunnah, died in infancy. The others, Marcus L. [ogan] Adams, of Polk township, Harry Irving Adams of La Kemp, Okla., and Myrtle V. [aleria] Adams, of Bedford survive him and were all with him at the time of his death. He is also survived by a brother, W. [illiam] H. [enry] Adams, of Gravity.

Mr. Adams enlisted in Company B., 33 Iowa volunteer infantry, Aug. 29, 1862, and was with his command until mustered out at Rock Island, August 18, 1865.

After the close of the war he came to Taylor County, where he has resided since, with the exception of about a year spent in Kansas and Colorado. He lived in Ross Township until after the death of his wife, when he moved to Bedford in 1893, where he has since resided. He was an early member of the Church of Christ in Bedford, later transferring his membership to the Berea church, where he held fellowship at the time of his death.

[Adams, Catherine “Kate” Blakely]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     September 10, 1942     p. 2

gravity

Mrs. Kate Adams Dies

Mrs. Kate Adams died Monday afternoon in east Gravity. She fell several weeks ago and broke her hip.

[Adams, Catherine “Kate” Blakely]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     September 17, 1942      p. 2

gravity

[Catherine] Kate Blakely, daughter of Charles and Licitta [Lemmons] Blakely, was born in Jefferson County, Iowa, October 6, 1849 and died at her home in Gravity, Sept. 7, 1942 at the age of 92 years, 11 months and 1 day.

She was next to the youngest of ten children, only the youngest of whom survives, Mrs. Margaret Dickerson of Inavale, Neb.

She was married to William Henry Adams July 3, 1869. To them were born five children: Mrs. Artie Churchill and Mrs. Cordie Mohler of Gravity, Mrs. Jessie Nelson, who died June 23, 1899; Estella Maud and Bertie, who died in infancy. The husband and father passed away Jan. 23, 1918.

Soon after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Adams moved to a farm near Bedford, later moving to their farm north of Gravity, where they resided for many years. They moved to their home in Gravity in October 1906.

Mrs. Adams became a Christian in early life. She was a charter member of the Gravity Christian church and with her passing the last charter member is gone. She lived a happy, consistent Christian life. She was a faithful worker in the church as long as she was able to attend services.

She served many years as a Sunday school teacher and as president of the Woman's Missionary Society. She was a woman greatly beloved and will be missed, not only by her family, but by the entire community.

[Adams, Mayola, 1866-1867]

Iowa South-west

Saturday     October 5, 1867      p. 3

Died—On Sunday Sept. the 22d Mayola, infant daughter of [David] Harrison and Syntha [Cynthia Jane Foreman] Adams, aged 1 year and 13 days.

Her name Mayola, so suggestive of all that is pure, sweet, and evanescent, was a true type of her little life, and to all who watched her unworldly ways, and noted her universally quick perceptions she seemed only lent to those who loved her so fondly, to draw them after her, when she should go home to her native heaven. She was one of those rare human flowers, whose names are often found on gravestones than in the annals of the living.

As the lily of the valley she bloomed for a short season, brightening our lives by her beauty and sweetness, and then passed away, ere her purity and freshness were soiled by the dust and turmoil of the world. Think how blessed it is thus to pass away, and take comfort, sorrowing Mother and Father, and prepare to join her, in her spirit home.

Your hearts are very lonely, for she was the first and only link in loves bright chain, yet on earth ‘tis riven, soon in yonder peaceful heaven ‘twill be joined again.      Lizzie C. Bray

[Adams, Myrta Valeria]

Taylor County Herald

Thursday     October 2, 1941      p. 10

MYRTA ADAMS DIES

Myrta [Valeria] Adams, 69, died Wednesday afternoon at the Armstrong Nursing Home in Bedford. Services will be from the Walker-Shum Funeral Home at two o'clock, Friday afternoon. Burial will be in the Bedford cemetery.

[Adams, Myrta Valeria]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     October 2, 1941     [p. 1]

Miss Myrtie Adams Dies Here Wednesday

Miss Myrtie [Myrta Valeria] Adams, 69, who had been in failing health for several years, died at the Armstrong Nursing Home about 4 o'clock Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 1.

The funeral services will be held at the Walker & Shum Funeral Home at 2 o'clock Friday afternoon, conducted by J. N. Dyerly of the Berea congregation. Burial will be in the Bedford cemetery.

Miss Adams is survived by two brothers, Marcus L. [ogan] Adams of Hopkins and Harry I. [rving] Adams of Denver, Colo. Mr. and Mrs. Harry Adams are expected to arrive this evening to be present for the last rites.

[Adams, William Henry]

New Market Herald

Thursday     January 31, 1918     p. 2

Gravity And Vicinity

[William] Henry Adams, an old soldier and one among our oldest citizens, passed away Tuesday morning at his home here, after a lingering illness of many months. Funeral services were held at the Christian church at 2 p. m. conducted by his pastor, Rev. Linkletter. He was given Masonic burial. The old soldiers were also given a part in the services. Interment at Gravity cemetery.

O. E. Nelson and son Claud of Omaha, Nebr., attended the H. [enry] Adams funeral here Friday.

[ADAMS, WILLIAM HENRY]
Bedford Times-Republican (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, January 31, 1918
GRAVITY – Henry Adams passed away Tuesday morning at his home here, after a lingering illness. He was an old soldier and an old citizen of Gravity and well known among his many friends. Funeral services were held Friday at 2 P. M. at the Christian church here, conducted by his pastor, Rev. Linkletter. The Masonic lodge had charge of the services, the old soldiers also having a special part. Interment was made in the Gravity cemetery.

[Fields, Ruby Agnes Williams]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     October 30, 1975     p. 4

Ruby Agnes Fields Last Rites Held October 26

The funeral of Mrs. Ruby Agnes Fields was held at Shum-Novinger Funeral Home, Bedford, at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, October 26. She died Wed., Oct. 22, at the Thogmartin Care and Keep Home in Bedford.

Services were conducted by her son, the Rev. Cyprian William Fields of Kingston, Jamaica, assisted by the Rev. Ray McCain of the Presbyterian Church in Bedford. Music was by her nephew, Robert Singletary, Jr., of Texarkana, Texas, with the Rev. McCain, soloist.

Mrs. Fields was a previous resident of San Antonio, Texas, where she was for many years an elementary school teacher. She was active in the city's fraternal, educational, and social circles.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William, a long time railroad employee and labor union leader. In addition to her son, William, an Episcopalian minister, she is survived by another son, James, a director of vocational rehabilitation training in San Antonio; a granddaughter, Debra Fields, Baltimore, Md.; a sister, Mrs. Emma Thomas; a niece, Mrs. Marguerite Robinson, also of Bedford; and a nephew, Herbert Singletary, Texarkana, Texas.

[Fields, Ruby Agnes Williams]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday      November 6, 1974     p. 9

ATTEND SERVICES HERE FOR RUBY A. FIELDS

Members of the family and friends of Mrs. Ruby A. [gnes] Fields who attended her funeral service here October 27 were: Rev. Wm. Cyprian Fields, Kingston, Jamaica; James E. Fields, San Antonio, Texas; Robert Singletary, Jr., and Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Singletary, Texarkana, Texas.

Mr. and Mrs. Newton Knight, Mrs. Sadie Thomas and Roscoe

Knight, Omaha, Nebr.; Mrs. Creola Griggs and Mrs. Maxine Griggs, Clarinda.

The family would like to thank everyone for the food brought to the home. God bless you all.

Rev. Wm. Cyprian Fields, James E. Fields and Marguerite Robinson

[Glasmann, Jessie Belle Gillette]

Taylor County Herald

Thursday      July 2, 1942     [p. 1]

Rites Tuesday for Mrs. F. Glasmann

Funeral services were in Gravity from the Christian church Tuesday for Mrs. Frank Glasmann, 73, who died at her home north of Bedford on Friday.

Surviving are her three daughters and two sons, one of whom, C. [olumbus] Glasmann, resided at home.

Rites were conducted by the Rev. Ben W. Sinderson of the Bedford Church of Christ. Interment was in the Gravity cemetery.

[John, Dewey Eugene]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday      October 16, 1980     p. 8

Dewey John, 57 Last Rites Were Held October 10

Funeral services for Dewey Eugene John, 57, of Bedford, were held October 10 in Shum-Novinger Funeral Home in Bedford with Rev. Carl Cummings officiating. Mr. John died October 7, 1980 in Veterans Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska. Interment was at Bedford Cemetery, Bedford, Ia.

Dewey Eugene John, son of Christopher Leland John and Ruth V. [iola] Goforth John, was born west of Bedford in Taylor County Iowa November 30, 1922.

He grew to maturity in Bedford where he attended the public school.

He served his country during World War II from 1943 to 1945.

He was preceded in death by his father, and two brothers: Eldon Clark John and Dean Olin John.

Left to cherish his memory are his mother of the home; one brother, Doyle Edward John; three sisters, Dorothy Mae McLeod, Donna Marie John and Katherine Elaine Carstens; other relatives and friends.

He was a kind and loving son and brother and he will be missed by all those that knew and loved him.

[John, Donna Marie]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    January 15, 1981       p. 7

Donna Marie John Last Rites Held January 10

Funeral services for Donna Marie John, 48, of Bedford, were held January 10 in Shum-Novinger Funeral Home with Rev. Carl Cummings officiating. She died January 7, 1981 in Clarinda Municipal Hospital. Interment was at Bedford Cemetery, Bedford, Iowa.

Donna Marie John, daughter of [Christopher] Leland and Ruth [Viola] Goforth John, was born at Bedford, Iowa, March 2, 1932. She lived in Bedford where she grew to maturity and attended the public school.

She was employed as a waitress and cook as long as health permitted.

She was preceded in death by her father, and three brothers: Eldon Clark John who died in infancy, Dean John and Dewey John.

Left to cherish her memory are a son, David John, and his wife, Joyce, of Clarinda, Iowa; grandchildren, Christina and Cory; her mother of the home; a brother, Doyle John, of St. Joseph, Missouri; two sisters, Dorothy McLeod of Bedford and Elaine Carstens of Fremont, California; nieces; nephews; cousins, other relatives and friends.

She will be sadly missed by loved ones and friends.

 [Keene, Addie]

Taylor County Democrat

Thursday      April 25, 1895      p. 2

Died, April 22, 1895, at her home two miles south of Bedford, Addie, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Keene, aged 27 years. Funeral services were held at the First Baptist church at 2 o'clock yesterday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Richison of Kansas City, Kan. Interment was made in the Bedford cemetery.

[Keene, Blanch Carpenter]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     February 15, 1940     [p. 1]

"Babe" Keene's Wife Dies In Red Oak

Mrs. Manuel Keene [Blanch Carpenter], 53, died at her home in Red Oak last week. Wood Robinson and family of Bedford attended the funeral services there. Her husband will be remembered in Bedford as “Babe” Keene.

[Keene, Emanuel “Babe”, Daughter of]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday      Oct 16, 1913     p. 3

The youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Emanuel Keene [Blanch Carpenter] died at Red Oak last week and the body was brought to Bedford Sunday for burial. The funeral services were held Monday morning.

[Keene, Mary Mrs.]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday      April 26, 1917     p. 4

Mrs. Mary Keene Dies

Mrs. Mary Keene died Saturday evening at her home in South Bedford at the age of about 46 years.

The funeral was held Monday afternoon from the Colored Baptist Church. [Rest of article unreadable.]

[Keene, Mary Jane Turner]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday      September 27, 1928      [p. 1]

Mrs. Mary J. Keen Died Here Wedn'day

Had Been a Resident of This Community Over 50 Years

Mrs. Mary J. [ane] Keen [e] (colored), passed away at her home here yesterday afternoon at 4:15 o'clock. Mrs. Keen [e] had reached the age of 92 years, and had been a resident of this community for over fifty years. She had a great many friends here, who will be grieved to learn of her passing. At the time we go to press, no funeral arrangements had been made.

[Keene, Mary Jane Turner]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday      October 11, 1928      p. 5

Mary Jane Turner Keene

Mary Jane Turner was born November 28, 1839, in Callaway County, Mo., and passed away at her home in Bedford, September 26, 1928. In 1856 she was united in marriage to Daniel Keene at Columbia, Mo. To this union were born 12 children, 5 having preceded their mother in death. In 1878 the family moved to Bedford. Mr. Keene passed away in 1918, and a son, Banner Keene in 1927. She is survived by 7 children: Laura Fulcher, Jennie Ashford, [William] Jasper Keene and Clara White, of Bedford; H. [arley] H. Keene of Chicago; Daisy Martin of Omaha, and [E] Manuel Keene of Red Oak, all who were with their mother at the time of her death; also by eleven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

The funeral services were held at the home Sunday afternoon, conducted by Rev. O. B. Ware of Duquoin, Ill. Interment was made in the Bedford cemetery.

[Note:  The 1900 federal census lists Nancy Tate, mother-in-law, born March 1823 in Kentucky as living with the family of her daughter Mary and husband Daniel Keene.   Mary Jane’s maiden name may have been Tate.]

[Keene, William Jasper]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday      October 25, 1928     p. 11

William Jasper Keen

William Jasper Keen [e], son of Daniel and [Mary] Jane [Turner] Keen [e], was born in Boone County, Mo., on the 27th day of November 1862, and passed away at the home of his mother in Bedford on the 20th day of October 1928, at the age of 66 years, 10 months and 20 days.

Jasper was one of a family of twelve children, six brothers and five sisters, six of whom are now living. He has spent more than 50 years of his life in and around Bedford, having moved here with his parents, very early in life.

Just a few days ago Jasper was taken sick with pneumonia, and was ill a very short time, and an earnest effort was put forth by his loved ones to save his life but all human agency failed and he passed on Saturday afternoon at 1:40.

He leaves to mourn his departure, four sisters and two brothers as follows: Mrs. L. [aura] B. Fulcher of Omaha, Nebraska, Mrs. Jennie Ashford, Bedford, Clara White, also of Bedford, Harley Keen [e] of Chicago, Ill., Mrs. Daisy Marten [Martin] of Omaha, Nebraska, and Emanuel Keen [e] of Red Oak, Iowa. Aside from these herein mentioned, he leaves many other close relatives and friends.

It was requested that we mention the fact that Jasper enjoyed reading the Bible, and while he never make a public confession was a firm believer in the word of God.

[Keene, Wilma Elvina]

Bedford Free Press

Wednesday     January 23, 1918     p. 5

Brought to Bedford for Burial

The body of Wilma Keene, eight-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Babe Keene of Red Oak was brought to Bedford Saturday afternoon for burial. Mr. and Mrs. Keene and family accompanied the body to Bedford.

[Keene, Wilma Elvina]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday      January 24, 1918     p. 5

Wilma, the seven-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Babe Keene, died at her home in Red Oak Saturday morning and the body was brought to Bedford Saturday afternoon for burial

[Keene, Wilma Elvina]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday     January 31, 1918     p. 5

Wilma Elvina Keene

Born in Bedford, Iowa, October 4, 1909 and departed this life in Red Oak, January 19, 1918. Age 8 years, 3 months and 14 days. She leaves to mourn her departure her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Manuel Keene, one sister and one brother and many friends.

Little Wilma we propose to meet you in heaven where no parting tears are shed.

[KEENE, WILMA ELVINA]
Sun (Red Oak, Iowa), Friday, January 25, 1918
Keene Child Dead.
Wilma, the little 8-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Manuel Keene, died Friday morning at 3:45 o'clock at the home of her parents, 110 West Joy st., from pneumonia, after an illness of 15 days. The remains were taken to Bedford Saturday, where they were laid at rest. Wilma was born Oct. 4, 1909, at Bedford.

[KEENE, WILMA ELVINA]
Red Oak Express (Red Oak, Iowa), Friday, January 25, 1918
Wilma Keene – Wilma, the 8-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Manuel Keene, died Saturday morning, January 19 at the home of her parents, 110 West Joy street, her death resulting from pneumonia from which she suffered ten days.
She was born in Bedford on October 9, 1909, and leaves, besides her parents, also a sister, Bernice, and a brother, Morris. She came to Red Oak with her parents four years ago and was a pupil at the Washington school. The body was taken on No. 4 Saturday to Bedford where the funeral was held on Sunday in the Baptist church. Burial was in the Bedford cemetery.

[KEENE, WILMA ELVINA]
Red Oak Express (Red Oak, Iowa), Friday, January 25, 1918
Mr. and Mrs. Tom Jones and daughter Mary accompanied Mr. and Mrs. Manuel Keene to Bedford Saturday to attend the funeral of Wilma Keene on Sunday.

[KEENE, WILMA ELVINA]
Bedford Times-Republican (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, January 31, 1918
Wilma Elvina Keene. Born in Bedford, Iowa, October 4, 1909, and departed this life in Red Oak, January 19, 1918. Age 8 years, 3 months and 14 days. She leaves to mourn her departure her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Manuel Keene, one sister and one brother and many friends.
Little Wilma we purpose to meet you in heaven where no parting tears are shed.

 

[Robinson, Lewis Woodson]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     December 12, 1963     [p. 1]

FINAL RITES FOR LEWIS ROBINSON

Funeral services for Lewis Woodson Robinson, longtime Bedford resident, were held December 7 at the Bedford Baptist Church with Rev. Colvin Caughey officiating. Mr. Robinson died Dec. 4 at Clarinda Municipal hospital at the age of 63 years, nine months and six days. Burial was at Bedford Cemetery, Bedford.

Included in the services was the following obituary:

Lewis Woodson Robinson, son of Andrew [Woodson] and Florence [Belle] Fultz Robinson, was born March 20, 1900, at Stewartville, Mo.

The family moved to Bedford when he was 8 and he has lived here the remainder of his life. He has worked for the Pullman Co. since 1923.

In 1925 he was married to Marguerite Williams. The couple have two children, Jerry and Connie, both at home.

He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant sister.

He is survived by his wife, Marguerite; his children, Jerry and Connie; one sister, Agnes Hillard of Bedford; a niece, Jacqueline Wiley of Chicago; an aunt, Mrs. Laura Clark of St. Joseph, Mo.; and one step-sister, Hazel Grady of St. Joseph, Mo.

Those from out-of-town attending the services were:

Omaha, Nebr.: Mr. and Mrs. I. Underwood, Mr. and Mrs. Coreen Bradley, Mr. and Mrs. J. T. Sanders, Mr. and Mrs. E. Beasley, Mrs. Neola Combs, Mr. Nealey, W. C. Baker, David and Barbara Brooks, Wilbur Pettis, R. W. Jones, O. Washington, T. S. Beck, J. Simpson, Taylor Murrell, P. L. Love, Mr. and Mrs. N. S. Bradley, B. Sims, W. R. Johnson, K. Harvey, J. Porter, W. A. Gray, Mr. and Mrs. Jewel Brooks, P. C. Knight, C. J. Skoumal, J. D. Scott, Hollis Mae Nared, Bernice McNeal, Julia Killgo, Mrs. Selma Clark, Mr. and Mrs. N. H. Comans, Mrs, Dorothy Letcher.

In attendance, St. Joseph, Mo.: Mrs. Laura V. Clark, Miss L. I. Barth, Wm. H. Alexander, Herschel Kitchen, Mrs, W. T. Brame.

Des Moines: Ebert Howe.

Clarinda: Mr. and Mrs. Glen King, Mrs. Merrill Griggs, Mr. Aaron Reed.

New York City: Estella S. Voner.

[Thomas, Emma Williams]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday      January 19, 1978       p. 8

Emma V. Thomas, 82 Last Rites Held In Bedford

Funeral services for Mrs. Charles Thomas (Emma V.), 82, of Bedford, formerly of Lorville, La., were held in Shum-Novinger Funeral Home in Bedford January 17. Mrs. Thomas died January 13 in Bedford Manor Nursing Home here where she had lived for about three years.

Emma Johns Thomas, daughter of Rev. Albert Williams and Lucy Williams, was born in Lorville, La. on January 27, 1890.

She lived in Lorville, La. where she attended the public schools and a Baptist Church.

She was married in 1907 to Charles John Thomas in La. and they lived in Lake Charles, La. before they moved to many other areas of the nation. She came to Bedford about 30 years ago.

To this union there was one daughter born, Marguerite Robinson of Bedford, Iowa. She was a housekeeper in the area before she retired.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brothers, and sisters.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Marguerite Robinson; two grandchildren Jerry Robinson of Palo Alto, California, and Connie Parker of San Francisco, California; one great grandson, Stafford Parker, Jr.; several nieces and nephews.

Emma was a lover of flowers and a great fan of her grandchildren whom she dearly loved.

She will be missed by her daughter, grandchildren, and many friends.