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

[Adams, Anna Jane Baity]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday      August 14, 1924    p. 2

NEWS OF ATHELSTAN AND ITS VICINITY

OLD RESIDENT DEAD

Mrs. John Adams, 81, Passed Away at Home. Grandsons Were her Pallbearers.

Mrs. Wesley Adams, an old time resident of this vicinity, passed away on Sunday morning at the home of her son, Frank, at Ellston. The body was brought here on  Monday. Funeral services were held at the Baptist church, conducted by Challie Graham, and the remains were laid away at the cemetery east of town.

The obituary follows:

Anna Jane Baity, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. [John] Morgan Baity [Rachel Eastep], was born in Rush County, Ind., Sept. 27, 1842, and died at her home in Ellston, Ia., August 10, 1924, aged 81 years, 10 months and 13 days.

She was married to John W. [esley] Adams Jam 30, 1868. To this union three children were born, Frank, of Ellston, Ia.; John, of Athelstan, Ia., and a daughter who died in infancy.

She moved with her family to Iowa in July, 1879, to the farm west of Athelstan, and lived there until two years ago, when they moved to Athelstan and lived there until moving to Ellston this spring, where she remained till her death.

She became a member of the Christian church while yet living in Indiana, and later, a member of the Mt. Zion Baptist church, remaining faithful to the end. She often wished for death, that she might be in a happier home, and expressed her readiness to go any time the Master, called for her. Mr. and Mrs. Adams have been among that number of good, substantial citizens who have been the mainstay and uplift of the community, and have always been very highly respected.

She leaves besides her aged husband, with whom she has lived more than 56 years, two sons, twelve grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, and one sister, Mrs. Rachel Posten, of New Castle, Indiana, besides a host of friends. Six grandsons were the pallbearers.

The heartfelt sympathy of the many friends is extended to the bereaved ones in their hour of sorrow. And may the kind loving Father comfort and bless them, and bring them home to Him and together at last.

[Adams, Anna Jane Baity]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday      August 14, 1924    p. 8

ATHELSTAN ITEMS

John Adams Jr., and Warren Adams and family of St. Joseph came Sunday called here by the death of their grandmother, Mrs. [John] Wesley Adams [Anna Jane Baity].

[Adams, Anna Jane Baity]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday      August 14, 1924    p. 8

ATHELSTAN ITEMS

Mrs. [John] Wesley Adams [Anna Jane Baity] recently of this place but now of Ellston, Iowa, died Sunday the 10th after a lingering illness of several months. Both she and her husband had been quite ill for over a year.

[Adamson, Nellie Henderson Cobb]

Bedford Times-Press

Wednesday     May 20, 1987     p. 5

Services were held May 13 for Nellie M. Adamson at Shum-Novinger Funeral Home, Bedford, officiated by Rev. Carl Cummings. Interment was at Bedford City Cemetery.

Nellie N. [M.] Henderson, daughter of Edward [Daniel] Henderson and Minnie Belle Potter Henderson was born in Taylor County, Iowa September 13, 1895 and departed this life May 11, 1987 at Bedford Manor in Bedford, Ia., at the age of 91 years, seven months and 28 days.

She grew to maturity in Taylor County where she attended the public school.

On April 18, 1916 she was united in marriage to Thomas Elmer Cobb and they resided on a farm near Bedford. Mr. Cobb passed away August 19, 1947. In March of 1952 she was united in marriage to Walter W. Adamson. He passed away March 22, 1964.

She had lived at Bedford Manor the last five years.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; six sisters, Ollie, Ethel, Grace, Bessie, Alice and Helen; three brothers, Lee, Kenneth and Ralph who died at the age of 12 years.

Left to cherish her memory are two step children and her son, Francis E. Cobb of Independence, Mo.; and her daughter Irene Leonard of Clarinda, Ia.; four grandchildren, also great grandchildren and great great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was a member of the Berea Church of Christ.

Her family and loved ones will remember her as a kind and considerate loved one.

[Note: Her gravestone gives her birth date as 1896.]

[Adamson, Walter W.]

Thursday     April 9, 1964      p. 8

W. W. Adamson Dies In Ind.

Funeral cervices for Walter W. Adamson of Shelburn, Ind. were held March 20 at State Street Church of Christ at Sullivan, Ind. Mr. Adamson died March 22 at Shelburn. Burial was in Shelburn. Mr. Adamson is a brother-in-law of Mrs. Ira Talkington and Mrs. C. [yrus] W. [ilson] Horning.

Mrs. Paul Leonard of Hopkins, Mo., and Mr. and Mrs. Francis Cobb of Kansas City, Mo., attended the services.

Mr. Adamson was well known in this community having preached during the past several years at the Berea Church and at Tent Chapel south of Blockton.

[Agard, Fernando W. “Frank”]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday      March 15, 1900      p. 7

Just as we go to press we learn that Frank Agard died last night, of pneumonia.

[Agard, Fernando W. “Frank”]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday      March 22, 1900     [p. 1]

Laid to Rest.

All that was mortal of F. W. Agard was laid to rest in the silent tomb in the Bedford cemetery Monday morning, March 14, and a wife and two grown sons are left to mourn his departure. The funeral services were conducted at the Baptist church by Rev. Griffith. The I. O. O. F. lodge, of Bedford, of which he was an honored member, attended the services in a body, taking charge of the remains at the grave 'and going through with the interesting ceremonies of that order in burial. A number of old soldiers of the G. A. R. of which Mr. Agard was also a member, attended the funeral. Many beautiful floral offerings were presented by the Daughters of Rebekah and others.

Fernando W. Agard was born December 21, 1844, in Gustavus, Trumble [Trumbull] county, Ohio. At the age of 18 he enlisted in the army of the Potomac in the 130th New York volunteers, and afterward served in the first New York Dragoons cavalry, serving altogether three years. He was wounded in the hand in the Shenandoah Valley, and later discharged.

After his discharge from the army he graduated from the Eastman College in 1866, and moved to Kirwin, Kansas, where he was a member of the First Congregational church for fifteen years. He died in Bedford, Iowa, March 14, 1900, aged 55 years, 3 months and 3 days. Besides a wife, he leaves two sons by a former marriage.

[Allen, Edward James “Eddie”]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday      May 18, 1972     p. 4

Eddie Allen, 47 Rites Held Here This Monday

Funeral services for Edward James Allen, 47, of Hopkins, formerly of Bedford, were held Mon., May 15, at Shum-Novinger Funeral Home with Carl Cummings officiating. Mr. Allen died at his home May 12, 1972. Interment was at Bedford City Cemetery, Bedford.

Edward James Allen, son of Orval Troy Allen and Ruby Glover Allen, was born March 25, 1925 at Colorado Springs, Colorado.

He moved with his parents to Taylor County Iowa when a small lad and here he attended the public schools and the Bedford High School where he graduated in the Class of 1943.

He served in the Merchant Marines during World War II and upon returning to Bedford he operated the Standard Oil Station for five years. Since that time he has operated the State Line Oil Station north of Hopkins, Missouri for the past 15 years.

He was united in marriage to Phyllis Terry October 18, 1951.

He was preceded in death by his father Orval T. [roy] Allen and his grandfather Edward Glover.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife Phyllis; his mother, Ruby Allen of New Market; a sister, Lucille Miller, of Red Oak, Iowa, and her husband Clark; grandmother, Iva Glover, of Bedford, a nephew, Allen Miller, of Chicago, Illinois; a niece, Lana Miller, of Lincoln, Nebraska; other relatives and many friends.

Eddie was a kind and considerate husband, son and brother and his friends were numbered by all who knew him. He will be sadly missed by family and friends.

[Anderson, Martha Wilson Crawford]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday    November 8, 1906    [p. 1]

Mrs. Martha Wilson Anderson.

Mrs. Martha Wilson [Crawford] Anderson was born in Washington County, Pa., Nov. 18, 1826 and died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Dora Fox, at Jamestown, N. D., Nov. 1, 1906.

She was married to Joshua Anderson while living in Pennsylvania, in 1848 and they soon came to Iowa. They settled in Taylor County and for a number of years Mr. and Mrs. Anderson were steward and stewardess of the poor farm in this county. About six years ago Mr. Anderson died here, since which time Mrs. Anderson has made her home with her daughter at Jamestown, N. D.

The remains arrived here Sunday morning and the funeral was held from the Presbyterian Church at 2 o'clock Sunday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Ashley Fitch. The burial was in the Bedford cemetery.

There are four children remaining to mourn the loss of a loving mother. Aside from the daughter previously mentioned there are three sons, George, living in California; Samuel, of Chicago; and J. R., living east of Bedford. The sympathy of all is extended to these bereaved ones.

[Anderson, Martha Wilson Crawford]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday    November 8, 1906     p.  5

AN AGED MOTHER GONE

The funeral of Mrs. Martha Wilson Anderson was held at the Presbyterian Church Sunday at 2:30 p. m., conducted by Rev. Ashley Fitch.

Mrs. Anderson was one of the old settlers of Taylor County, this having been the home of her husband and herself for many years prior to 1900. They lived for some time near Platteville, and for a long while Mr. Anderson was steward at the county farm. They formed extensive acquaintance, and wherever the deceased was known she was highly regarded and esteemed.

Six years ago her husband was called to the great beyond. Since then, Mrs. Anderson has lived with her only daughter, Mrs. Dora Fox at Jamestown, North Dakota, where she died on Nov. 2, aged 82 years, 3 months and 19 days.

Three sons and a daughter survive her: Mrs. Fox, at whose home she died, J. R. Anderson of Bedford, Samuel whose home is in Chicago, and George who lives in California. The two sons, J. R. and Samuel, were present at the funeral, as was her grandson Harry Fox, of Jamestown, North Dakota, who accompanied the remains to Bedford. A nephew, O. S. Arnold of Ottumwa, was also present.

[Anderson, Martha Wilson Crawford]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday      November 8, 1906      p. 4

Samuel Anderson of Chicago, who was here to attend his mother's funeral, returned home Monday.

[Arthur, Jessie George]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     February 23, 1961     p. 5

Mrs. Jessie Arthur Buried Here Monday

Mrs. Jessie E. Arthur, 81, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Ed Gardner at Kent, Iowa, Thursday, Feb. 16. She had been ill about five months.

Funeral services were held Monday at Coens Home for Funerals in Creston. Rev. Glenn Cadwell, pastor of the First Christian church, officiated. Burial in the Bedford cemetery.

Jessie E. George was born at Blanchard, Iowa, Dec. 27, 1879, the daughter of William and Mary E. George. She was married at Rockport, Mo., Dec. 25, 1898, to John H. [enry] Arthur, who preceded her in death April 27, 1940.

Mrs. Arthur is survived by the daughter, Mrs. Ed (Nina Belle) Gardner of Kent. A son, William Ralph [Ralph William] Arthur, preceded her in October, 1960.

She had lived in Taylor County before moving to Union county in 1946 and had made her home with her daughter, Mrs. Gardner almost 15 years.

Mrs. Arthur was a member of the Christian Church.

[Arthur, Jessie George]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     March 2, 1961    p. 6

SiaM NEWS

SIAMMrs. Jessie George Arthur, 81, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Ed Gardner, Feb. 16. Her funeral was held Monday, Feb. 20 at Creston and burial was in Bedford beside her husband, John, who died April 27, 1940 and her son William Ralph, who died October 1960. Mr. and Mrs. Arthur made their home north of Siam many years. She was a member of the Christian church at Siam and a charter member of the Willing Workers.

[Arthur, John Henry]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     May 2, 1940    p. 6

Obituary – J. H. Arthur

John Henry Arthur, son of Wm. R. and Mary [Dillon] Arthur, was born May 7, 1872 at Wahoo, Nebr, and died at his home southeast of Bedford Saturday, April 27, 1940 at the age of 67 years, 11 months and 19 days.

He was married to Jessie E. George of Northboro in 1898. To them were born two children Mrs. Nina Gardner of Clearfield and Ralph William Arthur at home .

He is survived by his wife and two children; also by a son-in-law, Edd [Ed] Gardner and eight grandchildren, all of Clearfield; two sisters, Mrs. Jessie Fletcher of Shambaugh and Lizzie Cavender of Plattsmouth, Nebr.; five brothers, Walter Arthur, Willie Arthur and Frank Arthur of Clarinda, Edward Arthur of New Market and Melvin Arthur of Hopkins.

He asked only for the simple things in life and was dearly loved by those dear to him and greatly respected by those who knew him.

The funeral services were held at the Wetmore Funeral Home Monday afternoon, conducted by Rev. C. Max Buck. Burial was in the Bedford cemetery.

[Arthur, Ralph William]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     October 13, 1960    p.

W. R. Arthur Died at Creston, Burial Here

William Ralph Arthur, 58, was found dead in downtown Creston about 9:30 p.m. Monday, October 3. He was a retired racehorse caretaker and had been living near Kent.

Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Coens Home for Funerals in Creston. Rev. Glenn Cadwell, pastor of the First Christian church, officiated. Burial in the Bedford cemetery.

William Ralph [Ralph William] Arthur was born in Taylor County, Feb. 2, 1902. He was the son of John and Jessie George Arthur. He lived at Bedford until he was 18. He spent most of his adult life caring for racehorses but retired a few years ago and had been making his home with his sister, Mrs. Ed Gardner and her family near Kent.

Surviving are his sister, Mrs. Nina Gardner, several nieces and nephews.

[Note:  His name is given as Ralph W. Arthur on his gravestone.]

[Ballou, Albert Cook]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday     January 1, 1903      p. 4

OBITUARY.

Albert Cook Ballou was born in Chenango County, New York, December 15, 1831, and died at the home of his brother, Geo. Ballou, at Bedford, Iowa, at 5:25 p. m., December 26, 1902.

He was married to Miss Celia M. Pudney at Norwich, N. Y., February 22, 1867. To this union were born three sons and one daughter. Two of the sons, Edwin and Charles, preceded the father to the spirit world, Charles dying young and Edwin, a young married man, died a little over a year ago. Lillian Irene, the daughter, is a teacher in the deaf and dumb institute at Scranton, Pa. The remaining son, George H., of Woodberry, Ia., was present, also his sister, Mrs. Rockwell. Mr. Ballou has been afflicted for some three years. He has been with his brother in this city since last April, coming here from Oklahoma, and has received every attention possible; kind hands ministered to his every want.

The funeral exercises were conducted at the home Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock by Rev. Griffith. The body was then taken in charge by the Masons of Bedford and laid away in Bedford cemetery under the imposing rites of the order of which he was a member. The bereaved ones have the sympathy of all in the loss of a dear one.

[Ballou, Albert Cook]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday     January 1, 1903      p. 6

Funeral Notice.

From Saturday ‘ s Daily

Died, at the home of his brother, George Ballou, in Bedford, Iowa, Friday afternoon, Dec. 26, 1902, at 5:25, Albert Cook Ballou, aged 71 years and 11 days. Funeral services will be held at the residence of Geo. Ballou, on Sunday Dec. 28, at 2 o'clock p. m., conducted by Rev. D. W. Griffith. Interment in the Bedford cemetery. Exercises under supervision of Taylor Lodge, No. 156, A. F. and A. M., Bedford.

[Ballou, Albert Cook]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday     January 1, 1903      p. 8

Laid to Rest

From Monday's Daily

The funeral of Albert Cook Ballou occurred in this city yesterday. The services were held at the residence of his brother, George Ballou, at 2 o'clock p. m, conducted by Rev. D.W. Griffith and the remains were laid away in the Bedford cemetery.

The funeral was taken in charge by the Taylor Lodge No. 156 A. F. and A. M. of this city. It was a very imposing funeral and the many friends turned out to pay a last tribute to the departed.

[Ballou, Edward A.]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday      October 17, 1901    [p. 1]

Mr. Ballou Receives Sad News

Last week George Ballou received the sad intelligence that nephew, Edward A. Ballou, died at Waukomis, O. T., Sunday, October 8, and was buried the 9th. He had been indisposed for about six weeks, but was confined to his bed only one week before his death. Death resulted from appendicitis, soon after a surgical operation had been performed.

[Ballou, Edward A.]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday October 17, 1901    p. 2

E. A. Ballou Dead

 (From Friday's Daily.)

Mr. George Ballou, of this city, received a letter yesterday from his brother, Albert Ballou, who resides at Waukomis, Oklahoma, giving an account of the death of his son, E. [dward] A. Ballou, who was engaged in the mercantile business in that city.

As the deceased had lived several years with his uncle, George Ballou, near Blockton, in this county, he will be remembered by the citizens of that vicinity. His death occurred at 4 p. m. Sunday, October 6th, 1901. He leaves a wife to mourn his death. The funeral services and burial were under the auspices of the Masonic fraternity.

[Ballou, Emily Merretta “Emma” Woodard]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     December 3, 1936     [p. 1]

Mrs. Emily Ballou Dies In Des Moines

Mrs. Emily Ballou, 78, a former resident of Bedford, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Henry L. Smith at Des Moines, Wednesday, Dec. 2.

The body will be brought to Bedford and funeral services will be held at the Wetmore Funeral Home at one o’clock Friday afternoon. Burial will be in the Bedford cemetery.

Mrs. Ballou is survived by three children, two daughters and a son.

[Ballou, Emily Merretta “Emma” Woodard]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     December 24, 1936    p. 7

Mrs. Emily Ballou

Emma Merretta Woodard was born Sept. 21, 1860 at Correl, Ill., and departed this life Dec. 2, 1936 at the age of 76 years, two months, eleven days, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. H. [enry] L. Smith near Des Moines, Iowa.

She was united in marriage Feb. 3, 1880 to Richard Ballou of Bedford, who preceded her in death 16 years ago.

To this union four children were born, one having died in infancy.

She leaves to mourn her loss one son, Richard C. [ook] Ballou of Sheridan, Mo., two daughters, Mrs. Forest Ray of Ravalli, Mont, and Mrs. Henry Smith of Des Moines. Also one brother and four grandchildren.

She united with the Christian church at Bedford sixteen years ago, remaining a faithful member until death. She was in failing health for the last few years but always attended church and Sunday school when able to go. She was fully prepared and expressed her desire to go when the Lord was ready to take her.

She was a kind and loving mother, always generous with those in need and patient through her illness.

The funeral services were held Friday afternoon, Dec. 4 at the Wetmore Funeral Home in Bedford, conducted by Rev. L. B. Day, pastor of the Sheridan Christian church. Burial was in the Bedford cemetery.

[Ballou, George]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday      August 16, 1923     p. 8

George Ballou Buried at Platteville

The funeral service of George Ballou, old pioneer of the county and former resident of Bedford, was held at Platteville Monday and burial made in the Platteville cemetery. He died at Blockton on Sunday at the ripe old age of 88. A large delegation of Masons from Bedford attended the services at the church and had charge of the rites at the graveside, and many of the order from Blockton also took part. Kenneth Stephens of Bedford officiated in a very impressive and capable manner. The services at the church were in charge of Rev. Brownlee of the. M. E. church of Blockton. Music at the services was furnished by a quartette from Bedford composed of Kenneth Stephens, Mrs. Frank Beebe, Mrs. O. A. Kysar and Guy Thompson. Miss Ruth Little played the organ.

Following is the obituary as read by the minister:

George Ballou, son of Amsa [Amasa] and Cyrena [Cook] Ballou, was born near Utica, New York, August 30, 1834, and died at his home near Blockton, Ia., at 5 o’clock Saturday evening, Aug. 11, 1923, aged 88 years, 11 months, and 11 days.

When about fifteen years of age he moved with his parents to Jackson County, Iowa. About four years later he went to Peoria, Ill., to work and from there he went to California in 1855, making the journey with several others and driving an ox team most of the way. He remained in California three years, working in the gold fields around Sacramento. In the spring of 1858 he returned to Iowa by way of New Orleans, locating at Bedford. In 1859 he bought a homestead near Blockton, then known as Mormontown and many years before the railroad was built. This farm was raw prairie at that time with no improvements whatever, he having improved the farm from time to time.

On October 11, 1860, he was married to Phoebe Anna Perkins and to this union twin daughters were born, one dying in infancy. In the spring of 1862 the family moved from Bedford to the farm where he had spent the remainder of his life with the exception of about ten years when he lived in Bedford.

His wife died June 8, 1871, leaving him with the care of the small daughter. He was married to Marietta Plumb of Maquoketa, this state, March 14, 1872, who died in Bedford, April 3, 1905. Since 1908 he has lived with his daughter on the old homestead.

His has been a long life full of hardships, having been one of the first settlers of this country when the nearest neighbors were miles away and the nearest railroad was at St. Joseph, Mo.

He was one of ten children, all of whom preceded him in death.

He was a member of the Masonic lodge at Bedford for about 51 years.

He leaves to mourn his departure one daughter, Mrs. Ella Hogg, of Blockton; three grandchildren, J. R. Hogg of Bedford, and C. [larence] B. [allou] Hogg and Mrs. Elton Bruner of Conway; four great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews, besides other friends and relatives.

[Ballou, Richard]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday     June 16, 1921     p. 5

Obituary—Richard Ballou

Richard Ballou was born Nov. 7, 1837 near White Store, Chenango county N Y. He was the son of Amsa [Amasa] and Serena [Cyrena Cook] Ballou.

He united in marriage to Emily M. Woodard Feb. 3, 1880 at Bedford, and to this union was born five children, two of whom died in infancy.

He is survived by his wife, one brother, George of Blockton, two daughters, Mrs. F.  [orest] Ray of Malta, Mont and Mrs A. M. Leonard of Des Moines, Ia. and one son R.[ichard] C. [ook] of Grant City, Mo. and four grandchildren. At the time of his death his family were all present except Mrs. Ray who was with him in May.

Mr. Ballou came to Taylor County in an early day enlisting at Bedford in the 4th Iowa Inf. Co K in 1861, serving 3 years and 3 months. He was a resident of Worth County, Mo. for 22 years and also living in Taylor County for a number of years. He moved to Bedford 3 years ago.

He was a kind and loving husband and father, was beloved and respected by all who knew him. After an illness of 4 months he passed away June 14, 1921. Funeral services were held from the Christian church Wednesday June 15 at 2 o'clock conducted by E. E. Lowe assisted by the G. A. R. Post and auxiliary of which he was a member. Members of the local post acted as pallbearers.

[Note: The same obituary was printed in the Bedford Times-Republican, June 16, 1921, page 1.]