Obituaries
submitted by: Julia Johnson - julia.johnson63@gmail.com
 
 
[Derrickson, Elizabeth Jane Fulton]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     August 8, 1940    [p. 1]

Obituary-Mrs. W. A. Derrickson

Elizabeth Jane Derrickson, daughter of Jesse and Margaret [Huey] Fulton, was born in Pittsburgh, Penn., Oct. 31, 1862 and died at her home in Bedford on July 31, 1940 at the age of 77 years and 9 months.

At the age of five years she came to Iowa with her parents, where she had since made her home.

She was married to William A. [lbert] Derrickson on March 24, 1878. To them were born nine children, four of whom survive. They are Mrs. Marion Mohler, Jesse Derrickson and Floyd Derrickson of Bedford and Mrs. Reba Lock of Corning. Mr. Derrickson died several years ago.

There are also eleven grandchildren and ten great grandchildren; two sisters, Mrs. Gussie Breece of Bedford and Mrs. Vennie Libby of Tilden, Nebr., and one brother, Milo Fulton of San Francisco, Calif.

The funeral services were held at the Wetmore Funeral Home Friday afternoon conducted by Rev. O. H. Hallgrimson. Burial was in the Bedford cemetery.

[Fulton, Beryl]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday      July 10, 1952     [p. 1]

Beryl Fulton Died In Ohio

Beryl Fulton, 51, died at his home In Lakewood, Ohio, Sunday, July 6. The body was brought to Clearfield, where last rites were held Wednesday afternoon, July 9. Burial was in the Clearfield cemetery.

Mr. Fulton is a former resident of Bedford and was a nephew of Mrs. Ada Killfoy [Kilfoy]. He is survived by his wife; also one sister, Mrs. Rella Fulton Kallin of Ida Grove, Iowa.

[Fulton, Ida May Norris]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday      January 9, 1919     [p. 1]

Mrs. Sam Fulton

Miss Ida [May] Norris was born in Knox County, Ill, March 20, 1870, and died at her home in Bedford January 7, 1919. She was united in marriage to Sam Fulton Sept. 28, 1886, and to this union four children were born, two girls and two boys, one boy and one girl dying in infancy. She leaves to mourn one daughter, Mrs. Victor Kallin of Pittsburg, Pa., and one son, Beryl, of College Spring, Iowa. She also leaves a mother, one brother and two sisters, Clinton Norris, Mrs. W. H. Miller and Mrs. J. H. Kilfoy, all of Bedford. Mrs. Fulton united with the Baptist church about twenty-four years ago and remained a devout member since, always ready to lend a helping hand in time of need. For the past year she has been in poor health but thru all her suffering has been of a cheerful disposition and always met her friends with a smile. Her death will be keenly felt by her relatives and a host of friends.

The funeral was conducted Wednesday afternoon by Rev. C. C. Hatcher. Her daughter, Mrs. Kallin, was unable to be present.

[Fulton, Samuel A.]

Bedford Free Press

Wednesday     July 11, 1917     [p. 1]

Death Takes Sam Fulton From Midst

Sam Fulton died at his home in Bedford this evening at 5 o'clock. Death resulted after an illness of a few weeks. No arrangements for the funeral services have been made at this time. Obituary will be printed next week.

[Fulton, Samuel A.]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday     July 12, 1917     [p. 1]

SAM FULTON DIES AFTER BRIEF ILLNESS

Awoke in Night With a Terrific Headache

After suffering from meningitis for two weeks, Sam Fulton gave up the unequal battle and died last evening at 6 o'clock. News of his death was a decided shock to many of his friends who were unaware that he was ill.

Mr. Fulton had performed a big day's work preceding the night of the attack but retired in the evening, feeling as well as ever. In the middle of the night he awoke from a sound sleep with a terrific headache, from that time until death, he gradually failed. Most of the time he was in a semi-conscious condition.

The deceased was well known in the community and had many friends who sympathize with the bereaved relatives. No funeral arrangement has been made at this writing.

[Fulton, Samuel A.]

Bedford Free Press

Wednesday     July 25, 1917    p. 4

OBITUARY.

Samuel A. Fulton was born near Pittsburg, Pa., April 28, 1865. He came to Taylor county, Iowa, with his parents, March 22, 1868.

On Sept 28, 1868 [1886], he was married to Ida May Norris. To this union four children were born, two of whom, Bruce and Flora, died in infancy. After a short illness, he passed away Wednesday evening, July 11, 1917, aged 52 years, 2 months and 13 days.

He leaves to mourn his departure an aged mother, the wife, a daughter, Mrs. Rella Kallin; a son, Beryl Fulton; three sisters, Mrs. Elizabeth Derrickson, Mrs. Vennie Libbey, Mrs. Augusta Breece; a brother, Milo Fulton, and many friends who knew and respected him in life.

The funeral was held at the family residence Friday, July 13, 1917, at 2 P. M., the services being conducted by Rev. J. A. Currie, with special music by the Baptist choir.

Interment was made in the Bedford cemetery.

[Note: The same obituary was printed in the Bedford Times-Republican, July 19, 1917, page 7.]

[Howard, Joseph Martin]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    February 23, 1961     p. 5

Joe Howard, 74, Buried At Bedford

Funeral services were held at the Walker Funeral Home in Clarinda Saturday afternoon for Joseph M. [artin] Howard, 74, who died at Municipal hospital Wednesday of a heart condition. He had been ill 15 days. A former farmer in Taylor county, he resided at 512 W. Tarkio in Clarinda.

Surviving are his wife, Urcella; a son, Marvin of Aurora, Colo.; and a brother, Alfred of Clarinda.

Rev. David Ash, pastor of the First Methodist church in Clarinda officiated at the services. Interment in the Bedford cemetery.

[Howard, Vera Voleria Newton]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday     September 21, 1922     p. 2

Obituary

Mrs. Vera [Voleria] Newton-Howard, daughter of W. [atson] L. [emuel] and Mary H. [elen Barnhill] Newton, was born Sept. 20, 1881, and departed this life Sunday, Sept. 17, aged 40 years, eleven months and 27 days. Had she lived until the day of her funeral she would have been 41 years old.

She was born near Bedford, Ia., and when seven years old moved with her parents to near Sharpsburg and from there to a place near Conway, Ia.

After attending school at various places she taught school in Taylor county and Page County in this state, also teaching a period of 1 year in Oklahoma.

On Oct. 19, 1911, she was united in marriage to J. [oseph] M. [artin] Howard at Guymon, Okla. They lost one infant and have but one living child, Marion B. Howard, who is about 9 years old.

From early childhood she always was faithful to attend Sunday School and church services. While attending school at Shenandoah at 21 years of age she united with the Methodist church. But after moving to Oklahoma she changed her membership to the Church of Christ being buried with her Lord in baptism. Here she was always active in Christian service.

From Guymon, Okla., they moved to a farm near Hepler, Kan., and from here they moved on a homestead near Fowler, Colorado, and last spring once more moved, taking up their, residence near Hutchinson, Kans.

On Sunday evening, Sept. 17th, while returning home from church she met with a fatal accident, thus giving a portion of the last hours of her life to worship in the house of God. She possessed a cheerful and sunny disposition always ready and willing to serve others, placing her trust continually in her Lord.

She leaves to sorrow, her husband, only son, mother (the father died about 5 years ago), one brother Harry Newton, Conway, Ia.; two sisters, Agnes Newton, St. Joseph, Mo., and Mrs. Frona Fleenor of Clarinda, Iowa, and a host of friends.

[HOWARD, VERA VOLERIA NEWTON]
Bedford Times-Republican (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, September 21, 1922
CONWAY – Mr. and Mrs. Fleener were called here from Hepburn, Iowa, because of the death of her sister, Mrs. Vera Howard, whose body was brought to Bedford for burial yesterday.

[HOWARD, VERA VOLERIA NEWTON]
Bedford Times-Republican (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, September 21, 1922
Mr. and Mrs. C. C. Howard returned to St. Joe yesterday afternoon after attending the funeral of their sister-in-law, Mrs. J. M. Howard.

[HOWARD, VERA VOLERIA NEWTON]
Bedford Times-Republican (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, September 28, 1922
J. M. Howard and son Marvin, who have been here to attend the funeral of their wife and mother and also visiting relatives at Clarinda and Conway, left on the afternoon train today for St. Joe, where they will visit a few days, then return to their home at Hutchinson, Kans.

[Hodges, Charles Alvin]

Bedford Times-Press

Wednesday     June 7, 1995        p. 6

CHARLES HODGES

Charles [Alvin] Hodges, age 84, resident of Bedford, was born June 3, 1910 at Charter Oak, Iowa to parents William Hodges and Lillie May Robinson. He died in his Bedford home on May 26,1995.

He grew to maturity in Iowa and was brought up in the United Brethren Church. He also spent a considerable time in California where he worked as well. He was primarily engaged in agriculture, or any other type of work he could find.

On November 3, 1934 he was united in marriage to Beulah Akes in Leon, Iowa. To this union one child was born, Evelyn Joann Hodges.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, one sister and two brothers.

Survivors include one sister, Mary Hodges of Coming, Iowa, his daughter, Joann Bowman of Bedford, and one granddaughter, Joyce Solza of California.

He is remembered for his hard work to support his family especially during the Depression years, when he would take any job available. He will be missed also for his interest in metal detecting and hunting for arrow heads around town and the surrounding area.

[Hodges, Mary Ellen]

Bedford Times-Press

Wednesday      May 15, 1996     p. 5

Mary Ellen Hodges

Mary Ellen Hodges was the daughter of William Henry Hodges and Lillie May Robinson Hodges. She was born in Hartington, Nebraska on May 17, 1905 and departed this life on May 8, 1996 at Corning Colonial Manor, at Corning, Iowa, at the age of 90 years, 11 months and 21 days.

Mary Ellen spent most of the first 24 years of her life in the Boone, Iowa area with her parents. At about 24 years of age she was hired to be a governess for a family living in California where she moved to be with them.

While in California she began work in department stores as a dress designer. Here she was able to exercise her artistic talents in sewing and designing in work that she thoroughly enjoyed.

After many years she came back to Leon, Iowa to care for her aged parents, caring for them until their deaths. Then she moved to the Denver, Colorado area where she again worked in clothing design. In later years, after her retirement, she came back to Bedford to stay with her brother Charles Hodges. Here she stayed until a broken hip forced her into the care of Corning Colonial Manor where she stayed about the last five years of her life.

Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, Verva Carey of Gettysburg, South Dakota, her brother David Hodges of North Hollywood, California, her brother Clarence Hodges of Unionville, Missouri, and her brother Charles Hodges of Bedford, Iowa.

Survivors include a niece, Joanne Bowman of Bedford, a niece Darlene McClure of David City, Nebraska, and many other nieces and nephews.

Arrangements by Novinger Taylor Funeral Home of Bedford.

Mary Ellen Hodges
Mary Ellen Hodges, 90, of Bedford, IA died May 8, 1996 at Corning Colonial Manor in Corning. She was born on May 17, 1905, in Hartington, NE, the daughter of William and Lille Robinson Hodges.
She worked for many years in California and Colorado as a dress designer for department stores. After retirement she moved to Bedford to be with her brother Charles Hodges. Here she stayed until a broken hip forced her into the care of the nursing home where she lived for almost five years.  
She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, Verva Carey, brothers, David, Clarence and Charles Hodges.
Survivors include nieces Joanne Bowman of Bedford and Darlene McClure of David City, NE plus many other nieces and nephews. Arrangements were by Novinger-Taylor Funeral Home of Bedford. CLARINDA HERALD-JOURNAL, Clarinda, Iowa, May 15, 1996

[Keith, Beulah Hazel]

Taylor County Democrat

Thursday     December 14, 1893     p. 4

Died: Saturday, Dec. 9, 1893, Beulah [Hazel], daughter of Mr. and Mrs Lee M. [Levi N.] Keith, aged 4 years. The funeral services were conducted at the family residence by Elder Wm. Cobb, Sunday at 11 a. m., Dec. 10, and were attended by a large number of sympathizing friends of the family. Interment was made in the Bedford cemetery.

[Lee, Bertha Marie Merritt]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     December 2, 1971    p. 7

Bertha Lee, 82 Rites Held Here November 30

Funeral services for Mrs. William (Bertha) Lee, 82 of Bedford, were Tues., Nov. 30, at Shum-Novinger Funeral Home here. Mrs. Lee died November 27, 1971 at St. Francis Hospital in Maryville, Mo. after two weeks' illness. Interment was at Bedford Cemetery, Bedford, Iowa.

Bertha [Marie] Lee, daughter of Theodore and Allice [Alice Flory] Merritt, was born at Davis City, Iowa, May 6, 1889.

Mrs. Lee attended and graduated from the Davis City High School, Davis City, Iowa.

In February of 1908 she was united in marriage to William [Napoleon] Lee and to this union three children were born.

After Mrs. Lee's marriage they moved to North Dakota where they homesteaded a farm until 1921 after which they moved to a farm North of Bedford. She lived there until 1958 at which time she moved to her home in Bedford.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, a son, a daughter, two sisters, a brother and two half-sisters.

Mrs. Lee is survived by her daughter, Alma McMillin, Bedford; nine grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren, other relatives and friends.

Mrs. Lee was a wonderful and loving mother and grandmother, a kind neighbor and a friend to many. She will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved her.

[Lee, Lester William]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     January 30, 1958    [ p. 1]

Lester Lee Died After Short Illness

Lester Lee, a native of Taylor County, died at Municipal hospital in Clarinda, Thursday, January 23 after a short illness.

Funeral services were held at the Shum Funeral Home, Saturday afternoon, January 25. Rev. Anthony Blankers of the Methodist church officiated. Burial in Bedford cemetery.

Lester William Lee was born in Taylor county, Iowa, near Bedford on March 26,1923 and died at the age of 34 years, 10 months, 27 days.

He attended rural school in Taylor County and Bedford High School. He was a graduate of American School of Correspondence.

He made his home with his parents and was engaged in farming all of his life.

Surviving are his mother, Mrs. Bertha Lee; one sister, Mrs. Gene McMillin; several nieces and nephews. One sister, Evelyn Irene, preceded him in death at the age of three years. His father, William Lee, died January 10, 1952.

[Lee, William Napoleon]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     January 17, 1952     [p. 1]

W. N. Lee Died At Maryville Hospital

W. N. Lee, farmer residing west of Bedford, died at the St. Francis hospital, Maryville, Jan. 10, following an illness of almost a year.

Funeral services were held at the Shum Funeral home Tuesday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Evan Routh. Burial was in Bedford cemetery.

William Napoleon Lee, son of William and Henrietta Branscom Lee, was born June 22, 1883 at Leon, Iowa, being 68 years, seven months, 18 days at the time of his death.

He lived at Leon until about 21 years of age when he went to South Dakota. He was married Feb. 26, 1908 to Bertha Marie Merritt at Leon. To them were born two daughters and one son, Alma, Evelyn Irene and Lester William. Evelyn Irene passed away at 3 years of age.

He is survived by his wife and son William at home; the daughter, Mrs. Gene McMillin of Bedford; four brothers, Fred and Robert of Medora, North Dakota; Jake in Washington state, and Granville in Oregon; three sisters, Mrs. Nancy Schmidt of Medora, N. D.; Mrs. Charles Flora of Coloma, Wash., Mrs. Robert Young of Osceola, Iowa; nine grandchildren.

[Leonard, Josie]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday       May 9, 1901     p. 7

Obituary

Miss Jessie [Josie] Leonard died at her home in Jackson Township, eight miles southeast of Bedford, Monday morning, May 6. The funeral exercises were conducted at Berea church by Elder William Cobb Tuesday morning. Interment in Bedford cemetery.

[Lucas, Esther Jane Vanatta]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday       June 19, 1958      p. 5

Mrs. George Lucas Died Here June 11

Mrs. George Lucas of Bedford died at her home Wednesday, June 11.

Funeral services were held at the Wetmore Funeral Home Monday afternoon, June 16, Rev. Anthony Blankers of the Bedford Methodist church officiating. Burial in Bedford cemetery.

Esther Jane Vanatta, daughter of J. [ames] W. [illiam] Vanatta and Eliza Ann Bell, was born January 24, 1878 in Iowa County, Iowa and passed away at the age of 80 years, four months, 18 days.

At the age of six weeks, she went with her parents by covered wagon to Kansas, where she spent her remaining years.

On May 23, 1895 she was marred to George C. [linton] Lucas at Hopeville, Iowa. To them three children were born: Mrs. Emma Tranbarger of Corning, John W.[illiam] Lucas of National City, Calif., and Mrs. Viola Davis of Bedford. On October 11, 1912, they moved to Bedford, where she has resided since.

Mrs. Lucas joined the Christian church at an early age, later transferring her membership to the Methodist church.

She was a member of a family of eight children. She leaves to mourn her loss, besides her three children and their families, two brothers and two sisters: Ross Vanatta of Frontenac, Kansas, Mrs. Minnie Campel, Pittsburg, Penn.; Mrs. John Reynolds, Parsons, Kans.; Ben Vanatta, Bartlesville, Okla. Also nine grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, George C. Lucas; a sister, Emma McDonald; two brothers, Rob Vanatta and Bill Vanatta.

[Lucas, George Clinton]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday      November 28, 1957      [p. 1]

George C. Lucas Rites Held Here Wednesday

George C. [linton] Lucas, a retired harness-maker, died at St. Francis Hospital, Maryville, Sunday, November 24.

Funeral services were held at the Wetmore Funeral Home, Wednesday afternoon, with burial in the Bedford cemetery. Rev. Anthony Blankers officiated.

George C. [linton] Lucas was born at Hopeville, Iowa, in Clarke County, on Feb. 8, 1874 and died at the age of 83 years, nine months, 16 days. He was educated in the public school at Hopeville and learned the trade of harness-maker from his father.

On May 23, 1895 he was united in marriage to Esther Jane Vanatta. To them three children were born: Emma, now Mrs. J. C. Tranbarger of Corning; John William Lucas, National City, Calif.; and Viola, now Mrs. Alva Davis of Bedford.

The family made their home at Hopeville until 1911, when they moved to Bedford, where they have since resided. Mr. Lucas was a kind, loving husband and father; was industrious and diligent in his work; possessed a fine sense of humor and a great capacity for friendship with both adults and children.

Mr. Lucas is survived by his wife and the three children. Also by nine grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, and one sister, Mrs. Kate Booth of Murray, Iowa.

[Lucas, Rebecca Ellen Lewis]

Bedford Free Press

Tuesday    November 8, 1906    p. 5

Mrs. Surena Lucas.

Miss Rebecca Ellen Lewis was born near Springfield, Ill., June 2, 1844, and died at her home in Bedford Thursday, November 1, 1906, at 9:15 o'clock, from a complication of stomach troubles.

In 1859 she moved with her parents to St. Joseph, Mo., where she made her home until December 29, 1870, on which date she united in marriage to Mr. S. Lucas of this city and they immediately came here where they have since made their home.

This brief announcement of the [illness] and death of Mrs. Lucas caused a deep wave of sorrow and sadness to pass over our city when made on Thursday last, as but few knew of her sickness and not many of those who knew it realized it was of a serious nature. She had been enjoying her customary good health, which had always been good up to the time of this illness, which manifested itself Monday of last week. Always of a bright and cheerful disposition very little complaint was  [heard] but she rapidly grew worse and it was soon seen that the termination could be but as it was. Relatives ware summoned and Dr. [Roger?] of St. Joe, was brought to [help] our local physicians but nothing could be done by mortal hands or conceived by mortal minds was of any avail and she passed peacefully away at the time stated previously. To know Mrs. Lucas was to love her; in her home she was a queen. It was [clear] that her every thought and every act centered her efforts being directed towards making it a home in every sense of the word —not for herself alone but with the unselfish thought of making it a pleasant, comfortable retreat for husband, daughter, neighbors and friends, and in all this city of [true] mothers and true wives there were none who were more of a[?]e character than the deceased. Combined with this was a loving Christian spirit, which was manifest at all times. In February, she united with the Presbyterian Church and in church work was faithful and untiring.

During the happy married life of this couple two children were born, a son dying in infancy and a daughter, now Mrs. Grace Harrison, of Leavenworth, Kas., who was with her during her last moments. A brother, James F. Lewis, of St. Joseph, and a niece Mrs. John James and her husband, of Red Oak, were here attending the funeral. Aside from these she leaves a sister, Mrs. Sallie Moore, of St. Joseph, a brother, Thomas J., of St. Joseph, and another brother, W. E., of Horton, Kas., to mourn their loss.

To the bereaved and heartbroken husband and daughter and other relatives the sympathy of the entire community is extended.

The funeral was held from the home Friday afternoon at 2 o’clock conducted by Rev. Ashley Fitch, and interment took place in the Bedford cemetery.

 

[Lucas, Surena (Serena)]

Bedford Free Press

Tuesday    September 23, 1913   [ p. 1]

Sereny Lucas Dies

Sereny Lucas, veteran newspaperman of Bedford, died suddenly at his home in Leavenworth, Monday Sept. 22. Body will be brought here Wednesday noon. No further particulars obtained.

 

[Lucas, Surena (Serena)]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday    September 25, 1913     p. 5

Serena Lucas.

Serena Lucas, a resident of Bedford for about forty-five years, died at his home in Leavenworth, Kan., Monday, aged 78 years. The remains were brought here for interment on the noon train Wednesday. Brief funeral services were held at the First Presbyterian church, conducted by Rev. Phillip Jackson. Interment was in the Bedford cemetery.

Serena Lucas was the son of Philander and Lydia [Fisher] Lucas, and was born in Ashtabula County, Ohio, Dec. 13, 1834. He removed with his parents from Ohio to Iowa in 1862 and located in Bedford. Mr. Lucas was closely identified with events relating to the early history of Bedford, having been for a number of years editor and publisher of the Iowa Southwest, a newspaper which has evolved into what is now known as the Bedford Free Press.

Mr. Lucas was a veteran of the Civil war, having enlisted for service in Bedford in company D, Forty-sixth Iowa, Volunteer Infantry.

In 1870 he was married to Rebecca Lewis. To this union two children were born, Fred, who died in infancy, and Grace, now Mrs. W. L. Harrison.

Upon the death of his wife in 1900 Mr. Lucas removed to Leavenworth, Kan., where he made his home with his daughter and her husband, Mr. and Mrs. W. L. Harrison, until summoned by the hand of death.

Mr. Lucas is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Harrison, and two sisters, Mrs. Philena Robertson of Lineville, Pa., and Mrs. Lydia Kling of Long Beach, Cal.

[Note: The same obituary was printed in the Bedford Free Press, September 30, 1913, page 3.]

[LUCAS, SURENA (SERENA)
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Tuesday, September 30, 1913
Mr. and Mrs. W. L. Harrison of Leavenworth arrived here Wednesday noon with the remains of Mrs. Harrison's father, Serena Lucas. Mr. Harrison, who is an employ[ee] of the Rock Island railroad, having a position in the ticket office at Leavenworth, returned home Thursday afternoon. Mrs. Harrison remained for a few days visit with former Bedford friends.
Mrs. Grace Harrison, who has been here since the burial of her father, Sereny Lucas, returned to her home at Leavenworth Monday.

[Marley, Daniel Frederick “Fred”]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday       October 16, 1947     [p. 1]

Obituary - Fred Marley

[Daniel] Fred Marley was born at Bedford, Iowa August 3, 1882 and died Wednesday, October 1, 1947, at the age of 65 years, 1 month and 28 days.

He grew to young manhood in and near Bedford. He was a member of the Woodman Lodge, and served several years on the Bedford Fire Department.

He is survived by three brothers: Will, Robert and John of Bedford; one sister, Mrs. Paul Trumbo, Bedford; as well as other relatives and friends. One brother, Floyd Marley preceded him in death in infancy.

Funeral services were held at the Wetmore Funeral Home Thursday, October 2, conducted by Rev. G. W. Swan. Burial was in the Bedford cemetery.

[Masters, Elizabeth Borland]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday     December 17, 1908      p. 5

Mrs. T. B. Masters Passes Away

At the home of her daughter Mrs. Albert Dugan, Sunday, occurred the death of Mrs. T. [homas] B. [urley] Masters. Grandma Masters, as she was familiarly known, has been in poor health during the past year, and the end, which came suddenly, was not unexpected. Saturday it became evident that she was rapidly sinking and Dr. O. V. Long was called. An examination revealed to him the fact that she had but a few hours of this world before her. She failed to rally, and quietly breathed her life out at 1:50 o'clock Sunday afternoon.

When Dr. Long became convinced that medical aid could avail nothing, and that the end was so near the facts were gently made known to the patient sufferer who had carried the burdens of life so long. The thought had no terror to her and smiling sweetly she replied, "I am trusting in Jesus to save me and make me happy."

Rev. G. W. Palmer was with her at 12 o'clock Saturday and again at the time of her death. She remained perfectly rational retaining complete consciousness to the very end, and passed into the future at the lifting of the veil, sweetly trusting in the redeeming grace of the Risen Lord.

Funeral services conducted by Rev. Palmer, held at the home, attended by a large company of relatives and old friends of the deceased. The pastor selected Revelations 7th, chapter 15-16-17 verses as the scriptural central thought of his sermon and from those words drew precious truths and comforting promises for all who pass thru the dark valley.

The body was taken to Bedford where interment was made in the Bedford cemetery.

Elizabeth Borland was born in Beith near Glasgow, Scotland, September 25, 1828. At the age of 13 she came to America with her parents in 1845. Taking shipping at Liverpool and after several weeks on a sailing vessel arrived at New Orleans. From there they went to Morgan county, Illinois, where she was united in marriage to T. [homas] B. [urley] Masters May 20, 1847. To this union were born seven children, six boys and one girl, three died in infancy, Wilbur died August 23, 1892 being 30 years old, three children survive, J. [ohn] B. of Gravity, James W. of Illinois and Mrs. Albert Dugan [Mary Elizabeth], of Gravity. In 1875 they moved to Bedford where they remained for several years and from there they moved to Gravity, where they remained until her husband's death June 11, 1905. Since then she made her home with her daughter Mrs. Albert Dugan until her death, which occurred December 6, 1908, aged 80 years, 2 months and 11 days. She joined the M. E. church when young and remained a Christian until her death. In her last years she was a great sufferer and for the last eleven months she was a constant sufferer. She bore her sufferings with great patience. She leaves 3 children, 20 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren to mourn her loss. —Gravity Independent

[Masters, Thomas Burley]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday      June 15, 1905    [p. 1]

Death of T. B. Masters

T. [homas] B. [urley] Masters died at his home in Gravity, Sunday, June 11, aged 75 years, 11 months and 27 days. Mr. Masters was one of Taylor County’s old and respected citizens, moving here in 1876. For seventeen years he lived on a farm just west of Bedford, but on account of failing health, and not able to longer tend the farm he moved to Gravity where he resided until his death. He was a man of noble character, and has made the world better by having lived in it.

He leaves a wife and three children to mourn his death. The children are J. [ohn] B. Masters and Mrs. Albert Dugan [Mary Elizabeth] of Gravity, and J. [ames] W. Masters, of Peoria, Ill.

Funeral services were conducted by Rev. Farley in the M. E. church at Gravity. The body was brought to Bedford and interred in Bedford cemetery.

[Masters, Thomas Burley]

Bedford Times-Republican

Tuesday      June 13, 1905     [p. 1]

AN OLD SETTLER GONE

T. B. Masters Dies at His Home in Gravity—Interment at Bedford

T. [homas] B. [urley] Masters, one of Taylor County's old settlers died at 11 o’clock Sunday morning at his home in Gravity, age 75 years, 11 months and 27 days.

The deceased was born in Eastern Tennessee, June 14, 1829. When still a young man he moved to Illinois, where in 1847 he was married to Miss Elizabeth Borland. In the spring of 1876 they moved to Iowa, and settled on a farm a mile west of Bedford, where they lived for seventeen years. In 1893, Mr. Master's health failing somewhat he decided to give up farming, so he moved to Gravity, where the remaining days of his life was spent.

The disease which caused Mr. Masters death first made itself apparent last February. He took a severe cold, lung trouble followed, which together with general debility was too great a load for one burdened already with nearly four score of years. He lingered for months, sinking lower and lower until death came Sabbath morning. The wife, who for nearly a decade more than half a century, has been his faithful companion, still survives him, as does the three children, now grown to man—and womanhood, who came to make happy the long married life of Mr. and Mrs. Master [s]. The children are J. [ohn] B. Masters and Mrs. Albert Dugan [Mary Elizabeth] of Gravity and James W. Master [s] of Peoria, Ills. Funeral service was held today in the M. E. church at Gravity, conducted by Rev. Farley of that place. Interment was made at Bedford cemetery.