Obituaries
submitted by: Julia Johnson - julia.johnson63@gmail.com
 
 
[Goodsill, Alexander “Alex”]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday      August 8, 1918     p. 5

Alex Goodsill is Dead

Former Well Known Bedford Man

Passed Away at Grant City

Alex Goodsill died at his home in Grant City one day last week. He is well known by the old time residents of Bedford, for at one time he and his brother, Napoleon Goodsill, were in business here. The Hopkins Journal gives the following in regard to his death:

Alex Goodsill, for many years in the lumber and banking business in Hopkins, leaving this town some thirty years ago to locate in Grant City, where he engaged in the hardware and furniture business, died at his home in that city last Monday following a long illness. He was about 75 years of age and had been active in commercial pursuits until a few years ago when his health failed him. Burial will take place in the Grant City cemetery today.

[Goodsill, Herman]

Iowa South-west

Saturday     April 7, 1877    p. 3

Death in Childhood

Herman Goodsill a bright three-year-old-boy of Mr. and Mrs. N. [apoleon] Goodsill, died last Tuesday night. For several weeks he has suffered sickness similar to scarlet fever and at last has passed away, and leaves another desolate home in our town. The funeral was largely attended from the residence on Thursday evening, and the little form was laid away among the evergreens at Mr. Goodsill's new residence in the eastern part of town. Rev. Mr. Robey conducted the appropriate services.

[Goodsill, John]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday     February 23, 1899    [p. 1]

a most awful deed

A VERY SAD SUICIDE

John Goodsill Attempts to Shoot His Father and Then Blows His Own Brains Out.

One of those truly sad and unexplainable suicides occurred at Grant City, Mo. Tuesday afternoon at 1 o'clock. John Goodsill, has been assisting his father, A.[lex] Goodsill, in a store in that city, entered the building and at once began firing at his father and Peter Hudson, a young lawyer, who was talking with the elder Goodsill. He fired four shots at the men, one of which took effect in Mr. Hudson's mouth, tearing away all of the teeth and part of the jaw bone on the left side of his face. The wound may not prove fatal, but will disfigure the young man for life.

After shooting Hudson, Goodsill turned the weapon against his own forehead and blew out his brains, and fell to the floor a corpse. The supposition is that the young man, who was about thirty years old and unmarried, was insane at the time of this awful deed, as no other reason can be assigned. He was of excellent family, and was at one time a resident of this city, his father being in the lumber business here. A. [lex] Goodsill is the brother of the Misses Goodsill of this city. Miss Mattie Goodsill and Dr. Randolph attended the funeral.

All the parties concerned have the sympathy of a large circle of friends.

[Goodsill, John]

Bedford Free Press

Wednesday    March 2, 1899    [p. 1]]

More on the Goodsill Tragedy

From the Grant City Times we learn a few additional particulars relative to the awful tragedy that occurred in that town last week. For some time previous to the deed, young Goodsill had been in bad health and recently had the grip, which added to the complications. Since his recent sickness he had not been at the store a great deal. The Times goes on to say:

"Tuesday after dinner he went to the store. Upon his arrival, there were present his father, Peter Hudson, Edward Cook, a young man named Willis and C. Vanzandt, who were in an adjoining room. He walked through to the rear of the store and looked out of the east window. He then walked back and looked out of the north window. There was nothing in his demeanor that indicated anything unusual. He then went behind the counter, opened a showcase and took there from double-action 32 revolver, which he proceeded to load. Edward Cook noted his action, and asked in a joking way whether he was "loading for bear, to which he replied: "Yes, for two legged bear." Cook did not then realize nor suspect anything wrong. But immediately thereafter the occupants of the room were startled by a shot. The elder Goodsill, who was busily engaged in conversation with Mr. Hudson over a business matter, had not noted his son's presence up to this time. The report of the revolver startled him and he looked around for the cause, but concluded that it was caused by someone stepping on or letting a cartridge fall, causing it to explode. During this time John Goodsill was standing behind the counter, some twenty-five feet northwest of where his father and Mr. Hudson were standing talking. Neither had the least idea that they were to be made targets of. The young Goodsill moved south a short distance, and just as his father looked up he saw the revolver pointed toward him, and a second shot was fired, immediately followed by another. Mr. Goodsill then caught the eye of his son and saw at once that he was wildly insane, but still did not realize fully the imminent danger he was in, as there was no motive whatever for John, his son, seeking his life. The son stepped quickly around the south end of the counter over to where the father and Mr. Hudson were standing. Both of them attempted to shield themselves by stooping below the railing and desk. Goodsill fired again, then stepping backward a few feet, he placed the revolver to his right temple and sent a bullet into his own brain. He sank to the floor and expired in a few minutes.

The first shot was fired downward behind the counter, but no trace of it can be found. The ball evidently buried itself in a box of nails. Whether this shot was accidental or for the purpose of testing the revolver, will never be known. The second shot was fired over the counter and struck his father on the right breast directly over the inside breast pocket of his coat. Fortunately he had a lot of letters and a deed in his pocket. The bullet plowed its way through these and struck the suspender buckle and stopped. The skin was slightly cut. Next morning the spot was black and blue and quite sore. The third shot passed close between Mr. Goodsill and Mr. Hudson, cut a hole through a hat that was hanging up and struck the wall. The fourth shot struck Mr.- Hudson on the chin on a line with the teeth. The bullet knocked out three front teeth, passed under the tongue, severing the small ligaments, and struck the jaw, knocking out two more teeth. Part of the bullet was found in his jaw and the other part he spat out together with a tooth.

[Goodsill, Mattie]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    February 29, 1940     [p. 1]

Miss Mattie Goodsill, Former Teacher, Dies

Miss Mattie Goodsill, 93, a former resident of Bedford, but for the last several years of Des Moines, died at her home there Sunday, Feb. 25. The funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon and burial was in the Glendale cemetery.

Miss Goodsill was the daughter of Curtis and Harriett Goodsill, pioneer residents of Bedford and Taylor County. She was a teacher in the Bedford schools for many years, commencing her work in the year 1872. Her heart and soul were in her teaching and she possessed many superior qualifications as an instructor and as a friend to her pupils.

Miss Goodsill was an aunt of Mrs. Sanford McCorkle (Beth Randolph) of Hopkins.

[McCoun, Melissa Alma Bates]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday     June 27, 1895     p. 2

Died.

Mrs. Wm. McCoun [Melissa Alma Bates] died at her home in Ross Township at 9 o'clock Tuesday morning.

Funeral services will be held at the First Christian church at 2 o’clock this Tuesday, evening, and will be conducted by the pastor, Elder T. F. Richardson Interment will be made in the Fairview cemetery.

[Note: She was buried in the Bedford or Bedford City Cemetery not Bedford Fairview Cemetery as stated in the above.]

[McCoun, Melissa Alma Bates]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday     July 4, 1895     p. 2

The funeral services for Mrs. Wm. McCoun [Melissa Alma Bates] were held at the First Christian church at 2 o'clock p. m. on Thursday of last week, conducted by Elder T. F. Richardson. A large concourse of sympathizing friends followed the remains to their last resting place in Fairview cemetery. Mrs. McCoun leaves a husband and eight small children to mourn the loss of a devoted wife and mother.

[Note: She was buried in the Bedford or Bedford City Cemetery not Bedford Fairview Cemetery as stated in the above.]

[Randolph, Rachel Goodsill]

Iowa South-west

Saturday     February 19, 1876     p. 3

---The news of the death of Mrs. W. [alter] F. [itz] Randolph spread a gloom of sorrow over our city Sunday last. She leaves a husband, children and a large circle of friends to mourn her loss, who have the sympathy of the entire community. One by one the good, the pure and the beloved pass away.

[Randolph, Rachel Goodsill]

Iowa South-west

Saturday     February 26, 1876    p. 3

OBITUAry.

RANDOLPH. —Mrs. Rachel Goodsill F. [itz] Randolph, daughter of Curtis and Eunice Smith Goodsill, born in Canada East, March 21st, 1837, died February 13th, 1876.

In her early childhood Mrs. Randolph's father, with his family removed to the State of Vermont. When but eight years of age, death deprived her of her mother; but such had been that mother's example and counsel, that through Divine Grace Rachel even at this early age, was led to trust in Christ. Her father and family removed to Illinois A. D. 1846. In January 1859, she made public profession of her faith in Christ; and was confirmed in the Episcopal Church the following summer. She was united in marriage with Dr. W. [alter] F. [itz] Randolph, February 2d, 1864. Removed with her husband and family to Bedford, Iowa, August 1870. She united with the Presbyterian church of Bedford, October 1st, 1871, of which church she remained a consistent member until her death. Mrs. Randolph was a woman of remarkably correct judgment; seldom wrong in her opinions of either persons or things. Her literary taste was refined and correct. Her tact, in the least things, as well as those of greater magnitude, was one of her marked traits. But above all shown her character us a Christian. Her piety did not consist in demonstration, or raptures or moods, or feelings; but in having her "life hid with Christ in God." She was a great sufferer for eighteen months proceeding her death yet so uncomplaining was she, that but few outside of her own household knew anything of her affliction until shortly before her death. A few days before her death, she expressed herself to the writer of this notice; as not without assurance of a better life beyond this; yet it was hard to know that she would be so early separated from kind friends, from a beloved husband, and especially from her three children, who, because of their tender years, need so much a mother's care and instruction. Her death was calm and peaceful. Just as the sun set in the west, after making bright and beautiful the holy Sabbath, she sank to rest in the arms of Jesus. On Wednesday, February 16th, numerous friends followed the body to its resting place in the Bedford cemetery. But no one sorrowed “as those having no hope." All felt that while one was lost to earth, Heaven had gained one. "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord." A. F. R.

[Randolph, Ruth Fay]

Taylor County Herald

Thursday     March 16, 1944     [p. 1]

Dies in Chicago

Miss Ruth [Fay] Randolph, 75, a former Bedford resident and teacher, died at her home in Chicago, Wednesday, March 1. She was the daughter of the late W.[alter] F. [itz] Randolph of Bedford. Funeral rites were in Chicago March 3rd.

[Randolph, Ruth Fay]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     March 9, 1944     p. 8

Miss Ruth Randolph Dies in Chicago

Funeral services were held in Chicago Friday, March 3 for Miss Ruth [Fay] Randolph, 75, who died at her home there Wednesday [March 1, 1944]. Her nieces, Mrs. George Cobb of Hopkins, Mo., and Mrs. Don Turner of Gravity, went to Chicago the first of last week to be with her.

Miss Randolph's home was formerly in Bedford and she had taught in the Chicago schools. She was the daughter of the late Dr. Randolph, a practicing physician in Bedford for many years. She was a sister of the late Mrs. Sanford McCorkle [Elizabeth], parents of Mrs. Cobb and Mrs. Turner. Her illness was of short duration.

[Note: She was buried in Acacia Park Cemetery, Norwood Park, Cook County, Illinois.]

[Randolph, Walter Fitz]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday     January 8, 1903     [p. 1]

DEATH COMES AS A SURPRISE

Dr. W. F. Randolph Passes Away While Visiting His Daughters in Chicago

Monday morning people of Bedford were greatly shocked on receiving the sad intelligence of the death of Dr. Randolph. Friday night before Christmas Dr. Randolph went to Chicago to visit his two daughters during the holidays. When he left Bedford he seemed to be in fairly good health and no one was prepared to receive the news of his death, which occurred at the home of the daughters in Chicago on Sunday evening, Jan. 4, 1903, at 7 o'clock.

The exact cause of his death is not known to the writer, but it is stated that he became weaker and weaker and finally passed away with very little pain. The remains were brought back to Bedford and taken to the home of the Misses Goodsill Wednesday morning, January 7. The funeral services were held in the Presbyterian Church, conducted by Rev. D. W. Griffith, after which interment was made in the Bedford cemetery. The obsequies at the grave were conducted by Taylor lodge No. 156 A. F. and A. M., of which he was a faithful and prominent member.

Walter F. [itz] Randolph was born in Meadville, Penn. Dec. 9, 1833. When about twelve years of age he moved with his parents to Wisconsin, and a few years later to McHenry County, Ill. He was married in 1864 to Rachael Goodsill, and one son and two daughters were born to them, all of whom survive him. He graduated from Rush Medical College with the class of '69 and the following year in August, came to Bedford where he lived until his death. For a number of years he has been surveyor of Taylor County. He leaves a large number of friends.

Deceased lived a true and noble life. He became a member of the Masonic lodge at Marengo, Illinois, in 1869, became a member of the Bedford lodge March 1,1871. The bereaved ones have the sympathy of all in their sad affliction.

[Roush, Charles Dodd]

Clearfield Enterprise

Thursday     May 16, 1940     p. 2

Charles D. [odd] Roush, of Henry H. [arris] and [Mary] Elizabeth [Looker] Roush, was born in Siam, Iowa, in 1864, and departed this life at the home his daughter, Grace Blessman, in Clearfield, Iowa, May 12, 1940 at the age of 76 years, 2 months, 21 days. He united with the Methodist Church at the age of thirteen, and has been very devoted to his Bible, and has used it for a constant guide thru life, always praising his Saviour.

He was united in marriage to Maggie Jane Clayton of Siam in 1885, who departed this life four years ago on March l3th.

To this union were born seven children: —Phemie Gray of Bedford, Henry Roush of Hopkins, Mo.; Ernest Roush of Des Moines, Iowa; Theodore who died at the age of 17 months; Eva Blessman of Lincoln, Neb; Lester Roush of Maryville, Mo.; and Grace Blessman of Clearfield. Besides the children, there are 19 living grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Three sisters survive: Edith Blagraves [Blagrave] of Siam, Rachel [Catherine] Fine of Hopkins, Mo., and Carrie [Alice] Burley of California. Three brothers: — Bert [Albert Birch] of California, Harve [Monroe] of Des Moines, Will [iam Ernest] of St. Joseph—besides a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

He was a loving father, always kind to all, always speaking the encouraging word; always interested in his children's welfare, and also in the community.

He was a friend of everyone who knew him, and will be greatly missed by all who are left to cherish his memory.

His last illness started about four months ago and he has been very patient and always hoping for a recovery but expressed so many times of being ready to go if it was the Lord's will.

The funeral was preached by Rev. L. E. Gatch of the Methodist church at Siam, at 2 o'clock Monday May 13. Burial was in Siam cemetery.

[Roush, Charles Dodd]

Clearfield Enterprise

Thursday     May 16, 1940     p. 2

Charles Roush, father of Mrs. John Blessman, died at the Blessman home near the Presb. church at 2 a. m., Sun. He had been very ill for two months.

[Roush, Charles Dodd]

Clearfield Enterprise

Thursday      May 16, 1940     p. 3

Chas. Roush Dead

Charles Roush, 76, father of Mrs. John Blessman, died at the Blessman home here at about 2 a. m. Sunday. While his home was at Siam, this county, he had for several years made long stays with his daughter and her family here so was known by many. Funeral service [s] were at the old home on Monday afternoon, directed by Wetmores of Bedford.

[Roush, Charles Dodd]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday      May 16, 1940      p. 2

siam

Harve [Monroe] Roush of Des Moines and William [Ernest] Roush of Hamburg were visitors Sunday afternoon with their sister, Mrs. John Blagrave [Edith] and Mr. Blagrave. They were called here on account of the death of their brother, C.[harles] D. [odd] Roush, which occurred at the home of his daughter, Mrs. John Blessman at Clearfield Sunday morning.

[Roush, Charles Dodd]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     May 16, 1940      p. 5

Obituary - C. D. Roush

Charles D. [odd] Roush, son of Henry H. [arris] and [Mary] Elizabeth [Looker] Roush was born in Siam, Iowa in 1864 and died at the home of his daughter, Grace Blessman at Clearfield, Iowa, May 12, 1940 at the age of 76 years, 2 months and 21 days.

The funeral services were held at the Methodist church in Siam Monday afternoon, conducted by Rev. L. E. Gatch. Burial was in the Siam cemetery.

He was married to Maggie Jane Clayton of Siam in 1885. To them were born seven children: Phemie Gray of Bedford, Henry Roush of Hopkins, Ernest Roush of Des Moines, Theodore dying at the age of 17 months; Eva Blessman of Lincoln, Lester [Ellis] Roush of Maryville, Grace Blessman of Clearfield.

Surviving with the six children are nineteen grandchildren and sixteen great grandchildren. Also three sisters, Edith Blagrave of Siam, Rachel [Catherine] Fine of Hopkins, Carrie [Alice] Burley of California; and three brothers: Bert [Albert Birch] of California, Harve [Monroe] of Des Moines and Will [iam Ernest] of St. Joseph. Mrs. Roush died four years ago, on March 13.

Mr. Roush had been a member of the Methodist church since he was thirteen years of age. He was a loving father, always kind to all, always speaking a word of encouragement and always interested in his children's welfare. He also was interested in the welfare of his community. Mr. Roush was a friend of every one who knew him and will be greatly missed by all.

[Roush, Margaret Jane “Maggie” Clayton]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     March 19, 1936     p. 8

Mrs. C. D. Roush, 73, of Siam, Dies Friday

Mrs. C. [harles] D. [odd] Roush, 73, died at her home in the Siam community Friday, March 13, after an illness of several years.

The funeral services were held at the Methodist church in Siam Sunday afternoon, March 15, conducted by Rev. Chas. Arnold. Burial was in the Siam cemetery.

Margaret Jane Clayton, daughter of George Washington Clayton and Fidelia [Schoonover] Clayton, was born Feb. 10, 1863, in Siam, Iowa. All of her life was spent in or near Siam, excepting six years spent near Hopkins.

On Jan. 15, 1885, she was married to Chas. D. [odd] Roush. They celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary together more than a year ago, surrounded by their children and a host of friends.

To them were born seven children, one little boy, Theodore two years of age, preceded the mother in death in 1897. The husband and six children survive.

The children are: Mrs. Phemie Gray, Bedford; Henry C. Roush, of Hopkins; Ernest Roush of Des Moines; Mrs. Eva Blessman of Lincoln; Lester [Ellis] Roush of Hopkins; and Mrs. Grace Blessman of Clearfield. Besides her children she leaves 17 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren; also two brothers, Chas. Clayton of Siam, and Orie Clayton of Lakota, N. Dak.

In 1883, during a union revival in Siam she was converted and when the Methodist church was built the next year she became a charter member of that church, and during all the years that have passed she has remained a faithful member of that body. She was a charter member of the Ladies Aid society, always with a willing heart and hand to help in any way she could.

[Roush, William Ernest]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday      August 26, 1954     [p. 1]

W. E. Roush Died In Des Moines

W. E. Roush, a former resident of the Bedford and Siam community, died at the Iowa Methodist hospital, Des Moines, August 21. The body was brought to Bedford and funeral services were held at the Shum Funeral Home at 1:30 p.m. Monday, August 23, conducted by Rev. Robert M. Peters. Burial was in Fairview cemetery.

William Ernest Roush, son of Henry H. [arris] and Elizabeth [Morehead] Roush, was born Oct. 6, 1870 at Bedford, and died at the age of 83 years, 10 months, 15 days.

He was raised in the vicinity of Siam, where he was a member of the Methodist church.

He and his brother were engaged in the piano business at Clarinda for a number of years. During his later years he spent considerable time in Excelsior Springs, Missouri.