Obituaries
submitted by: Julia Johnson - julia.johnson63@gmail.com
 
[McKim, Jesse Everett]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday      June 22, 1967     p. 4

Final Rites Held June 18 For Jesse McKim

Funeral services for Jesse Everett McKim, 86, long time Bedford resident, were held June 18 at Madison Street Shum-Novinger Funeral Home conducted by Mr. Carl Cummings. Mr. McKim died June 15 at Armstrong Nursing Home here. Interment was at Bedford Cemetery, Bedford.

Jesse Everett McKim, son of John and Sarah Musselman McKim, the 7th of 11 children, was born at Murray, Iowa, May 6, 1881. He moved with his family to Taylor County Iowa early in his youth and the family resided on various farms in the Bedford area for a time.

He was united in marriage to Carrie Whittington in December 1904 and to them was born one son, Virgil, who preceded him in death September 22, 1962.

For many years he helped Curtis Bent in masonry work. Bedford was his home most of his life and here he had friends and neighbors who shared his pleasant outlook and enjoyed with him the acceptance of the changing times during his 86 years.

Left to cherish memories are a grandson, Gary McKim; and daughter-in-law, Betty McKim Henneman of Clarinda, Ia.; a sister, Mrs. Bertha Evans of Joplin, Mo.; other relatives and friends.

Jess was well known, well liked and respected. He will be missed by his relatives and many friends.

[McKinley, Inez]

Taylor County Republican

Thursday      September 12, 1878       p. 3

Inez McKinley, aged nine months, a daughter of Rev. McKinley, departed this life on Friday last. The funeral took place on Saturday afternoon at four o'clock from the Presbyterian Church and was very largely attended. Rev. Blodgett delivered the funeral sermon.

[McPherren, Guy Francis]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday       June 10, 1954      p. 8

Guy McPherren Died Here Thursday

Guy McPherren, 78, died June 3 at the Armstrong Nursing Home. Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at the Shum Funeral Home, conducted by Rev. T. J. Overholt. Burial was in Prairie Rose cemetery.

Guy Francis McPherren, eldest son of John and Margaret McPherren, was born Jan. 14, 1876 in Adams County and died at the age of 78 years, four months, 23 days.

In 1908 he was married to Rhoda Lee Cusick Van Horn. To them a daughter and four sons were born. The daughter died in infancy.

His wife preceded him in death on Sept. 14, 1953.

Those left to mourn are the four sons, Leon of Bedford, Paul of Weirton, W. Va., John of Des Moines, Merle of California; one step-son, Raymond Van Horn of Venice, Calif. Also seven grandchildren.

Four sisters preceded him in death, Maude Brown, Jesse Wallers, Lottie Cox, Lena Firkins. The brothers and sisters surviving are Anna of Grass Valley, Calif.; George McPherren of Sharpsburg, Ralph McPherren of Gravity, Luther McPherren of Glenwood, Don McPherren of Camas, Wash.

The greater part of his life was spent in farming. The past ten years he lived in Bedford.

[McPherren, Leon Eldon]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     July 12, 1989       p. 6

LEON ELDON McPherren

Services for Leon Eldon McPherren, Bedford, 78, were held July 3 at Shum-Novinger Funeral Home with Rev. Carl Cummings officiating. Burial was at Bedford City Cemetery. Mr. McPherren died June 28, 1989 at the Veteran's Home in Knoxville, Iowa.

Leon Eldon McPherren, son of Guy [Francis] McPherren and Rhoda [Lee] Cusick McPherren was born at Guss, Iowa December 31, 1910. He grew to maturity in the Gravity community where he attended the public school and the Methodist Church.

On June 29, 1942 he was united in marriage to Ruby Edna Avery at Monterey, Calif, where they resided prior to coming to Iowa. They lived in the Siam community before moving to Bedford, Iowa.

To this union two children were born: daughter, Caroline Sue and a son Doyle Weston.

He engaged in farming, carpenter work and was employed at Houston Tube Factory prior to retirement.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Ruby who died in 1975 and a half brother Raymond Van Horn.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughter Caroline Sue Hamilton and family of Shenandoah, Iowa; his son Doyle W. McPherren and family of Des Moines, Iowa; brothers, John McPherren of Des Moines, Iowa; Paul McPherren of Burgettstown, Pa.; and Merle McPherren of Seattle, Wash.; four grandchildren, Brandy, Tammy, Amanda McPherren and Derrick Estrada.

He enlisted in the United States Army August 20,1940 at Fort Des Moines, Iowa and was discharged August 30,1945 at Center Fort Lewis, Wash. He served overseas during World War II and was in the following battle campaigns: Tunisian, Algeria, French Moroccan, Naples, Foggia. He was awarded a good conduct medal; bronze star; European African Middle East service medal; American Defense Service Medal and Purple Heart. He was a member of the American Legion Post #164 and the VFW.

He will be sadly missed by his family and friends.

[McPherren, Rhoda Lee Cusick]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday      September 17, 1953     [p. 1]

Mrs. Guy McPherren Rites Thursday P. M.

Mrs. Guy McPherren, 68, died at Armstrong Nursing Home Monday afternoon, Sept. 14. Funeral services will be held at the Shum Funeral Home at 2 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 17, conducted by Rev. T. J. Overholt. Burial will be in Prairie Rose cemetery near Corning.

Mrs. McPherren is survived by her husband of Bedford, and by four sons.

[McPherren, Rhoda Lee Cusick]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday      October 1, 1953      p. 4

Obituary - Mrs. Guy McPherren

Rhoda Lee, youngest child of Henry and Anna Cusick, was born near Gravity, Jan, 24,1885, and died at the Armstrong Nursing Home in Bedford, Sept. 14, 1953 at the age of 68 years seven months, 21 days.

She was married to Lee Van Horn. To them one son, Raymond was born, who is now living at Venice, Calif.

In 1908 she was married to Guy McPherren who survives her.

To them four sons were born, Leon McPherren of Bedford, Paul of Weirton, W. Va., John of Des Moines, Merle of Compton, Calif. Also a daughter, who passed away in infancy.

Three sisters and one brother also survive. They are Mrs. Mary Charter of Oquawka, Ill., Mrs. Florence Turner of Rocky Ford, Colo., Mrs. Etta Johnson of Gravity, Will Cusick of Canon City, Colo; and eight grandchildren.

She was converted in her early twenties. She united with the Free Methodist church in Gravity and was a member there at the time of her death.

Funeral services were held at the Shum Funeral Home, conducted by Rev. and Mrs. T. J. Overholt. Burial was at Prairie Rose cemetery near Corning.

[McPherren, Ruby Edna Avery]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday      October 30, 1975     p. 4

Ruby McPherren, 64 Final Rites Held Here Monday

Funeral services for Mrs. Leon (Ruby Edna) McPherren, 64, of Bedford, held Mon., Oct. 27, in Hamilton Memorial Missionary Church, were conducted by Rev. Larry Secor. Mrs. McPherren died at Bedford Manor October 23,1975. Interment was at Bedford Cemetery, Bedford.

Ruby Edna (Avery) McPherren, the daughter of Joseph and Cynthia [Waterman] Avery, was born at Stronghurst, Illinois, on February 11, 1911.

She lived in Stronghurst, Ill., and attended Stronghurst High School where she was graduated in 1929. She then attended the College of Commerce in Burlington, Iowa, and graduated in February 1931. She was baptized in the Christian faith on April 27, 1941. She became a charter member of the Hamilton Memorial Missionary Church when it was reorganized in 1959. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary.

On June 29, 1942, she was united in marriage to Leon McPherren at Old Monterey, Calif., where Leon was stationed in the Army. Six weeks later Leon was transferred overseas so Ruby went to reside with her brother, Ernest, in Las Vegas, Nevada, until Leon's return. After his discharge from the Army they returned to the Bedford area. To this union were born two children, a daughter, Caroline Sue, and a son, Doyle Weston.

Ruby suffered a stroke on June 29, 1973, and has been hospitalized or residing in nursing homes -- Gillispie, of Clarinda, Sunny Slope in Mt. Ayr, and more recently in Bedford Manor -- until her death.

She was preceded in death by her parents and five brothers, Jesse, Roy, William, Joe and John.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Leon; daughter, Caroline Hamilton, of Shenandoah; son, Doyle, also of Shenandoah; brothers, Chester, Stronghurst, Ill., Ernest, Bellflower, Calif., Everett of Peoria, Ill., and Cleo, Spokane, Wash.; and other relatives and many friends.

She was a kind and considerate wife and mother and will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.

[Miller, Paul]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday    April 8, 1915     [p. 1]

Paul Miller Dead

Paul Miller, aged 79 years, died Wednesday at the home of his son-in-law, Ben Oxley, in Ross township. Funeral services will be held at Berea church at 11 o'clock Friday. Interment will be in the Bedford Cemetery. Mrs. Miller died last fall.

[Miller, Paul]

Bedford Free Press

Tuesday    April 13, 1915    p. 4

Paul Miller.

Paul Miller died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Oxley in Ross Township, Wednesday April 7th. Funeral services were held at 11 a. m. Friday at Berea church, Rev. William Cobb officiating. Interment was in the Bedford cemetery.

For many years Mr. Miller was a resident of Bedford, but for the past two of three years, owing to the infirmities of age and the long illness of Mrs. Miller, they made their home with Mrs. Oxley.

Paul Miller was born July 17, 1835, in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania and died April 7, 1915, aged 79 years, 8 months and 21 days.

He was married to Emily C. Gates August 28, 1862, and from this union eight children were born, two of whom were with their father at the time of his death. He enlisted in Company “I,” of the Thirteenth Iowa Volunteers October 11, 1861, in which regiment he served as private and corporal until his discharge in February, 1882 [1862], on account of disability. He re-enlisted in Company “I,” of the Twenty-eighth Iowa, August 15, 1862, in which he served as private and corporal until he was honorably discharged at Savannah, Ga., July 31, 1865. Mrs. Miller died in October 1914.

[Montgomery, Harlan “Monty”]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    August 19, 1937     p. 4

OBITUARY

Harlan Montgomery

Harlan Montgomery, son of George and Nancy Montgomery, was born July 6, 1843 in Danville, Ind., and passed away at the Besco hospital-home in Bedford Saturday, August 14, 1937, aged 94 years, 1 month and 8 days.

He grew to manhood in Indiana and on Feb. 1, 1865 was united in marriage to Miss Mary Turner. Two years later they left Indiana in a covered wagon and came to Iowa and settled on a farm four miles east of Bedford. To this union three children were born, Conrad, Dora and Frank. Mary Turner Montgomery died Feb. 28, 1886.

On June 28, 1888 he was united in marriage to Miss Anna Haller and to this union three children were born, Albert, Will and Grace. Anna Haller Montgomery departed this life March 30, 1904.

Mr. Montgomery was again united in marriage on May 16, 1905 to Miss Ella Lorraine Starling. Ella Starling Montgomery died Dec. 2, 1932. Three of Mr. Montgomery's children preceded him in death, Conrad, Frank and Albert.

He is survived by three children, Mrs. Dora Lorimer of Pasadena, Calif., Mrs. Grace Miller of Des Moines, Dr. W. R. Montgomery of St. Joseph and by three grandchildren, Harry, Leota and Ruth.

While a young man in Indiana Harlan made the good confession of his faith in Christ and united with the Church of Christ. Shortly after arriving in Bedford, sometime during the year 1868, he placed his membership in the Church of Christ in Bedford. For these many years he has been a faithful, interested, loyal supporter of the work of the church. He served as a deacon in the church from the beginning of his residence in the community and was one of the trustees for many, many years. He was dependable and because of this characteristic a great many burdens of the church were placed upon his shoulders. He did his share of the work, faithfully and willingly. He was one of the pillars of the church in Bedford and will be missed greatly in the church and community.

Throughout the many years of his residence among us Mr. Montgomery made many lasting friendships. This was made possible because of his friendly spirit. He loved life and saw in it a great deal to make one happy. His cheery smile, his ability to make friends, his fine sense of humor, his interest in everyone made Harlan the center of a great circle of friendship. He was known by all his friends as "Monty". He was a kind and thoughtful husband and father, a good neighbor and one of our finest citizens.

The funeral services were held Tuesday forenoon at the Church of Christ conducted by Rev. C. Max Buck. Burial was in the Bedford cemetery.

[Moore, Elias Gilbert]

Bedford Free Press

Wednesday     September 4, 1918     p. 4

Obituary Elias G. Moore

Mr. Elias G. [ilbert] Moore was born in Jay County, Indiana February 26th, 1846, departed this life from his home in South Bedford Monday afternoon September 2nd, 1918.

On January 19th, 1874 he came to Taylor County, Iowa and settled on a farm in Jackson Township. In April 1893 he came to Bedford where he has since resided becoming well and favorably known to a large circle of friends who were filled with surprise and sorrow at the news of his sudden demise.

Deceased was married on Dec. 9th 1866 to Miss Susan E. [lizabeth] Tharp who preceeded him in death in May 1899. To their union were born five children, three of whom survive. Marion M. of Gregory, Ark., Elias O. of Creston, Iowa and Mrs. Rosa E. Chessmore of Todyville, Iowa.

John H. their first-born and Hiram E. their youngest died several years ago.

Three brothers, David J., Geo. L. and Chas. N. Moore out lived him. Seven grandchildren loved him.

In December 1913 Elias G. [ilbert] Moore and Mrs. Rosa Anna Majors of Bedford were united in marriage, she being bereft by his unexpected death.

Bro. Moore was converted in middle life and united with the Mt. Zion Baptist church south of town.

A short time before leaving the farm on account of ill health, he transferred his membership to the Baptist church of Bedford, of which he was for a number of years deacon.

Mr. Moore was a member of Sedgwick Post G. A. R. Post No. 10, account member Co. " C " 19th Indiana Infantry.

In this company he served eighteen months and was discharged on account of ill health.

He enlisted in February 1864 as a private and was discharged January 5, 1865.

For a number of years he was commander of Sedgwick Post and at the time of his decease was Patriotic instructor.

Thus ends the life of Elias G. [ilbert] Moore. Peace be of his ashes. Mustered from the ranks of service below, enlisted with the hosts on high, on the pension roll of eternal bliss.

The funeral was held at the home Wednesday, September 4, 1918 at 2 p. m.

In the absence of his pastor Rev. C. C. Hatcher the service was conducted by Rev. J. A. Currie and Sedgwick Post.

Interment was made in the Bedford cemetery.

[Moore, Elias Gilbert]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday      September 5, 1918       [p. 1]

ELIAS G. MOORE DIED SUDDENLY

ANOTHEr OLD SETTLER DIES IN BEDFORD AFTEr LONG ILLNESS

_____________________

Although a Native of Indiana He Has Resided in Taylor County for the Past 41 Years and was Prominent in G. A. R. Circles

About 1:15 Monday afternoon Elias G. [ilbert] Moore went out of the back door of his home, tottered, fell, and in five minutes more was dead. Death was sudden and was a shock to his many friends in Bedford when it became known. For a long time he had not been well, suffering from Diabetes and from a weak heart and it was the failure of the heart to operate that caused his sudden death. While having been sick for a long time it was only the past week that he was taking regular medical treatments from the physician. Mr. Moore was one of the best-known men in Bedford and Taylor County, where he has lived for the past 41 years. He was prominent in G. A. R. circles, and always look a keen interest in politics, being a staunch republican. He was former commander of the G. A. R. and was at the time of his death patriotic instructor for the local organization. He was also prominent in the Baptist church work.

Elias G. [ilbert] Moore was born in Jay County, Ind., February 26, 1846. On December 9, 1866, he was united in marriage to Miss Susan Elizabeth Tharpe, and to this union five children were born, two of whom are dead. Those remaining are Marion M. Moore, Gregory, Ark.; Elias O. [ctavius] Moore, Creston; Mrs. Rosie E. [llen] Chessman, Toddville, Iowa. The deceased children were John H. and Hiram H. Moore. Mr. Moore enlisted in the 19th Indiana Infantry, Co. C, and after serving for 18 months was discharged on account of sickness, and sent back home. In 1874, he moved to Taylor County, locating in Jackson Township, and there he resided on the farm until his health prevented him from longer engaging in this work and removed to Bedford in 1893. Here his wife died on May 9, 1899. On December 24, 1913, he was married to Mrs. Rosana Majors, and she remains to grieve over his death, together with the children named.

The funeral was held Wednesday afternoon from the home in southwest Bedford, conducted by Rev. C. C. Hatcher, and the burial services were held by the local G. A. R. corps at the cemetery. The surviving relatives have the sympathy of all in their bereavement.

[Moore, Hiram]

Bedford Daily Republican

Monday    December 2, 1901     [p. 1]

HIRAM MOORE.

At 8:30 a. m. Sunday, December 1st, at the home of his father, Elias G. [ilbert] Moore, in the southwest part of Bedford, Hiram Moore died. He had been sick with a fever during the past two or three weeks.

The deceased was aged 21 years and 9 months. Rev. D. W. Griffith, pastor of the Baptist church will conduct funeral services at the family residence at 10:30 a. m. tomorrow.

[Moore, Hiram]

Bedford Daily Republican

Monday    December 2, 1901      p. 4

We are pained to record the death of Hiram Moore on Sunday morning, Dec. 1st, 1901. He was a son of Elias G. [ilbert] Moore, Post Commander of Sedgwick Post No. 10 Dept. of Iowa G. A. R. He came home from Oklahoma sick of malarial fever that soon developed into typhoid form and he grew gradually worse until the end came. Comrade Elias G. [ilbert] Moore lost his wife only a few years ago, and now a son. He has the sympathy of a host of friends and the whole community feels his severe trials.

[Moore, Hiram]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday      December 5, 1901     p. 5

Death of Hiram Moore

On Sunday, December 1st, at 8:30 a. m. occurred the death of Hiram Moore, youngest son of E. [lias] G. [ilbert] Moore of this city. Mr. Moore came home from Oklahoma on Nov. 8, suffering from malarial fever. A few weeks ago he was injured in a runaway which doubtless contributed in making his illness fatal. He was well known in Bedford, where he had made his home for a number of years. He was a sober, industrious young man and a consistent Christian, having united with the Baptist church during the meetings conducted by Evangelist Sunday. He was born in Jackson Township, Taylor county, March 2,1880 and was consequently 21 years of age. He is survived by his father, E. [lias] G.[ilbert] Moore, three brothers and a sister. Of his brothers, John H. Moore lives in Oklahoma, Marion, Elias and Rose, the sister, residing in Bedford. Besides the immediate family of the deceased, there were present at the funeral, an uncle, Hiram Thorp [Tharp] and two cousins Isaac and Hiram Thorp [Tharp] all of Benton. The funeral was held December 3, at 10:30 a. m., at the house, conducted by Rev. D. W. Griffith, the interment being in Bedford cemetery.

[Moore, Hiram]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday    December 5, 1901     p. 8

Obituary.

Hiram Moore was born March 2, 1880, in Jackson township, Taylor county, Iowa, and died at the home of his father, Elias G. [ilbert] Moore, in Bedford, Iowa, at 8:30 a. m., Sunday, December 1, 1901. He was the youngest of four sons, all of whom: John H., Marion M., Elias O. [ctavius], and his sister Rosa E. [llen], survive him.

During the past few months he had been in Oklahoma, where about six weeks ago he was injured in a runaway. While in a weakened condition he was attacked by fever and came home to recuperate his health, but steadily grew worse until the end.

The deceased was aged 21 years and 9 months. Rev. D. W. Griffith, pastor of the Baptist church, conducted the funeral services at the family residence, where a very large number of friends had gathered to sympathize with the sorrow stricken father, brothers and sisters.

The floral offerings were very beautiful, and the musical selections by the singers were tender and inspiring. Rev. Griffith spoke comfortingly to the bereaved ones from the Saviors words, ”Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep."—John 11:11. The interment was in Bedford Cemetery.

[Moore, Susan Elizabeth Tharp]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday    May 11, 1899    [p. 1]

Susan Elizabeth Tharp was born in Jay County, Indiana, November 15, 1847, and died at her home in Bedford Tuesday, May 9, 1899, at 10 o'clock p. m.

Deceased was married to Elias G. [ilbert] Moore at Bluff Point, Jay Co., Indiana, December 9, 1866. There were born to this union four sons, John H., Marion M., Elias O. [ctavius], Hiram A. and one daughter, Rosa E. [llen], all of whom survive the mother.

Mrs. Moore experienced religion some twenty-one years ago, and at the time of her death was one of the most faithful and consistent members of the Baptist church at Bedford, and her place will not be easily filled. She has been a sufferer for over two years—-her last illness being about three months. With all her suffering she was patient and uncomplaining, always expressing her supreme faith in her redeemer. Her greatest anxiety seemed to be with reference to her family and the spiritual welfare of the church of which she was a member.

Funeral services today at 2 p. m. conducted by the pastor, Rev. D. W. Griffith. The Free Press joins the many friends in extending heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved family.

[Tharp, John]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday        Oct. 27, 1898      [p. 1]

business

Mrs. E. [lias] G. [ilbert] Moore [Susan Elizabeth Tharp] has received word of the death of her father, at Ridgeville, Ind.