Obituaries
submitted by: Julia Johnson - julia.johnson63@gmail.com
 
[Rogers, Angeline Leedom]

Iowa South-West

Saturday     December 14, 1878     p. 3

Obituary

Angelina [Leedom] Rogers, wife of J. [ames] A. Rogers, departed this life December 6th, 1878. She was born in Hardin County, Ohio, in the year of our Lord, 1829. Her parents moved to Schuyler county, Mo., in 1848, where she embraced the Christian religion, and was a faithful member of that church until her death, which gives good reason to think and hope that she will meet with that good and welcome plaudit, "well done, thou good and faithful servant, enter into the joys of thy Lord; as thou wast faithful over a few things I will make you ruler over many."

P. S. — We do sincerely thank the good people of this vicinity for their help while our beloved one was sick. Tongue cannot express our thanks, and especially to Sister Payton, for she was with us day and night and did all that could be done for a sick person. May God help her to perform her duty on earth so that she can enter into the marriage feast of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

[Rogers, Angeline Leedom]

Iowa South-West

Saturday     December 28, 1878     p. 3

—The funeral sermon of Mrs. J. [ames] A. Rogers [Angeline Leedom Rogers], deceased, announced for last Sabbath, at the Christian church and deferred owing to the inclemency of the weather, will be delivered to-morrow, a. m., from the following text:  "The decease of the pious." The subject for the evening discourse will be: “Why I am a Christian?”

[Rogers, Angeline Leedom]

Iowa South-West

Saturday      January 25, 1879    p. 3

In Memoriam

The following lines are inscribed to the memory of our dear sister, Angeline [Leedom] Rogers, who died of paralysis, Dec. 6th, 1878. She was born in Hardin County, Ohio, in the year 1829. These lines are written and composed in behalf of the bereft companion and grief-stricken friends, James, [Joseph] Lafayette and May B. Rogers.

Brother, them art sad and lonely,

And thy loss we deeply feel.

Fly to Jesus for protection,

He can all your sorrows heal.

Dear ones, you will miss your mother,

Through afflictions sorely pressed

She hath gained a home eternal,

Where the saints forever rest.

Spring will come with vernal beauty;

Still we see a vacant chair

Where that loved one, mother, sister,

She is gone; she is not there.

Summer comes and shady bowers;

Harvest with her golden hues,

Will return, but Where's our sister?

She is missing from our view.

But in a brighter world of glory,

In a far-off heavenly home,

There we hope to meet our sister,

Where death and sorrow never come.

When last I pressed her hand and kissed her,

A tear drop trembled on her check.

On this earth I ne'er shall meet you—

The parting word she could not speak.

When we cross that boistrous river,

And we gain that peaceful shore,

There we'll meet no more to sever,

To praise the Lord for evermore.

Mrs. Amy Bowry

[Rogers, Angeline Leedom]

Taylor County Republican

Thursday    December 12, 1878    p. 3

Mrs. Rogers, wife of Mr. James L. [A.] Rogers, an old citizen of Ross Township, died last week and was buried on Friday.

[Rogers, James A.]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday     March 18, 1909     p. 4

D. [avid] R. [ichard] Rogers returned home last week from Nelson, Nebraska, where he was called to attend the funeral of his uncle, James A. Rogers, who died March 3rd. The deceased was a veteran of the civil war, and was for many years a resident of Taylor County. Although it has been some time since he moved to Nebraska, he will be well remembered by the older residents, all of whom will regret exceedingly to learn of his death.

[Rogers, James A.]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday     March 25, 1909    p. 6

Called Home.

Again the powerful hand of death touched another home and from it taken an honored soldier, true and loving husband and father, a good citizen and devoted Christian. James A. Rogers was born in Logan county, Ohio; came west in early youth with his brother Abraham L. Rogers, to Schuyler county, Mo. Here he was united in marriage with Miss Angelina Leedon [Leedom] in October 1853. To this union three children were born. When his country issued a call for volunteers, Mr. Rogers was among the first to offer his services and die, if necessary, for his country. He served three years and one month in the 2nd M. S. M. Cav. Co. C, and was mustered out of the service in 1865, and two years later moved with his family to Taylor county, Iowa, where they made their home for a number of years. On December 6th, 1878, his wife died and soon after he and his two children came to Nelson, Nebraska, where he has since made his home until his death. On January 13, 1895, he was married to Mrs. Huldah Deyo of Nelson, Nebraska, where they made their home up to the time of his death March 3, 1909. His wife and only son and stepson were at his bedside at the time of his death. The casket containing the remains was escorted to the Christian church at two o'clock Saturday afternoon, by the old soldiers and the ladies of the Relief Corps where the body lay in state until three o'clock beneath the stars and stripes and profusely covered with floral tributes. Elder Martin conducted the funeral services assisted by Rev. Price. The remains were laid to rest in the Nelson cemetery.

The precious one from us has

gone,

A voice we loved is stilled:

A place is vacant in our home.

God in his wisdom has recalled

The boon his love has given,

And through the body slumbers here

The soul is safe in Heaven.

[Note: The same obituary was printed in the Bedford Free Press, March 18, 1909, page 4.]

[Schwertley, John]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     July 12, 1934     [p. 1]

John Schwertly Dies at Traer

John Schwertly [Schwertley], 87, a resident of the Bedford community for many years, died at Traer, Iowa, last week. The body was brought to Bedford Monday afternoon for burial in the Bedford cemetery. The local Odd Fellow lodge gave their burial service at the cemetery at 4 o'clock.

Schwertly moved from Bedford many years ago to Laurel, Mont., where he had since made his home, returning to Iowa only recently. He was born in Germany, coming to the United States when a young man. His wife preceded him in death. He is survived by an adopted son.

[Schwertley, Mary Gassett]

Thursday    March 10, 1927     p. 4

MRS. J. SCHWERTLEY, A FORMER RESIDENT, DEAD

PASSED AWAY AT HOME IN LAUREL, MONT. WEDNESDAY, MAR. 2.

35 YEARS IN COUNTY

Brought to Bedford Burial. Leaves Husband and Son, and Other Relatives.

The many friends in Taylor County will be pained to learn of the death of Mrs. John Schwertley, for many years a resident of Bedford and Taylor county, which occurred at her home in Laurel, Mont., on last Wednesday morning, March 2nd. Funeral services were held at the Laurel Methodist church on last Friday afternoon, and on Saturday the body was shipped to Bedford, Iowa, where it arrived on Sunday night and conveyed to the Wetmore Funeral home and where on Monday afternoon services were held, conducted by Rev. Luce. A special choir furnished singing. Following this last service, the body was conveyed to the Fairview cemetery where interment was made.

Mr. and Mrs. Schwertley were long time residents of Bedford and have a host of friends here who are grieved to learn of her death, and who also join with the Times-Republican in extending to the husband and son and relatives their deepest sympathy in their sad hour of bereavement.

The obituary follows:

Mary Schwertley, nee Gassett, was born at Coshocton, Ohio, on May 1, 1857, and when one year old moved with her parents to the southern portion of Wayne county, Iowa, and there grew to womanhood. On November 27th, 1879, she was united in marriage with John Schwertley at Cambria, Ia. Mrs. Schwertley was the oldest of a family of eight children, and is the first of the eight to be called by the reaper, Death. Her father, 15, and her mother ten years ago, preceeded her to the land that knows no separation. Her husband, who for nearly a half century shared with her the joys and trials of wedded life, a son Glenn Schwertley of Traer, Ia., and six sisters and one brother, survive her. The brother and sisters are: Mrs. Kate Vought, Sulpher Spring, Ark.; Elizabeth Sutton, Lincoln, Nebr.; Frances Martin, Unionville, Mo.; Miss Laura Gassett, Humeston, Ia.; Mrs. Minnie Warren, Promise City, Ia.; Alice Muma, Millerton, Ia., and A. [dam] M. Gassett, Cambria, Ia. Following her marriage, she with her husband lived in and about Bedford, Ia., for 35 years, until May 1916, when they located in Laurel, Mont., and began the business which her husband now carries on; they arrived at Billings, Mont., one month prior to the establishment of their home in Laurel. Mrs. Schwertley while a young girl was converted to the Lord Jesus Christ, and united with the Methodist Episcopal church, and remained a consistent Christian until death came and made her well, all well, and forever well, last Wednesday morning, Mar. 2, 1927. At the time of her home going she was active in the various departments of the Laurel M. E. church. She occupied various offices in the Ladies' Aid Society and was the Missionary treasurer of the Sunday school for many years, which office she discharged with credit until the last hours of life. Death was the result of erysipelas, with which malady she was seized last Friday evening, and continued to grow worse until Monday morning, when it was necessary to remove her to the Billings Hospital where she lingered until 3 o’clock Wednesday morning, when she went to be forever with the Lord. In the passing of Mrs. Schwertley the community of Laurel, the church and the home have sustained irreparable loss. She was a faithful wife, and a kind and helpful neighbor. During her last days she was wonderfully sustained by the Grace of God.

[Note: She is buried in the old Bedford City Cemetery, not Bedford Fairview as stated in the obituary.]

[Scovil, Sylvester S.]

Bedford Free Press

July 30, 1896    p. 2

DIED.

Sylvester S. Scovil, an old and respected citizen of Bedford, died at his home on West Street at 4:30 p, m., Tuesday, July 28, 1896, aged 74 years, 6 months and 15 days. Funeral services will be conducted from the residence at 10a. m., Thursday, July 20 by Rev. J. C. Lewis, of the Baptist church.

Sylvester S. Scovil was a native of Monroe County, New York, born Jan. 13, 1822. Married to Miss Luthera E. Agard, Oct. 20, 1846, at Groton, Erie County, Ohio. Mrs. Scovil and three sons survive to mourn the loss of a kind husband and a generous father. Mr. Scovil had been a resident of Bedford for more than twenty years and during that time has been an upright, and consequently, an honored citizen.

[Sedgwick, Mary Emma Walker Terpening]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday      April 5, 1934     [p. 1]

Mrs. Mary Sedgwick Dies at Iowa City

Mrs. Mary E. Sedgwick, 76, died at the University hospital in Iowa City, Saturday, March 31.

She went to Iowa City March 6 and submitted to an operation from which she was apparently recovering, death coming unexpectedly.

The body was brought to Bedford and funeral services were held at the Wetmore Funeral Home Tuesday afternoon conducted by Rev. Clark M. Crowell, and assisted by the Woman's Relief Corps. Burial was in the Bedford cemetery.

Mrs. Sedgwick, whose maiden name was Mary Emma Walker, was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joel Walker. She was born in Bedford Feb. 5, 1858. She grew to womanhood in Bedford and attended the Bedford schools. Following this she spent several years in Omaha, where she was employed in a department store.

In the year 1900 she was married to Richard E. Sedgwick. After her marriage, she lived near Oconomowoc, Wisc., until the death of her husband in 1921, when she returned to Bedford, where she lived with her sister and nieces for seven years. Following this she moved into her own home where she was living at the time of her death.

Those surviving are three nieces, Miss Allie Nelson, Miss Maude Nelson, and Miss Pearl Nelson of Bedford; two nephews, Charlie N. Nelson of Bedford and Joe Nelson of California; a nephew, Joel Winslow and a niece, Mrs. Minnie Kirkman of Lenox; two nieces and one nephew in California and one nephew in Canada; a second cousin, Mrs. Carrie Schuyler of Bedford, besides many other relatives and friends.

She was a member of the Sorosis class of the Presbyterian Church, where she attended Sunday school and church for eleven years. She was a charter member of the Woman's Relief Corps in Bedford.

[Shannon, Benjamin Alexander]

Bedford Times-Republican

Tuesday     September 11, 1923     p. 4

Obituary

Benjamin A. [lexander] Shannon was born near Plattsburg, Mo., December 10, 1849, and departed this life at the age of 73 years, 8 months and 26 days. His parents came to Iowa when he was a small boy where he spent the greater part of his life.

He was married at the age of 32 years to Miss [Sarah Evaline] Eva Shrake of near Clarinda, Ia. To this union two sons and two daughters were born, Mrs. Chas. Hamilton of Bedford, Ia.; Roy Shannon of Denver, Colo.; Leslie Shannon of Platner, Colo.; also Gladys Hayes of Akron, Colo.; who departed this life in 1914 at the age of 26 years.

In 1908 on account of poor health he moved to Colorado, where he farmed for twelve years, then living in Denver three years. Again being in poor health he returned to the old home place in Iowa to spend his last days with old friends and to be with his daughter, Mrs. Chas. Hamilton and family, who welcomed them home and helped to make his last days as happy as it was possible for kind hands and loving hearts to do. He was a dutiful son, helping his mother when she became a widow in 1862, helping her to provide for six younger brothers and sisters until they were all grown. Only two sisters survive him, Mrs. Alice Darling of Norton, Kans., and Mrs. Lizzie Hunt of Ottawa, Kans. He was not only a kind and loving brother but filled a father’s place as well. His sisters being summoned to his bedside by his wife to help care for and to be with him in his last hours.

He was always ready to help any one at any time with hands or money, was also very industrious, working both early and late that he might have an abundance for his loved ones of this world’s goods.

In his last days his mind was centered on his heavenly home and planning with his companion for his departure, naming those of his friends he would like to have help lay his body away, selecting the song (The Better Land) to be sung at his funeral.

When his spirit took its flight (the peaceful look on his face assures his loved ones that none but God could place there) that he is safe in the arms of Jesus.

He was a charter member of the Morning Star Presbyterian Church. He gave the land and helped build the Platner, Colo., M. E. church. The half has not been told.

Rev. Fletcher of the Baptist church of Bedford preached the funeral sermon, assisted by Rev. J. O. Smith of New Market and Rev. McNickols of Gravity.

His wife, daughter and husband and two sisters were at his bedside when he passed away. His two sons being called to his bedside a short time before had to return home and were unable to be present at the funeral. Chas. Darling of Norton, Kans., came to attend the funeral.

“Dearest Brother, thou hast left

   us,

We, thy loss so deeply feel,

But ‘tis God who has bereft us,

   He can all our sorrows heal.

“Yet again we hope to meet thee,

    When the day of life is fled,

Then in Heaven with joy to greet

    thee

Where no farewell tears are

    shed.”

[Note: The same obituary was printed in the Bedford Free Press, September 13, 1923, page 3.]

[Standage, Dale Arthur]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     January 11, 1979     p. 8

Dale Standage, 52 Last Rites Were Held December 29

Funeral services for Dale Arthur Standage, 52, of Bedford, held December 29 in Shum-Novinger Funeral Home in Bedford, were conducted by Rev. Dwayne Madsen. Mr. Standage died December 26, 1978 in Clarinda. Flag presentation was given by Bedford Legion Post No. 164 at the Bedford Cemetery, Bedford, Ia.

Dale Arthur Standage, son of Harry [Blaine] Standage and Anna [Belle Sloan] Ewling [Ewing] Standage, was born in Page Center, Iowa April 7, 1927. He lived in Page Center and the Blanchard, Ia. area and grew to maturity in College Springs, Iowa where he attended the public school and the Methodist Church.

On September 19, 1953 he was united in marriage to Julia Irene Steeve at Bedford, Iowa and they lived in Bedford. To this union a daughter, Susan Kae, was born.

Standage was employed as a businessman and a teacher. An Air Force veteran, he was a member of the United Methodist Church and Sigma Tau Gamma.

Mr. Standage was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

Left to cherish his memory are: his wife, Julia; daughter Susan; brother, Dwane [Edward] of Spencer, Ia.; brother, Robert [Lloyd] Pritchard, Clarinda; sister, Connie Alger, Clarinda; stepmother, Vera [Leona Gudgel] Standage.

[Other sources give the birth date as April 7, 1926.]

[Stoner, Helen Smither]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday     April 25, 1907     p. 5

Mrs. Stoner Dead

Miss Helen Smither was born in Rolla, Mo., May 30th, 1840, and died at her home eight miles northeast of Bedford Sunday, April 21, 1907, being 66 years, 10 months and 21 days old at the time of her death.

On February 2, 1860, she was united in marriage to Amos Stoner, and to them five children were born, three of whom are still living. They are Mrs. W. [illiam] C. Larison [Clara], Mrs. W. [illiam] C. [urtis] Straight [Ida May] and Mr. T. [homas] B. [yron] Stoner, all of this county.

In her early girlhood she united with the Baptist church and as always lived a true, consistent Christian life since. They moved to Taylor County about twenty-eight years ago and she has made many friends here by her womanly traits of character.

She has been ill since last December, but she has borne her pain with Christian fortitude, characteristic of her life. The funeral services were held at her home on Monday morning, conducted by Rev. A. I. Jones, and interment was in the Bedford cemetery.

[Stoner, Helen Smither]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday    April 25, 1907      p. 4

Mrs. Helen Stoner, wife of Amos Stoner, died at her home southwest of Conway Sunday morning at 3:45 o'clock, age 66 years and 4 months. The funeral was held at the home on Monday conducted by Rev. Jones. Interment was made at Bedford cemetery.

[STONER, HELEN SMITHER]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, April 25, 1907
The many friends of Mrs. George Stoner will be sorry to hear the sad news of her death which occurred at her home near Conway Sunday morning.

[Swap, Candice Wilkins]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday     November 13, 1930     [p. 1]

BEDFORD PIONEER PASSED AWAY AT HER HOME FRIDAY

HAD LIVED IN SAME HOUSE SINCE SHE WAS 15 YEARS OF AGE

WAS 87 YEARS OLD

Was Last of a Family of 6 Children—

A Sister of The Late Wm. Wilkins

Mrs. W. [illiam] E. [dgar] Swap, 87 years old, one of the pioneers of this city, passed away at her home in west Bedford, Friday, after several months of declining health. The funeral services were held at the Baptist Church Sunday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Clark M. Crowell and interment was made in the Bedford cemetery, at the side of her husband, who preceded her in death many years ago.

Candice, daughter of Elizabeth [Chilton] and Cutler Wilkins, was born in Green county, Wisconsin, near the city of Monroe, August 25, 1843. At the age of 13 years she moved with her parents to Bedford, where she has since made her home. November 11, 1858, she was united in marriage to W.  [illiam] E. [dgar] Swap. To this union were born six children, Edgar, Bee, Clara, Malissa, John and Carl, four of whom survive. They are Mrs. Bee Morgan and Mrs. Malissa McKinley of San Diego, Calif., Carl of Arcata, Calif., and John of Bedford. Mrs. Swap's religious faith was that of Spiritualism.

The house in west Bedford, in which Mrs. Swap lived at the time of her death, was built by Mr. Swap a few months before their marriage, and she had lived here continuously for a period of 72 years. Her son John, who had always lived at home with his mother, was born in the same house more than 50 years ago. Mr. Swap built the house of native lumber and with lumber hauled from St. Joseph, back in the days when there were but few houses in Bedford and most f them log cabins.

Mrs. Swap was a sister of the late William Wilkins. Also of Mrs. Salem Pratt, Timothy Wilkins, Bingham Wilkins and John Wilkins, all pioneers of Taylor County, and all of whom had preceded her in death.

[Swap, Candice Wilkins]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday     November 20, 1930     p. 5

Del Eighmy and his son and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Ed Eighmy, attended the funeral of their aunt, Mrs. Candice Swap, in Bedford Sunday afternoon of last week.

[Swap, John]

Taylor County Herald

Thursday     December 4, 1941     [p. 1]

John Swap, 67, Dies Suddenly

John Swap, 67, long-time resident of Bedford and a Spanish-American war veteran, died at the Armstrong Nursing Home in Bedford Monday morning. He had been ill for some time but had only been a patient in the Armstrong home since the preceding Wednesday.

Although Mr. Swap never joined the expeditionary force in the Spanish-American war, he served with distinction as a musician and bugler during his enlistment. Following his return to Bedford he continued to train his musical talents.

Surviving is a sister, Mrs. Beatrice Morgan of San Diego, Calif.

Funeral services were Wednesday at two o'clock from the Walker and Shum Funeral Home with the Rev. A. D. Steffenson in charge. Interment was in Bedford cemetery.

[Swap, John]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    December 4, 1941      [p. 1]

John Swap, 68 Dies Here Dec. 1

John Swap, 68, a resident of Bedford his entire life, died at the Armstrong Nursing Home in Bedford Monday morning, Dec. 1.

The funeral services were held at the Walker & Shum Funeral Home Wednesday afternoon, conducted by Rev. A. Douglass Steffenson. Burial was in the Bedford cemetery, with military honors given at the grave.

John had been in failing health for some time, having recently received medical treatments at, the Veterans' Hospital in Des Moines. However he had been able to be down town almost every day since his return, until last week. He was taken to the Armstrong home Friday. He was a Spanish-American War veteran, having enlisted as a musician and served five months. He is survived by one sister, Mrs. Bee Morgan of San Diego, Calif.

[Swap, William Edgar]

Bedford Free Press

Tuesday     November 10, 1914     p. 5

William Edgar Swap

Was born November 12, 1834, in Chesterville, N. Y., and came to Bedford in 1856, where he has ever since resided. He was married in 1856 to Miss Candice Wilkins. To this union was born eight children, two of whom died in infancy. The other six are: Edgar Swap of Des Moines, Ia., Mrs. William Morgan of San Diego, Cal., Mrs. Andrew Neslund of Des Moines, Ia., John Swap of Bedford, Carl Swap of Eureka, Cal., and Melissa McKinley of San Diego, Cal. These with his surviving widow are left to mourn his loss. Mrs. Neslund, John Swap and Mrs. McKinley were present at his funeral. Other members of the family were hindered from being present by reason of ill health and long distance away.

Mr. Swap enlisted in the United States service May 14, 1862, as a member of Co. E, Fourth M. S. M., but by reason of accident was permanently injured while in line of duty for which cause he was discharged from service on the first of January, 1863.

He returned to Bedford, pursuing his professional business of a silversmith as long as his health would permit. He had been in ill health for a number of years and died in his home in Bedford Nov. 5, 1914, lacking only a few days of being 80 years of age.

Funeral services were held in the home at 3 o'clock Sunday afternoon, conducted by Elder William Cobb. A large attendance especially of old soldiers and by the generous offer of autos all that desired accompanied the remains to Bedford cemetery, where the ritualistic services of the G. A. R. were duly observed.