Obituaries
submitted by: Julia Johnson - julia.johnson63@gmail.com
 
[Ball, Anna Swanson]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     July 9, 1942     p. 5

BLOCKTON

 

Former Resident Dies

Graveside services were conducted in Rosehill cemetery here Wednesday afternoon July 1 by Rev. Woods of the Clarinda Christian Church for Mrs. Anna Swanson Ball of Clarinda. Mrs. Ball was a daughter of the late Chas. Swanson and Mrs. Louise Swanson, who resided here about thirty-five years ago when Mr. Swanson was foreman of the C.G.W. section. Mrs. Ball is survived by two daughters, her aged mother, four sisters and one brother all of whom were at the service except one daughter.

[Ball, Anna Swanson]

 

Taylor County Herald

Thursday      July 9, 1942       p. 5

Former Blockton Resident Is Dead

 

Mrs. Anna Swanson Ball, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Swanson and a former Blockton resident, died late last week.

The body was returned to Blockton Wednesday where funeral services were held in Rose Hill cemetery with the Rev. C. Woods of the Church of Christ in charge of the rites.

She is survived by two daughters and her aged mother.

 

[Caudle, Stella]

 

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday      February 11, 1954      [p. 1]

Stella Caudle Died At Maryville

Stella Caudle, 80, a resident of Bedford the past ten years, died at St. Francis hospital, Feb. 8.

Funeral services will be held at the Hopkins Methodist church at 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11, conducted by Rev. Earl C. Griffith. Burial in New Hope cemetery.

 

[Faubion, Jesse Verne]

Blockton News

Thursday      July 16, 1931     p. 5

 

Vern Faubion Dead

Vern Faubion passed away at his home east of Gay Center Friday morning after a several weeks illness. Funeral services were held at the Blockton Methodist church Sunday afternoon at 2:30, conducted by Rev. Talley of Bedford. Interment was made in Rose Hill cemetery. The obituary has not come to hand.

[Faubion, Jesse Verne]

Blockton News

Thursday     

July 23, 1931     [p. 1]

Obituary

There are few duties more painful than that of recording the death of one whose life has been an open book, beautifully written and all too soon brought to a close.

Jesse Vern [e] Faubion was the eldest child born to John W. [esley] and Lula Mae [Hendrickson] Faubion. He was born July 18, 1900, on the Faubion homestead, 3 miles west of Grant City, Mo., and departed this life at his home 7 miles northwest of Blockton, aged 30 years, 11 months and 21 days.

He was educated at the Prairie Star and Grant City schools, graduating with the class of 1918.

During the ministry of Rev. Moats he was converted and united with the Methodist church in Grant City.

He was united in marriage to Roxie Hastings Roudebush April 15, 1922. To this union were born three children—Kathleen, Robert Ellis, and Maurine.

He was an obedient child in the home, a loving son and brother, an affectionate husband and father and an upright and honorable citizen in the community, in which he lived.

For five weeks he suffered severe sickness, and bore it with patience, looking forward to the time of getting well. Being conscious to the last, he approached death as one going on a journey for a long rest.

He leaves to mourn his departure his widow and three children, his father and mother, one sister, Mrs. Fern Payne, of Bedford; one brother, J. C., of Grant City, together with many other relatives and a host of friends.

Funeral services were held at the Blockton Methodist church Sunday afternoon at 2:30, conducted by Rev. M. R. Talley of Bedford. Interment was made in Rose Hill cemetery, Blockton.

The pallbearers were Geo. McNees, Homer Avey, Joe Avey, Joe Harvey, Joe Turner and Jesse Wintermute.

[Note: The middle name is spelled Verne on his gravestone.]

 

[Faubion, Robert Ellis]

 

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     March 29, 1945       [p. 1]

Died In Germany

 

Pvt. Robert E. [llis] Faubion, 21, died in Germany March 15 of wounds, according to word received Monday by his sister, Kathleen Faubion of Blockton. He enlisted in August 1942, and was sent overseas in January 1944. He landed on the Normandy Beachhead the second day of the invasion, and since that time had been serving with Gen. Hodges' First Army. He is a nephew of Mrs. Colburn Payne of New Market.

[Johnson, Gracie]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday      July 11, 1895      p. 3

From Clayton

Miss Gracie, daughter of Joseph Johnson of Gay Township, passed from time to eternity Thursday morning. The body was interred in the Lexington cemetery. Rev. Cobb conducting the services.

[JOHNSON, GRACIE E., 1883 – 1895]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, July 11, 1895
Gracie Johnson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Johnson, Gay township, died at 2 o'clock Thursday morning, July 4, 1895, aged about 14 years. The funeral services were held on Friday, July 5, and were conducted by Elder Wm. Cobb of this city. The remains were interred in the Lexington cemetery.

[Laird, Ida E.]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday      July 4, 1895      p. 2

An infant daughter [Ida] of Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Laird [Ella May Richardson] died Sunday night, at their home in Holt Township.

[Laird, Ida E.]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday      July 11, 1895      p. 3

Holt Hustlings

C. [harles] T. [homas] Laird and wife [Ella May Richardson] were called upon to give up one of their little ones [Ida] last week. Lung fever and scarletina being the cause of its death. The remains were interred in Holt cemetery.

[Laird, Jesse]

Bedford Times-Republican

Tuesday     February 20, 1906      p. 5

Death of Jesse Laird

Death of Jesse Laird

Relatives here have just learned of the death of Jesse Laird at his home in Holt Township on Sunday. The funeral services were held at the residence today at 10:30 a. m. Interment at Holt cemetery.

The deceased was one of the oldest settlers of Taylor County, having come here from Dearborn County, Indiana over forty years ago. At the time he and his parents moved here there were only six men in Holt Township. At one time Mr. Laird served our country as sheriff, and was a very popular officer. He is well known throughout the country and has many friends in Bedford and vicinity who deeply sympathize with his bereaved families.

At the time of his death Mr. Laird's age was 65 years, l0 months and 18 days.

[Laird, Jesse]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday      February 22, 1906      [p. 1]

JESSE LAIRD.

Jesse Laird was born in Indiana in 1840 and died at his home in Holt Township Sunday, February 18, aged 65 years, 10 months and 18 days.

The deceased came to Taylor County in 1866 and has been one its most highly respected citizens since. At one time he served as sheriff and was an excellent officer. While he has not been active in politics in late years he has always taken a deep interest in the welfare of the county. The bereaved relatives have the sympathy of a wide circle of friends.

The funeral services were held Tuesday morning from the home and interment was made in the Holt cemetery.

[Laird, Jesse]

Bedford Times-Republican

Friday     February 23, 1906      p. 3

Obituary.

Again the death angel has visited our community and claimed as its victim Jesse Laird, an old and respected citizen who came to Taylor County about 50 years ago, and at the time of his death was residing in Holt township, five miles north of Gravity. His unexpected death was the result of a stroke of paralysis, rendering him entirely helpless for about one week, at which time death relieved him of his suffering, February 18. His brothers and sisters having been summoned to his bedside were present during his last illness. They were, Wm. Laird, of Banque, Oklahoma; Mrs. Jane Barton, of Agra, Kans.; Mrs. Sarah Cox and Thomas Laird, of Holt township, this county.

He was born in Dearborn county, Indiana, March 28, 1840; moved with his parents to Van Buren county, Iowa, 1848; thence to Benton county in 1849: thence to Taylor county in 1854, where he has resided most of his time.

He served his country in the civil war in Company G, 4th Regiment Missouri cavalry, during which service he lost an arm. In 1869 he was elected to the office of sheriff of Taylor County on the republican ticket, serving two terms.

August 27,1876, he was married to [Sarah] Elizabeth Hollis. Four children were born to them; Ida, who died in infancy, Elsworth [Francis], Clarence, and Mrs. [Elsie] Mae Sexton.

He gave his heart's services to God many years ago and became a faithful member of the Baptist church. He was a man unassuming and quiet in disposition, “slow to speak and slow to wrath," very patient, sympathetic, benevolent and kind; strictly honest, with more kind words and deeds for his fellow men than harsh ones; hence had a great many friends and no enemies.

His funeral services were conducted by the writer at the residence, using as a text 2 Tim. 4:7: "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith; henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day, and not to me only but unto all that love him."

The remains were laid to rest in the Holt cemetery by many sympathizing friends and neighbors.           W. L. DUNLAVY

[Laird, Julia Ann Scott]

Taylor County Republican

Thursday      July 18, 1878      p. 3

—The wife of Mr. Thomas Laird [Julia Ann Scott], of Holt Township, died on last Friday evening, leaving a family of small Children to mourn her loss.

[Laird, Sarah Elizabeth “Lizzie” Hollis]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday       March 17, 1921      p. 6

Gravity

Mrs. Lizzie Laird, a former Gravity resident, passed away last week at her home at Minco, Okla. The remains, accompanied by the relatives, arrived at Bedford Friday night, and met there by relatives and the Gravity undertaker, and the body was taken to the home of the daughter, Mrs. Nate Sexton, living north of town. Funeral services were held Saturday at 2 p. m, from the Sexton residence. Interment at Gravity cemetery.

[Laird, Sarah Elizabeth “Lizzie” Hollis]

Bedford Times-Republican

Monday     March 14, 1921      p. 3

The body of Mrs. Jess Laird was shipped in Friday evening from Minco, Oklahoma. It was met at the depot by the Gravity hearse and Mrs. Laird will be laid to rest beside that of her husband in Old Holt cemetery north of Gravity. Mr. Laird will be remembered by the older settlers, having been sheriff of this county several years ago.

[Sharp, Thomas Allen, Jr.]

Bedford Times-Press

Wednesday      August 21, 1991     p. 12

Blockton

The family of Thomas A. [llen] Sharp of Phoenix, Ariz., were in Blockton Wednesday, Aug. 7 for the interment of his ashes in the Owens family plot in Rose Hill Cemetery here. The family gathered at the Steve and Francis Amrine home, Scott Marcum had the memorial service. A brother of the deceased, Jim Sharp and wife Shirley of Stanford, Ill., accompanied the family here. Mrs. Sharp and daughter Karen and two grandchildren returned to Phoenix.

[Sharp, Viola Maye Owens]

Bedford Times-Press

Wednesday      October 19, 1988

VIOLA MAYE SHARP

Viola Maye Sharp, 77, formerly of Stanford, Il., died September 27, 1988 at Village Green Nursing Home, Phoenix, Az.

Mrs. Sharp was born April 22, 1911 in Des Moines, the daughter of James and Blanche Loutzenhiser Owen [s]. She married Thomas A. [llen] Sharp on Feb. 17, 1932 in Des Moines. He died August 20, 1979.

Survivors include three sons Thomas A. [llen] Jr., Phoenix; James O., Stanford; and William A., Stanfield, Az.; seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. A brother preceded her in death.

She was a member of the First Christian Church in Stanford, Ill.

[Shearer, Harry Jay]

Blockton News

Thursday     October 27, 1927  

   [p. 1]

Obituary

Harry J. [ay] Shearer, son of Mr. and Mrs. J. [ohn] S. [later] Shearer, was born April 29, 1889, near Conway, Iowa, and died Oct. 20, 1927, aged 38 years, 5 months and 21 days.

He was united in marriage to Miss Grace Dowlin December 27, 1911. To this union were born two children, Gladys and John David, who with his wife, survive him. He is also survived by his mother, Mrs. Lizzie Shearer; two brothers, Merton, of Chattanooga, Tenn., and Glade, of Bedford, and one sister, Mrs. Fern Reid, of Boise, Idaho.

Harry was preceded in death by his father, who died April 23, 1905.

Some two years before his marriage, Harry, together with his brothers and sister, answered the call to Christian service, confessing their Lord and were baptized. Since that time Harry has been interested and devoted to the cause of Jesus Christ.

Because of his long residence in and about the community, he is known and loved by a host of friends, who with his near relatives mourn his death. His fellow brothers and sisters in Christ feel deeply the loss of their brother and extend to the sorrowing family their heartfelt sympathies.

“And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.”

Funeral services were held at the Christian church Monday afternoon at 2 o’clock, conducted by the pastor, Rev. C. Max Buck, and interment was made in Rose Hill cemetery.

[Shearer, Rose May Cannon]

Bedford Times-Press

Wednesday     October 9, 1996      p. 5

Rose May Shearer

Rose May Shearer, the daughter of Robert and Kate Parmenter Cannon, was born at Bedford, Iowa on September 16, 1897 and departed this life after a long illness on September 29,1996 at Bedford Manor in Bedford, Iowa at the age of 99 years and 13 days.

Rose lived in the Bedford, Glenwood and Council Bluffs areas. She attended grade schools in Glenwood and Council Bluffs, Iowa and graduated from Bedford High School in 1917. At 14 years of age Rose accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior and was baptized February 18, 1912 at First Christian Church in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Rose transferred her membership to Blockton Christian Church on January 10, 1943.

On June 5, 1916 she was united in marriage to Elmer Glade Shearer at her parents' home. To this union four children were born: Alene, twins, Paul and Pauline, and Don.

Rose was housewife and homemaker and as a member of the Christian Church was dedicated to helping make quilts and articles to be sold for church benefits. Her eyesight failed her and she was no longer able to take care of herself, so she entered Bedford Manor in 1981. She was thankful for her many blessings, her children, her grandchildren and the life GOD gave her.

Rose was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Kate; her husband Glade; her brother George, her granddaughters Debbie Shearer and Wanda Lou Livingston; her grandsons, twins Richard and Roger Livingston; and her son-in-law, Frank Kangas.

She is survived by her daughter Alene Kangas of Kingsford, Michigan; her son Paul and Roberta of Spencer, Iowa; her daughter Pauline and John Livingston of Florissant, Missouri; and her son Don and Cleora of Pulaski, Wisconsin; her grandchildren Diana Fichter and husband Steve; Rena Ready and husband John; Marilyn Thornton and husband Jay; Gene Kangas and wife Donna; Connie Van Haden and husband Scott; and Paula Radke and husband Tim; her great grandchildren Krisha and Kari Fichter; Leeann, Sara and Kimberly Thornton; Amy and Adam Ready; Nicole, Kyle and Jacklyn Von Haden; Elizabeth Adams and husband Don, Eric and Matthew Kangas; and Nickolas Radke; and  numerous nieces and nephews.

Rose was a kind and considerate mother and grandmother who will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Funeral services were held October 2 at Novinger-Taylor Funeral Home in Bedford with Rev. Scott Marcum officiating. Burial was in Rose Hill Cemetery, Blockton, Iowa.

 

[Spacht, Burtie]

 

Bedford Free Press

Thursday      July 4, 1895      p. 3

While playing about the barn on last Monday, a little four year old son of Frank Spacht (who lives about four miles east of Bedford) met with an accident that will in all probability prove fatal.

The accident happened at about 1 o'clock. Burtie had finished his dinner before the rest of the family and had gone out to the barn for a romp. While passing a team hitched in the barn, one of the animals kicked him on the forehead. The blow from the horse's hoof fractured his skull, both blood and brains oozing from the wound. In this frightful condition, and after regaining consciousness, he entered the house, which was the first the family knew of the accident. He had been absent for about one-half hour, a pool of blood in the barn showing that he must have lain there unconscious for some time.

Drs. Beauchamp and Archer of this city, dressed the boy's wound, an examination showing that a section of the frontal bone about one and one half inches in length and two-thirds as wide, was caved in and was resting on the brain. The fractured section was removed and the little fellow made as comfortable as possible. About two teaspoonfuls of the injured brain had to be removed in dressing the wound and the attending physicians state that the recovery of the little fellow from such an accident as the one with which he met would be little short of a miracle.

At last reports the boy was still living.

[Spacht, Burtie]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday      July 11, 1895      p. 3

 

Burtie Spacht Dead

Burtie Spacht, the boy whom we mentioned last week as having received such serious injuries, died last Saturday, July 6, 1895, at 2 o’clock p. m. His case was a hopeless one from the time he received the injury, and death came as a relief from what must have been a week of intense pain and suffering.

The funeral services were held at 2 o'clock p. m. on Sunday, and is reported to have been one of the largest funerals ever held in that community. The funeral cortege was more than one-half a mile in length. Rev. T. A. H. Wylie, pastor of the First Presbyterian church of this city, conducted the services and the remains were laid at rest in the Bowers cemetery.

 

Mr. and Mrs. Frank Spacht, the parents of little Burtie, have the heartfelt sympathy of all who have heard of the sad bereavement that has come to them.

[Spacht, Burtie]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday      July 11, 1895      p. 3

From Clayton

Little Bertie, son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Spatch died Saturday afternoon. The body was laid to rest in the Bowers cemetery. Rev. Wylie delivered a fine funeral sermon. There were upwards of 300 people in attendance.

[SPACHT, BERTIE, - 1895]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, July 11, 1895
CLAYTON TOWNSHIP – Little Bertie, son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Spatch, died Saturday afternoon. The body was laid to rest in the Bowers cemetery. Rev. Wylie delivered a fine funeral sermon. There were upwards of 300 people in attendance.
[Note: The last name is spelled Spacht on family headstones.]