Obituaries
submitted by: Julia Johnson - julia.johnson63@gmail.com
 
 

[ACKLEY, BESSIE MAY DUGAN]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, December 28, 1967, p. 8

Final Rites Held December 23 For Bessie Ackley

Funeral services for Mrs. James W. (Bessie) Ackley, 82, of Gravity were held December 23 at the Gravity Methodist Church conducted by Rev. J. Milton Kinney. Mrs. Ackley died December 21 at Lutheran Hospital in Des Moines. Interment was at Washington Cemetery, Gravity.

Bessie May Ackley, eldest daughter of Albert and Elizabeth Dugan, was born near Gravity, Iowa, Dec. 23, 1884.

Bessie spent most of her life on a farm near Gravity. She was united in marriage to James Wesley Ackley, May 17, 1908. They celebrated their golden wedding in the Gravity Methodist Church in 1958. Her husband preceded her in death, passing away in 1965.

To this union one son, Russell, now of Des Moines, was born.

She is also survived by a sister, Mrs. Orville McCandless of Hawaiian Gardens, Calif., a brother, Milo Dugan of Gravity, four grandchildren, Mrs. Lloyd Mangler of Sabula, Ia., Wesley Ackley of Chanute Air Force in Illinois, Dennis J. Ackley and Gary L. Ackley of Des Moines and 11 great grandchildren.

She was a member of the Gravity Methodist church and the W. S. C. S. Her faith never wavered and she had indicated several times in her final days that she was ready to be taken unto the Lord.

Bessie Ackley was a kind and loving mother. Her loss is truly great to relatives and friends.

[ACKLEY, JAMES WESLEY]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, August 12, 1965, p. 4

Services Held August 3 For James W. Ackley

Funeral services for James Wesley Ackley, long time Taylor county resident, held Aug. 3 at the Gravity Methodist Church, were conducted by Rev. J. Milton Kinney. Mr. Ackley died at Des Moines, Lutheran Hospital July 31, following surgery, just 35 days short of age 84. Interment was at Washington Cemetery, Gravity.

James Wesley Ackley, youngest son of Alfred and Ellen Ackley, was born near Gravity, Iowa, Sept. 5, 1881.

An older brother, Charles of Akron, Colorado, preceded him in death in 1959.

James spent most of his life farming in the Gravity vicinity. He was united in marriage to Bessie May Dugan on May 17, 1908. They have resided on the present homestead, one and one-half miles west of Gravity since 1925.

To this marriage union one son, Russell, now of Des Moines, was born.

He is survived by his wife, Bessie May, a loving companion for more than 56 years; his son; one brother, Sid Ackley, age 86 years, of Akron, Colo., (unable to be present due to failing health); a daughter-in-law, Bessie Marie, who was cherished dearly by Mr. Ackley; four grandchildren, Mrs. Lloyd Mangler of Sabula, Ia., Lesley Ackley, Otis Air Force Base in Mass., Dennis J. Ackley and Gary L. Ackley of Des Moines; nine great grandchildren.

James Ackley was a kind-hearted, loving husband and father, a good neighbor respected highly by all who know him. His loss is truly great to relatives and friends.

[AKEY, GUY ROLAND]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, April 28, 1960, p. 10

Guy Akey Rites At Gravity Thursday

Funeral services for Guy Akey, who died at a nursing home in Bedford, Tuesday, April 19, were held at the Methodist church in Gravity, Thursday afternoon, April 21. Rev. Frank L. Greenwood, pastor of the church officiated. Burial in Gravity cemetery.

Guy Roland Akey, son of William and Sidney Hubbard Akey, was born December 30, 1871 and passed away at the age of 88 years, three months, 19 days.

Mr. Akey spent most of his life in the Gravity community. He was a member of the Gravity Methodist Church, the Odd Fellows Lodge and the Rebekah lodge.

Prior to this short residence in the Armstrong Nursing Home at Bedford, he had spent the last 20 years in the home of Miss Mary Hill in Gravity.

He leaves one niece, Mrs. Harley Nickel of Gravity; two nephews, Ray Hamblin of St. Joseph, Frank Hamblin of Modesto, Calif.; several grand nephews and grand nieces.

[AKEY, SIDNEY EVELYN HUBBARD]

Bedford Times-Republican, Thursday, April 29, 1915, p. 3

GRAVITY

Mrs. [William] Akey died at her home here Thursday after an illness of only a few days. Funeral services were held from the home Saturday afternoon. Interment at Gravity cemetery.

[AKEY, WILLIAM]

Bedford Free Press, Thursday, March 26, 1896, p. 3

Obituary – Wm. Akey died at his home in Gravity, Thursday, March 19, 1896, aged 77 years. His disease was heart trouble. Mr. Akey was born in Ireland, but has been a resident of Washington Township, Taylor County, Iowa, since 1876. He was a man of sterling worth of character, and one of our most highly respected citizens. The funeral services occurred Friday, March 20th, from the church in Gravity, conducted by Elder W. D. Hart, assisted by Rev. E. H. Curtis. The remains were interred in the Ladoga cemetery.

[Note:  He was buried in Washington Cemetery, near Gravity, Iowa, not the Ladoga Cemetery as stated in the obituary.]

[ANDERSON, ROBERT F.]

Bedford Times-Republican, Thursday, August 11, 1910, [p. 1]

Robert Anderson Dead. Resident of Lenox For a Quarter Of a Century

Lenox. ---Robert T. [F.] Anderson died at 5:30 P. M. August 7, at his home. He was born in Chicago, May 27, 1856. He was united in marriage with Maggie J. Fermin at Alexis, Ill., Jan. 17, 1878 and to this union was born two daughters, who live near the home, Mrs. Charles Wray and Mrs. Andy Walters [Walter].

The family moved to Lenox in the spring of 1883.

He has been a sufferer for nearly nine years. He leaves to mourn the wife and two children, an aged father and mother, six brothers and one sister. Five brothers were present at the funeral.

The funeral services were conducted from the United Presbyterian Church by Rev. A. L. Davidson Tuesday and the remains laid to rest in the Fairview cemetery.

[ANDERSON, ROBERT FOSTER]
Adams County Free Press (Corning, Iowa), Wednesday, August 17, 1910, p. 2
Died at his late home in West Lenox, Sunday evening, at 5:30 o'clock, Robert Foster Anderson. A gloom was spread over the little city when it was whispered that one who had been sick for so many years and had so many times rallied, had passed into the great beyond. In his death we fully realize the loss of a good neighbor and friend. All through his sufferings he tried to be bright and winning in his ways, so that many were friends to him. He never failed to give his friends a welcome as they came to his bedside. While he has passed away from the earth life, he will still live in the hearts as a kind neighbor to those who knew him best. Robert was the third son of John and Sarah Anderson of Alexis, Ill. He was born May 27, 1856, and died August 7, 1910, aged 54 years, two months, and eleven days. He was married to Margaret J. Fermin, January 17, 1878 at Alexis, Ill. At once he came to Washington, Iowa, and resided there until 1883, when he removed to Lenox, where he has since made his home. To this union were born two daughters, Minnie and Cora, both of whom are married and living in their own homes. Besides his wife and children he leaves to mourn an aged father and mother, six brothers and one sister. The funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at the United Presbyterian Church, of which deceased had been a member of more than thirty years. Rev. Mr. Davidson officiated, assisted by Rev. Mr. Orth. The casket was covered with most beautiful floral designs, gifts from his family and kind neighbors, who knew him so well. He was laid to rest in the Lenox cemetery, and that little city shares its sympathy with the bereaved family.  A Near Friend.

[ASBURY, MOUNTJOY BAILEY]

Bedford Times-Republican, Thursday, March 9, 1911, p. 8

GRAVITY

Mr. Asbury died Monday morning at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Harlan Burge, north of Gravity.

[ASBURY, MOUNTJOY BAILEY]

Adams County Free Press (Corning, Iowa), Saturday, March 18, 1911, p. 7

The death of Capt. M. B. Asbury occurred March 6 at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. Gertrude Burge, two miles north of Gravity. He was aged 76 years, 11 months and 7 days. The funeral was held Wednesday at the Baptist church at Gravity, conducted by Rev. J. S. Young, and interment was made in the Gravity cemetery. Mountjoy Bailey Asbury was born March 20, 1834, at Proutytown, Taylor County, West Va. He removed to Missouri in 1860 and later to Arkansas where he was married to Miss Elizabeth Armstrong, April 5, 1865. Six children were born to them. In 1882 they removed to Texas, where his wife died at Anson, November 10, 1893, after which he removed the following year to Missouri and to Gravity in 1901. During the war he served as a Confederate captain. He was a very highly respected gentleman in his community.

[BECKETT, LEOMA WALKER]

Bedford Times-Press, Wednesday, March 30, 2005

LEOMA BECKETT

Leoma W. Beckett, local resident of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, died Sunday, March 20, 2005, at the age of 90 years.  She was born September   27, 1914, at Gravity, Iowa, to Ray and Nellie (Phillips) Walker. She was reared and educated at Gravity and was a graduate of Gravity High School. She continued her education at Maryville State Teachers College in Missouri. She later attended business school in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where   she   obtained her secretarial skills. She spent most of her working life as a legal secretary. She had made her home in Omaha, Nebraska, where she was a faithful member of the Presbyterian Church    and    served    as deaconess. She enjoyed a variety of pastimes including traveling and was the proud niece of Frank and Waite Phillips. 

Loving family members include: daughter and son-in-law: Barbara and Gary Collier, of Catoosa, OK; two grandsons; Wayne Smith and his wife Jennifer, of Moore, OK; Dale Smith, of Catoosa, OK; great granddaughter; Brooke Smith, Cousin; Geri Moore, of Tulsa.

She was preceded in death by five siblings, Darlene Johnson, Lura Walker, Gwen Stogdill, Lewis Walker, and Waite Walker. Private family services will be held at a later time. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Arthritis Foundation, 4520 South Harvard, Tulsa, OK, 74135. Arrangements were entrusted to Mowery Funeral Service of Owasso, Oklahoma.

[BERRY, THOMAS LEE]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, February 12, 1953, p. 9

Obituary – T. Lee Berry

Thomas Lee Berry was born in Cass County, Ill., Oct. 5, 1871. At the age of ten he moved with his family to a farm six miles south of Indianola, Iowa, where he grew to manhood. He was the son of James and Lucy Paschal Berry, and the sixth of a family of nine children, six boys and three girls. He was reared in an active Christian home.

He attended the country schools and Simpson College, from which latter he graduated with the class of 1894. He taught a country school in Warren County the first year after his graduation and the next year taught in the schools of Virginia, Ill.

He returned to Iowa in 1896, taught school through the winter and in the spring of 1897 took charge of his fatherÕs farm. August 31, 1898, he married Marie Fleury of Gravity, whom he had met in Simpson. In the spring of 1899 they came to Gravity and took charge of Dr. McColmÕs farm, where they lived a few years and then bought a farm of their own, northeast of Gravity, where they lived for many years.

Mr. and Mrs. Berry moved into Gravity in 1942. Mrs. Berry died Aug. 31, 1946 since which time Mr. Berry maintained the home in Gravity until about a year ago, when, on account of failing health, he entered the Armstrong nursing home in Bedford, where he died Feb. 5, 1953, aged 81 years, four months. The Berrys had no children.

Mr. Berry joined the Brown's chapel Methodist church in his youth and throughout his life remained an active member of the Methodist church.

He leaves a brother, L. R. Berry of Indianola. He was a member of Sunlight Lodge No. 459 and Order of Eastern Star of Gravity.

Funeral services were conducted by Rev. C. B. Rayhill at the Methodist church, Saturday, Feb. 7. Burial in Gravity cemetery.

[BROOKMAN, MAUDE HELEN MCFARLAND]

Clarinda Herald Journal, Monday, December 16, 1991

Maude Brookman

Mrs. Maude Brookman, 91 of Clarinda died shortly after arrival at Municipal Hospital Friday night, December 13, 1991.

She was born October 13, 1900, at Gravity, the daughter of J. [ohn] W. [illiam] and Minnie Livingston McFarland. She was married to Bill Brookman on March 21, 1917. He preceded her in death October 31, 1982. Mrs. Brookman had lived in Clarinda since 1944. She had worked at J.C. Penney's before her retirement.    

Survivors include a daughter Mrs. Charles (Betty) King, McAllen, TX one grandson and two great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 Friday, December 20, at Walker-Merrick Funeral Home with burial In the Washington Cemetery at Gravity.      

[BROOKMAN, WILLIAM RAY "BILL"]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, November 1982

William Ray (Bill) Brookman, age 90, died on October 31, 1982 at Goldenrod Manor in Clarinda, Iowa. He was born on December 13, 1891 to George and Ella (Churchill) Brookman in Gravity, Iowa. He married Maude H. [elen] McFarland on March 21, 1917. He had worked at Tyler Brothers. He is survived by his wife Maude, his daughter Betty King, Ortonville, Minnesota and grandson Terry King, Platte City, MO and 2 great grandchildren. Burial was at the Washington Cemetery in Gravity, Iowa.  

[BROOKMAN, WILLIAM RAY "BILL"]

Clarinda Herald Journal, Monday, November 1, 1982, p. 8

Bill Brookman service Wednesday

Funeral services for Mr. William Ray (Bill) Brookman, 90, of Clarinda will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 3, 1989 at Walker-Merrick in Clarinda with Rev. Harland Gant officiating.

Mr. Brookman died Sunday morning at Goldenrod Manor where he had been a patient for the past 18 months. He was born December 13, 1891 at Gravity, the son of George and Ella (Churchill) Brookman. He was married to Maude H.[elen] McFarland on March 21, 1918 [1917]. Mr. Brookman had worked for the Tyler Brothers Bottling of Clarinda and Villisca before his retirement.

Besides his wife of the home he is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Charles (Betty) King of Ortonville, Minnesota and three grandchildren.

Burial was in the Washington Cemetery at Gravity, Iowa.

[BROOKMAN, WILLIAM RAY "BILL"]

Clarinda Herald Journal, Thursday, November 4, 1982, p. 8

Brookman survivors

The death notice on William Brookman, which appeared Monday, should have included as survivors, a daughter, Mrs. Charles King of Ortonville, Mn, one grandson, Terry King of Platte City, Mo, and two great grandchildren.

[CHANEY, BETTY LOU FRY]

Bedford Times-Press, April 2015

Betty Lou (Fry) Chaney, 85 of Glenwood, IA formerly of Hopkins, MO passed away April 10, 2015 at Glen Haven Home in Glenwood, IA. She was born Aug. 18, 1929 in Savannah, MO to Lester & Gladys (Hall) Fry. Betty was united in marriage to Charles A. Chaney on Oct. 2, 1945. To this union one daughter was born, Christine Kay.

Preceding Betty in death were her parents, sister Joyce Owens & son-in-law Paul Hanshaw. Survivors include her daughter Christine & husband Reg Hockabout of Glenwood, IA; grandson Paul & wife Sandy Hanshaw of Glenwood, IA; great-granddaughters Jordyn & Brooklyn Hanshaw of Glenwood, IA; step-great grandchildren Andrew Schmidt & Jessica Cambria of Glenwood, IA; sister Donna Fahleson of Lincoln, NE; brother Bill Fry of Lincoln, NE; nieces, nephews, extended relatives & many friends.

A Graveside Service will be held at a later date.

[COBB, NANCY BAKER KING HOFFNER]

Bedford Times-Republican, Thursday, February 13, 1913, p. 8

GRAVITY

John Baker of New Market came over Saturday and attended the funeral services of his sister, Mrs. Nancy Cobb.

The remains of Mrs. Nancy Cobb, formerly of this place, were shipped here from Oklahoma Saturday. Funeral services were held Sunday at 2:30 p. m. at the home of Miss Jane Otis, conducted by Rev. Wade. Interment was made at Gravity cemetery.

[COBB, NANCY BAKER KING HOFFNER]
  Sentinel Leader (Sentinel, Oklahoma), Friday,  February 7, 1913
Mrs. Nancy Cobb Dead.
Mrs. Nancy Cobb, mother of J. B. King, died at the home of Mr. King early yesterday morning. Deceased was past 77 years of age, her birthday coming the 24th day of January last, and was in feeble health. She had been feeble for some time. Her immediate trouble was pneumonia, and her last illness was only one week's duration.
The body was shipped to Gravity, Iowa, this morning, accompanied by Mr. King, where it will be buried at the old home burying ground.
Mr. King has a host of friends in this country who extend to him sympathy in the loss of his mother.

[COX, WILLIAM]

Bedford Times-Republican, Thursday, February 15, 1912, p. 5

GRAVITY

William Cox died Friday evening at his home here, after several months' illness. Funeral services were held Sunday at 2 P. M. at the Christian church, conducted by Dr. W. L. Dunlavy, and assisted by Rev. Wade, pastor of the Christian church here. The old soldiers went in a body from the home, where they had assembled with other friends and relatives. Interment at Gravity cemetery.

Thomas Laird, of Potwin, Kansas, came Saturday evening and attended the funeral of William Cox, which was held on Sunday.

[COX, WILLIAM]

Bedford Free Press, Thursday, February 22, 1912, p. 8

Wm. Cox, of Gravity, died at his late home there on Feb. 9, and was buried Sunday following. He was a half brother of Mrs. J. A. Fraser, of this city. Mr. Cox was a veteran of the Civil War, and has lived in this county for many years. He was 75 years of age at the time of his death and was held in the highest esteem.

[COX, WILLIAM]
Bedford Times-Republican (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, February 15, 1912
GRAVITY – Mrs. King of Hopkins, Mo., came up Saturday evening and attended the funeral of her uncle, William Cox, returning to Bedford Sunday evening, where she visited with relatives until Monday.

[DEHARPPERT, LESTER]

Bedford Times-Republican, Thursday, December 2, 1920, [p. 1]

Death Ends the Conway Trouble of Saturday Night

Lester DeHarppart Dies in Creston Hospital Before Surgeons Could Operate. Entire Community is Shocked at the Result and Deep Sorrow Expressed For All Concerned in Sad Affair

Lester DeHarppart [DeHarppert], the young man who was injured Saturday night at Conway in a fight with Lester Marsh and who was taken to the Hospital at Creston Monday on the noon train, died at the hospital in Creston before he could be put on the operating table. It seems that these two young men had trouble on Thursday evening before, and on Saturday evening the Marsh boy was in the hotel when DeHarppart stepped to the door and asked Marsh to come out, which he did and just as he stepped out of the door DeHarrpart struck him a blow, and then the fight was on. The Marsh boy done all he could to avoid trouble but nothing could do only to fight it out.

It's a hard matter to get the facts, as everybody seems to want to keep out and not get mixed up in the trouble. So it is only hearsay that we have to work on. From what we can learn there isn't any grounds on which young Marsh could be prosecuted as he was only trying to protect himself which he had a right under the law to do. It is a sad affair, one which casts a gloom over the entire neighborhood, as both young men were held in high esteem by all who knew them. This probably will be a lesson to others in the future to settle their little troubles in a more honorable way.

The physicians at the hospital made an examination after his death to find out the real cause of his death, the result was that a large abscess had broken, which was caused by the excitement or the kick received, either of which would have caused his death. This of course puts a different light on the question and the blame for his death could not rightfully be charged against Marsh, which fact we are glad to mention.

The body was brought back to Conway Tuesday morning and the funeral took place in the afternoon from the residence of his parents and the body laid to rest in the Conway cemetery.

A shadow fell across our life

When Death, the Reaper, came

And took our friend away

From earthly care and pain,

But when the mist has passed

  Away

We'll meet you some sweet day,

Trusting God will give us grace

To meet you in that Better Place.

The family, friends and relatives have the heartfelt sympathy of all in their great sorrow.
[Note: He is buried in Washington Cemetery, near Gravity, Taylor County, Iowa, not in Conway as stated in the obituary.]

[DOUGLAS, HENRY]

Adams County Free Press (Corning, Iowa), Wednesday, April 15, 1903, p. 8

Henry Douglas died April 4, at his home near Ladoga of pneumonia, after an illness of two weeks, aged seventy-nine years, one month and eighteen days.

The funeral was held the following Monday morning at the church of Christ in Gravity, conducted by Rev. William Dunlavy. Interment was made at the Gravity cemetery.

Mrs. C. G. Morgan of Jasper Township is a daughter of the deceased.

 

 

[GRAY, CLAUDE CRAWFORD]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, November 9, 1967, p. 3

Claude C. Gray

Funeral services for Claude C. Gray, 74, of Gravity were held November 6 at the Gravity Christian Church conducted by Rev. Ivo Randels. Mr. Gray died very suddenly at his home on November 4, 1967. Interment was at Washington Cemetery, Gravity.

Claude C. [rawford] Gray, son of Constantine and Margaret Bennie Gray, was born on a farm northwest of Gravity on July 24, 1893.

After completing his education he taught in the rural schools of Taylor County for three years.

In 1917 he enlisted in the Armed Forces for the duration of World War I and was a member of the American Legion. After his discharge he took over the management of the home farm because of his father's illness.

On August 3, 1920 he was united in marriage to Grace Hall of Jennings, La. To this union two children were born, Margaret Corinne and Edward William. The latter passed away in infancy.

His entire life was spent on a farm except for a few years he operated an oil station.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers.

Survivors are his wife Grace; one daughter and her husband, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Lucas of Omaha, Nebr., two granddaughters, Barbara and Judy; one sister, Mrs. Bertha Stephens of Gravity, other relatives and friends.

He was a kind and loving husband and father and was always solicitous for the welfare and comfort of his loved ones. He was the kind of neighbor you could always depend upon. He was so uncomplaining that very few people knew of his illness.

[GRAY, GRACE HALL]

Bedford Times-Press, Wednesday, June 18, 1986

Services held for Grace Gray

Funeral services were held June 14 at the Gravity Christian Church for Grace Hall Gray. The Reverend Carl Holdsworth officiated. Burial was at Washington Cemetery in Gravity.

Grace Gray, daughter of Dr. Edward Isaac and Sarah Almira Hall was born March 8, 1894 at Lakeside, Louisiana. She moved to Jennings, Louisiana when a child and graduated from the Jennings High School.

She loved music and took both piano and violin lessons for many years.

In 1916 she came to Gravity, Iowa and stayed with her uncle, W.B. Estle and aunt Kate Estle.

In 1920 she was united in marriage to Claude Crawford Gray of Gravity. To this union two children were born, a daughter Margaret Lucas and a son Edward Lucas of Tyler, Texas, two granddaughters, Barbara Cade and her husband Kenneth Cade, Judy Garver and her husband Captain Randy Garvin, three great grandchildren, Kelly, Thomas and John Garvin whom she loved dearly, one sister who lives in Baton Rouge, La. and nieces and nephews.

She will be sadly missed by all those who knew and loved her.       

[HAYES, MARY JANE "JENNIE" ROGERS]

Lenox Time Table, Wednesday, April 20, 1994, p. 2

JENNIE HAYES

Jennie Hayes was born on a farm near Lenox on September 11, 1898. She was the daughter of Sam and Clara Lock Rogers. She died April 10, 1994 at the Lenox Care Center where she had made her home.

Jennie spent her full life of 95 years in or near Lenox, attending Lenox Schools and graduating with the Class of 1917. She lived almost 50 years on a farm west of Lenox and lived for the 25 years prior to her death in Lenox.

Jennie and Ray Hayes were married December 1, 1917. They had three children; Kenneth, Robert and Lois.

Jennie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ray in 1970; her daughter, Lois Brashear in 1989; two brothers, Albert and Harry Rogers; one sister, Rose Bolte; and a grandson, Michael Hayes.

She is survived by her two sons; Kenneth and wife, Gwen of West Des Moines; Robert and wife Jean of Des Moines; son-in-law, Clark Brashear of Altoona; eleven grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren.

The Rebekah Lodge of which she was a 75-year member and the Lenox Presbyterian Church of which she was a lifetime member were extremely important and meaningful to Jennie. They were an integral part of her life.

Funeral services were Wednesday, April 13, 1994 at 11:00 a. m. at the United Presbyterian Church in Lenox, Iowa. Officiating, Rev. Peter Brantner. Casket bearers; Mike, Eric & Troy Halligan, Bob Rhoades, Roger Bolte, Bob Reynolds, Honorary; Don Tully, Kenneth McFee, Wayne McFee, Harold Maynes, Clarence Olson. Interment West Fairview Cemetery, Lenox, Iowa.

[HAYES, ROBERT MANLEY]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, May 26, 1938, p. 6

Robert M. Hayes

Robert M. [anley] Hayes, son of Isaiah and Mary Hayes, was born Nov. 11, 1859 in Clay County, Ill. He came to Iowa in 1887 and settled near Imogene, where he engaged in farming.

He was married to Dora Dragoo in 1888. To this union were born five children, Mrs. Chloe Kerns, and Mrs. Mabel Grimm of Sharpsburg; Ray Hayes of Lenox; and two daughters who preceded him in death, Edith 2 1/2 years and Pearl nine months, both passing away in 1894.

In 1910 he came to Taylor County and settled near Sharpsburg, where he resided until two years ago when he moved into Sharpsburg.

Mr. Hayes became ill last September and has been in poor health since that time and passed away at his home in Sharpsburg May 5, 1938 at the age of 78 years, 5 months and 24 days. He had been a Christian since boyhood, and was a member of the Methodist church at the time of his death.

He was a faithful and loving husband and father and was always thoughtful of others. He was esteemed by all who knew him.

Surviving with his wife and three children are five grandchildren, Kenneth, Bobby and Lois Jean Hayes of Lenox; Dora Marie and Phyllis Grimm of Sharpsburg. Also two nieces, Mrs. Bessie Boyston and Carrie Hayes.

The funeral services were held Sunday, May 15 at the Methodist church in Sharpsburg, conducted by Rev. Ora L. Reep.

[HILL, JOSEPH C.]

New Market Herald, Thursday, May 18, 1922 p. 2

GRAVITY

Clyde Hill of Grand Island, Nebr., arrived here last Friday and was at the bedside of his father, J. [oseph] C. Hill when he passed away.

Mrs. Clyde Hill and two daughters of Grand Island, Nebr, arrived here Monday noon, called here by the death of her father-in-law, J. [oseph] C. Hill.

J. [oseph] C. Hill passed away at his home here Sunday morning after only one week's illness. Funeral services were held in the Gravity M. E. church, of which he was a member, Tuesday afternoon at 2:30. Interment in Gravity cemetery.

[HILL, MARTHA ANN CARNAHAN]

Bedford Free Press, Tuesday, June 16, 1914, p. 7

GRAVITY

Mr. and Mrs. J. [oseph] C. Hill are at Viola, Ill., being called by the death of Mr. Hill's mother.

[HILL, SUSAN EMMA BEACHLER]

Bedford Free Press, Thursday, May 7, 1925, p. 8

GRAVITY

Mrs. J. [oseph] C. Hill died last Friday morning. The funeral was held Sunday afternoon at the M. E. church at 2:30 o'clock.

Clyde Hill and family of Grand Island came last week to attend the funeral of his mother, Mrs. J. [oseph] C. Hill.

[HILL, SUSAN EMMA BEACHLER]

Bedford Times-Republican, Thursday, May 14, 1925, p.  4

Mrs. J. C. Hill

Susan E. [mma] Beachler was born December 19, 1854, at Viola, Ill. She was united in marriage to J. [oseph] C. Hill, February 27, 1879. To this union were born 6 children, 3 living and 3 having died in infancy. In 1901, she, with her husband and family, came to Iowa, and settled on a farm near Conway, where they lived one year. The family then moved to a farm 3 miles north of Gravity where they lived 3 years, after which they moved to Gravity, which has been her home until her death. Her husband, J. [oseph] C. Hill, departed this life May 14, 1922. Mrs. Hill united with the M. E. church at a very early age and has been a faithful member until the time of her death, which occurred May 1, 1925, at her home in southwest Gravity, after an illness of a few days. She leaves to mourn her departure, two sons, Clyde, of Grand Island, Nebr., and Clinton of Gravity. Also one daughter, Mary Hill, of Gravity. Besides the 3 children, she leaves 2 grandchildren, Birdina and Elizabeth Hill, of Grand Island, Neb. She also leaves one sister, Mrs. Anna Childs, of Omaha, Nebr., besides other relatives and many friends. ---Gravity Independent

[HOGUE, MARY ANN HAMBLIN]

Bedford Times-Press, Wednesday, March 26, 1997

May Ann Hogue

Mary Ann Hogue, the daughter of Chester and Cora A. (Clouser) Hamblin was born January 24, 1923 at Sharpsburg, Iowa. She died suddenly on Sunday, March 16, 1997 at her home in Red Oak, Iowa at the age of 74 years, 1 month and 22 days.

She was raised and graduated from High School at Sharpsburg, Iowa. She attended Northwest Missouri Teacher College at Maryville, Missouri and taught country school for two years. She was united in marriage to Lawrence Hogue in 1944 at Topeka, Kansas.   She returned to college at Clarinda and received her LPN degree in 1971. She had worked at Lenox Nursing Home, Montgomery County Memorial Hospital and 18 years with the Red Oak Good Samaritan Center. She moved to Red Oak in 1973. She was a member of the First Baptist Church and V.F.W. Auxiliary both of Red Oak, Iowa and Order of Eastern Star at Conway, Iowa. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband on June 25, 1970, a half sister and a half brother.

Mary Ann is survived by two daughters, Cora Ann - Mrs. Richard Para of Oakton, Virginia; and Susie - Mrs. Larry Mullen of Bedford, Iowa; a son, Billy Hogue of Austin, Texas; nine grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. Also by other relatives and a host of friends.

May God bless her memory and give strength to those who mourn.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, March 19, 1997 at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church, Red Oak, Iowa. Burial was in the Washington Cemetery at Gravity, IA, with Rev. Fred Jones officiating.

Visitation was held Tuesday night from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Sellergren Lindell DeMarce Funeral Home, Red Oak.

Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church at Red Oak. Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

[HUNTSMAN, LAVINNA "VIN" GRAYBILL BIRD]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, December 30, 1965, p. 5

Mrs. Huntsman Rites Dec. 26

Funeral services for Mrs. Dow (Lavinna) Huntsman, 75, long time Taylor County resident, were held December 26, at the east Shum-Novinger Funeral Home with Elder Edgar Lippencott of Stanberry, Mo., officiating. Mrs. Huntsman died December 23 at the Clarinda Municipal Hospital. Interment was at Hopkins Cemetery, Hopkins, Mo.

Included in the services was the following obituary.

Born to John and Elizabeth Graybill were four daughters: Lavinna, Edith, Cinderella and Juney of Hopkins, Mo. Lavinna, known as Vin to all of her friends was born Aug. 10, 1890 and grew to womanhood around Hopkins, Mo.

She was united in marriage to Ode Bird and to this union were born two children: Mildred Zerilda Bird and Harry Lee Bird.

The mother and father and son, Harry, two half brothers and six half sisters, preceded her in death.

She was united in marriage to William Dow Huntsman December 18, 1922. To this union two children were born: Stanley Miles Huntsman and Alice Louise Huntsman.

Their married life was spent in Taylor County on a farm northwest of Gravity, Iowa.

She was a devoted member to her Church of God, which held to the end. She was a devoted wife and mother and her sincerity, humility and kindness formed the basis for a truly Christian life.

She is survived by her husband, Dow, of Gravity; a daughter, Mildred Neller; a son, Stanley and daughter, Louise Holland; five grandchildren, six great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

[JOHNSON, DARLENE WALKER]

Bedford Times-Press, Wednesday, June 18, 1986

Last rites held for Darlene Johnson

Funeral services were held in Clarinda June 13 for Darlene Walker Johnson. Burial was at Washington Cemetery, Gravity. Rev. Carl Cummings officiated.

Darlene Walker, eldest daughter of [Ellis] Ray Walker and Nellie Phillips Walker, was born March 26, 1910 at Gravity, Iowa and departed this life June 11, 1986 at the Municipal Hospital in Clarinda, Iowa at the age of 76 years, two months and 16 days.

On June 15, 1929 she was united in marriage with Jesse W. Johnson. No children were born to this marriage.

She leaves to mourn her passing her husband, Jesse of the home; one brother, Lewis Walker of Bedford, Iowa; two sisters, Gwendolyn Stogdill of Colorado Springs, Colorado and Leoma Beckett of Omaha, Nebraska; one brother-in-law; three sisters-in-law and a host of nieces, nephews, along with their families.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Waite Walker and one sister, Lura Esther Walker.

Darlene spent her younger years in and around Gravity, Iowa where she attended the Gravity High School. After her marriage she and her husband spent the last 43 years of their lives in and around Clarinda, Iowa. They owned and operated the Davis Paint Store for a number of years.

She was a member of the Clarinda United Methodist Church.

Darlene will be sadly missed by a circle of friends and neighbors and her relatives.

[JOHNSON JESSE W.]

Clarinda Herald Journal, Monday, May 4, 1987, p. 8

Jesse Johnson had farmed

Funeral services for Mr. Jesse W. Johnson, 82, of Clarinda, will be at 1:30 pm Tuesday at Walker-Merrick Funeral Home, with Carl Cummings officiating.

Mr. Johnson died early Sunday morning (May 3, 1987) at Goldenrod Manor where he had been for the past two weeks. He had been a surgery patient in Omaha for two weeks before going to the rest home.

He was born Apr. 26, 1905, at Guss, Ia., the son of Charles Edward and Eliza (Bennett) Johnson.

On June 15, 1929 he was married to Darlene Walker, who preceded him in death in June 1986.

Mr. Johnson had farmed and later worked at MHI and the Davis Paint Store.

He is survived by two sisters-in-law, Esther Johnson and Gladys Burright, both of Clarinda, and nieces and nephews.

Burial will be in Washington cemetery at Gravity.

[KYSAR, JOHN CABOT]

Bedford Free Press, Thursday, October 30, 1902, p. 7

Death of an Old Soldier

At the reunion of the old members of Co. F, 29th Iowa Infantry several weeks ago, John Kysar, of Gravity, was present and enjoyed the occasion. Little did he think that the last roll call would come to him so soon. He died at his home last Monday morning. Quite a number of the Bedford G. A. R. attended the funeral Tuesday afternoon. Thus one by one the old boys are passing away.

[MILLION, ANDERSON]

Bedford Free Press, Thursday, April 1, 1926, p. 6

GRAVITY

Word was received last Saturday evening that A. [nderson] Million had died that morning at the home of his daughter, Ollie Ross, near Gillette, Wyo. Funeral was held there Monday, March 29th. If he had lived until April 8th he would have been 93 years of age.

[MORLEY, FRANK DELMAR]

Adams County Union-Republican (Corning, Iowa), Wednesday, January 16, 1918, p. 3

Frank Delmar Morley Died

Frank Delmar Morley was born in Clayton County, Iowa, November 15, 1871, where he lived until 1880, when he came to Adams County, where he resided until his death.

On June 21, 1905, he was united in marriage to Arte Alta Eiker of Lenox, Iowa. To this union there was born five children, two of whom preceded their father in death.

He united with the Presbyterian church of Lenox in 1904 and on January 5th, 1908, transferred his membership to Prairie Star church.

For the past three years, on account of failing health, he was compelled to give up most of his work. On December 24th, at 8 p. m., he suffered a severe attack of his disease from which he did not recover but passed on to his reward while loving hands were ministering to him.

He leaves to mourn his death a wife and three children: Ruth, 11 years old; Harley, 6 years old, and Esther, 13 months old. His father and mother, two sisters, Mrs. Lizzie Robison, of Denver, Colo.; Mrs. Ida Francis, of near Creston, and brother, Will, who resides on the old home place, besides a host of friends.

Mr. Morley passed away at the age of 46 years, 1 month and 9 days.

[MORLEY, FRANK DELMAR]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Wednesday, January 2, 1918
LENOX – L. D. Marley [Morley] died suddenly at his home Christmas eve. Funeral services were held from the Presbyterian church Thursday afternoon.

[MORLEY, HAZEL]

Bedford Times-Republican, Thursday, September 22, 1910, p. 5

Obituary – Hazel Moorley

Lenox---Hazel Moorley, [Morley], aged two years, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. D. [elmar] Moorley [Morley] died Tuesday. The remains of the little one were laid in Fairview cemetery beside those of the twin brother Harold, who died about two weeks ago.

[MORRIS, PHYLLIS BELLE GRIMM]

Clarinda Herald Journal, Thursday, February 23, 1989

Phyllis Morris

Phyllis Belle Morris, 61, of Blanchard died Feb. 16, 1989 at her son Jack's house in rural Clarinda.

Services were Feb. 19 at Shum-Novinger Funeral Home in Bedford, with burial in Washington Cemetery in Gravity.

She was born Sept. 7, 1927 in Sharpsburg, Ia, the daughter of Tom and Mabel Grimm.

Up until her retirement, she was a cook/waitress at Dolly's Country Kitchen in Braddyville.

Survivors include four sons, Jack of Clarinda, and Jerry, Michael, and John; seven grandchildren; one great grandchild; and two sisters Dora Hinton and Donna Eighmey.

[MORRISON, EDITH HELEN]

Bedford Times-Republican, Thursday, March 3, 1927, p. 7

Edith Helen Morrison

Edith Helen Morrison was born in Taylor County, Ia., Feb. 21st, 1912, and died at Flagler, Colo., Feb. 16, 1927, at the age of 14 years, 11 months and 25 days. When she was 8 years old, she moved with her parents to Cope, Colo., which has since been her home. She leaves to mourn her demise, her father and mother, one brother, Judson Morrison, two sisters, Mrs. Sylvia Cowan and Celia Morrison, all of Cope, Colo.; her aged grandparents, Grandfather and Grandmother Beemer, and Grandfather Morrison, of Gravity; besides innumerable other friends and relatives.

The funeral was held at the M. E. church in Gravity, Ia., on Sunday, Feb. 20, conducted by Rev. W. H. Warrior, assisted by Rev. Greene. Interment was in the Gravity cemetery.

[MORRISON, SEENA MAY BEEMER]

Clarinda Herald Journal, Monday, February 2, 1970, p. 12

Former Oak Hill resident dies Jan 15 in Oregon

Oak Hill, Jan 27 ---The Beemers received word of the death of their aunt, Mrs. Sena (Pete) Morrison of Silverton, Ore., on Jan. 15. She died at a rest home after a short stay in a hospital following a recent stroke. She was 88 years old Dec. 7. The Morrisons were former residents of the Oak Hill and Gravity communities.

[MORRISON, SEENA MAY BEEMER]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, February 5, 1970, p. 2

OAK HILL NEWS

Oak Hill ---The George Beemers received word of the death of their aunt, Mrs. Sena (Pete) Morrison of Silverton, Oregon January 15. Until recently she had been in her own home but following a stroke and short stay in the hospital had been at a nursing home where she died. She was 88 years old Dec. 7. The Morrisons were former residents of Oak Hill and Gravity communities.

[NEVILLE, CLARA ETTA DUTTON]

Bedford Free Press, Thursday, March 6, 1924, p. 6

GRAVITY NEWS

Mrs. Sam Neville, who was in the hospital at St. Joe, passed away Sunday noon, March 2nd. The funeral was held from the Methodist church Tuesday afternoon at 2 p. m.

[NEVILLE, JAMES FLOYD]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, August 20, 1970, p. 5

James Neville, 68, Rites Aug. 15

Funeral services for James Floyd Neville, 68, of Akron, Colo, a native of Taylor County, were held August 15 at Shum-Novinger Funeral Home in Bedford with Mr. Carl Cummings officiating. Mr. Neville died August 12, 1970 at Veterans Hospital in Omaha, Nebr. The Gravity American Legion Post was in charge of the military rites at Washington Cemetery, Gravity.

James Floyd Neville, son of Samuel E. [lliott] and Clara Etta Dutton Neville, was born at Gravity, Iowa, March 16, 1902.

Floyd grew to adulthood in the community where he was born and being active in farm work, an occupation he was to make his life work.

In the early 1920s he moved to Akron, Colo., where he had continued to reside.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Mrs. Clara Robinson who died in 1965.

Left to cherish memories are two sisters, Lila Parks of Toppenish, Wash., and Hazel Barragar of Clarinda, Iowa; nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends.

He had been a member of the American Legion, having served his country during World War II.

Floyd was a kind and loving brother and friend, and his one thought was to be of help and service to those about him.

He will be sadly missed by his family and his many friends who knew and loved him.

[NEVILLE, SAMUEL ELLIOTT]

Bedford Free Press, Thursday, December 13, 1923, p. 6

GRAVITY ITEMS

Sam Neville died last Monday morning at the State Hospital at Clarinda. The body was brought to his home north of town Monday evening and funeral services were held from the Methodist church Wednesday afternoon.

[NEVILLE, SAMUEL ELMER]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, December 9, 1965, p. 10

Last Rites Held Here For Elmer Neville

Funeral services for Samuel Elmer Neville, 65, of Akron, Colo., were held Dec. 6 at the east Shum-Novinger Funeral Home here with Rev. J. Milton Kinney officiating. Mr. Neville died Dec. 2, 1965, at a hospital in Akron. Interment was at Washington Cemetery, Gravity.

Samuel Elmer Neville, son of Samuel and Clara Etta Neville, was born at Gravity, Iowa, Oct. 20, 1900.

His father, mother and one sister preceded him in death.

He was united in marriage to Louretta Crawford in 1924. To this union were born four children: Bernard of Long Beach, Calif.; Walter of Denver, Colo.; Irene Eddie of Douglas, Wyo.; Alice Hunter of Steam Boat Springs, Colo.

Mr. Neville farmed in the Gravity vicinity, moving to Akron about 30 years ago where he was a construction worker until his retirement.

He is survived by his children; one brother, Floyd Neville of Akron, Colo.; two sisters, Lila Parks of Toppenish, Wash., and Hazel Barrager [Barragar] of Clarinda, Ia.

[NEWMAN, ALICE STEWART]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, May 21, 1942, p. 5

Obituary – Mrs. Alice Newman

Alice, daughter of Mathew and Sarah Stewart, was born in Pike County, Illinois in 1859 and died at Sharpsburg Tuesday, May 12, 1942 at the age of 83 years, 3 months and 27 days.

She was married to J. [ohn] W. [esley] Newman in 1879. Three children came to bless their home, all of whom preceded her in death. She leaves two grandsons to mourn her passing, Harold Swearingen of Fort MacArthur, San Pedro, Calif., and Geo. Newman of Sheridan, Wyo.

She was the last of a family of four children. She was a great sufferer for years and bore it bravely. Her husband died in 1936.

She was a member of the Sharpsburg Methodist church.

Funeral services were held at the Sharpsburg Methodist church Wednesday afternoon May 13, conducted by Rev. Francis B. Harris. Burial was in the Gravity cemetery.

[NEWMAN, JOHN WESLEY]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, October 29, 1936, p. 3

J. W. Newman Dies

Was Ill For Many Years—Burial At Gravity

J. W. Newman, 80, died at his home in Sharpsburg, Thursday, Oct. 22.

The funeral services were held at the Methodist Church in Sharpsburg Sunday, Oct. 25, at 1:30 in charge of the pastor, Rev. J. A. Walls, assisted by Rev. A. S. Hutcheson, pastor of the Presbyterian Church. Burial was in the Gravity cemetery.

John Wesley Newman, son of Ann and John Newman, was born in Meigs County, Ohio, July 9th, 1856.

He came to Clark County, Iowa, when he was a boy and grew to manhood at Osceola. He came from Osceola to New Market, where he was united in marriage to Alice Stewart, Sept. 21, 1879. To this union were born three children, two boys and one girl: Leon E. Newman of Sheridan, Wyo., Bertha who passed away May 20, 1905, and Elmer, who passed away July 26, 1923.

Mr. Newman is the last of a family of nine children, three brothers and five sisters. He leaves to mourn his departure his wife, Mrs. Alice Newman; a son, Leon E. Newman of Sheridan, Wyo., and two grandsons, Harold Sweringen [Swearingen], Port Townsend, Wash., and George E. Newman of Sheridan.

He had been ill for the past twenty-five years.

In 1879 Mr. and Mrs. Newman moved to Kansas, where they filed on a claim, but relinquished it in 1881 and returned to Taylor County, residing for some years at New Market. They bought a farm west of Sharpsburg, where they resided until they finally sold the farm and moved to Sharpsburg on account of Mr. Newman's health. They had lived in their present home 22 years.

Besides relatives, Mr. Newman leaves a host of friends and neighbors, who have not only sympathized with him in his affliction, but have learned to love him for his patient forbearance and fortitude, during these long years of suffering.

[PRATHER, BERYL LINCOLN]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, October 23, 1947, [p. 1]

Mrs. Prather Succumbs

Mrs. A. [lbert] B. Prather of east of Bedford died at her home Wednesday afternoon following a long illness. The funeral arrangements have not ben completed. Burial will be in the Hopkins cemetery.

[PRATHER, BERYL LINCOLN]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, October 30, 1947, [p. 1]

Mrs. Prather Buried At Hopkins Friday

Funeral services for Mrs. A. B. Prather, who died at her home east of Bedford Wednesday afternoon, were held Saturday afternoon at the Wetmore Funeral Home, conducted by Rev. George W. Swan. Burial was in the Hopkins cemetery.

Beryl Lincoln, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H. [enry] M. Lincoln, was born March 4, 1886, at Hopkins, Missouri. She was married Jan. 1, 1907 to Albert B.[enton] Prather, being aged 61 years at the time of her death. Her life was united with Christ at the age of 12.

Surviving are the husband, five sons, and one daughter; also her mother, five brothers and one sister. One son and a daughter preceded her in death.

Her life was given in service to others.

[RILEY, ELSIE MAY MADDEN]

Lenox Time Table, Wednesday, July 30, 1997, p. 2

Elsie May Riley--Services were held Saturday, July 19, 1997 at the Salem Church of the Brethren with Rev. Elmer West and Rev. Roy Cook officiating.

Music was provided by Lee West as vocalist and Erma Fuller as pianist.

Casket bearers were Keith Riley, Russell Riley, Harlan Riley, Ray Gaesser, Joel Bovaird, and Dean Bovaird.

Elsie May Riley, daughter of Earl William and Sarah Smith Madden was born on February 12, 1907 in Ringgold County, Iowa and died July 17, 1997 at the Clearview Home in Clearfield, Iowa. Following the death of her mother, before Elsie was four years old, she was raised by her great aunt and Uncle, Harry and Dora Harrison. She attended school in Kent, Iowa and graduated from Lenox High School in 1924. Following her graduation she taught country school in Union County.

On February 22, 1928, she married Raymond Martin Riley, of rural Corning, in Des Moines, Iowa. They built a home on their farm, 2 miles east of Mercer Center, Adams County and lived there until she entered Clearview Home April 1, 1997, following hospitalization for a broken hip. Raymond and Elsie celebrated 58 years of marriage before his death May 22, 1986. She was a member of Salem Church of the Brethren and played piano, for services, for many years at both Salem Church and Mercer Center Church. She was a talented seamstress and spent many hours sewing for her family and churches. Her greatest joy was her grandsons and great grandchildren.

Surviving to honor her memory are her son; Richard (wife Shirley) Riley of Corning, grandson; Russell Riley of Corning and Keith (wife Vicki) Riley of Le Claire, Iowa, 5 great grandchildren, a cousin; Jesse Madden (husband Fred) Thompson of Creston, Iowa and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death are her parents, her uncle and aunt, her husband Raymond, 2 brothers; Ray and Robert Madden and one sister Irma White.

Interment was in the North Fairview Cemetery.

Memorials are directed to the Salem Church of the Brethren.

Larkin & Shelley Funeral Homes was in charge of the arrangements.

[RILEY, RAYMOND MARTIN]

Bedford Times-Press, Wednesday, June 4, 1986

Last rites held for Raymond Riley

Raymond Martin Riley, the son of William Henry and Emma Margaret Schafroth Riley, was born on February 6, 1903 near Mercer Center in Adams County, Iowa; and he entered into rest at the Crest Haven Care Center in Creston, Iowa on May 22, 1986 at the age of 83 years, 3 months and 16 days.

On February 22, 1928 he was united in marriage with Elsie Madden at Des Moines, Iowa. This union was blessed with the birth of one son, Richard.

Raymond farmed all of his life and he took an active part in the operation until his health failed. Raymond and Elsie lived on the same farm near Mercer Center since their marriage.

He was a member of the Salem Church of the Brethren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers: Clarence, Howard and William C. "Pete" Riley; and by a sister, Lillian Sterling.

His family will remember that his greatest joys were his grandsons. He will be greatly missed by his wife, Elsie of Corning; his son, Richard and his wife Shirley of Corning; and by his two grandsons: Russell and wife Mary of Corning; and Keith and wife Vicki of Westfield, Mass. Also surviving are three great grandchildren: Denna, Ryan and Megan.

Funeral services were conducted Monday at 1:30 p.m. at the Salem Church of the Brethren, Rev. Elmer West, the pastor officiated. Erma Fuller was organist, and Lee West and Erma Fuller sang. Interment was in the North Fairview Cemetery at Lenox, Ia.

 [SCOTT, HAZEL ELLEN]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, October 7, 1976

Hazel E. Scott, 65 Last Rites Held October 1

Funeral services for Hazel Ellen Scott, 65, of Sharpsburg, were held October 1 at the United Methodist Church in Sharpsburg with Pastor Karl Watkins officiating. Miss Scott died September 28, 1976 in the Lenox Nursing Home. Interment was at Fairview Cemetery in Lenox.

Hazel Ellen Scott, daughter of Susan Violet and Walter Norton Scott, was born at Wagoner, Oklahoma on April 9, 1911.

When she was a tiny infant they moved back to Taylor County in the Sharpsburg area where she grew to maturity and attended public school.

She belonged to the Methodist Church in Sharpsburg and attended faithfully as long as her health would permit.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father, and twin sister Helen.

Left to cherish her memory are: one sister, Fay Ratliff and husband, Leonard; two brothers, Donald and wife Nellie, Bill and wife Doris; eight nieces; three nephews; a host of other relatives and friends.

She was a kind and considerate sister and will be missed by all who knew her.

[SHIELDS, MINNIE MAY WALKER]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, January 9, 1947, p. 3

Funeral for Mrs Minnie Shields Held Tuesday

Mrs Minnie Shields, 80, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs Frank Ambrose in Gravity, Saturday afternoon. Funeral services were held at the Christian church in Gravity Tuesday afternoon, conducted by Rev Clyde Kelly. Burial was in the Gravity cemetery.

Mrs Shield's husband, Joe, died about 20 years ago. Three children survive, Mrs. Frank Ambrose of Gravity, Lester and Kenneth of Giltner, Nebr.

 

Clarinda Herald Journal, Monday, November 1, 1954, p. 4

Mrs. Minnie Shields

Minnie May Walker, daughter of Amos and Theresa Walker, was born in McDonough County, Ill, March 28, 1874, and died at the home of her daughter, Mrs Frank Ambrose, Sept 25, 1954, at the age of 80 years, five months, 27 days.

When a small girl she moved with her family to Page County, Iowa, living in that county and surrounding territory until 1888.

On March 9, 1888, she was married to Joseph C Shields of Hopeville, Iowa. To them were born three children, Mrs Lena Ambrose of Gravity, Lester Shields, address unknown, Kenneth Shields of Giltner, Nebr.

In 1902 she moved with her family to Gravity and in September 1905 became a member of the Christian church in Gravity.

She is the last of a family of six children. Her husband preceded her in death on March 29, 1933.

She is survived by her daughter and two sons; 16 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren.

Funeral services were conducted from the Christian church in Gravity Sept 29 by Rev Clyde Kelley. Pallbearers were Earl Taylor, W O Fulton, Paul Morris, Kenneth Meyers, Herbert Reeves and Paul Greeley. Music was by Mrs. Vera Gold and Carl Gold, Mrs Claude Gray, accompanist. Burial was in Gravity cemetery.

[STEWART, ANNA MARY MCCONNELL]

GRAVITY

Mrs. Mary Stewart Dies

Mrs. Mary Stewart, 91, mother of Mrs. J. [ames] G. [arfield] Savage, died Saturday at her daughter's home in Des Moines and was brought to Gravity for burial here Monday.

 [STANLEY, FREDERICK L.]

Adams County Free Press (Corning, Iowa), Friday, March 18, 1927, p. 6

Dr. Stanley Dies

Dr. F. [rederick] L. Stanley who for many years was a medical doctor in Nodaway, died at his home near Gravity last Tuesday. Funeral services were held Thursday. After leaving Nodaway a good many years ago he was a specialist in a hospital. For the last few years he has made his home near Gravity with his aged mother, who has been bedfast for the past three years, and with a brother.

[STANLEY, MARY JANE THOMAS]

Adams County Free Press (Corning, Iowa), Thursday, October 10, 1929, p. 2

Mary Jane Stanley

Mary Jane Thomas was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., October 8, 1839 and died at her home north of Gravity August 26, 1929, at the age of 89 years, 10 months and 18 days.

At the age of 8 years she moved to Chicago; from Chicago she moved to Racine, Wisconsin, where she was married to Edgar Stanley, November 16, 1859. In the spring of 1872, they came to Taylor County, which has since been her home.

Mrs. Stanley was the mother of six sons, all of whom with the husband and father have passed on, leaving her all alone in her old age. Her husband died in 1896, her two sons, Frank and Fred, took care of her for several years, and since their death in the last two years she has been cared for by her friends and neighbors.

For the last six years she has been a helpless invalid, which made it doubly sad as she was the only one of the family left, but God in his infinite mercy has promised to never leave us or forsake us if we put our trust in him, and through all her trials and afflictions, she bore up bravely until God saw fit to call her home.

Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 in the Christian church at Gravity, conducted by Rev. W. H. Warrior. Interment was made in the Gravity cemetery.

[STANLEY, WINDSOR R.]

Adams County Free Press (Corning, Iowa), Thursday, March 22, 1900, p. 4

The body of Windsor R. Stanley, a member of Company K who was killed during the war, was returned to his parents at Gravity, arriving last Friday. A military funeral was given the remains, members of Company I, of Bedford, being in attendance.

[STEWART, WILLIAM BURDETTE "BERT"]

Bedford Free Press, Thursday, October 7, 1926, p. 6

GRAVITY

Bert Stewart died last Wednesday forenoon at Sterling, Colorado, where they had moved about six weeks ago in hopes of regaining his health. Mrs. Stewart, the children, and her brother, Roy Hanna, arrived here Friday noon with the body, and it was taken to the Garr Savage home. The funeral was held Sunday afternoon at the Methodist church, with Rev. Warrior, assisted by Rev. Green of the Christian church, in charge. Burial was made in the Gravity cemetery.

Mrs. Zimmerman and family of Des Moines came last Saturday to attend the funeral of her brother, Bert Stewart.

[TAYLOR, AUDREY BELLE]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, April 22, 1943, p. 2

Attend Taylor Rites

Those from out of town attending the funeral of Audrey Belle Taylor, were Mr. and Mrs. Frank Peterson and Jeanie, Mr. and Mrs. Charles McFarland, Aurora Long, Meryel McFarland, Waldo McFarland, and Melva Davis, all of Omaha; Mr. and Mrs. Al Lund of Shenandoah, Icae Algeo of Golden City, Mo.; Anna Algeo of Lebanon, Mo.; Mr. and Mrs. William Sawval of Burlington Junction, Mo.; Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Scherich, Miss Ethel Chambers and Roy Chambers of Bedford.

Obituary – Audrey Belle Taylor

Audrey Belle Taylor was born May 6, 1889 in Gravity, Iowa, and died Friday, April 16, 1943 at the age of 53 years, 11 months and 10 days.

When three years old her father, Frank F. Taylor, one of the first merchants in Gravity, died. She spent her early childhood in Gravity and at the age of nine moved to Des Moines, where she finished her schooling.

When very young she began the study of music under her mother's tutorship and when her parents moved to Pella, Iowa, she entered the Conservatory of Music at Central College. After completing three years' work in two years, she went with her parents to Canada. They were there five years when she was called back by the death of her grandfather, T. J. Davis. She then remained as a companion to her grandmother, until her parents moved again to Des Moines. For several years she divided her time between two places, finally making Gravity her permanent home until her death.

She united with the Methodist church in Gravity at the age of nine and remained a faithful member.

She is survived by her mother, Mrs. Ida Martin; her stepfather, Dr. Chas. Martin; an uncle, Alton Taylor of Sayer, Penn.; a great aunt, Julia Sawval of Shenandoah and several cousins.

[WALKER, ELLIS RAY]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, April 24, 1947, p. 3

GRAVITY

Ray Walker Dies

Funeral Services Thursday Afternoon At the Methodist Church

Ray Walker, 66, of Gravity, who had been ill for several weeks, died Monday morning at his home.

He leaves his wife and two sons, Waite P. of Clarinda and Lewis at home; three daughters, Mrs. Robert Beckett of Washington, D. C., Mrs. Maynard Stogdill of Independence, Kansas and Mrs. Jesse Johnson of Clarinda; one sister, Mrs. Minnie Shields.

The funeral services were held at the Methodist Church Thursday afternoon, conducted by Rev. W. J. Weber. Burial was in the Gravity cemetery.

[WALKER, ELLIS RAY]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, May 15, 1947, p. 8

Obituary – Ray Walker

Funeral services for Ray Walker, who died at his home near Gravity, Monday, April 21, were held at the Methodist church in Gravity, Thursday afternoon conducted by Rev W J Weber. Burial was in the Gravity cemetery.

Else [Ellis] Ray Walker, son of Amos and Theresa Walker, was born near Essex, Iowa, October 29, 1880, being aged 66 years, 4 months and 22 days at the time of his death.

On February 9, 1908, he was married to Miss Nellie Phillips of Gravity. To them were born six children, Darlene Johnson, Clarinda, Leoma Beckett of Washington, D. C., Lewis Walker at home, Waite Walker of Clarinda, Gwendolyn Stogdill of Independence, Kansas and Lura Esther who died in infancy.

He is survived by his wife, five children, one sister and one grandson, Randall Lee Stogdill of Independence, Kansas.

[WALKER, NELLIE PHILLIPS]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, March 26, 1964, [p. 1]

Mrs. Nellie Walker Services Today

Funeral services for Mrs. Nellie Phillips Walker, long-time Taylor County resident, will be held today (Thurs.) at 2:00 p. m. at 708 State Street Shum-Novinger Funeral Home, with Rev. J. Milton Kinney officiating. Mrs. Walker died Monday (March 23) at Immanuel Hospital, Omaha. Burial will be at Washington Cemetery, Gravity.

Lewis Walker of Bedford is a son of Mrs. Walker.

The body may be viewed before the service until 2:00 p. m.

[WALKER, NELLIE PHILLIPS]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, April 2, 1964, p. 5

Nellie Walker Services Here March 26

Funeral services for Mrs. Nellie Phillips Walker held March 26 at 708 State Street Shum-Novinger Funeral Home, were conducted by Rev. J. Milton Kinney, Bedford Methodist minister. Mrs. Walker died March 23 at Immanuel Hospital, Omaha, at the age of 77 years, seven months, 26 days. Interment was at Washington Cemetery, Gravity, Iowa.

Included in the services was the following obituary:

Nellie Phillips Walker, daughter of Lewis and Lucinda Phillips, was born on a arm near Conway, Iowa, July 28, 1886. During her childhood she moved with her parents to a farm near Gravity where she grew to womanhood. At an early age in life she joined the Methodist church, a membership she retained throughout her life.

On Feb. 9, 1908, she was united in marriage to Ellis Ray Walker. To this happy home six children were born, namely, Mrs. Darlene Johnson, Clarinda, Ia., Mrs. Leoma Beckett, Omaha, Nebr., Lewis Walker, Bedford, Ia., Waite Walker, Roswell, New Mexico, Mrs. Gwendolyn Stogdill, Tacoma, Wash., and Lura Esther, who died in infancy.

She is survived by her five children and their families; one sister, Lura Hill; one brother, Fred Phillips, both of Tulsa, Okla.; five grandchildren, Randall Lee and Janet Stogdill, Tacoma, Wash., Dennis Waite and Mary Lyndell Walker of Roswell, New Mexico, and Barbara Ann Beckett, Omaha, Nebr., and a host of friends. May s he rest in peace.

[WINSLOW, DARLENE MAE]

Bedford Times-Press, Wednesday, April 19, 2000

DARLENE M. WINSLOW

Funeral services for Darlene M. [ae] Winslow, 79, of Clearfield were held Saturday, April 15 at Coen-Beaty Funeral Home in Lenox with Rev. Audrey Westendorf officiating. Burial was at North Fairview Cemetery. She died April 13, 2000 at Clearview Home, Clearfield.

Darlene Winslow was born September 10, 1920 northeast of Lenox in Adams County to Roy Edgar Leedom and Edith Hesteranna Roberts [Jenkins].

She married Paul Myron Winslow at Corning on January 29, 1937. She lived all her life in Taylor County.

She was a homemaker and later worked as a C.N.A. at the Lenox Care Center starting in March of 1968.

She attended the Methodist Church in Lenox and was active in United Methodist Women's group.

She is survived by her daughters, Connie Jensen, Lenox, Mary (husband Gail) Matheny, Lenox, Dave (wife Zelda) of Lenox; brothers, Leonard Leedom, Mesquite, Texas, Edward Leedom, Newton, Iowa, and brother-in-law, Gene Dale, Ukiah, Calif.; sister-in-law, Frances Leedom, Ukiah, Calif.; seven grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Paul in October 1976; son-in-law, Ernest Jensen, two sisters-in-law, one brother, Donnie Leedom, two sisters, Helen Dale and Lucille Wynn.

[WISECUP, JASPER NEWTON]

Ogden Reporter (Ogden, Iowa), Thursday, September 2, 1937, [p. 1]

Jasper Wisecup Rites Held At Gravity, Iowa

Was Former Resident of Marcy Township

Following is the obituary of J. N. Wisecup, former Boone County resident, and a brother of G. F. Wisecup of Woodward, Iowa. He succumbed in Gravity, Iowa.

Jasper Newton Wisecup, son of George and Anna Wisecup, was born March 18, 1865 in Marcy Township, Boone County. He passed away on Saturday evening at 6 o'clock, August 21, 1937. Age 72 years, 5 months and 20 days. He moved to Gravity, Iowa, when a young man. He was united in marriage Emma Alvord August 26, 1890. Two children were born to this union, a daughter, Mrs. Mattie McKay, who passed away February 15, 1926, and a son, Fred, of Villisca, Iowa. He leaves besides his wife and son, four grandchildren, Sterling Wisecup, Sharon Wisecup, Mrs. Ben Carmichel, and Miss Bernita McKay, and two great grandchildren, Phyllis and Richard Carmichel. He also leaves three brothers, J. J. Wisecup, Missouri Valley, Iowa, G. F. Wisecup, Longmont, Colo., and one sister, Mrs. Anna Sparks of New Castle, Colo. Several nieces and nephews and a host of friends. He united with the M. E. church in Gravity about 40 years ago, and remained in that faith until his death.

He had been compelled to give up his work about ten years ago on account of ill health and had been bedfast the past four years. He was a hard working man ever thoughtful of his home and family and in his unselfish way, was always ready to help others, was a kind and loving husband and father and a good neighbor.

The funeral services were held on Monday afternoon at the M. E. church in Gravity, Iowa. The minister, Rev. Proctor took his text from I Corinthians, 15th chapter. A short service was held at the home at 1:45 and at the church at 2 o'clock. Pallbearers were Charles Wisecup, Sterling Wisecup, Don Burkhart, Paul Christensen, Ora McKay, and Ben Carmichel. Songs were, "Fade, Fade Each Earthly Joy" and "The City Four Square."

Burial was made in the cemetery close by the church.

Those attending the funeral from a distance: Mr. and Mrs. G. F. Wisecup, Mr. and Mrs. Don Burkhart, Woodward, Iowa, Ora McKay and daughter, Bernita, Woodbine, Iowa, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Christensen, Missouri Valley, Iowa.

[YOUNGBERG, FRANK A.]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, March 16, 1950, p. 2

GRAVITY

Bury Frank Youngberg Here

Frank Youngberg of Kansas was buried here Monday afternoon. Mr. Youngberg lived here several years ago.

[YOUNGBERG, MOLLIE IRENE KEASLING]

Bedford Times-Republican, Thursday, January 29, 1903, p. 3

Passed Away

After a protracted illness, Mrs. Frank Youngberg quietly passed away on the afternoon of the 15th of January 1903.

Mellie [Mollie] Irene Keasling was born April 5, 1882, near Gravity, Taylor County, Iowa. She was the eldest child of Mr. and Mrs. J. [oseph] M. Keasling. Her home has always been in or near Gravity, save for a short time, which she spent in Washington.

In the year of 1899, November 30, she was united in marriage with Mr. Frank Youngberg, of Page County. One child, a daughter, Blanch, has blessed their union, who is still too young to realize her present trial; besides her parents, one sister remains to mourn her death.

Mrs. Youngberg was a good Christian lady whose pleasant and patient ways won her many friends who are left to mourn their loss. She was a kind wife, a tender mother, and bore up bravely under the trial of her sickness. Finally her disease, consumption, conquered her and she quietly passed away, 20 years, 9 months and 10 days of age. In her last sickness she had united with the Presbyterian Church and a funeral services were held at Gravity, conducted by Rev. Marshall.

Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.
[Note: The same obituary was printed in the Bedford Free Press, January 29, 1903, p. 1.]