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

[AKERS, ISA MAY “ICIE”]

Bedford Free Press, Thursday, April 10, 1902, p. 4

Only Gone Before

Icie May Akers was born February 5, 1901 and died April 4, 1902, after about three weeks of sickness. The little one was very patient through her sufferings, taking sick with measles and then pneumonia, which resulted in her death. The funeral services were held at the Methodist church in Gravity Saturday at 3 o’clock, the text used being chosen from James 4:14. “Whereas, ye know not what shall be bon the morrow, for what is your life? It is even a vapor that appeareth for a little time and then vanisheth away.” Those present were reminded of the uncertainty of life and the certainty of death. They were urged to get ready, that they might be prepared with their lamps trimmed and burning when the bridegroom comes.

After the services the little form was laid to rest in the Gravity cemetery to await the glorious resurrection morn, when she shall be transferred to the better world beyond, where sickness and death shall be no more.

We miss thee, little Icie,

  A voice we loved is still.

A place is vacant in the home

  No other one can fill.     E. J. S.
[Note: The first name is spelled Isa on her headstone.]

[ALDERSON, JOSEPH “JOE”]

Bedford Times-Republican, Thursday, March 24, 1904, [p. 1]

Joe Alderson Passes Away

Joe Alderson died this morning at 6:30 at his home near Sharpsburg. He had been sick for a long time, and his death did not come as a surprise. It was caused by typhoid fever. Arrangements for the funeral have not been completed, but it is probably that services will be held at Conway tomorrow.

[ALDERSON, JOSEPH “JOE”]

Bedford Times-Republican, Thursday, March 31, 1904, p. 8

Joseph Alderson was born in Liverpool, England, in 1870, moving with his parents to Cook County, Illinois, in 1872, from which place he came with his parents to Taylor County, in the year 1874, where he has resided until the time of his death.

He died at the home of his parents, David and Frances Alderson, near Sharpsburg, March 22, 1904. The funeral was held in the M. E. church at Sharpsburg, the Rev. C. W. Simmons officiating. The remains were interred at the Gravity cemetery.

Joe was of a kind and generous disposition; his mission seemed to be to help others, and right cheerfully and willingly did he fulfill that mission. He was a dutiful son and a kind and generous brother. He had many friends but not one enemy. He was always kind and obliging toward all, and especially kind to his mother, and helpful and obedient to his father. The floral tributes to his memory were beautiful; a wreath and bouquet of flowers was sent by Mr. G. D. Elyson, cashier of the Marquardt Savings banks, Des Moines, which did not arrive in time for the funeral. A large bouquet of flowers was received from Mr. O. S. Payne, of St. Joseph, Mo., which were also received too late for the funeral.

A large concourse of friends joined with the relatives in paying the last tribute of love and respect to his memory. D. M. Woodfill
[Note: The same obituary was printed in the Bedford Free Press, March 31, 1904, page 4.]

 

[ALLEN, HARRISON TALMAGE “HARRY”]

Clarinda Herald Journal, Thursday, November 24, 1955, p. 3

Brother of Oak Hill Resident Buried In Gravity Cemetery

Oak Hill, Nov 22---Harry Allen of Bedford, brother of Merle Allen, died Thursday p m. Funeral services were held in Bedford with interment at Gravity. His sisters, Mrs. Darlene Betz of Des Moines, Mrs. Minnie Wilson and Miss Theodosia Allen of Grimes attended the services.

[ALLEN, HARRISON TALMAGE “HARRY”]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, November 24, 1955, p. 5

Harrison Talmage Allen, son of Robert R. [andolph] and Clara Miriam Allen, was born near Cresco, Iowa, Oct. 11, 1891 and died Nov. 16, 1955, at the age of 64 years, one month, five days.

He was preceded in death by his father, mother and sister, Mrs. Maude Thompson.

Those left to mourn are four sisters, Mrs. Grace Posey of Helena, Mont., Theodosia Allen and Mrs. Minnie Wilson of Grimes, Mrs. Darlene Betz of Des Moines; two brothers, Merle Allen of Gravity, Cecil Allen of Osceola.

Harry, as he was always called, moved with his parents to Taylor County, to a farm northwest of Gravity in December 1904. Here he engaged in farming with his father until he was called to the State Hospital. He was of a quiet, unassuming nature, always ready to lend a helping hand.

Funeral services were held at the Shum Funeral Home, Saturday, Nov. 19, conducted by Rev. Clyde Kelley of Gravity. Burial in Washington cemetery at Gravity.

 

[ALVORD, GEORGE WASHINGTON]

Bedford Free Press, Tuesday, September 19, 1916, p. 3

Gravity

George W. [ashington] Alvord died at a hospital in Clarinda Thursday of last week, following an operation for appendicitis. The funeral services were held at the Methodist Episcopal church Sunday afternoon, conducted by Rev. C. W. Proctor. Interment was made in the Gravity cemetery. He is survived by his wife and one daughter, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Alvord, and two brothers and two sisters.

[ALVORD, GEORGE WASHINGTON]
Bedford Times-Republican (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, September 14, 1916
GRAVITY – George Alvord died Wednesday evening at Killingsworth hospital in Clarinda. Funeral services were held here Sunday at 3 p. m., conducted by Rev. Proctor, assisted by Rev. Mueller. Interment at Gravity cemetery.
Charles Alvord was called to Clarinda Wednesday evening on account of the serious illness of his brother.

[ALVORD, JOHN]

Bedford Times-Republican, Thursday, December 30, 1915, p. 8

Gravity

Funeral services of John Alvord were held Friday morning at the Methodist Episcopal church at 10 o’clock conducted by Rev. C. W. Proctor. Interment at Gravity cemetery.

[ALVORD, LUCINDA CHURCHILL]

Bedford Times-Republican, Thursday, October 3, 1907, p. 3

Obituary – Mrs. Lucinda Churchill Alword [Alvord] was born in Lake County, Ohio, May 10, 1824. On January 1st, 1844 she was married to Elbridge Alword [Alvord] who proceeded her to the better land March 31, 1901. To this union were given nine children, five boys and four girls. Three of this number have already crossed the Jordan of death. Three boys living are Seth of New Market, and Albert and John of Gravity. The girls are Mrs. Martha Baker of New Market, Mrs. Serena Baker of Holt and Mrs. Emma Wisecup of Gravity.

Sister Alword [Alvord] had 20 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren. She has one brother, Samuel Churchill of Gravity who is the only member of the original Churchill family.

In 1856 she moved with her family to Illinois, thence in 1865 to Taylor County, Iowa and four years later settled on the farm 2 miles north of Gravity where she continued to reside till 1903 when she moved to Gravity the place of her death, which occurred on the 12th of Sept. 1907 being 82 years, 4 months and 2 days old and having lived in Taylor County 42 years, coming here when the county was new and thinly settled, shared in the privations and hardships common to a new country and the making of a new home with but little financial means for support, but always manifested a disposition of industry and economy and was highly respected and loved by all who knew her. She was a kind neighbor, a loving mother and companion, a trustworthy friend and a faithful Christian, having been a follower of the meek and lowly Master for about 60 years, although for many years her health has been such she has not gone from home but little. In the years gone by, I have spent many moments in her home enjoying its hospitality both socially and religiously; but those days are gone never to return again, only to be cherished in sacred memory---“She hath done what she could.”

The funeral services were conducted by the writer and D. F. Sellards at the Christian church on the following Saturday at 10 o’clock a. m., using as a text Ps. 55:6, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove for then I could fly away and be at rest.”

The remains were laid to rest in the Gravity cemetery.     W. L. Dunlavy

[ALVORD, LUCINDA CHURCHILL]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, Thursday, September 26, 1907
GRAVITY – Grandma Alvord died Thursday Sept. 12, at her home in the south part of town, after an illness of only a short duration. She was the mother of nine children, six of whom are still living to mourn her loss. Three children have preceded her to that great beyond. Funeral services were held at the Christian church, conducted by Rev. Dunlavy. The remains were laid to rest in the Gravity cemetery.

[ANDERSON, DELLA MAY MORRISON]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, February 1975

Della Anderson, 91, Last Rites Held February 5

Funeral services for Mrs. Jimmie K. (Della) Anderson, 91, of Bedford, formerly of Gravity, were held Wed., Feb. 5, at Shum-Novinger Funeral Home in Bedford with Rev. C. Ray McCain officiating. Mrs. Anderson died February 3, 1975 at Colonial Manor here. Interment was at Washington Cemetery, Gravity.

Her survivors include two daughters, Lois Scane of Bedford and Irma M. Perkins of Council Bluffs, Ia., and one son, Leslie David Anderson, of Gravity.

[ANDERSON, IAMBE LAMASTER]

Taylor County Democrat, Thursday, January 17, 1895, p. 4

Rev. J. C. Lewis went to Gravity Saturday to hold funeral services over the remains of Mrs. Anderson, who died on Thursday evening.

[ANDERSON, JAMES K. “JIM”]

Bedford Free Press, Thursday, October 21, 1926, p. 6

GRAVITY

Jim Anderson who has had poor health for over a year, passed away Monday forenoon at his home. Funeral was held Tuesday afternoon at the church of Christ, of which he was a member. Rev. Burkhart, a former pastor here, but now of Leon had charge of the services.

[ANDERSON, JAMES K. “JIM”]

Clarinda Herald, Thursday, October 21, 1926, p. 7

Jim Anderson

Jim Anderson died at his home in Gravity Monday morning the funeral being held at 2:30 Tuesday afternoon in Gravity from the Christian church, Rev. Brookhart, a former pastor at Gravity, having charge and Rev. Greene assisting. At the time of his death he was aged 43 years, 6 months and 14 days. He has one brother, Jess, who is of his vicinity, and a number of half brothers and sisters. He leaves a wife and four children.

[ANDERSON, OLIVE MORGAN]

Clarinda Herald Journal, Monday, November 13, 1944, p. 6

Mrs. Anderson Funeral Wed.

The funeral of Mrs. Olive Anderson of Gravity will be held Wednesday afternoon at 2:00 at the Methodist church in Gravity. Mrs. Anderson was a former resident of Clarinda. She is the mother of Gladys and Beatrice Anderson who are well known in Clarinda.

[ANDERSON, OLIVE MORGAN]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, November 16, 1944, p. 8

GRAVITY

Former Resident Dies

Mrs. Olive Anderson did at her home in Waterloo, Iowa, Sunday. The body was brought to Gravity where funeral services were held at the Methodist church Wednesday afternoon. Burial was in the Gravity cemetery. She is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Frank Marshall of Bedford and Mrs. Sarah Martin of Gravity; two brothers, Cecil Morgan and Joe Morgan, both of Gravity.

[ANDERSON, VIRGIL THOMAS]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, February 20, 1969, p. 5

Virgil Anderson Rites Held Here Monday, Feb. 17

Funeral services for Virgil Thomas Anderson, 60, lifetime Taylor County resident, were held February 17 at Shum-Novinger Funeral Home in Bedford, conducted by Rev. John D. Kerr. Mr. Anderson died February 14, 1969 at University Hospitals in Iowa City. Interment was at Washington Cemetery, Gravity.

Virgil Thomas Anderson was born in Taylor County on April 5, 1908. He was the second child of Jimmie K. and Della Morrison Anderson.

Virgil attended country school and graduated from Gravity High School in 1928.

He was preceded in death by his father on October 18, 1926.

He leaves with memories his mother; one brother, Leslie, and wife Lavora, of Gravity; sister: Irma Perkins and husband, William, of Council Bluffs; Lois Scane and husband, Ben, of Bedford; uncles, aunts, nieces; nephews and cousins.

 

[AMES, EUGENE HARRISON]

Clarinda Herald Journal, Thursday, May 22, 1947, p. 3

Mrs. Cliff Allison received word of the death of her stepfather, Eugene Ames of Redlands, Calif. last week.

 

[ANDERSON, MAUDE GERTRUDE GILMORE BRAND DUTTON]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, September 11, 1975

Maude Anderson, 93 Last Rites Held September 10

Funeral services for Mrs. John (Maude) Anderson, 93, of Gravity, were held Wed., Sept. 10 at Shum-Novinger Funeral Home in Bedford with Rev. Carl Hoff officiating. Mrs. Anderson died at Colonial Manor, Corning, September 6, 1975. Interment was at Washington Cemetery, Gravity.

Maude Gertrude Gilmore Anderson, daughter of John and Emma Gilmore, was born August 2, 1882.

She was born in Buchanan County, Iowa, on a farm in Middle Township County. Her parents moved to Taylor County when she was three years old. She spent most of her life in Taylor County with the exception of 11 years where she resided in St. Paul, Nebraska.

On December 28, 1904, she was united in marriage to Samuel Brand of Gravity, Iowa. To this union three children were horn: Mrs. George (Irene) Wyant of Cook, Washington, Mrs. John (Beulah) Houston, of Hopkins, Mo., and one son, Carl Brand, of Sharpsburg, Iowa.

Her husband, Samuel Brand, preceded her in death January 1, 1914. She also leaves one sister, Mrs. Jessie McCracken of Santa Rosa, Calif., 14 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren.

On September 7, 1925 she was united in marriage to Elmer Dutton, Gravity, Iowa, who preceded her in death February 20, 1949. She leaves two stepdaughters, Mrs. Forest (Letha) Poston, Gravity, and Mrs. L. L. (Ruth) Leighton, of Cook, Wash.

On April 4, 1950, she was married to John Anderson of Waterville, Kansas, who preceded her in death January 19, 1955.

At the age of 12 she was united with the Presbyterian Church of Sharpsburg, Iowa, and was a charter member of this church.

She attended rural school west of Sharpsburg and pursued higher education at the Normal College, Shenandoah, Iowa.

She was preceded in death by her parents and three brothers; Charles, who died in infancy, and Paul and Robert Gilmore.

Besides the immediate family, she leaves two sons-in-law, George Wyant, John Houston; one   daughter-in-law, Verlene Brand, and a host of relatives and friends.

 

[ARGO, DORA BELL BENDER]

Blockton News, Thursday, February 26, 1914, [p. 1]

Obituary – Dora [Bell] Bender Argo, daughter of Gottlieb and Frederica Bender, was born June 18th, 1876, in Ringgold County, Iowa, and died February 11th, 1914 at 12:45 a. m., aged 37 years, 7 months and 23 days.

She was united in marriage to David Argo January 12th, 1898. She became a member of the Highland Methodist Episcopal church in 1897 and remained a consistent Christian until called by death. Her parents preceded her to the better land.

She leaves a husband, eight brothers and a sister to mourn her loss, all of whom reside in this community, being at her bedside when death claimed the body, except J. J. Goodman, Poplar, Montana, and W. E. Bender, of Deming, Washington. She leaves, beside a large number of relatives, a host of friends.

Funeral services were conducted from the Grant Center church Thursday afternoon by Rev. Chas. M. Edmonson, of the Diagonal M. E. church. Interment was made at the Bethel cemetery. ---Diagonal Progress.

[ARGO, DORA BELL BENDER]
Blockton News (Blockton, Iowa), Thursday, February 23, 1939
Twenty-Five Years Ago – Mrs. David Argo died at her home near Diagonal on Feb. 11, at the age of 37 years.

[ARGO, DORA BELL BENDER]
February 17, 1914
CONWAY – Miss Cora Nickols went to Clearfield Tuesday to attend the funeral of her aunt, Mrs. Argo.

 

[AVEY, THOMAS CAZEL]

Blockton News, Thursday, January 12, 1922, [p. 1]

Obituary – Thomas C. [azel] Avey, son of Joseph and Sarah (Cazel) Avey, was born in Clermont County, Ohio, March 26, 1847, and passed away quite suddenly at his home in Kansas City January 6, 1922, aged 74 years, 9 months and 10 days.

The deceased was never married and left his native state for the west some two score years ago and spent time in California. Later he made his home at different times at the home of his brother, James A. Avey, at this place. He had been a resident of Kansas City for many years and for a number of years was an employee of Swift & Co. in that city.

He was one of six brothers and three sisters. Two brothers---John Wesley Avey and Joseph Harvey Avey, and one sister, Susan Avey---having preceded him in death. The brothers and sisters living are Mrs. Mary Cross, of Mount Carmel, Ohio; James A. Avey, of Blockton, Iowa; Mrs. George Curry, of New Richmond, Ohio; William Avey, of Olive Branch, Ohio; George Avey, of Sacramento, California, and Charles Avey, of Delhi, Cincinnati, Ohio.

Joseph A. Avey, a nephew of the deceased, accompanied by H. O. Mumma, went to Kansas City Sunday morning and completed arrangements for sending the remains to the old home of the family near Cincinnati, Ohio, where funeral services were held and interment was made in the family burial grounds in the Olive Branch cemetery.

 

[BRUSHA, JACOB]

Bedford Times-Republican, Thursday, April 18, 1912, p. 8

Gravity

J. [acob] M. [arion] Brusha was called to Nishnabotna, Mo. last week on account of the death of his father. He returned home Tuesday.

[BURKE, OLIVE MELVINA STRODE]

Taylor County Herald, Thursday, November 5, 1942, p. 6

Olive Melvina Burke

Olive Melvina Strode was born at Galesburg, Ill., on October 3, 1861, and passed away at her home northwest of Yates Center, Kan., Tuesday, Oct. 20, 1942, at about 1:20 p. m. Her age was 81 years and 17 days. About 40 years ago, she lived near Gravity.

She was the daughter of William W. Strode and Rachel Wimmer Strode. On January 30, 1880 [1881]  she was united in marriage to Harvey H. [umphrey] Burke. To this union were born two sons and five daughters. One son and two daughters preceding their mother in death.

She leaves to mourn her going in addition to her husband, one sister, Mrs. Alice Brown, New Market, Iowa; three daughters, Mrs. W. A. Stout of Elm Springs, Ark., Mrs. A. E. Stout of Ponca City, Okla., and Mrs. I. R. Craig of Cleveland, Kan., one son Roy Burke of Yates Center. There are 16 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

Mrs. Burke was a devoted wife, a loving mother, and a good neighbor. She was a member of the Seventh Day Adventist church and formerly a member of the Christian church at Polo, Okla.

She believed strongly in scriptures---Holy Word of God---and had a habit of reading the Bible daily.

Funeral services in her memory were held Thursday afternoon October 22 from the Christian church in Yates Center with Rev. R. N. Towry in charge. Burial in Yates Center cemetery.

[BURWELL, ELMER MADILLE]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, July 15, 1943, p. 2

Obituary –Elmer Burwell

Elmer Madille, one of nine children born to Sarah and Joseph Burwell, was born in Crawford County, Ohio, February 2, 1863.

When three years of age he moved with his parents to Linn County, Iowa and after a year there they moved to Page County, where he grew to manhood.

He was married to Miss Kittie R. Eby October 16, 1887 and the same year they moved to [?] county. In 1888 they moved to Taylor County, which has since been their home. An only child, a daughter, now Mrs. Orpha Lock of Cheyenne, Wyo., was born to them.

Mr. Burwell was a kind and loving husband, father and friend, deeply devoted to his associates, industrious and neighborly. He was a member of the Methodist church.

He had been ill the past seven weeks and died Monday July 7, 1943 at the age of 80 years, 4 months and 24 days. He was preceded in death by two sisters and a brother.

He is survived by his wife and daughter, two sisters, Mrs. Ida Heninger of College Springs and Mrs. June Heninger of Gravity; three brothers, W. L. Burwell and J. [ohn] O. [rlando] Burwell of Clarinda and C. [larence] A. [lden] Burwell of Gravity; 3 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren.

The funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at the Methodist church, conducted by Rev. Z. M. Bressler. Burial was in the Washington cemetery.

Attend Burwell Rites

Those from a distance attending the funeral services for Elmer Burwell Tuesday afternoon were L. W. Burwell and wife, J. O. Burwell and wife, Earl Burwell and family, Horace Burwell and wife, Anne [?] and family of Clarinda, [?] and wife of Creston.

[BURWELL, KITTIE ROZELLE EBY]

 Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, March 18, 1948, p. 10

Hold Last Rites For Gravity Lady

Mrs. Kittie Burwell, wife of the late Elmer Burwell of Gravity, died Tuesday, March 16.

The funeral services were held at the Methodist church in Gravity, this afternoon at 2 o’clock, conducted by Rev. W. J. Weber. Burial was in the Gravity afternoon.

 

[BARKLEY, ARTHUR “ART”]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, January 28, 1954, p. 8

Art Barkley Dies

Art Barkley, a resident of this community for many years, died at his home here Wednesday evening. Funeral services were held here Friday afternoon, with burial in Gravity cemetery.

[BARKLEY, MARTHA ANN BROCK]

Bedford Times-Republican, Thursday, February 12, 1914, p. 8

Gravity

Mrs. William Barkley suffered a stroke of paralysis Friday and died at her home here Tuesday morning.

[BARKLEY, MARTHA ANN BROCK]

Bedford Free Press, Tuesday, February 24, 1914, p. 4

Mrs. William S. [hields] Barkley, whose maiden name was Martha Ann Brock, died at her home near Gravity recently. She was an old settler of the county, having united with the Baptist church at Bedford in 1856.

[BROWN, MAUD TOLER]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, May 14, 1936, p. 3

Mrs. N. T. Brown Dies

Funeral Services Held Tuesday May 7

Mrs. N. T. Brown, 68, died at her home in Gravity, Sunday, May 3.

The funeral service was held in the Methodist church Tuesday afternoon, May 5, conducted by Rev. Mr. Nixon and assisted by Rev. W. H. Warrior of Blockton.

Maud, daughter of Robert and Mary Toler, was born at Ainsworth, Iowa, March 15, 1868.

She was the second child in a family of five, three sisters, Jessie E., Eva May, Marion Smith and one brother, Charles Sumner Toler.

At the age of fourteen years she came with her parents to Taylor County and with the exception of a few years spent in Shenandoah, she resided in the vicinity of Gravity the remainder of her lifetime.

On March 14, 1889 she was married to Newton T. Brown. To this union two sons were born, Carl C. and Jesse Toler Brown. The youngest preceded her in death at the age of five years.

She leaves to mourn her passing, her husband, one son Carl C. of San Antonio, Texas, two sisters, Mrs. Jessie Aird of Omaha and Mrs. Eva Bennett of Faywood, New Mexico.

Mrs. Brown was a member of the Baptist church of Gravity and after its discontinuation she was an active worker in the Methodist church of this place. Her voice and winning personality will long be a treasured memory. She was also a member of the Eastern Star and the Royal Neighbors.

[BROWN, NEWTON T. “NEWT”]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, May 6, 1937, p. 7

N. T. Brown Dies

Was Former Merchant In Gravity---also Mayor

N. T. Brown, 74, died at the hospital in Clarinda Friday, April 23.

The funeral services were held the following Sunday afternoon in the Methodist church conducted by the Rev. A. J. Bissinger, pastor of the church. Interment was in the Gravity cemetery.

Newton T. Brown, son of Stillman and Hannah M. [aria] Brown was born near Gravity in Taylor County, Iowa, May 11, 1862.

March 14, 1889 he was married to Miss Maud Toler of Ladoga, Iowa. To this union two sons were born: Carl C. and Jesse.

In early life he was a successful teacher and later the family moved from the farm in Taylor County to Shenandoah, where Mr. Brown engaged in the Real Estate business. While living in Shenandoah he united with the Baptist church.

In 1917 he moved back to a farm near Gravity, later moving into town where he and his wife operated the Economy Store. It was during a part of this time that he served as mayor of Gravity.

Failing health caused them to close the store. Mrs. Brown died a few months ago.

Besides the son, Carl C. of San Antonio, Texas, he leaves three sisters and two brothers; Mrs. H. N. Ray and Jay Brown of Gravity; Mrs. Bert Sinsel, Mrs. Neva Sparks and Clark G. Brown, all of Buffalo, Wyo.

[BROWN, RESSIE ALMINA SELDERS]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, November 11, 1982

Last Rites Held November 9 For Ressie Brown, 97

Funeral services for Mrs. Elmer S. (Ressie Almina) Brown, 97, of Gravity, were held November 9 in Shum-Novinger Funeral Home in Bedford officiated by Rev. Carl Cummings. Mrs. Brown died November 5, 1982 in Bethesda Care Center in Clarinda. Interment was at Washington Cemetery, Gravity, Iowa.

Ressie Almina Brown, the youngest daughter of George and Ann Graves Selders, was born May 6, 1885 near Delphos, Ottawa County, Kansas. In 1895, Ressie moved with her family to Wyoming, Illinois and in 1900 to Taylor County, Iowa, which she called home for the rest of her life.

On June 19, 1906, Ressie and Elmer S. [tevenson] Brown were united in marriage in Gravity, Iowa. To this union were born Helen Marie and Carol Erdine.

Mrs. Brown was one of the oldest long-standing members of the Gravity Methodist Church where she had been active in the Sunday school, Ladies' Societies and served as Communion Steward. Many people knew her for excellent ability with custom sewing and handwork.

She was preceded in death by her husband, who died October 9, 1950, the parents, three sisters: Kate Heginbotham, Hila Arnold, Jessie Pry and a half-brother, T.R. Selders.

Surviving are daughters Mrs. Lloyd (Helen) Tysdal of Lebanon, Oregon; Mrs. Meredith (Carol) Walker of Fairfield Bay, Arkansas; five grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Mrs. Grace Selders of Lenox, Iowa; nieces and nephews. 

[BUCHER, LUCINDA K. BELL]

Bedford Times-Republican, Thursday, November 13, 1913, p. 5

Gravity

Mrs. Thomas Bucher died Friday, at Webb City, Mo. The remains were brought back here Monday and the funeral services were held Tuesday at 2 p. m. at the Christian church, conducted by Rev. Wade and assisted by Rev. W. L. Dunlavy. Interment at Gravity cemetery.

[BUCHER, THOMAS WESLEY]

Bedford Free Press, Tuesday, February 3, 1914, p. 3

Thomas W. [esley] Bucher, an old and highly respected citizen of the vicinity of Gravity, died recently at the home of a daughter in Arkansas. The remains were brought to Gravity for interment.

[BUCHER, THOMAS WESLEY]

Bedford Times-Republican, Thursday, January 29, 1914, p. 8

Gravity

Thomas Bucher died Thursday at the home of his daughter in Arkansas. The remains were brought back here, arriving Friday evening. Funeral services were held Saturday at the Christian church at 2 p. m. conducted by Rev. I. E. Wade, assisted by Rev. W. L. Dunlavy. Interment was made in the Gravity cemetery.

[BUCHER, THOMAS WESLEY]             [HAY, JOHN]
Fayetteville Daily (Fayetteville, Arkansas), Friday, January 23, 1914
Undertaker Frank Moore went to Prairie Grove yesterday where he embalmed the body of a man by the name of T. D. Bucher, age 76, and also one at Springdale by the name of John Hay, age 89. Both bodies were shipped to Taylor county Iowa for interment.

[BURROWS, CLYDE LESLIE]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, October 19, 1950, p. 6

Report Death of Clyde Burrows In Des Moines

Conway—Clyde Burrows, brother of Mrs. Nelle Davis, died in Des Moines Saturday morning. He was buried in the Gravity cemetery Monday. Mr. Burrows is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Ross Smith of Clarinda, Mrs. Nelle Davis of Conway, and a brother, Glen K. Burrows of Des Moines.

[BURROWS, CLYDE LESLIE]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, November 2, 1950, p. 5

Clyde L. Burrows

Clyde Leslie Burrows, son of Mary B. [elle] and Theodore A. [lfred] Burrows, was born in Henry County, Iowa, March 28, 1881, and died at the Veterans hospital in Des Moines, Oct. 13, 1950, at the age of 69 years, six months and 15 days.

When a small child, he moved with his parents to Taylor County where he entered and finished the schools at Conway. After graduation he taught in the schools there for several years and in the year 1901, became associated with the pharmacy department of Highland Park college, where he worked until he enlisted in army during World War I.

After his discharge, he engaged in real estate and insurance work and was active in these fields even after his health failed.

At an early age he united with the First Methodist church in Conway.

Surviving are one brother, Glen K. Burrows of Des Moines, two sisters, Mrs. Nelle Davis of Conway and Mrs. Sue Smith of Clarinda, a nephew and two nieces.

[BURROWS, MARY BELLE KEITH]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, October 25, 1945, p. 2

Obituary – Mrs. Belle Burrows

Mary Belle Keith was born near Mount Pleasant, Iowa, January 13, 1857, the daughter of John Wesley and Sue Ellen Keith. Her girlhood boys were spent there.

On January 3, 1879 she was married to Theodore A. [lfred] Burrows. To them were born four children, Clyde L. [eslie] and Glenn K. [eith] of Des Moines, Nelle B. Davis of Conway and Sue Smith of Clarinda.

She moved to Taylor County in 1886 and resided there until her death on October 5, 1945.

She united with the Finley M. E. church when a young girl and was a faithful Christian throughout her life.

Besides her family she is survived by one grandson, Max E. Smith of Knoxville; one granddaughter, Sheryl Ann Burrows of Des Moines; one great granddaughter, Ch[e]ryl Lynne Smith of Knoxville.

Her main interests were always her home and family and though she had been in failing health for seven years, she bore it patiently and was a good patient to the last.

Funeral services were held at the Methodist church in Conway Monday afternoon, October 8, Rev. C. W. Proctor officiating. Burial was at Gravity.

[BURWELL, ALONZO WILLIAM]

Clarinda Herald, Monday, July 21, 1924, p. 8

Alonzo W. Burwell

Alonzo W. [illiam] Burwell, son of Joseph and Sarah Burwell, was born in Crawford County, Ohio, Nov. 15, 1857, and died at his home near Gravity, at 12 o’clock, July 8, 1924. When a child he moved with his parents to Clarinda, where he grew to manhood. In Feb. 1880, he was married to Ellen Heninger. To this union were born two children, Mrs. Pearl Moreland of Albany, Oregon, and Vernon of Bakersfield, Calif.

In 1903 he, with his family, moved to Boise, Idaho. In 1908 he came back to Iowa, and located on a farm near Gravity, where he spent the remainder of his life.

He was converted in 1894 and united with the United Presbyterian church at Clarinda, where he was a faithful member until he moved to Gravity, where he united with the Methodist Episcopal church.

He leaves to mourn their loss his devoted wife, two children, six grandchildren, eight brothers and sisters and other relatives and friends.

The funeral was held from the home July 10, 1924, conducted by the pastor, Rev. J. R. Nichols. Interment was made in the Gravity cemetery.

 

[BOWNES, BESSIE NOAME]

Blockton News, Thursday, May 6, 1915, p. 5

Bessie Noame Bownes, infant child of Frank and Fannie Bownes, was born April 27th, 1915, and died May 2d. Funeral services were held at the home, 3 miles northwest of Blockton, Tuesday at 10 a. m., conducted by Rev. Wm. Mercer and Rev. S. M. Zike. Interment was made in Forest Grove cemetery, 6 miles southwest of Platteville. The bereft parents have the sympathy of all.

[BRUMFIELD, VOLLEY]

Blockton News, Thursday, November 11, 1915, p. 8

Obituary – Volley Brumfield, son of W. [illiam] W. [ilbur] and Lucy Brumfield, was born in Taylor County, Iowa, January 1, 1903, and died at his home near Isadora, Missouri, November 4, 1915, aged 12 years, 10 months and 3 days.

He leaves to mourn his departure his father and mother, three brothers---J.[ames] H. [erbert] Brumfield, of near Blockton, and Fred and Verne Brumfield, who are at home, and five sisters---Mrs. E. T. Schneller, of Palisade, Colorado; Mrs. C. N. Florea, of Gaynor City, Missouri, and Effie, Maggie and Zona, who are at home, besides many other relatives and friends.

The funeral services were conducted from the Isadora Church of Christ November 6th, by Challie E. Graham, pastor of the same, and assisted by Bro. Chas. D. Priest, pastor of the Church of Christ at Blockton, after which the remains were laid to rest in the Sheridan, Missouri, cemetery.

The bereaved ones have the sympathy of their many friends in this hour of sorrow. May they realize that they have a precious jewel in heaven and prepare to meet him there at the close of the journey of life.

 

[BUCKNER, LAURINE WALKER]

Bedford Times-Press, Wednesday, July 30, 1986

Laurine Walker Buckner, daughter of William P. Walker and Mary Anderson Walker, was born at Morning Sun, Iowa on April 19, 1890 and departed this life July 15, 1986 at Hemet, California at the age of 96 years, 2 months and 26 days.

She grew to maturity in the Morning Sun area where she attended the public school and the Methodist Church.

On June 7, 1911 she was united marriage to O. [zro] M. [artell] Buckner at Lenox, Iowa and they resided in Lenox for a few years prior to moving to Gravity, Iowa where they resided for about 40 years. During this time her husband, O. M. Buckner, was a rural mail carrier.

To this union two children were born: Richard and Ralph.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, four sisters and two brothers.

Left to cherish her memory are the two sons: Richard Buckner of San Jacinto, California and Ralph Buckner and his wife Martha of Mt. Dora, Florida; three grandchildren--Gretta Touminen of Hemet, California; Barbara Mercer of San Diego, California and Mike Buckner of Palm Beach, Florida; six great-grandchildren, other relatives and friends.

She had resided in Humboldt, Iowa until seven years ago when she moved to California to be near her son and family.

She was a member of the Gravity United Methodist Church, and had been active in the Ladies� Aid and the Gravity Study Club.

She will be remembered as a kind and considerate loved one and will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

 

[BURRIGHT, SANDRA JEAN]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, April 17, 1947, p. 9

Burright Baby Dies

A daughter was born Sunday, April 13, to Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Burright of Gravity at a Villisca nursing home and died three hours after birth. Short services were held Monday in Villisca, conducted by Rev C W Proctor. Burial was in the Gravity cemetery.

 

[BABSON, HENRY PIERCE]

Blockton News, Thursday, November 6, 1913, p. 5

The following from Rhode Island papers alludes to the death of a brother of our deceased townsman, J. [ames] E. [dward] Babson, and will interest relatives and friends of the family here: "Henry Pierce Babson, a Civil War veteran and well known resident of Norwood, died yesterday at his home, 1937 Elmwood Avenue, after a long and painful illness. Mr. Babson was 73 years old and had been engaged in the sale of horse remedies for the past thirty years in this city. He was born in Riverport and was the son of the late General Isaac N. and Esther Babson. For many years he was proprietor of general stores in Coventry Center, Washington and Hope Village and later became a traveling salesman. He served as sergeant during the war in company F, Rhode Island volunteers. He was married three times, the last in 1885.The funeral was held at the home, Rev. Robert T. True, pastor of the Norwood Baptist church conducting the service with prayer and scripture. The house was filled with relatives from the city and state. Several civic societies took part in the funeral obsequies.

[BRUMFIELD, BURREL]

Blockton News, Thursday, March 12, 1914, p. 5

Obituary – Burrell [Burrel] Brumfield was born in Lawrence County, Ohio, July 23d, 1835, and died at the home of his son, W. W. Brumfield, about one mile southwest of Isadora, Missouri, March 4th, 1914, aged 78 years, 7 months and 1 day.

In 1851 he was married to Margaret Massie, in Ohio. They moved from Ohio to Kansas and from Kansas to Worth County, Missouri, where they have since resided.

To them were born ten children, nine of whom are living. One, Mrs. Nancy Mull, died several years ago. Those living are Mrs. Almyra Gardner of Wash.; Mrs. Lucinda Dowie [Dowis], W. [illiam] W. [ilbur] Brumfield, Mrs. Mary E. White, Joseph Brumfield, Melvin J. Brumfield, George Brumfield, Robert L. Brumfield and Mrs. Abbey E. Goff, who reside in the vicinity. His wife preceded him September 24th, 1907.

The funeral services were conducted from the home of W. W. Brumfield, March 6th, 1914, by Challie E. Graham after which the remains were laid beside those of his wife in Luteson [Luteston] cemetery.

The family and relatives have the sympathy of their many friends. We commend them to the loving care and guidance of the great Friend who will never leave nor forsake them, and whose footprints lead to the sunlit hills of the deathless land.

[BRUMFIELD, BURREL]
Blockton News (Blockton, Iowa), Thursday, March 12, 1914
Grandpa Brumfield fell dead Thursday at the home of his son, William, near Isadora. Funeral services Friday at the home by Challie E. Graham. The remains were laid to rest in the Luteson cemetery, northwest of Sheridan. The bereaved ones have the sympathy of all.

 

[BAKER, ANNA M.]

Clearfield Enterprise, Thursday, August 21, 1908, p. 6

Obituary – Mrs. Anna M. Baker, wife of John W. Baker, was born in Washington County, Iowa, Aug. 14, 1842 and died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. R. Metters, in Clearfield, August 14, 1908, aged 66 years.

She lived in Iowa with her parents until the death of her father, when the family returned to Pennsylvania.

She was united in marriage to John W. Baker October 9, 1870. To this union two children were born, both dying in infancy.

Mrs. Baker united with the Baptist church forty-nine years ago. Although she suffered much pain during the past year, she bore it all with Christian fortitude. The funeral services were held at the Baptist church Sunday afternoon conducted by Rev. Sloan, assisted by Rev. Reynolds. The remains were laid to rest in the Rising Sun Cemetery.

[BASH, JAMES CASPER]

Blockton News, Thursday, March 10, 1927, p. 5

James Bash Dead

F. [rancis] M. [arion] Burton and wife received a message Friday evening that their son-in-law, James Bash, had passed away at his home in Kansas City that afternoon about 4:30. Mrs. Bash was formerly Miss Della Burton. Mr. Bash leaves three children---Mrs. Ordetta Shirley and Lawrence and Hoyt Bash. He had been ill for about six weeks and grew gradually worse following an attack of pneumonia. The funeral services were held in Kansas City Monday forenoon. Mrs. Lloyd Ramsay, of Nichols, and Mrs. Eva Baity, of Omaha, sisters of Mrs. Bash, are in Kansas City, with the bereaved family, as well as Mrs. Bash’s brother, Ed. Burton, who is a resident of Kansas City.