Obituaries |
submitted by: Julia Johnson - julia.johnson63@gmail.com |
[BOWERS, ELI LUARK] Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, August 21, 1941, p. 3 Obituary – E. L. Bowers Eli Lienark [Luark] Bowers, son of Solomon and Anna Bowers, was born near Mount Morris, Penn., Jan. 16, 1855, and died at his home near Conway Monday, August 11, 1941 at the age of 86 years, 6 months and 26 days. He grew to manhood in the county of his birth, where he was married to Sarah Adeline Russell on Feb. 25, 1877, and together they lived on the farm on which he was born, and where their children were born. In 1899 they moved to Bedford and in 1900 located on the farm three and a half miles east of Gravity, where he passed away. His companion died on Sept. 4, 1933; a son, Joseph Benny Bowers, died on Jan. 15, 1885, and the other son, William Oliver, on Oct. 21 [Oct. 2nd], 1929. He is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Dora May Ritchey and husband W. [illiam] O. Ritchey; a daughter-in-law, Mrs. Ruth Bowers; four grandchildren, Floyd Bowers of Scio, Ohio, Mary Lou, Sarah Jane, and Joan Bowers of Gravity; and one great granddaughter, Sue Bowers of Scio, Ohio. He united with the Methodist Protestant Church in early life and later transferred his membership to the Methodist Church in Gravity, continuing in that fellowship to the end. He gave assurances to his loved ones that he was ready to go and passed peacefully away to his long rest. The funeral services were held at the Gravity Methodist Church Thursday, August 14, at 2 p. m., conducted by the pastor, Rev. C. W. Proctor. Burial was in the Gravity cemetery. Bedford Times-Republican, Thursday, February 27, 1913, p. 8 GRAVITY The infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Bowers died Monday morning at their home east of town. On arising early in the morning the parents discovered that something was wrong with the child and summoned medical aid at once, in fifteen minutes afterward, before the physician could arrive the baby died. Funeral services were held at the home Tuesday, conducted by Rev. Wade. Interment was at Gravity cemetery. [BOWERS, SARAH ADELINE RUSSELL] Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, September 7, 1933, [p. 1] Mrs. Sarah A. Bowers Dies Mrs. Sarah A. Bowers, 78, died at her home between Conway and Gravity, late Monday evening. The funeral services were held at the Methodist church in Gravity Wednesday afternoon. Burial was in the Gravity cemetery. [BOWERS, SARAH ADELINE RUSSELL] Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, September 14, 1933, p. 6 Mrs. Bowers Dies Mrs. Eli L. [uark] Bowers died unexpectedly Monday night at her home east of Gravity. She had been in ill health and under a doctor's care for several months. Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon, conducted by Rev. R. V. Felt. Burial was in the Gravity cemetery. Their daughter, Mrs. Dora May Richey [Ritchey] and her husband of Grand Island, Nebr., and daughter-in-law, Mrs. Ruth Bowers of St. Joseph, were present for the funeral.
Bedford Times-Republican, Thursday, October 10, 1929, p. 3 W. O. Bowers W. O. Bowers, of the vicinity of Gravity, passed away at the Missouri Methodist hospital in St. Joseph, Oct. 2, last Wednesday, after a lingering illness. He was aged 41 years, 8 months and 16 days. The body was sent to Gravity, where the funeral services were held at the Methodist church Saturday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Mr. Warrior. Interment was made in the Gravity cemetery. William Oliver Bowers, son of Mr. and Mrs. E. [li] L. [uark] Bowers, of Gravity, was born Jan. 16, 1888, in Monogalia County, West Virginia, and moved with his parents to Taylor County, Iowa, in 1899. He united with the Methodist church at Gravity at an early age. Nov. 15, 1911, he was united in marriage to Jessie M. [ay] Cole of Maryville, Mo. To this union were born two children, Mildred Marie, who died in infancy, and Floyd Raymond, who now resides at Scio, Ohio. Sept. 1, 1924, Mr. Bowers was again united in marriage to Ruth Francis Rankin of St. Joseph, Mo. To this union were born 3 daughters, Mary Lou, Sarah Jane, and Joan, who with their mother survive. Other relatives left to mourn the loss are the parents, the son, and a sister, Mrs. Dora Ritchey of Grand Island, Nebr., as well as a host of friends. Mr. Bowers had been in ill health for two years, having Hodgkin's disease of the Lymph glands. About a year ago he contracted Malta fever, from drinking milk, a contagious abortion in milch cows. His death was the first from this disease to occur in Iowa or Missouri. He was a patient sufferer to the end. Mr. Bowers was well known in the thoroughbred hog business for many years. [COLE, EFFIE CAPTOLA HASTINGS] Bedford Times-Press, Wednesday, August 13, 1997 Effie Captola Hastings Cole Effie Hastings Cole was born to Thomas and Ella Lowery Hastings on October 9, 1889 near Farragut, Iowa. Effie died Thursday, August 7, 1997 at the Bedford Nursing and Rehab Center. Effie almost made 108; it is believed that until her death she was the oldest living woman in the state of Iowa. Effie's mother died when she was just eight years old, and so she helped her father raise her five-year-old brother and three year old sister. She lived in Taylor County all of her life. She attended public school through fourth grade when her mother died. She was also an active member of the Christian Church. On October 1, 1906 she married Allen Roy Cole, better known as Bill and they lived in and around Gravity and Bedford, spending a short time in Montana and Kansas. They tenant farmed and every one or two years moved to a new farm. Even in the midst of all that hard work they had time to have eleven children. Burnyce Cole Goudie, Hazel Cole, twin boys who were stillborn, Raymond Cole, Twyla Fern Cole Sparks, Thomas Cole, Robert Cole, Betty Cole Kirby, Gerry Cole and Geraldine Cole Strong. None of these children were born in a hospital; all of them were born at home on the farm. Effie not only raised her own kids, but also helped raise her brother, Jay Hastings sons, Bob and Lewis, and her granddaughters, Victoria and Pat, Betty's daughters. Effie was a hard worker, a homemaker who used every means to get things done and provide for her family. She crocheted and made afghans, she picked berries, and pulled vegetables out of the garden and canned. Effie was a seamstress, she took chicken feed sacks and made shirts and dresses. She built furniture, tore down walls, and hung wallpaper She was the one the kids sought when there was a problem. While playing in the haymow, the kids came across a snake and it was Effie that came after it with a hoe to kill it. When the family was having problems with chicken thieves, one night she couldn't seem to wake up Bill, she took off out the door after the thieves with shotgun in hand. In the early 1940's Bill and Effie moved to town. They lived in town for about 35 years when on February 12, 1977 Bill died and Effie would live alone for the next 20 years. She was 99 when she went into the nursing home. She was 100 when she had her first cataract removed, she never went to a hospital, she was never ill---maybe that is part of the secret. On her 100th birthday someone asked her what advice she would give to young people. She said, "girls keep your dresses down and boys keep your pants up". Seems like well needed advice when the teenage pregnancy rate has tripled in numbers. It is amazing to think of all the things that came into being or happened in Effie's lifetime - cars, airplanes, motion pictures, televisions, transcontinental phone communication, radio, satellites, the atomic bomb, nuclear submarines, space travel, and computers. She lived through wars, the Battle of Wounded Knee, WWI, WWII, The Korean War, Vietnam and the Persian Gulf. She lived through Ellis Island opening up to accept immigrants, prohibition, women receiving the right to vote, Amelia Erhart taking off to fly across the world, Jackie Robinson breaking into professional baseball, the Civil Rights movement, and many more life changing and world changing events. She also lived through 19 different presidents holding office. When asked on her 100th birthday what one thing in her lifetime was the most amazing to her, it was putting a man on the moon. Give or take a few family members, Effie had 11 children, 21 grandchildren, 61 great grandchildren, 44 great great grandchildren, and 3 great great great grandchildren. Whew! Now that is something to go to heaven and boast about. Effie was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sister and brother, 8 of her 11 children, some grandchildren and great grandchildren. She will continue to be loved and she will be missed by her two daughters, Twyla Fern Sparks, Geraldine Strong and son Gerald Cole, and all those grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was a kind, caring, hardworking woman and she will be missed by all those who had a chance to know her in her 107 years on this earth. Services provided by Novinger Taylor Funeral Home, Monday, August 11, 1997 at 10:30 a.m. Burial at Washington Cemetery, Gravity, Iowa. Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, March 25, 1937, [p. 1] Infant Daughter Dies In St. Joe Hospital Nina Irene Cole, infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Cole of southwest of Bedford, died at the Methodist hospital in St. Joseph, Thursday, March 18, after a brief illness. She was one year, three months, and 24 days old at the time of her death. The funeral services were held at the Wetmore Funeral Home Monday afternoon, conducted by Rev. C. Max Buck. Burial was in the Gravity cemetery. She was born Nov. 24, 1935 near Gravity, and is survived by her parents, one brother, Boyd Eugene, who is five years old; and one sister, Charlotte Ruth, three years of age. Also by her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. A. R. Cole and Mr. and Mrs. Ward Valentine; a great grandfather, Douglas Valentine, and a great grandmother, Mrs. A. L. Foster.
Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, May 12, 1966, p. 3 Clarence Downey Rites May 4 Funeral services for Clarence M. Downey, 77, of Bedford, held May 4 at the Shum-Novinger Funeral Home on State Street, were conducted by Carl Cummings. Mr. Downey died May 2 at the Skelly Service Station here. Interment was at Washington Cemetery, Gravity, Iowa. Included in the services was the following obituary. Clarence M. [ercer] Downey, son of Sidney and Martha Jane Downey, was born March 24, 1889, at Chuckey, Tennessee. He was married to Emma Johnston on May 27, 1914 at the parsonage of Rev. Rhodes, minister of the Oak Hill church; Clarence was a member of this church. Two sons, Emerson Sidney and William Curtis and two daughters, Mary Jane and Winifred Pauline, were born to them, and passed away in infancy. He is survived by his wife, Emma; four sisters, Mrs. Genevieve Carter, Rockford, Ill.; Mrs. Leota Pedigo of Decatur, Ill.; Mrs. Pauline Campbell of Rockford, Ill.; and Mrs. Mattie Russell of Greenville, Tenn; three brothers, Pete Downey of Corning, Iowa, and Curtis and Jake Downey of Rockton, Ill.; 19 nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, four infant children, two sisters, Clyde and Gertrude. He was a kind and loving husband and a good neighbor and will be missed by all who knew him. Bedford Times-Republican, Thursday, April 17, 1919, p. 8 GRAVITY The infant child of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Downey died Wednesday. The funeral was held Friday from the Downey home. Mrs. Downey is very ill. Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, July 21, 1983 Last Rites For Emma Downey, 86 Held July 18 Funeral services for Mrs. Clarence M. Downey, 86, of Gravity, held July 18 in Shum-Novinger Funeral Home, were officiated by Rev. Carl Cummings. Mrs. Downey died July 15, 1983 in Clarinda Municipal Hospital. Interment was at Washington Cemetery, Gravity, Iowa. Emma Mary Downey, daughter of Emerson Jefferson Johnston and Mary Richardson Johnston, was born in Holt Township Taylor County Iowa, September 12, 1896. She lived in Taylor County and grew to maturity in the area where she was born where she attended the public school and the local churches. On May 27, 1914 she was united in marriage to Clarence M. Downey at the Oak Hill Church parsonage and they lived around Gravity and Bedford, Iowa. To this union four children were born: Emerson, William, Mary Jane and Winifred, none of whom lived beyond 22 months of age. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Clarence, three sisters and two brothers. Left to cherish her memory are her nieces and nephews and friends. She was a kind loved one and will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Bedford Times-Republican, Thursday, December 23, 1909, p. 8 John M. French Dead Well Known Sharpsburg Man Passes Away After Long Illness Sharpsburg. ---John Milton French was born in Jasper County, Indiana, on the fifth of March 1856 [1846]. He was married to Sarah Elizabeth Clymer about thirty years ago and five daughters were born to this union, all of whom remain to mourn his loss. They moved into this section about thirty years ago and have lived here ever since. Mrs. French died about two years ago. Mr. French has not been well for some months and had quite a break down about a month ago, but rallied from it, and went back to his home, but took down again, and his daughter, Mrs. Ed Pinney took him again to her home east of Sharpsburg where he was tenderly cared for until the last. He seemed considerably better on last Monday and for a man of his quiet temperament, talked considerable, but that evening became very much worse and telegrams were sent to the daughters in other states calling them to his bedside. Mrs. Minnie Spieler of Omaha, and Mrs. Cleo Gilmer [Gilmore] of Austin, Neb., arrived on the noon train Wednesday, but he was unconscious and remained so until he died on Thursday morning. His oldest daughter, Mrs. Zula Jones of New Orleans, was visiting her sister, Mrs. Corly [Corley] Toler at her home in El Reno, Okla., and they arrived Thursday on the noon train. All of the husbands of the bereft daughters were present, except Mr. Jones, who was unable to be present. Funeral services were conducted from the Presbyterian Church at Sharpsburg by Rev. A. P. Walton, the pastor. Interment was made in the Gravity cemetery. Mr. French was a quiet, temperate, unobtrusive, good husband, father and neighbor, and will be greatly missed in this community. [FRENCH, JOHN MILTON] [FRENCH, SARAH ELIZABETH CLYMER] Bedford Free Press, Thursday, October 10, 1907, p. 4 Gravity Items Mrs. John French died at her home Friday, Sept. 27, of heart trouble. She leaves a husband and four children and a host of friends to mourn her loss. She was a conscientious Christian woman, belonging to the Presbyterian Church for a number of years. Funeral services were conducted at the Presbyterian Church at 2 o'clock Monday afternoon and the remains laid to rest in Gravity cemetery. Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, January 9, 1936, p. 3 NEW MARKET Former Resident Dies Mrs. John Gartrell died at her home in Stockton, Kans., Wednesday, Jan. 1. She is a former resident of New Market and was an aunt of Mrs. J. B. Marsell, Mrs. Leafy Pace and C. O. Hicks.
[GARTRELL, JOHN T.] [GARTRELL, ELIZABETH HICKS] Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, January 23, 1936, p. 3 NEW MARKET Former Resident Dies In Kansas In last week's issue notice was made of the death of Mrs. John T. Gartrill [Gartrell] of Stockton, Kans., who with her family were residents of this locality until the year 1888, when they moved by covered wagon route to Rooks County, Kans., where they had since resided. They would be termed pioneers in every sense of the word and celebrated their sixty-sixth wedding anniversary on Thanksgiving Day. The day following Mrs. Gartrill's death, her husband was stricken with paralysis and lived but a few days, his burial being held just one week from the day of Mrs. Gartrill's. Mr. Gartrill [Gartrell] was a brother of Mrs. A. G. Hicks, Mrs. E. G. Hicks and Mrs. E. C. Palmer. He was 91 years old and had been deprived of his eyesight during the last few years. Mrs. Gartrill [Gartrell] was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Hicks and is survived by six children, her death being the first in their immediate family. [GARTRELL, JOHN T.] [GARTRELL, ELIZABETH HICKS] Clarinda Herald Journal, Thursday, January 23, 1936, p. 2 New Market, Jan. 21 ---In last week's issue we chronicled the death of Mrs. John T. Gartrell of Stockton, Kans., who, with her family, were residents of this locality in the Barton school district until the year 1888, when they moved to Rooks County, Kansas, going by covered wagon, where they have resided since. They would be termed pioneers in every sense of the word, having celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary at Thanksgiving time and were the oldest couple living at that time in their community. The day following Mrs. Gartrell's death, her husband was stricken with paralysis. He passed away and his burial services were held just one week from that of his companion, January 3rd and January 10th, respectively. Mr. Gartrell was a brother of Mrs. A. [mza] G. and Mrs. E. G. Hicks and Mrs. E. C. Palmer, and was the last survivor of this family, there also being a younger family of nine half brothers and sisters. During the last few years he was deprived of his eyesight, but withal reached the age of 91 years. Mrs. Gartrell was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Hicks, and has three brothers and one sister living in this vicinity, and two sisters in California. She was 84 years of age at the time of her death and her passing marks the first in their immediate family. Six children survive them. We extend sympathy to the relatives and friends in this hour of bereavement. New Market Herald, Thursday, June 3, 1920, [p. 1] GRAVITY John R. [awlings] Gartrell passed away at his home here Thursday afternoon after a lingering illness. Funeral services were held from the home Friday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Walsh. Interment at Gravity cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Amza Hicks and Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Marsell of New Market attended the John Gartrell funeral here Friday. Bedford Free Press, Thursday, August 6, 1925, p. 6 GRAVITY Mrs. Amza Hicks came over from New Market Sunday, called here by the death of Mrs. J. [ohn] R. [awlings] Gartrell. Mrs. J. [ohn] R. [awlings] Gartrell passed away at her home here Sunday morning at 2:00 a. m., after a lingering illness of many months. Funeral services were held on Monday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock, conducted by Rev. Burkhart, pastor of the Christian church of this place. Interment in Gravity cemetery, beside her husband who preceded her in death some few years ago. Bedford Times-Press, Wednesday, August 4, 1993 SARAH JANE BOWERS HUGGINS Sarah Jane Bowers Huggins was born January 27, 1927 to Ruth Rankin Bowers and William Oliver Bowers on the family farm near Conway, Iowa. She died at the Kavanaugh Hospice House in Des Moines on July 18, 1993. Her childhood was spent on the family farm. She graduated from Conway High School in 1944; Northwest Missouri State Teachers College at Maryville, Mo., 1947; and Kilgore College of Nursing, Kilgore, Texas, 1974. On Aug. 18, 1946 she was married to Willard R. Huggins. The wedding took place at the family farm, the same location as her parents wedding. To this union two sons were born: Steve Wayne and Barry Lynn. They lived in Red Oak, Newton and Muscatine, Iowa; Denver, Colo.; Nashville, Tenn.; and Henderson, Texas. Mrs. Huggins moved to Marlon, Texas after graduating from nurse's school and worked for the Veteran's Administration. She transferred to Des Moines, Iowa in 1977. Her retirement was in 1990. "Janie", as she was called, was a genealogist. She made many trips to Salt Lake City, Utah, doing research. Her great accomplishment was reading all "old" newspapers in Taylor County and noting Bowers news. She has researched the Bowers-Rankin history very extensively. She leaves two sons to mourn her passing: Barry in Des Moines, Iowa; Steven in Crimora, Va.; two grandsons, Steven Christopher in Nashville, Tenn.; and Anthony Wayne in Florida. There are two sisters, Mary Lou Harkins in Adair, Iowa; and Joan Lawson near Bedford, Iowa. She has a half-brother, Floyd Bowers in Dover, Ohio. She donated her body to University of Osteopathic Medicine, Des Moines. The cremains will be interred at Washington Cemetery near Gravity, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed at the Methodist Church in Gravity in 1939. She belonged to Valley United Methodist Church in West Des Moines and the Iowa Genealogy Society. [JOHNSON, MARTHA JANE FREEMAN] Bedford Times-Republican, Thursday, August 30, 1928, p. 3 Mrs. Sime Johnson, who has been ill for some time, passed away last night at her home here. The funeral service will be held in the M. E. Church, Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Interment will be made in the Gravity cemetery. ---Gravity Independent Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, May 13, 1943, [p. 1] Sime Johnson Dies Sime Johnson of Gravity died at the County Home Wednesday afternoon. He was more than 80 years old. Funeral arrangements are pending the arrival of a daughter from Colorado. [JOHNSON, SIMON "SIME"] Taylor County Herald, Thursday, May 20, 1943, [p. 1] Simon Johnson Dies Wednesday Simon Johnson died Wednesday, May 12, at the age of 88 years. Born in Dewitt County, Illinois, March 29, 1855, he was a son of David and Lavina Johnson. He was married to Martha Jane Freeman January 5, 1880 [1881]. To this union two daughters were born, Mrs. Vivvia [Vivia] Wagoner and Mrs. Arminta Humphrey. His wife died in August, 1928, and his daughter, Mrs. Wagoner, preceded him in death in August, 1929. He is survived by his daughter, Mrs. Arminta Humphrey and her husband of Akron, Colo., six grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Bedford Times-Republican, Thursday, February 11, 1926, p. 6 Old Settler of the County Passes Away H. H. Johnston of Gravity Was A Pioneer Hermanus H. Johnston, one of the old pioneers of Taylor County, passed away at his home in Gravity, Ia., Jan. 28, 1926, aged 90 years, 2 months and 27 days. He was born in Hillsboro, Ohio, Oct. 30th, 1835, and when but a small boy he came with his parents to Marion County, Iowa, where he grew to manhood and on Nov. 14th, 1858, he was married to Miss Martha Ann Cowman who survives him. To this union were born six children, two sons and four daughters, Emerson J.[efferson], William A. [ndrew], Mrs. Lottie McColm, Mrs. Geo. Beemer, Miss Minnie Johnston, all of Gravity, and Mrs. Chas. Morris of San Jose, Calif., all of whom were present at the funeral. Ambition was one of his chief characteristics, and in early life he worked at the carpenter trade with his father and later he was engaged in operating a sawmill. He furnished the lumber for some of the first houses built in Des Moines. In 1869 he came to Taylor county and located in Holt township and erected a small dwelling house, hauling the building material from Afton, Iowa, and the greater part of his prairie farm was broken by ox team. He was a man who took great interest in the affairs of the county and served six years as a member of the board of supervisors of Taylor County, and at the time of his death was a director of the Gravity State Bank. Besides his aged companion and six children, he leaves ten grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren, one brother, and a host of friends and neighbors. The funeral services were held Monday at 2:00 oÕclock at the M. E. church, conducted by Rev. C. W. Proctor of Farragut, who was a former pastor here and an old friend of the Johnston family. He was assisted by Rev. Warrior, present pastor of the church. Interment was made in the Gravity cemetery and his six grandsons acted as pallbearers. [JOHNSTON, MARIE CLARICE ALVORD LEWIS] Bedford Times-Press, Wednesday, May 5, 1999 Marie Johnston Marie Johnston, age 94, of Red Oak, Iowa passed away on Wednesday, April 28, 1999 at Montgomery County Memorial Hospital in Red Oak after an extended illness. Clarice Marie Johnston was born on May 8, 1904 in Gravity, Iowa the daughter of George and Emma (Wire) Alvord. She attended school in Gravity and on November 23, 1925 she was united in marriage to William S. [Franklin] (Bill) Johnson [Johnston]. Bill and Marie operated the General Store in Gravity until his death in 1944. She then moved to Shenandoah in 1945, where she worked for the Raidt Glove Manufacturing Company until moving to Red Oak in 1955. Marie worked at the Glenwood State School for a short period until going to work at Murphy Memorial Hospital in Red Oak where she cooked for many years until retiring in 1975. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Red Oak and the United Methodist Women. Her daughter, Dorothy Butt and her husband Wayne of Red Oak survive her. Funeral services for Marie Johnston were held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, May 1, 1999 at Nelson Boylan Funeral Chapel in Red Oak with burial in the Gravity, Iowa Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to either the First United Methodist Church or the Red Oak Rescue Unit. Nelson Boylan Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. [JOHNSTON, MARY EMILY "MINNIE"] Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, October 8, 1936, p. 5 GRAVITY Miss Johnston Dies Miss Minnie Johnston died at her home Saturday at 12:30. Funeral services were held Monday afternoon at the Methodist church, conducted by Rev. C. Max Buck. Interment was made in the Gravity cemetery. [JOHNSTON, MARY EMILY "MINNIE"] Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, October 15, 1936, p. 2 Miss Johnston Dies Was Resident of Gravity Since Three Years of Age Mary Emily Johnston, daughter of H. [ermanus] H. and Martha A. [nn] Johnston, was born in Marion County, Iowa, Oct. 27, 1865 and died at her home in Gravity Saturday, Oct. 3, 1936, aged 70 years, 11 months and 24 days. She came with her parents to Taylor County at the age of three years where she has since resided and in her young womanhood was for a time engaged in teaching in public schools. In later years she unselfishly devoted her entire time to the care of her aged parents. In 1894 she united with the Blue Grove Christian church and transferred her membership to Gravity church in June 1897. She had been in failing health for the past few months but was only confined to her bed for the last three weeks. She was the first of a family of six children to be taken. Those surviving are Lottie McColm, E. [merson] J. [efferson] Johnston, Erdine Beemer and W.[illiam] A. [ndrew] Johnston, all of Gravity; and Mrs. Luna Morris of San Jose, California, who was unable to be present. Besides she leaves a number of nieces and nephews. The funeral services were held in the Methodist church, Monday afternoon, at two o'clock, conducted by the Rev. Max Buck, pastor of the Christian church who was assisted by the Rev. A. J. Bissinger, pastor of the Methodist church. Interment was in the Gravity church in June 1897, her nephews acting as pallbearers. Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, April 13, 1944, p. 3 Obituary – Wm. F. Johnston William Franklin, one of six children born to Emerson and Mary Johnston, was born in Holt Township, Taylor County, Iowa, on Feb. 7, 1899. The vicinity of Gravity had always been home to him. He operated a garage for a number of years, later conducted a grocery business for ten years and the past seven years was engaged in the transportation business. He was married to Mrs. Marie C. [larice] Lewis on November 23, 1925. Mr. Johnston was a man of high ideals, a loving husband, son and brother, one of the best of neighbors. By his cheerful and patient disposition he endeared himself to a large circle of friends. He always took an active part in the civic interests of the community, having served as mayor and on the town council for a number of years. He became affiliated with the Masonic fraternity, Sunlight lodge no. 459, A. F. & A. M. at Gravity, Iowa, on January 25, 1918 and became a Master Mason on February 15, 1918. He was preceded by three sisters, Mrs. Mae Richards, Mrs. Hazel Rascher and Miss Winefred [Winnifred] Johnston. On August 3, 1942, while trying to be of assistance to another motorist in trouble, he was injured by another passing motorist and the following six months he was confined to his bed. From then on he had been compelled to depend upon his crutches to get around. In spite of several operations, Mr. Johnston was always patient, cheerful and uncomplaining. On the 15th of March he again went to the St. Francis Hospital in Maryville to submit to a major operation and died April 5, 1944 at the age of 55 years, 1 month and 29 days. He is survived by his devoted wife and his stepdaughter, Miss Dorothy Lewis, his father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Emerson Johnston of Gravity, one sister Mrs. Emma Downey of Gravity, one brother Mannie Johnston of Lenox. Funeral services were conducted Friday afternoon, April 7 in the Methodist church of Gravity by Rev. C. W. Proctor of Sharpsburg, assisted by Rev. Z. M. Bressler of Gravity. Burial was in the Gravity cemetery. [JOHNSTON, WILLIAM FRANKLIN] Taylor County Herald (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, April 13, 1944, p. 8 Gravity News Those from out of town who attended funeral services for W. F. Johnston were Mr. and Mrs. Ed Henneman and Horace Beemer of Bedford, Mr. and Mrs. Hudson Beemer of Prescott, Mr. and Mrs. Herman Beemer, Mr. and Mrs. Nannie Johnston, Kermit Johnston, Emerson Johnston, Mrs. Grace J. Weese, Mrs. Alma Stuart of Lenox, Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Norris, George E. Morrison and Mrs. Elnora Sommer of Oregon, Mo., Mr. and Mrs. Winnie Hootman of Braddyville, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Konecne of Creston, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Shaler, Mr. and Mrs. Jim Williams, Andy Neilson and Mrs. Fred Keith of Omaha, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Hunt of Clarinda, Mr. and Mrs. Tom Roberts of Bedford and Mr. and Mrs. Jim Richardson of Conway. New Market Herald, Thursday, June 10, 1920, p. 2 GRAVITY The funeral services of Winifred Johnston were held Sunday afternoon at the Christian church, conducted by Rev. Walsh. Interment at Gravity cemetery. Clarinda Herald Journal, Monday, November 1, 1954, p. 4 Fred Keith Fred M [artin] Keith was born in Harrison County near Dunlap, Iowa, August 1, 1883, and died in Omaha, Nebraska, Sept 28, 1954, at the age of 71 years, one month and 28 days. He was married to Mabel Munn in Omaha, Nebr, October 2, 1917. To them three sons were born, Leonard R of Omaha, Kenneth E of North Platte, Nebr and Wendell R of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. When Mr. Keith's health started to fail, the Keith family left Gravity for Omaha 13 years ago to be near doctors who could help Mr. Keith's health as he suffered from Parkinson's disease, a crippling of the whole body, and suffered intensely all the time. Up until the last four weeks he was cared for in his home. On August 26 he was taken to the hospital where he could be given such care as was impossible at home. Besides his wife and three sons, he leaves three daughters-in-law whom he loved as much as his own children, three granddaughters and one grandson, four sisters: Mrs. Lela Clark of Sharpsburg, Iowa, Mrs. Marie King of Omaha, Nebr, Mrs. Maggie De Lean of Lewis, Iowa, and Mrs Birdie Cunningham of Botha, Alberta, Canada, nieces and nephews and a host of friends. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, and one brother, Valma, several years ago. Funeral services were held Friday afternoon, October 1, 1954, at the Methodist church in Gravity. The Reverend R V Felt and Howard De Vore, pastor of the church, officiated. Earlier in the day funeral services were held at the N P Swanson Chapel in Omaha conducted by the Reverend Benjamin J Schwartz of Hanscom Park Methodist church. Interment was at the Gravity cemetery. Pallbearers were Homer Beemer, Fred Shafar, Jay Lovitt, Herbert reeves, Harry Stafford and Clarence Churchill. Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, September 11, 1980 Final Rites Held For Wilbur Kimpton Funeral services for Wilbur Kenneth Kimpton, 69, of Council Bluffs, were held September 3 at the Cutler Funeral Home there. Mr. Kimpton died August 31, 1980 in Mercy Hospital in Council Bluffs. Interment was in Walnut Hill Cemetery in Council Bluffs. Wilbur Kenneth Kimpton, son of John and Ethel Beery Kimpton, was born January 27, 1911 near Guss, Ia. He grew to maturity on his parents' farm northwest of Gravity. He was united in marriage to Martha Worrell on January 11, 1936. To this union was born one daughter, Doris Underwood and four sons, Paul and Kenneth of Texas, Jim of Cedar Rapids and Dennis of Clarinda. His early life was spent farming near Gravity and Clearfield. He had lived in Council Bluffs for the last 19 years. He was a talented musician and played many stringed instruments. Preceding him in death were his parents, two brothers, Paul and Homer Kimpton, and a nephew, Kirk Kimpton. Surviving are his five children, 14 grandchildren, one great grandchild; four sisters, Mrs. Lois (Carl) Anderson, Winterset, Iva Heller, Burlington Junction, Mo., Mrs. Vida (Lex) Snyder, Winterset, and Edith Hendrickson, Gravity; two brothers-in-law, Lex Snyder and Carl Anderson; a sister-in-law, Beth Kimpton of Bedford, many nieces, nephews and friends. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends. Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, August 10, 1978 Last Rites Held August 2 For Helen Meyers, 69 Funeral services for Mrs. Kenneth (Helen) Meyers, 69, of Gravity, Ia., were held August 2 in the Gravity United Methodist Church with Rev. Dwayne Madsen officiating. Mrs. Meyers died in Clarinda Municipal Hospital July 29, 1978. Interment was at Washington Cemetery, Gravity. Helen Jamison Meyers, daughter of Ossian S. and Fannie Nelson Jamison, was born at Artesian, So. Dakota February 18, 1909. Early childhood years were spent in South Dakota, until her family returned to Page County in 1914. On August 1, 1945, she was united in marriage with Kenneth Meyers at Renton, Washington. They returned to the Midwest, made their home in Clarinda for a short time, then moved to Gravity. Four children came to bless their home. Helen taught Vocational Homemaking in the Villisca and Shenandoah Schools; following that she was employed as county Home Economist for nearly 22 years in Page and Taylor Counties. She was a member of the United Methodist Church, associated with several 4-H Clubs, a member of Eastern Star. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, an infant brother and sister, and by her husband in February, 1976. Surviving are three daughters, Susan living in Des Moines, Ia., Sally and Mary both of Dallas, Texas; one son, Fred, with the United States Pacific; one sister, Hazel, Mrs. Claude Richey of Villisca, other relatives and friends. Helen was entirely devoted to her family; her death is a deeply felt loss in the hearts of all who loved her. Bedford Free Press, Tuesday, September 29, 1914, p. 2 GRAVITY The two-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Meyers died last Monday of brain fever. Funeral services were held from the Methodist Episcopal church Wednesday afternoon, conducted by rev. Wade. Interment was in the Gravity cemetery. [MEYERS, JOHN FREDERICK] Clarinda Herald Journal, Monday, March 1, 1976 Kenneth Meyers owned oil company GRAVITY — Kenneth LaMont Meyers, 66, local owner of the Gravity Oil Co, died Friday at Clarinda Municipal Hospital and services are being held this Monday at Shum-Novinger Funeral Home in Bedford. Meyer has been in ill health for recent years, but continued with his service to local homes and motorists until his final illness. He has been in and out of hospitals for recent years. His wife was the former Helen Jamison, home economist in Taylor and Page Counties. Meyer was veteran of World War II. They have four children, Susan Meyers in Des Moines, Sally Meyers in Minneapolis, Minn, Fred Meyers in the U S Navy, stationed in Washington and Mary Meyers in Texas. His sister, Lucile, lives in Leon. The burial will be in Washington Cemetery at Gravity with bearers Wayne Lovitt, Dick Rainforth, Billie Churchill, Dee Liston, Darrell Davison and Larry Martin. Music at the service was to be by Justene Martin and Gladys Combs. The Rev Dwayne Madsen of the Bedford United Methodist Church will officiate. [MEYERS, KENNETH LAMONT] Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, March 4, 1976 Kenneth Meyers, 66 Last Rites Held Monday Funeral services for Kenneth Lamont Meyers, 66, of Gravity, were held Mon., Mar. 1, at Shum-Novinger Funeral Home in Bedford conducted by Rev. Dwayne Madsen. Mr. Meyers died February 27, 1976 at Clarinda Municipal Hospital. Interment was at Washington Cemetery, Gravity. [MEYERS, KENNETH LAMONT] Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, March 11, 1976, p. 8 Kenneth Meyers Last Rites Held March 1 Funeral services for Kenneth L. Meyers, 66 years, of Gravity, were held March 1 at Bedford in the Shum-Novinger Funeral Home in Bedford officiated by Rev. Dwayne Madsen. Mr. Meyers died February 27 in the Clarinda Municipal Hospital. Interment was at the Washington Cemetery in Gravity. Kenneth Lamont Meyers was born to Arthur and Lena Meyers May 16, 1909 in Gravity. He spent his entire life in that community where he attended school and was a member of the United Methodist Church. From 1942 to 1945 he served in the Armed Forces. On August 1, 1945 he married Helen May Jamison in Renton, Washington. To this union three daughters and one son were born. He owned and operated the Gravity Oil Company, which was a vital service to the community for 30 years. Preceding him in death were his father, mother and brother. He is survived by his wife, Helen; daughters, Susan of Des Moines, Sally of Minneapolis, Mary of Dallas; son, Frederick who is presently stationed in San Diego with the U. S. Navy; and sister, Mrs. Lucile Atteberry of Leon. His family and all who knew him affectionately as "Kenny" will miss him greatly. Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, April 27, 1972, p. 7 Last Rites Held In Gravity for Dora Norris, 73 Funeral services for Dora Evadne Norris, 73, of Gravity, were held April 21 at the Gravity Christian Church conducted by Pastor Perry Cozadd. Dora Norris died April 18, 1972 in the Crest Haven Nursing Home in Creston. Gravity Moore-Rutledge Legion Post No. 578 acted as pallbearers and conducted military honors with interment at Washington Cemetery, Gravity. Dora Evadne Norris, daughter of Frank and Nellie Norris, was born May 29, 1898 on a farm near Lenox, Iowa in Taylor County. She was baptized in the Christian Church at Gravity and was a devoted member of this faith throughout her lifetime. She taught school for several years in Iowa and South Dakota before entering nursesÕ training at University Hospitals in Iowa City. She graduated from and later worked at this same hospital. She also worked in hospitals in Chicago, Ill., Columbus, Ohio and others. She loved children and was happiest when working in the children's wards. In 1943, during World War II, she served her country in the Armed Forces as a nurse, seeing duty overseas. Part of this time was spent in Australia and New Guinea. Having served three years, she received an honorable discharge in 1946, having achieved the rank of captain. Upon retirement from the nursing profession and having lived in many different cities and seeing many different places, she came back to the Gravity and Creston area to make her home and be near her family. She was truly a good person, having a kind and cheerful disposition and was very devoted to her work, family and friends. She remarked many times in recent years that she had enjoyed a good life and had done many of the things she had wanted to do. She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, Frank Norris, who gave his life for his country in World War I, four sisters, Happy Ginn, Mary Davis, Leona Wallace and Pearl Hollenbaek, two nephews, Bill and Carl Davis. Left to cherish her memory is one brother, John Norris; one sister-in-law, Bernice; nephews, Emery Wallace, Ralph Ginn and Lynn Hollenbaek; nieces, Mildred Schafer, Opal Hollenbaek and Eunice Jackson, grand nieces, nephews, and many friends. Bedford Free Press, Thursday, October 6, 1910, p. 5 Obituary – Frank Norris was born at Newberg, Illinois, June 5, 1853, and died at Ladoga, Iowa, September 23, 1910. He was married March 15, 1883 to Nellie Robinson. They resided in Knox County for thirteen years, when they removed to Taylor County, Iowa. They lived near Lenox for twelve years, when they removed to Van Wert, where they lived for one year. They moved to Ladoga March 1, 1909. In August he went to Maryville to seek medical aid. He went to the St. Francis Hospital, where on August 23, an exploratory examination was made, and it was found that he was a victim of cancer. He leaves a wife and seven children, five daughters and two sons. He also leaves three sisters and two brothers. During his sickness he was very patient. He was a kind and loving husband and father. He leaves to his loved ones the memory of a perfectly honest and upright man. Bedford Times-Republican, Monday, July 25, 1921, p. 4 Funeral of Hero The remains of Corporal James Frank Norris, among the first Taylor County boys who gave their lives in the great world war, arrived at Gravity last Friday and services were held in the park at Gravity yesterday afternoon. The services were conducted by Rev. Johnson. The Legion boys were there from all parts of the county. It was one, if not the largest funeral ever held in that little city. The number that attended was estimated at about one thousand, who were present to pay their last respect to the young man who gave his life that the world would enjoy freedom. Obituary Corporal James Frank Norris of Company K, 168th U. S. Infantry, was born at Yates City, Illinois, December 7, 1895, and was fatally wounded at the worldÕs most significant battle, Chateau Thierry, July 27, 1918, and died in base hospital 112, July 29, 1918, being 22 years, 7 months and 22 days old. Most of his life was spent in Taylor County, where he received his education. June 24, 1916, he enlisted in Co. K, at Corning, Iowa, and went to the border, where he remained until February 20, 1917. When the United States entered the world war he enlisted at once and became recruiting officer at Gravity. Early in September he with the famous 168th went from Des Moines to Camp Mills, L. I. The company was in France on Christmas day. Early in February he went to the front where he remained in active service until he was gassed in June and went to the hospital where he sufficiently recovered, so that he returned to the front July 14th, and went into battle on the Champaign front, and continued in active service until he made the supreme sacrifice and gave his life for World democracy at Chateau Thierry. He was a young man of excellent character, and highly respected by all who knew him. He was a fearless leader, and had the confidence of all who knew him. He leaves a mother, one brother and five sisters, and many comrades and friends who deeply feel the loss of a loving son, affectionate brother, courageous comrade and obliging friend. [NORRIS, FRANK JAMES] Clarinda Herald Journal, Monday, November 1, 1954, p. 4 Ida Jane Piper Ida Jane Muckey, daughter of Jasper and Emma Muckey, was born at Woodhull, Ill, Sept 24, 1858, and died at the St Francis hospital in Maryville, Oct 13, 1954, at the age of 96 years and 19 days. At the age of 10 years, she came to Page County, Iowa, with her parents where she grew to womanhood north of Clarinda, Iowa. In the year 1907, she came to Taylor County and resided on a farm west of Sharpsburg. The last 14 years she had made her home with her daughter, Mrs. Ray Akers in Bedford. On Sept 3, 1885, she was united in marriage to Ezekiel B Piper. To this union three children were born: (Elsie) Mrs. Neal Akers, (Eunice) Mrs Ray Akers of Bedford, Iowa, and Herbert Ariel Piper of Conway, Iowa. She also leaves eight grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren and six great, great grandchildren, and two sisters, Mrs Mabel Darnell and Mrs Ada Shum of California. She was preceded in death by her husband Sept 18, 1917; her father and mother, five sisters and four brothers. She was a member of the Rose Hill United Brethren church north of Clarinda. Services were conducted from the Methodist church in Gravity by Rev R V Felt and Rev Howard DeVore, Oct 15 at 2 p m. Burial was in Gravity cemetery. [PIPER, IDA JANE MUCKEY] Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, October 21, 1954, [p. 1] Mrs. Ida Piper Rites Held Friday Mrs. Ida Piper, long-time resident of Taylor County, died at St. Francis hospital, Maryville, October 13, 1954. Funeral services were held at the Methodist church in Gravity, Friday afternoon, October 15 conducted by Rev. R. V. Felt and Rev. Howard DeVore. Burial in Gravity cemetery. Ida Jane Muckey, daughter of Jasper and Emma Muckey, was born at Woodhull, Ill., Sept. 24, 1858, and died at the age of 96 years, 19 days. At the age of 10 years, she came to Page County, Iowa, with her parents, where she grew to womanhood north of Clarinda. In the year 1907, she came to Taylor County and resided on a farm west of Sharpsburg until the last fourteen years, making her home with her daughter, Mrs. Ray Akers in Bedford. On Sept. 3, 1885 she was married to Ezekiel B. Piper. To them three children were born: (Elsie) Mrs. Neal Akers, (Eunice) Mrs. Ray Akers of Bedford, Herbert Ariel Piper of Conway, all of whom survive. She also leaves eight grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren, six great great grandchildren; two sisters, Mrs. Mabel Daniell and Mrs. Ada Shum of California. She was preceded in death by her husband, Sept. 18, 1917, her father, mother, five sisters, four brothers. She was a member of Rose Hill United Brethren north of Clarinda.
Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, October 13, 1938, p. 5 J. F. Prickett, 57, Dies in S. Dakota John Franklin Prickett, 57, a former resident of Gravity, died at his home in Lake Andes, S. Dak., Friday, Oct. 7. The body was brought to Bedford and funeral services were held at the Walker & Shum Funeral Home Wednesday forenoon, conducted by Rev. Stanley Schlick. Burial was in the Gravity cemetery. Mr. Prickett was a member of the I. O. O. F. at Lake Andes. Accompanying the body to Bedford were the following relatives: Mrs. J. F. Prickett, the wife and a daughter and a sister, Miss Laura Prickett, all of Lake Andes; Mrs. Inez Grace and Mrs. Frances Thomas of Cheyenne, Wyo.; Mr. and Mrs. Elias Prickett of New London, Iowa. Also Judge A. B. Beck, a friend from Lake Andes. Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, November 21, 1963, p. 5 Laura Prickett Rites Monday Funeral services for Laura Alma Prickett were held at Shum-Novinger Funeral Home Monday (Nov. 18) with Rev. James Sheckler of Gravity officiating. Miss Prickett died at Freemyer Home Nov. 16 at the age of 79 years, six months and five days. Interment was in Washington cemetery, Gravity. The following obituary was included in the services: Laura Alma Prickett, daughter of Smith Allison Prickett and Emma Catherine Weller, was born May 11, 1884, in Creston, Ia. At an early age she, with her parents and brothers, went to Laramie and Cheyenne, Wyo., where they lived a number of years. In 1909 they moved to Geddie, So. Dak., where they resided for a number of years. She was preceded in death by her father, Mar. 21, 1911, her brother, Charles E., Dec. 23, 1925, her mother, Feb. 2, 1937, and another brother, John Franklin, Oct. 8, 1938. She cared for her mother the last few years of her life. She was employed as a court reporter in Lake Andes, So. Dak., a job she held for about 20 years. She then moved to Pierre, So. Dak., where she was employed at the So. Dak Department of Highways for 8 1/2 years and was retired Feb. 11, 1957. She was an active member of Rebekah Lodge No. 181 at Lake Andes, So. Dak.; also a member of Royal Neighbors. She was baptized at the Methodist church in Silver City, Iowa, Oct. 11, 1944. She was a faithful member, her favorite scripture passage was the 23rd Psalm; her favorite hymn was ÒSweet Hour of Prayer.Ó On April 20, 1963, she moved to the home of Mrs. Belle Norton in Conway. She passed away in the Mrs. Ansel Freemyer home on Nov. 16, 1963 at the age of 79 years, 6 months, 5 days. She is survived by one niece, Helen Spitzer; great niece, Sharon Newman, and great, great nephew, Mark Newman of Pierre, So. Dak., several cousins and a host of friends. Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, December 22, 1960, p. 6 Former Resident Buried At Gravity Graveside services for Mrs. Lillian Prickett were held at the Gravity cemetery at 10 a. m. Tuesday, December 20. Rev. Frank Greenwood officiated. Mrs. Prickett was a former resident of Gravity and passed away in Pierre, South Dakota, where funeral services were held on Sunday. She is survived by a daughter. [RASCHER, HAZEL ERDINE JOHNSTON] New Market Herald, Thursday, November 17, 1921, p. 3 GRAVITY Mrs. Maggie Long of Shenandoah came Monday to attend the funeral services of her sister-in-law, Mrs. Will Rascher. Mrs. Will Rascher passed away at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Bud Johnson [Johnston], Sunday morning after a long, lingering illness. Funeral services were held at the Methodist church Tuesday afternoon, conducted by the pastor, Rev. V. G. Fellows. Interment in Gravity cemetery. [RASCHER, HAZEL ERDINE JOHNSTON] Page County Democrat (Clarinda, Iowa), Thursday, November 24, 1921, p. 6 Mrs. Will A. Rascher died Nov. 13, 1921 at her home in Gravity. The funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at the M. E. church conducted by Rev. V. G. Fellows. Interment in the Gravity cemetery. [RASCHER, HAZEL ERDINE JOHNSTON] Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, June 23, 1955, p. 7 Gravity News Will Rascher Dies Will Rascher of New Market died at his home June 19. [REID, ABBIE MARIAM GARTRELL WHITTEN ALEXANDER] Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, September 23, 1943, p. 3 Obituary – Mrs. Abbie Reid Abbie Gartrell Reid was born in St. Joseph, Missouri June 12, 1872 and died at the age of 71 years, 3 months and 5 days at the Creston hospital September 17, 1943. She had submitted to a second operation, which caused her death. She was married to J. [oseph] H. [ooker] Reid at Maryville October 7, 1907. She is survived by her husband of Gravity, two sisters, Mrs. Ida Nevius and Mrs. Nettie Emanuel both of Aurora, Colorado; and a brother, J. W. Gartrell of Lusk, Wyoming. She cared for her father, mother, and sister Emma in the home during their last days and her service was held at home Sunday by her own request. Burial was in the Gravity cemetery. Adams County Free Press (Corning, Iowa), Saturday, July 24, 1920, p. 7 Many friends in this community were grieved to hear of the death of Mrs. Dale Richards, a resident of Holt Township, Taylor County, whose death occurred at the Ft. Des Moines hospital Wednesday morning, July 20 at 8 a. m. The lady for the past eighteen months has been suffering from a tubercular trouble and last week she was taken to Des Moines for special treatment at the Fort Des Moines hospital. In February, 1919, the lady suffered a severe attack of influenza and never fully recovered her normal health and the trouble gradually went into a tubercular condition. Her sister, Miss Winnifred Johnson [Johnston], of Gravity died about six weeks ago from the same disease. May Johnson [Johnston], daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bud Johnson [Johnston], was born in Holt township, Taylor County, September 1, 1890, and departed this life July 20, being 29 years, 10 months and 19 days old. Deceased grew to womanhood in the vicinity of her birth where she attended the rural school and always took an active part in the affairs of the community. She was married to Dale Richards July 20, 1911, and a peculiar co-incident is the fact that her death occurred on her ninth wedding anniversary. Mr. and Mrs. Richards lived in Corning for a time following their marriage but later moved to a farm in Holt Township and have since lived in that vicinity. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Richards, one child dying in infancy. The living children are Howard aged 8, Everett aged 6, Myrtle aged 3 and Harold aged 18 months. It is certainly a sad case, where the children are left motherless at such a tender age. Besides her husband, father and mother, she leaves two sisters and two brothers, Mrs. Hazel Rascher of Gravity, Mrs. Emma Downing [Downey] of Lenox, Mannie and Will Johnson living at Gravity, besides a host of loyal friends who will extend deep sympathy to the bereaved ones. Mrs. Richards was an active member of the Oak Hill Christian church of Holt vicinity and her good work in the church will be missed. The funeral was held Thursday afternoon at the Fairview church, conducted by the pastor, Rev. Willey. Interment was made in Prairie Rose cemetery. [STOGDILL, GWENDOLYN VIOLA WALKER] Bedford Times-Press, Wednesday, May 5, 1999 Gwendolyn V. Stogdill Gwendolyn V. [iola] Stogdill, 75, of Colorado Springs, CO died April 27, 1999 at a Colorado Springs Hospital. A graveside memorial service was held May 2 at Washington Cemetery, Gravity, Iowa. Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford handled the arrangements. Gwendolyn was born to Ray and Nellie Phillips Walker on September 17, 1923 in Gravity, Iowa. On July 2, 1944 she married Maynard E. [ugene] "Pete" Stogdill at her parents home in Gravity. Since then they have been stationed throughout the world with the Air Force until retiring in 1969 in Colorado Springs. As a homemaker she dedicated herself to her family. In addition to supporting their activities, she enjoyed sewing, gardening, cooking and horse shows. Survivors include her husband, Pete of Colorado Springs, a daughter, Janet Stogdill-Jordan and husband David of Colorado Springs, a sister, Leoma Beckett of Tulsa, OK; three grandchildren, Kimberly Stogdill of Canon City, CO, Gregory Stogdill of Charleston, SC and Kari Stogdill of Alma, AR and one great grandchild, Nathan Stogdill of Charleston. She is preceded in death by a son, Randall Stogdill, brothers Lewis Walker and Waite Walker; two sisters, Darlene Johnson and an infant sister. Bedford Times-Press, Wednesday, September 15, 1993 RANDALL L. STOGDILL Randall L. [ee] Stogdill, 47, a biochemist at Colorado Interstate Gas Co., died August 28, 1993 in Aurora, Colo. Randy was born October 15, 1945 in Creston, Iowa to M. [aynard] E. and Gwendolyn V. (Walker) Stogdill of Colorado Springs, Colo. He is survived by his children, Kimberly Ann, who is in the United States Navy, Gregory Brent of Cape Girardeau, Mo., and Kari Amanda of Coburn, Va.; sister, Janet L. Stogdill of Colorado Springs, Colo.; four aunts and three uncles; close friends Donna Stanley and Kenny King. He was a graduate of Northeast Missouri State University, Kirksville, Mo. Services were held Sunday, Sept. 5 at the Washington Cemetery, Gravity, Iowa. Rev. Steve Peters officiated. Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, August 9, 1962, p. 5 Clyde E. Taylor Rites Aug. 3 Funeral services for Clyde E. Taylor were held August 3 in the Sharpsburg Methodist church with Carl Cummings officiating. Burial was in Washington cemetery, Gravity. The following obituary was included in the service. Clyde Everette Taylor, only child of John and Sarah Bently Taylor, was born on a farm near Gravity, Iowa, July 28, 1880 and departed this life at the St. Francis Hospital in Maryville, Missouri on August 1, 1962 at the age of 82 years and 3 days. His early life was spent on the farm. After he completed his high school education from the Gravity Schools he was trained as a telegraph operator and was employed by the Burlington Railroad in this capacity in several towns for seven years. Later he served as cashier for this railroad at Longmont, Colo. He then moved to Sharpsburg, Iowa, where he entered the mercantile business and continued as a successful merchant for 27 years. For nine years he was employed as auditor by the State of Iowa, working in the income and sales tax division. On June 1, 1905 he was united in marriage to Stella Wackernagle at the family home near Clearfield, Iowa, and they enjoyed over 57 years of companionship together. As a young man he united with the Christian Church and transferred his membership to the First Methodist Church in Creston, Iowa, when they moved to that place in 1950. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge at Gravity, having received a 50-year certificate five years ago and honored by being the only 50-year member of this Lodge. He was a member of the Za-Ga-Zig Shrine at Des Moines and had a life paid up membership in the Crippled Children Hospital fund. His parents preceded him in death and he leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, a cousin Lulu Nelson of Edmond, Kansas and a cousin Frank Copple of Bedford; a sister-in-law, Rose Wackernagle and a brother-in-law, Guss Wackernagle; several nieces and nephews, and several distant cousins. He was loved by all of his friends. He lived a brave and thoughtful life; he was a good, true and generous man, and he died as he lived. Like a great and peaceful river with green and shaded banks, without a murmur, without a ripple, he flowed into the waveless ocean of eternal peace and rest, and we loved the sacred memory of his name. Those from out-of-town attending the services were: Mr. and Mrs. Frank Carr, Mr. and Mrs. Howard Carr, Springview, Nebr.; Mr. and Mrs. Richard Schoettiger, Omaha; Gus Wackernagle and Iver Wackernagle and family, Blockton; Mr. and Mrs. Howard Spring, Madrid, Ia.; Robert McClelland, Clarinda; Mrs. Mattie Reed and Annola Toler, Lenox; Mr. and Mrs. Art Conaway and Marie Crew, Clearfield; Miss Maude Nelson and Mrs. Myrtle Debord, Bedford; Mr. and Mrs. Gene Muir, Mr. and Mrs. A. P. Schwiersch, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Able, Mr. and Mrs. T. Ewing, Mrs. Dr. John Beattie, Edna Pearl Gehrecke, Grace Wood, Maggie McIlreavy, Marge Borty, Mrs. O. P. Cheetam, Mr. and Mrs. Art Glick, all of Creston; Jay E. Hughes and James E. Hughes, Lenox; Dr. and Mrs. E. J. Hines, Leon. [TAYLOR, ESTELLA BELLE "STELLA" WACKERNAGLE] Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, January 12, 1978 Stella B. Taylor, 97, Last Rites Held January 6 Funeral services for Mrs. Clyde A. (Stella B.) Taylor, 97, of Bedford, formerly of Sharpsburg, held January 6 in the Sharpsburg United Methodist Church, were conducted by Carl Cummings. Mrs. Taylor died January 4, 1978 in Bedford Manor, Bedford, Ia. Interment was in Washington Cemetery, Gravity, Ia. The earthly life of Stella Belle Wackernagle Taylor began on a farm near Clearfield, Iowa, July 13, 1880, where her father, Carl Wackernagle and Ida Wilhelmina Markhardt had settled after their marriage at Conway, Iowa, on August 10, 1873. Stella being the fifth of eight children early learned lessons in personal sacrifice, responsibility and family cooperation; helping with household duties and care of younger children. Constant homework was never permitted to interfere with her schoolwork. She was a diligent student in the rural school and later in high school. She was a teacher in the rural schools and public schools of Taylor County for nine years. On June 1, 1905, she was united in marriage to Clyde E. Taylor of Gravity, Iowa at the family home near Clearfield, Iowa. She, with her husband enjoyed over 57 years of companionship, which never lost its early glow of devotion and mutual understanding. From early girlhood she was a member of the Methodist Church of Clearfield, Iowa, and transferred her membership to where she lived. Together with her husband, they were in the mercantile business for 27 years in Sharpsburg, Iowa, and during that time she found time to work with the young people of the church, the Red Cross and other civic affairs. In 1937 she was elected to serve on the State Central Committee from the seventh district, serving for seven years until her health would not permit her to serve longer. In 1950 she and her husband moved to Creston, Iowa, and lived until August 1, 1962, when the untimely death of her husband broke the many years cycle of her settled way of life. On July 5, 1965, she went to Pearl Terrace Manor in Bedford where she has lived until the death angel called her home January 4, 1978, A full life had been lived. She enjoyed the summer and autumn of life. She had known joy, pain and sorrow, until it ended and returned to the Heavenly Father who gave it. She was preceded in death by her parents; four sisters and three brothers. Those who survive are: one niece, Mrs. Edna Carr of Springview, Nebraska, and a nephew, Iver Wackernagle of Blockton, Iowa; other relatives; nieces; nephews; cousins, and friends. Farewell, a little time and we who knew thee well and loved her; one after one shall follow thee; and when the sunset gates unbar; shall we not see thee waiting, standing, aglow and white against the Evening Star, the welcome of thy beckoning hand. She was loved by all of her friends; she lived a brave and thoughtful life; she was a good person and true, and she died as she lived. Like a great and peaceful river with green and shaded banks; without a murmur, without a ripple, she flowed into the waveless ocean of eternal peace and rest; and we love the sacred memory of her name. The above obituary was personally written by Stella Wackernagle Taylor some time prior to her death with only the date of her passing to be supplied. Bedford Free Press, Thursday, September 15, 1910, p. 4 John P. Taylor died at Gravity Sunday night, aged 67 years, of typhoid fever. He was a member of the 59th Ohio Vol., and was born in the state of Ohio. He came to Iowa soon after the war and has resided in Gravity for a number of years. He leaves a wife and one son, and also two sisters, Mrs. S. Woodrow, of this city, and Mrs. H. A. Coppel, of Conway, also a nephew, W. R. Coppel of this city. Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, September 6, 1934, [p. 1] Services Are Held For Mrs. J. P. Taylor Funeral services for Mrs. J. [ohn] P. Taylor, 87, a resident of Gravity for the past thirty-six years, who died at her home Sunday, Aug. 26, were held at the Christian church in Gravity Thursday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Joe Green of Diagonal. Burial was in the Gravity cemetery. Mrs. Taylor, who before her marriage was Miss Sarah [Ann] Bentley, was born at Ripley, O., July 8, 1847. She was one of a family of nine children, all of whom preceded her in death except one sister, Mrs. Louisa Copple of Bedford. She was married to John P. Taylor of Eureka, Ill., Feb. 15, 1871. To them was born one son, Clyde E. [verett] Taylor of Sharpsburg, who with the sister survives. Mr. Taylor died Sept. 11, 1910. Mrs. Taylor was a member of the Christian Church and of the Order of Eastern Star. Clarinda Herald Journal, Monday, December 24, 1984 Waite Walker died Saturday Waite Walker 63, of Albuquerque, NM, died Dec. 22, 1984. He leaves a son and a daughter; four grandchildren; three sisters, Leona [Leoma] Beckett of Omaha, Ne; Gwendolyn Stogdill of Colorado Springs, Co; and Mrs. Jesse (Darlene) Johnson of Clarinda; and a brother, Lewis Walker. He is to be cremated and will be brought back to Clarinda to be buried this summer. [WALKER, WAITE P.] Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, May 2, 1985 Memorial services for Waite Walker to be May 4 Graveside memorial services will be held for Waite Walker May 4 at 2 p.m. at Gravity. Mr. Walker died December 22, 1984 at Albuquerque, N.M. He was formerly a resident of the Gravity-Sharpsburg area before moving to New Mexico for health reasons. Rev. Carl Cummings will be in charge. Mr. Walker is a brother of Lewis Walker of Bedford. Bedford Free Press, Thursday, July 21, 1921, p. 6 Gravity Items The funeral services of the infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Webb was held last Wednesday afternoon at the Fred Meyers home here, conducted by Rev. Weber. Interment at Gravity cemetery. Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, February 25, 1971, p. 3 Rites Held Here Feb. 19 for Lola Webb Funeral services for Mrs. Walter (Lola) Webb, 67, of Bedford were held February 19 at the Bedford Methodist church with Rev. Darrel L. Draper officiating. Mrs. Webb died February 16, 1971 at the Municipal Hospital in Clarinda after a long illness. Interment was at Washington Cemetery, Gravity. Lola A. McLaury was born September 27, 1903 in Clearfield, Iowa, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George McLaury. She attended school in Clearfield then moved to Bedford with her parents where she was employed by the telephone company as a switchboard operator for many years and spent her entire life in Taylor County. On December 25, 1942 she was united in marriage to Walter Webb and they moved to their farm where they have lived ever since. She is survived by her husband; one stepson and one stepdaughter; two grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Her great love was for her church, her home, and her children. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her and loved her. Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, June 23, 1955, p. 7 Gravity News Chas. Welch Dies Chas. Welch, farmer living northeast of Gravity, died Sunday, June 19 at the hospital in Creston. He had suffered a heart attack early in the evening. |