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

[NEIL, JOHN MARTIN, JR.]

Bedford Times-Press, August 20, 2003

JOHN MARTIN NEIL, JR.

Funeral services for John Neil, age 83 of Bedford, who died Saturday, August 9,2003 at his home, were held Tuesday, August 12, 2003 at 10:30 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Bedford with Pastors Jamie Mogler and Ted DeHass officiating. Interment with military rites accorded by the John F. Hardin American Legion Post No. 164 were held in the Washington Cemetery in Gravity. Memorials can be directed to the First Baptist Church or the Hospice of Central Iowa. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

John Martin Neil, Jr., was born March 11, 1919 in Warsaw, Missouri, the son of John Martin Neil, and Etta Hansen Neil. In August before John's birth, his father died of typhoid fever. Soon after, Etta moved into the home of her father, Andrew Jackson Hansen, who had come from Germany when he was five years old. John grew up attending school in Lincoln, Missouri while his mother was busy attending high school, which she completed in three years. They lived with her father for seven years until she was united in marriage to U. H. Davis.

John attended country school at Fairfield and went to high school in Windsor, Missouri where he also graduated. He later attended Chillicothe Business School where he met his wife Geraldine Ginn, who originally came from Gravity, Iowa with several of her classmates to attend business school. They were united in marriage at the Baptist Parsonage on April 30, 1940 in Chillicothe, Missouri.

The family moved to Omaha where John was employed by the Marshall Nursery and then went to work with the Railway Express driving a truck that would meet the trains and deliver to people's homes and banks. It was the beginning of World War II and his Railway Express job deferred him from military service for one year. In September of 1943, Uncle Sam said "I Want You " so he left his wife, and one-year old daughter Kay, and went to serve his country. John signed up in Warsaw, Missouri but was actually deployed from Leavenworth, Kansas into the United States Navy. In the meantime, Geraldine's father had died so they went to live on the farm in Gravity. They helped to prepare for the estate sale as her brother Thomas had been killed in the Aleutian Islands during World War II. John served his basic training in Farragut, Idaho and was picked for Radar Training and sent to Pt. Loma, California. Radar was new at the time and his commander asked him what it was and John's reply was "you know as much about it as I do." He took his training at Pt. Loma Island then went to Astoria, Oregon to pick up the ship, an aircraft carrier "U.S.S. Shamrock Bay" which the Japanese later purchased when it was dismantled. He faithfully served his country as a radar man. John saw a lot of action in Okinawa, the Philippines, Africa, the Marshall Islands, passing through the Panama Canal two times. While in Africa, they picked up damaged American and German planes. Many times the mechanics on the ship had the planes ready to fly when they returned them to Norfolk, Virginia.     They   carried missiles when they went to Okinawa and John said, "The Japanese Kamikaze planes were like flies around us, the gunners did a good job keeping these away from our ship ".

During the War, Geraldine and Kay lived on the farm north of Gravity with her mother, Rilda Ginn, and sister Betty, and they farmed the 200-acre farm with occasional help from George McNeese, 80 year old Mr. Johnson and Mr. Lucas, a school superintendent.

Neither Geraldine nor her sister drove so they both had to learn, which was hard on the gears of the old car, but learn they did! They also learned how to harness horses, put up hay and all the other things that went along with farming. Upon John's discharge from the United States Navy on December 9, 1945, he returned to the farm. This was a blessed time, just before Christmas. John was reunited with his wife and two young daughters, Kay and Peggy, who was born while he was away. He had only seen her at six months of age when he was home on leave.

John had farmed, worked in a locker plant, was a telephone lineman in Gravity and also a carpenter. For 25 years, John was the manager for the NAPA Store in Bedford, retiring in June of 1987. John was a member of the First Baptist Church in Bedford where he served many years as both a Deacon and Trustee and also taught Sunday school.

Left to cherish John's memory are his wife Geraldine of Bedford; one son, John M. Neil III, of Austin Texas; four daughters, Kay White and husband Bennie of Bedford, Texas; Peggy Murphy of Austin, Texas; Mary   Miskey   of Austin, Texas; Nancy Motola and husband Patrick of Austin, Texas; sisters-in-law, Ruth Ginn of Los Angeles, California; Betty Hamilton and husband Harry of Altoona, Iowa; ten grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Preceding John in death are his father, John M. Neil; mother Etta Hansen Neil Davis; step-father, U. H. Davis, former Bedford residents, a half-brother, William A. Davis; a son-in-law, Francis (Skip) Edward Miskey; and a daughter-in-law, Debbie Neil.

[NOTT, AARON]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, July 5, 1956, p. 4

Aaron Nott Died At Ottumwa

Aaron Nott, 85, a resident of the Gravity community many years ago, died at Ottumwa last week. Last rites were held there Thursday afternoon. His sister and husband of Bedford, Mr. an Mrs. Perry Williams attended the services. They were accompanied by another sister, Mrs. Flossie Frum of Monterey Park, California.

[NOTT, WILLLIAM HENRY HARRISON]

Bedford Times-Republican, Thursday, January 13, 1927, [p. 1]

Pioneer Resident of Gravity Passes Away

Death came to Henry Nott at his home in Gravity on Saturday evening, January 8th, at about 10 o’clock. He was aged 83 years, 4 months and 28 days, and had lived in the vicinity of Gravity for nearly 40 years.

Funeral services were held at the M. E. church in Gravity, on Tuesday of this week, at 2:00 P. M. and interment was given in the Gravity cemetery.

[NOTT, SARAH JANE HINKLE]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, March 1, 1934, p. 7

Gravity

Attend Mother’s Funeral

Children of Mrs. Sarah Nott Here For Last Rites

Arbuth Nott and Aaron Nott of Fairfield, Iowa, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Ross of Kansas City, Ray Nott and family of St. Joseph, Mr. and Mrs. Ted Frum of Omaha, attended the funeral services of their mother, Mrs. Sarah Nott Saturday.

Mrs. Sarah Nott Dies

Mrs. Sarah Nott died unexpectedly at her home in south Gravity, Wednesday evening. The funeral services were held Saturday afternoon at the Methodist Episcopal church, conducted by Rev. R. V. Felt. Burial was in the Gravity cemetery.

 

[OSTRANDER, CHARLES]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, June 15, 1944, p. 5

Chas. Ostrander Dies

Charles Ostrander, 71, died in the Landfather Hospital in Maryville Wednesday night. He had been in poor health for a long time. He made his home with his sister, Mrs. Ida McLaughlin. The funeral services were held in his sister's home Friday at 2 p. m. Rev. Ted Masters, Methodist minister of Grant City, officiated. Burial was in the Sheridan cemetery.

[OSTRANDER, CHESTER]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, February 15, 1945, p. 2

Brother Dies In Des Moines

Chester Ostrander, Des Moines, died Friday, according to word received by his sister, Mrs. Ida McLaughlin.

[OSTRANDER, FRANK]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, February 18, 1943, p. 8

BLOCKTON

Former Resident Dies

In a recent letter from Mrs. Clara Jarvis of Cache, Oklahoma friends here learned of the death of Frank Ostrander of San Francisco, California on January 23. Mr. Ostrander formerly lived here, being a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. H. [iram] B.[urk] Ostrander.

 [OSTRANDER, OWEN BENJAMIN]

Blockton News, Thursday, February 3, 1938, [p. 1]

Owen Ostrander Dead

Owen Ostrander died at his home near Lineville Sunday evening shortly after retiring.

Mr. Ostrander was born and grew to manhood in this community, later living near Redding a number of years. Several months ago the family moved to a farm some ten miles west of Lineville.

[OSTRANDER, OWEN BENJAMIN, INFANT DAUGHTER OF]

Bedford Free Press, Thursday, May 16, 1912, p. 6

Blockton News

A little daughter was born to Owen Ostrander and wife last Tuesday, but only lived a few days.

 

[O'CONNOR, JOHN HUBERT]

Blockton News, Thursday, May 8, 1919, [p. 1]

John Herbert [Hubert] O'Connor, only son of John Daniel O'Connor and wife, passed away at the home of his parents south of Maloy on Wednesday afternoon, April 30, at the age of one year, seven months and six days. Peritonitis was the cause of death. Funeral services were held at the Immaculate Conception church at Maloy Friday morning at 10:30 and interment was made in St. Mary's cemetery. The bereaved parents have the sympathy of all in this hour of sorrow.

[O'CONNOR, LEAH HART]

Blockton News, Thursday, December 11, 1919, [p. 1]

Obituary of Leah Hart-O'Connor

News of the death on last Monday, December 1st, of Leah Hart O'Connor was received with deep sorrow by her large circle of friends in this and Taylor counties

Leah M. Hart was born near Maloy, Iowa, February 1, 1888, the youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. M. N. Hart. She was reared at Maloy and attended the public schools there, later attending the Benedictine Convent at Clyde, Missouri. After leaving school she was a teacher in the public schools of this county for a short time.

She was married January 7, 1914, to Mr. John T. O'Connor of Maloy, who with two small sons, James, aged five, and John T. Jr., aged three and one half, survive her. In addition to her husband and children she leaves to mourn her untimely death her mother, Mrs. M. N. Hart of Maloy, her sisters, Mrs. J. M. Nolan of Maloy, and Mrs. T. A. Shiel of Des Moines, and her brothers, Luke E., Richard C., Michael J., and Herbert M. of Saint Louis, and W. T. O'Connel Hart of Maloy, besides a large number of other relatives.

Her death occurred at Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she went three years ago in the hope of regaining her health. Throughout her long illness she was patient and hopeful and withal brave and courageous. Her pleasant and cheery manner and her faith and devotion was most edifying. While she was hopeful that she might be spared to be with her husband and their two little boys, she was at all times resigned to God's Holy Will.

Reared at Maloy she was known to every one in that section and to hundreds of others in Ringgold and Taylor counties. She was loved and respected by all who knew her and her death has brought sadness to all who knew her.

The remains accompanied by her husband and her mother, who had been with her constantly during her illness, arrived at Maloy Friday morning. The funeral was held from her old home in Maloy on Saturday to the Immaculate Conception church, then to St. Mary's Cemetery east of [words unreadable].

Everything that was possible was done by a loving and devoted husband, her kind and indulgent mother and affectionate relatives and friends. Her fortitude amid suffering, her kindness and loving disposition was an inspiration to everyone. She was an universal favorite among her acquaintances and she will be greatly missed by all who knew her. May her soul rest in peace.

[O'CONNOR, MARY GRIFFIN]

Blockton News, Thursday, February 13, 1919, [p. 1]

Obituary – Mrs. James O'Connor

Mary Griffin O'Connor was born in Tullimore, County Kerry, Ireland, May 16, 1848, and died at her home at Maloy Sunday evening, February 2, 1919, aged 70 years, 8 months and 17 days.

She emigrated to this country when a young girl, coming first to Montreal, Canada, and later to Chicago, Illinois.

She was married in Chicago on October 12, 1870, to James O'Connor, whose birth place likewise was County Kerry, Ireland. Eleven years later the family moved to Iowa, locating in Ringgold County a few miles north of Blockton, where they lived until 1910 when Mr. and Mrs. O'Connor moved to Maloy.

Besides her husband she leaves to mourn her death her six children---Maurice, Edward, John and Mrs. Dennis R. Shay, of this vicinity; Dr. T. G. O'Connor, of Imogene, and Mrs. Luke E. Hart, of St. Louis; three sisters---Miss Margaret Griffin, of Maloy, and Mrs. D. O'Hern and Mrs. T. Gannon, of Chicago; sixteen grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were conducted Wednesday morning, February 5th, from St. Mary's church, Maloy, Rev. P. J. O'Connor, of Graceville, Minnesota, officiating. Her four sons and two sons-in-law acted as pall bearers.

Those from a distance attending the funeral were Mrs. O'Hern and son, Maurice; Mrs. T. Crean and son, Edward, and Mrs. Bambury of Chicago, and Mrs. R. O. Shay of St. Joseph.

The remains were [rest of sentence unreadable].

[OSTRANDER, ROY]

Blockton News, Thursday, December 12, 1918, p. 5

M. A. Newton informs us of the death of his nephew, Roy Ostrander, at Hedrick on November 30th. The deceased was 26 years of age, was a son of Mel Ostrander and leaves a wife and child. Pneumonia following influenza was the cause of his death.

 
 
 
 

[PIPER, BENJAMIN]

Bedford Times-Republican, Thursday, November 21, 1929, [p. 1]

Last Civil War Veteran Passed Away At Sharps

Benjamin Piper of Sharpsburg, Iowa, Died Friday

Was 86 years Old

He Was Born in Franklin County, Penn., and Passed Away At Home in Sharpsburg

Benjamin Piper, the last of the Civil War veterans of Sharpsburg, passed away at his home Friday. The funeral services were held at the Methodist church Sunday afternoon, conducted by Rev. C. H. Platt. Interment was made in the Gravity cemetery.

Benjamin Piper was born in Franklin County, Penn., Nov. 17, 1842, and died at his home in Sharpsburg, Ia., Nov. 15th, 1929, aged 86 years, 11 months and 28 days. He moved to Wautauga, Ill., in 1857. He enlisted in the United States Army, Co. K, 45th Regiment, serving until July 12, 1865, when he was honorably discharged at Louisville, Ky. He returned to Wautauga and soon afterward was married to Miss Ann Mitchell, who died in the year 1867. Mr. Piper came to Page County, Iowa in 1868, then to a farm southwest of Sharpsburg in 1905, and moved to the residence in Sharpsburg in 1912, where he enjoyed life, having very good health up to the last few months. He was of a cheerful disposition, patient, a kind father and a friend to man.

He was married on Dec. 28th, 1871, to Miss Sarah J. Shepherd of Page County, Ia. To this union was born three sons and three daughters. His three sons, John Wesley, Robert Ross and Wm. Elbert, have passed on. The three daughters are Stella Ann Shum, Grace Vera Brown of Sharpsburg, Ia., and Gertie May Weller of Conway, Iowa. Besides these there remain his wife, one daughter-in-law, Mrs. Mable Piper; six grandchildren, two great grandchildren, and a host of friends, who will miss him. He was a good husband, father, and friend. Mr. Piper was the last child of a family of eight children who all lived to a ripe old age, except one sister who died in early womanhood.

He has been a Christian since early life, a member of the United Brethren Church until he came to Sharpsburg, where he united with the Methodist Episcopal church and has served faithful and true. His one great desire seemed to be that he could so live that each member of his family and his friends be Christian, serving his country and being faithful and true, living a Christian life before or among men; that his loved ones prepare for life Eternal, calling them one by one to his bedside during his last sickness, instructing them to be Christian and live for the Master.

 

[PARSON, MILFORD]

Blockton News, Thursday, January 23, 1913, p. 4

Word comes from Grand Rapids, North Dakota, that Milford Parson, who formerly resided a few miles west and who went to Grand Rapids, North Dakota, a few years since, died a few days since. It seems that he has been ill since last spring with a complication of kidney and heart trouble but was not considered serious until a few weeks before his death. He was a member of the I. O. O. F. lodge at this place and was highly esteemed by his neighbors.

 

[PARSHALL, IRENE IENZA STEPHENS]

Blockton News, Thursday, October 22, 1931, [p. 1]

Obituary – Mrs. Ienza Parshall, widow of J. [eremiah] K. [endall] Parshall, passed from this life Oct. 8, 1931, at the home of her brother, T. J. Stephens, in Redding.

[Irene] Ienza Stephens, daughter of Azariah and Clara Stephens, was born in Greene County, Pennsylvania, Dec. 8, 1845.

She became a Christian in her early years, uniting with the Baptist church, of which denomination she remained a loyal and faithful member throughout her life.

She came to Iowa in 1880 and on Dec. 19, 1894, was united in marriage to J.[eremiah] K. [endall] Parshall. Mr. Parshall’s death occurred Jan. 24, 1917.

Mrs. Parshall was in ill health during her latter years, her illness being due to a weak heart. What she lacked physically, she made up through an indomitable will and a valiant Christian courage. While suffering bodily infirmity herself, she sought to bring comfort and cheer to others, and now those whom she befriended bless her memory.

She is survived by one son, S. S. Stephens of Delphos; two brothers and two sisters, Mrs. Mary L. Wright of San Diego, California; Stacy Stephens of Delphos, T. J. Stephens of Redding and Mrs. R. M. Bowlby of Beaconsfield, also nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

Funeral services were held on Sabbath afternoon, Oct. 11, at the United Presbyterian church in Clearfield, conducted by Rev. J. C. Hamilton, Baptist minister of Mt. Ayr, who was assisted by Rev. Jesse Wright, a nephew of the deceased, and by Rev. H. B. Hutchman, United Presbyterian minister at Clearfield. Interment was in Redding cemetery.

 

[PINGREE, ANDREW JACKSON]

Blockton News, Thursday, February 20, 1919, [p. 1]

A. J. Jackson Pingree Dead

A. J. Pingree passed away at his home northwest of town Tuesday evening at 6:45 from pneumonia, following an attack of influenza. Short funeral services were held at the home Tuesday afternoon, conducted by Rev. E. J. Ulay and the remains were taken to Afton on the evening train for interment. Mrs. Pingree as well as her infant child and also her mother are very ill with the influenza. The Pingree family were making preparation to move to a [farm] near Tingley.

[PINGREE, ANDREW JACKSON]

Blockton News, Thursday, February 27, 1919, p. 7

Obituary – Andrew Jackson Pingree was born at Afton, Iowa, September 30, 1892, and passed from this earth February 18, 1919, at the age of 27 years, 4 months and 18 days.

He grew to manhood in and around Afton. His father died when he was [a] lad of 6 years and since he was 14 he not only made his own way in the world but assisted in caring for his mother. In 1913 he was converted and united with the Bethel United Evangelical church and from that time lived a faithful and very devoted Christian life. On Feb. 10, 1914, he was united in marriage to Martha White, of south of Afton. One year ago they moved to near Blockton and where he passed away as above stated.

He is survived by the wife, two children---Ferne, aged 4 years, and Harold, aged 1 year; mother, stepfather and other relatives and a host of friends. A short service was held at the home northwest of Blockton at 4 o'clock Tuesday afternoon, conducted by Rev. E. J. Laird. Many of the neighbors were present at the service, expressing their high esteem for the departed. The remains were taken to the home of his mother at Afton Tuesday evening, accompanied by the mother and stepfather, Mr. and Mrs. George Biggerstaff, and father-in-law, Grant White, where funeral services were held at the grave, conducted by Rev. E. J. Ulay, pastor of the First Presbyterian church, assisted by Rev. S. Skogsberg, of the United Evangelical church, at 3:30 Wednesday afternoon. The remains were laid to rest in the Greenlawn cemetery. Owing to the illness of the wife and mother-in-law they were unable to accompany the body to Afton.

[PRIEST, CHARLES DENTON]

Blockton News, Thursday, December 19, 1918, [p. 1]

Chaplain Charles D. Priest Dead

A message was received last Thursday evening by Mrs. Charles D. [enton] Priest in Chicago that her husband had died of wounds in France on October 29th. A telegram to that effect was received here by D. T. Waldrip and wife Friday morning from their daughter, Mrs. Priest, who came to Blockton Saturday morning.

Rev. Priest was pastor of the Church of Christ at Estherville last June when he enlisted in the army, his congregation giving their permission, and he left Blockton on June 13th for Louisville, Kentucky, for preparatory training as a chaplain. He finished his course, received his commission as a chaplain with orders to be ready to report for overseas service within thirty days and returned to Blockton on July 7th. He returned to his charge at Estherville [words unreadable or missing] for overseas [words missing] front lines where he took up his duties with the 358th infantry. The death of Chaplain Priest, at the age of almost 37 years, hardly at the noonday of life, came as a severe shock to his loved ones and many friends. While he had accomplished much during his 36 years of life, his achievements were all the more pronounced because he came up from the bottom of life's ladder through the force of his own endeavors. He gained a place of prominence in the affairs of the church and the army, not through influence or circumstances, but through industry, integrity, and fidelity to every trust. That he should pass into the beyond just at a time when all his hopes were brightest and when the avenues of success were widening for him is sad, indeed. He was a type of man needed.

He was always interested in the young men of the country. He felt that he was called to offer his service to his country; to make the supreme sacrifice if need be in the cause for which the young men of this country were fighting. The word fear was not in his vocabulary. No doubt he faced death on the battlefield with the thought: "If it be not now, it is to come; if it be not now, yet it will come; the readiness is all."

He was ready, for he had lived in accordance with the injunction conveyed in the immortal words of William Cullen Bryant:

 'So live, that when they summons

Comes to join

The innumerable caravan which moves

To that mysterious realm where each

Shall take

His chamber in the silent halls of

Death,

Then go not, like the quarry slave at

Night,

Scourged to his dungeon, but sustain-

   ed and soothed

By an unfaltering trust, approach thy

   grave

Like one that wraps the drapery of

   His couch

About him, and lies down to pleasant

   Dreams.'

To his loved ones, to his wife, and to his parents, we tender our sincere sympathies in their grief and sorrow at the loss of their loved one.

Charles Priest was born at Sheldon, Iowa, November 28, 1881, and at the time of death was aged 36 years, 11 months and 1 day.

He grew to young manhood at Sheldon and in western Nebraska. He attended the Moody Institute in Chicago and after graduating from that institute entered as a student at Drake University where he spent six years, receiving B. A. and [?] degrees. While a student at Drake he filled various appointments as a student pastor. He was pastor of the Blockton Christian church for over two years [words unreadable] members of his own congregation. Later, he was pastor at Collins and still later at Estherville, which charge he expected to return to after the war.

On September 3, 1916, he was united in marriage to Miss Wilma Waldrip, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. D. [arwin] T. Waldrip of this place, Rev. Arthur Dillinger, then of Altoona and a classmate of Rev. Priest and the bride's former pastor, performing the ceremony.

Besides the wife he leave father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. William Priest, of Omega, Nebraska, and four brothers and three sisters as the immediate relatives to mourn his untimely death. One brother, Edwin Priest, was also a chaplain in the U. S. army in France.

 

[POOL, PETRONE V. N.]

Blockton News, Thursday, January 30, 1913, [p. 1]

Death of P. V. N. Pool

The news of the death of P. [etrone] V. N. Pool at his home in Maloy at midnight, Thursday night, was a sad surprise to numerous friends and acquaintances in Blockton, but few of whom had heard of his illness. He had been sick about ten days and the disease that caused his death was of a typhoid nature. He seemed to have had a premonition that the end was near and like the Christian that he was made such preparation and arrangements in regard to his departure as he thought best.

Mr. Pool was born in Gentry County, Missouri, and died at the age of 33 years, 2 months and 5 days. He came to Delphos in 1896 and to Maloy in 1901 where he was married to Miss Emma P. [earl] Blunk, November 16th, 1902. Three sons were born to them---Leland Ve, Eldon Bliss and Hubert N.---who with his wife are left to regret their great bereavement, cherish his memory and fight the battles of life as best they can without the love and tender guidance of a faithful companion and devoted father.

The deceased was a consistent member of the Christian church and at the time of his death was superintendent of the Christian Sunday school, a position he had filled the past three years. Large hearted and strictly honest, all were his friends, and he was a friend to all.

The funeral was held in the Christian church at Maloy, Sunday morning at 11 o�clock, the services being conducted and funeral sermon preached by Rev. Thompson, pastor of the Maloy Baptist church.

[POOL, PETRONE V. N.]

Blockton News, Thursday, January 30, 1913, p. 4

Among others attending the funeral of P. V. N. Pool at Maloy Sunday were H. A. Smith and wife, J. S. Wildman and wife, Edgar Thompson and wife, and John Loutzenhiser, who went up on a handcar. The funeral was largely attended, there being many from Benton, Diagonal, Delphos, Mount Ayr and elsewhere.

[POOR, RALPH]

Blockton News, Thursday, February 12, 1914, [p. 1]

Little Ralph Poor Passes Away

Ralph Poor, infant son of B. [enjamin] B. [issell] Poor and wife, residing in the east side of town, died Saturday afternoon at 4 o'clock and the funeral took place at the home Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock.

Ralph was a bright, loveable baby, about ten months of age. He had been ill some time and his death was not unexpected. "It is sweet in [?] hood to give back the spirit to [its] maker" ere the [word unreadable] and of sin has marked its spotless beauty.

The funeral services were conducted by Rev. William Mercer and interment was made in Rose Hill cemetery.

The parents have the sympathy of all in the death of their baby.

[PROCTOR, HARRY KENNETH]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, March 18, 1954, p. 9

BLOCKTON

Harry Kenneth Proctor, son of Marlam [Merriman] I. [ra] and Sarah E. [lizabeth] Skinner, was born near Maloy, Iowa, July 15, 1898 and died at Council Bluffs March 11, 1954 at the age of 55 years, 7 months, 26 days.

He was married to Lottie Blaine of Bedford. His early life was spent farming in the vicinity of Maloy and Blockton.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, one brother, Joseph; two sisters, Frances and Essie. He leaves to mourn his passing his only brother, Earl of Mt. Pleasant.

Funeral services were conducted at Blockton Christian church Sunday, March 14 by Rev. John Huntington with burial in Rose Hill cemetery.

Those from out of town attending the funeral of Harry Proctor were Mr. and Mrs. Earl Proctor, Mr. and Mrs. Horton Proctor of Mt. Pleasant; Ethel Gault and Orville Offey of Corning.

 

[PURDY, JENNIE MAY WEILAND]

Blockton News, Thursday, April 16, 1914, [p. 1]

Mrs. Geo. E. Purdy

Jennie May Weiland Purdy passed from time to eternity April 9th, 1914, aged 26 years, [?] months, [words missing] where she grew [words missing] was married to Rev. Geo. E. Purdy November 18th, 1908. They came to Blockton at once, remaining here three years; the next year was spent at Altoona and near two years ago they moved to Bloomfield, their home at the time of her death.

She had been ailing some time and it was thought best to have an operation, which of itself, was not of a dangerous nature. She died of heart paralysis while ether was being administered at a Kirksville, Missouri, hospital.

The funeral took place at the Bloomfield Christian church Saturday at 2 p. m. and the remains were taken to Iowa Falls for interment, where a funeral service was held Sunday at 2:30 p. m.

She leaves her husband, a daughter, Ina May, coming four years old; a son, George Edward, coming two; her father, T. R. Weiland and a brother, Frank Weiland, of Iowa Falls.

The deceased was a noble, unselfish Christian woman, beloved by all. As a wife she was a true helpmate and as a mother, devoted to her little ones.

 

[PIPER, SARAH JANE SHEPHERD]

Clarinda Herald, Monday, March 31, 1930, p. 4

Mrs. Ben Piper

Another of our former Clarinda residents has passed to her reward, Mrs. Ben Piper, who spent many happy years on their farm north of Jackson schoolhouse, on the Wall Street road, and will be remembered by many of our older residents. Mrs. Piper passed away Wednesday March 26th, at her home in Sharpsburg. The funeral services were held Saturday afternoon, at the Methodist church in Sharpsburg, conducted by the pastor, interment being made in the Gravity cemetery beside the grave of her husband. Many went from Clarinda and vicinity. Mrs. Piper was not quite 71 years of age. Two brothers survive, I. S. Shepard of Clarinda and another brother in Wisconsin, her maiden name having been Sarah Jane Shepard. Further particulars in our next issue.

[PIPER, SARAH JANE SHEPHERD]

Clarinda Herald, Monday, April 7, 1930, p. 14

Rice District

Mr. and Mrs. Allen Bair attended the funeral of their cousin, Mrs. Ben Piper at Sharpsburg Saturday. They were accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. John Williams.

[PIPER, SARAH JANE SHEPHERD]

Clarinda Herald, Monday, April 14, 1930, p. 11

Sarah Jane Piper

Sarah Jane Piper Shephard, daughter of John and Stella Shephard [Estella Squires], was born in Pike County, Ohio, April 23, 1854 and departed this life at her home in Sharpsburg, Ia. March 26th, 1930 aged 75 years, 11 months and 3 days. When quite small the family moved into Missouri and later to Page County, Iowa, where on December 28th, 1871 she was united in marriage to Benjamin Piper, who departed this life Nov. 15, 1929. To this union were born six children, Mrs. Stella Shum and Mrs. Grace Brown of Sharpsburg, Ia., and Mrs. Gertie Weller of Conway, John Wesley and Robert Rossie, dying when quite small and William Elbert, who departed this life December 13, 1924.

In early life she was converted and united with the United Brethren Church, north of Clarinda, Iowa, but in 1905 she transferred her membership to the Methodist church of Sharpsburg where she remained a faithful and consistent member until her death.

Mother Piper was a devoted wife and mother, a great lover of her home and family. She was always greatly interested in the church and all of its activities as long as her health permitted. She leaves to mourn her departure, three daughters, one daughter-in-law, Mrs. Mable Piper, six grandchildren, two brothers, William G. Shephard of Decatur, Mich. and Isaiah Shephard of Clarinda, Ia., also seven nieces and nephews and many other relatives, besides a host of friends, all of whom were so devoted to her through all her recent sorrow and her late illness.

“Mother is gone, but not forgotten
Never will her memory fade,
Sweetest thoughts will ever linger
Around the grave where she was
laid.”

Funeral services were held at the M. E. Church of Sharpsburg Saturday at 1:30 P.  M. conducted by Rev. Warrior of Gravity. Interment at the Gravity cemetery.

[PIPER, WILLIAM ELBERT “BERT”]

Bedford Times-Republican, Monday, December 15, 1924, p. 4

Live News From Conway People

‘Bert’ Piper Dead

Well Known Resident of Community Passed Away Saturday. Funeral Held Today

The community was saddened at the untimely passing from this life of Albert Piper. The funeral was held at Conway today (Monday) at 2:30. Burial was made at Shenandoah. We will have an obituary for next issue.

[PIPER, WILLIAM ELBERT “BERT”]

Bedford Times-Republican, Thursday, December 18, 1924, p. 7

William Elbert Piper, only son of Benjamin and Sarah Piper, was born May 11, 1881, in Page County, Iowa, and passed from this life at his home east of Conway, Dec. 13, 1924, aged 43 years, 7 months and 2 days.

He came to Taylor County after he had grown to manhood. On Christmas eve, 1908, he was united in holy wedlock to Mabel Walters, who remains to mourn the loss with his aged parents of Sharpsburg, the sisters, Mrs. Will Shum and Mrs. Guy Brown of Sharpsburg and Mrs. Fred Weller of Conway.  Also many other relatives and a host of friends.

On November 13, he took to his bed with an illness, which proved fatal. He was converted to the cause of Christ and joined the M. E. church in 1905, to which he has been a most loyal member, serving on the financial board several terms.

He was a kind friend to all, never getting out of sorts about anything. A fellow that the community will surely miss. Regardless of the rough roads, the attendance at the funeral was beyond the ordinary, the people paying tribute to their friend. The services were held at the Conway church at 2:30 Monday, by Rev. E. B. Borst, and the body was taken to Sharpsburg and sent to the Levi Walters home at Shenandoah, where short services were held on Tuesday at 10:20, by Rev. Goodwin, of the M. E. church of Shenandoah, assisted by E. B. Borst of Conway. Interment was made in the Shenandoah cemetery.

Those from away who attended the funeral were Roy Rush and Mrs. Robert Swaitzhouse of St. Joseph; Mr. and Mrs. John Cagley, Mr. and Mrs. Mary Cagley, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Ottie, Guy Cagley, Mr. and Mrs. Shephard, Robert, Will and George Ottie, Floyd Shum and Ray Shephard of Clarinda, and Mr. and Mrs. Levi Walters of Shenandoah.

 

[PHILLIPS, CORA ALINE PHILLIPS]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, March 16, 1944, p. 5

Obituary – Cora Aline Phillips

Cora Aline Phillips, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R. [obert] E. [llsworth] Phillips, was born Dec. 11, 1901 in Buchanan County, Missouri, and died at Marshalltown, Iowa, on March 7, 1944, at the age of 42 years, 2 months and 26 days. She became a member of the Church of Christ at Bedford in early childhood.

On August 31, 1921 she was married to Clyde Garret Phillips of Mount Ayr, Iowa. To them one son, Paul Edward, was born.

Besides her husband and son she leaves to mourn her passing her parents, Mr. and Mrs. R. [obert] E. [llsworth] Phillips of Bedford, five sisters, Mrs. Leland Jones of Conway, Mrs. Earl Morgan of Gravity, Mrs. William Houck of Lamoni, Mrs. Betty Chaney of Bedford, Mrs. Cledith Woods of Denver, Colo., three brothers, W. [illiam] E. Phillips of Red Oak, H. [oward] S. Phillips of Wichita, Kansas, R. [ollie] K.[ilgore] Phillips of Oskaloosa, Iowa.

She was a wonderful wife, a loving mother and was loved by all who knew her.

The funeral services were held at the Walker & Shum Funeral Home Tuesday afternoon, conducted by Rev. P. H. Peterson. Burial was in the Gravity cemetery.

[PHILLIPS, MELISSA VIOLA GRIFFITH]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, May 31, 1962, p. 8

Mrs. Phillips Rites Here Wed.

Mrs. R. E. Phillips, 94, a resident of Bedford many years, died at Rosary hospital, Corning, Monday, May 21, where she had been a patient several days. Funeral services were held at the Shum-Novinger Funeral Service Home on State Street Wednesday afternoon. Rev. Robert Jones of Elliott, Iowa, a grandson of the deceased, officiated. Burial in the Gravity cemetery.

Mellisa [Melissa} Viola Phillips, daughter of William and Elizabeth Griffith, was born in Atchison county, Kans., April 18, 1868.

She was united in marriage to Robert E. [llsworth] Phillips on October 15, 1890. To this union were born 12 children. Her husband and seven children preceded her in death.

Those left to mourn are three sons, William Phillips of Creston, Rollie Phillips of The Dalles, Oreg., Howard Phillips of Richmond, Calif.; two daughters, Mrs. Beulah Jones of Conway, Mrs. Stella Houck of Corning; two sisters, Addie Scott of Boonville, Mo., Martha Warden of Homedale, Idaho.

She united with the Christian church at the age of 16 and was a member of the Bedford Christian church 40 years. She had been a resident of Taylor County 60 years. During the last year she had lived with her daughter Mrs. Stella Houck at Corning. Thirteen years previous to that she lived with Mrs. Beulah Jones at Conway.

 

[PFANDER, MILDRED LEIGH MARTIN]

Clarinda Herald, Tuesday, September 19, 1905, [p. 1]

Mildred Lee Pfander

A very sad death occurred early Saturday morning. Mrs. Roy Pfander living out southeast of Clarinda died at half past three Saturday morning of typhoid fever. She had been sick about twenty-five days. Death was unusually sad in the taking away of this young wife, who was a bride but little more than half a year ago. Mildred Lee Martin was married to [James] Roy Pfander last February and the young people moved the following month on the Sutherland farm under an arrangement with Mr. Sutherland whereby the young man was to care for the farm and the fine stock upon it, and the prospects for the young man and wife were very hopeful. The sympathy of a wide circle of friends is extended to the young man in this loss which all his industry and strength will be powerless to repair.

Mildred Lee Pfander was born in Taylor County on July 13, 1882 and at the time of her death was 23 years, 2 months and 3 days old. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Martin of Gravity. The funeral occurred yesterday, the body having been removed to Gravity for burial.

 

 

[PFANDER, MILDRED LEIGH MARTIN]

Clarinda Journal, Friday, September 22, 1905, p. 7

Mrs. Mildred V. Pfander, wife of [James] Roy Pfander, died at their home on the Sutherland farm in East River Township last Saturday morning, of typhoid fever. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Martin of Gravity, and was married to Mr. Pfander in February of this year. She was 23 years of age. In his great loss Mr. Pfander has the heartfelt sympathy of many friends.

[PHILLIPS, VIOLA ELDORA CLOUSE]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, February 24, 1949, p. 7

Obituary – Mrs. Viola Phillips

Viola Eldora Clouse, daughter of Phillip and Mary Jane Clouse, was born at Westboro, Missouri, August 22, 1874, and died Monday, January 31, at her home in Gravity, at the age of 74 years, 5 months and 9 days.

She was married to Clifford V. Phillips on April 26, 1894. To them three children were born: Twins, dying in infancy; and one boy at the age of twelve years. She was also preceded in death by her husband on November 20, 1943, two brothers and one sister.

The surviving relatives are one sister, Mrs. J. D. Moore of Gravity, with whom she made her home and a number of nieces and nephews.

She united with the Christian church when a young girl.

The funeral services were held at the Gravity Christian Church, Wednesday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Geo. W. Swan of Blockton. The body was returned to Bedford and on Thursday morning was taken to Knox City, Missouri for burial in the Knox City cemetery.

[PRESTON, THOMAS]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, December 25, 1952, p. 6

Thos. Preston Dies

Thos. Preston, 92, a long-time resident of Gravity, died at his home Sunday night. He is survived by one niece, who lives in Davenport, Iowa.

Funeral services will be held at the Gravity Methodist at 2 o’clock Wednesday afternoon. Burial will be in Gravity cemetery.

[PRICKETT, MARY ELLEN MOORE]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, April 3, 1941, [p. 1]

Mary Ellen Prickett Dies

Mrs. Mary Ellen Prickett, 71, a former resident of the Gravity community, died at Morris, Minn. Tuesday, April 1. The body was sent to Bedford, arriving here Wednesday evening and the funeral services will be held at the Christian church in Gravity Friday afternoon conducted by Rev. [rest of paragraph unreadable].

[PRICKETT, RUSSELL ELMER]

Bedford Times-Republican, Thursday, August 25, 1927, [p. 1]

Russell Prickett

The funeral services of Russell Prickett, who died at his home in Minnesota on Saturday evening, August 13th, was held at the Christian church of Gravity, Ia., on Tuesday of last week. Mr. Prickett was a former resident of Taylor County and the body was brought back here for burial. He was about 61 years old.