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

[Larison, Enoch B.]

Taylor County Republican

Thursday   August 17, 1882    p. 4

----Died, on Saturday, August 12th, at his residence, one mile southeast of Bedford, Enoch B. Larrison [Larison], aged 54 years, 10 months and one day.  The deceased was a native of Indiana, having been born in Shelby County in that State on October 9, 1827.  He was married October 19th, 1848, to Miss Catharine Smith and in 1854 removed to this county, where he resided until his death.  He was a member of the Baptist church and during the whole of his long residence here was prominently identified with that denomination, having been a deacon in the organization of this city for nearly the whole of that period.  He leaves six children surviving him to whom he transmits the rich heritage of an unsullied name, a spotless reputation, and the example of a well-spent Christian life.  The funeral took place on Sunday afternoon at 3 o'clock from the Baptist church.  The services were conducted by Rev. C. E. Taylor and were attended by a large number of sorrowing friends.

[Larison, Margaret "Maggie"]

Times-Republican

Thursday    January 26, 1905   p. 8

Death of Maggie Larison

A message has just been received announcing the death of Miss Maggie Larrison [Margaret Larison] at Clarinda yesterday.  The body will be brought here tomorrow and the funeral held at the Baptist church at 2 p. m., or as soon thereafter as the cortege arrives.

Miss Larison has been ill for several years, and for some time has been at Clarinda for treatment.  Two brothers, George and John, residing east of town, and many other relatives residing near, besides a host of friends, sincerely mourn her loss.

[Larison, Margaret "Maggie"]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday    January 26, 1905    [p. 1]

Maggie Larrison Dead

A telephone message from Clarinda conveys the news of the death of Maggie Larrison [Margaret Larison] in that town on Tuesday.  The body will arrive in Bedford via Gravity today and the funeral services will be conducted at the Baptist church by Rev. Jones.  Interment in Bedford cemetery.

 [Larison, John I.]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    October 8, 1936    [p. 1]

J. I. Larison, 70, Dies Here Friday

John I. Larison, 70, died Friday, Oct. 2, after an illness of several months.

The funeral services were held at the Baptist church Sunday afternoon, conducted by Rev. W. H. Hoge.  The body was placed in the mausoleum, the Masonic burial service being given at the cemetery.

[Larison, John I.]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    October 8, 1936    [p. 1]

Here For Funeral

Among those from out of the city who attended the funeral services for John I. Larison Sunday afternoon in Bedford, were the following:  Mr. and Mrs. Herb Ross and H. A. Leamer of St. Joseph; Mrs. L. Woods and Lloyd Foreman of Maryville; Mrs. Robert Larison and Mrs. Andy Daniels of Stanberry, Mo.; Mr. and Mrs. A. L. Stithem of Shenandoah; Mr. and Mrs. Andy Walters and Mr. and Mrs. James Miller of Lenox; K. E. M. Larison and Mr. and Mrs. C. Wilson of Hopkins.

[Larison, John I.]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    October 22, 1936    p. 9

Obituary - J. I. Larison

John Larison, son of Enoch and Cathryn [Catherine Smith] Larison, was born near Bedford, Iowa, June 10, 1866, and spent his entire life as a resident of this community.

He was educated in the Bedford schools, later engaged in farming and stock raising in partnership with his brother George, and later became one of the outstanding salesmen in this part of the county for the lines represented.

He was married Jan. 3, 1894, to Rose R. [ebecca] Ernest, a union in which the love was deepened with the passing years, and the ties have been strengthened with every experience through which they have passed together.  They have been an example to all who knew them of what affectionate comrades a husband and wife can be.  They worked together, then took time to travel and to play together, and when his health broke she was his constant attendant, doing all in her power to relieve him and to comfort him.  They had no children of their own, but reared a boy, John Buell, now deceased, and a girl, now Mrs. Delno Pickering [Edith McIntyre Larison], whose home is in the vicinity and who is in every way like an own daughter to her mother.

Mr. Larison was baptized into the Baptist church at Bedford by Rev. Scott, Jan. 25, 1882, and from that day had been an indispensable member and a tower of strength in the church.  He was always in his place in the work that needed to be done in the financing of the church, in the prayer meeting, the Sunday school, and all the regular services.  For many years he had been a member of the church board of trustees, always present at their meetings, doing all in his power to promote the best interests of the church.

He was an active and loyal member of both the Odd Fellows and Masonic lodges of Bedford.

His health began to fail about three years ago, a condition of anemia developing which made it almost certain that his life would not be long spared.  But he went on about the whole round of his life in his accustomed enthusiastic and energetic way until the break came last February, which took him to the hospital and had since confined him there until a few days ago, when he returned to spend the last few days of his life among the old friends and old surroundings.

Mr. Larison was the last of a family of six brothers and one sister.  Besides his wife and his foster daughter, Mrs. Pickering [Edith McIntyre Larison] and her family, he leaves four nephews and two nieces.

Few men who have lived in this neighborhood have had so wide an acquaintance and so large a circle of friends.

[Larison, Clara Ellen Stoner]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    November 17, 1949    [p. 1]

Mrs. Clara Larison Died Wednesday

Mrs. Clara Larison, 88, died at 6 o'clock Wednesday afternoon at the home of her daughter, Mrs. James Jefferies.  She had been in failing health for several years.

The funeral services will be held at the Wetmore Funeral Home at 2 o'clock Saturday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Russell G. Nye.  Burial will be in the Fairview Cemetery.

She is survived by two daughters and their husbands, Mr. and Mrs. James Jefferies [Effie], Mr. and Mrs. [Lester] Guy Hicks [Iva Laura].  Also by one grandson, Orville Jefferies and his family.

[Larison, Clara Ellen Stoner]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    November 27, 1949     [p. 1]

Larison Rites Held Saturday

Mrs. Clara Larison, a pioneer resident of Taylor County, died at the home of her daughter and husband, Mr. and Mrs. J. [ames] C. Jefferies [Effie], Wednesday, November 16.

The funeral services were held at the Wetmore Funeral Home Saturday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Russell G. Nye.  Burial was in the Fairview cemetery.

Clara Ellen Stoner, daughter of Amos and Helen [Smither] Stoner, was born in Delaware County, Iowa, Feb. 6, 1861, being aged 88 years, 9 months and 10 days at the time of her death.

At the age of 12 years, she came to Taylor County with her parents in a covered wagon and located on a farm southeast of Bedford.

On Nov. 6, 1882, she was married to William C. Larison of Bedford.  To them were born two daughters, Mrs. Effie Jefferies and Mrs. Iva L. [aura] Hicks, who survive.

She was preceded in death by her husband on April 14, 1896; by a granddaughter, Mildred Jefferies; and a great granddaughter, Barbara Joan Jefferies.

Surviving with her daughters and their husbands are a grandson, Orville Jefferies and his wife; three great grandsons, Jimmie, Jerry and Jackie Jefferies of Kansas City; one sister-in-law, Mrs. Amelia Stoner of Sheridan, Mo.; two brothers-in-law, Roy Larison of Bedford and Milo Roe of Brush, Colorado.

She was the eldest of a family of 5 children, Miss Laura Stoner, Mrs. Ida Straight, Byron Stoner and an infant brother, Frank, all having preceded her in death.

She united with the Methodist church when a young woman.

[Larison, Roy]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    October 4, 1951    p. 4

Long Time Resident Dies In St. Joseph

Roy Larison, 77, long-time resident of Bedford and community, died at the Missouri Methodist hospital in St. Joseph, Oct. 3.

Funeral services will be held at the Wetmore Funeral Home at 2 o'clock Saturday afternoon, Oct. 6, conducted by Rev. Robt. M. Peters.  Burial will be in Fairview cemetery.

[Larison, Roy]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    October 11, 1951    [p. 1]

Services Are Held For Roy Larison

Funeral services for Roy Larison were held at the Wetmore Funeral Home Saturday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Robt. M. Peters.  Burial was in Fairview cemetery.

Roy Larison, son of George and Eliza [Jane Halbrook] Larison, was born Sept. 3, 1874, near Bedford, Iowa, and died Oct. 3, 1951 at the age of 77 years and one month.  Most of his life was spent in Taylor County.

At an early age he united with the Baptist church of Bedford.

He was married to Iona Louisa Ames March 27, 1895.  To them four children were born, all of whom survive.  They are Mrs. Hazel Barton of Chattanooga, Tenn.; Estel R. of Trenton, Mo.; Lloyd B. of Sheridan, Mo.; and Ames W. of Blockton.  Mrs. Larison died in 1937.

In March, 1947, he was married to Mrs. Daisy [Nash] Kemery.

The following grandchildren also survive: Lt. Dale E. Larison, U.S. Air Force, Cheyenne, Wyo.; Dwight Larison, Columbia, Mo.; Kenneth Barton; Darrell Larison, U.S. Navy, Great Lakes, Ill.; Mona Larison, Des Moines; Lynda Larison, Oren Larison, Columbia, Mo.; Gary and Terry Larison.

The family deeply appreciate the many flowers and expressions of sympathy received from relatives, friends and neighbors; the Baptist churches of Bedford and Trenton, Mo.; the Christian churches of Blockton and Sheridan; and the Wesley Memorial Methodist Church of Chattanooga, Tenn.  This church was built by Mr. Larison a few years ago, while living with his daughter in Tennessee.  The church was started with six families as charter members.  Now, the membership is nearly six hundred.

[Larison, Daisy Nash Kemery]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    October 11, 1951    [p. 1]

Mrs. Roy Larison Died Here Sunday

Mrs. Roy Larison died at her home in Bedford, Sunday morning, Oct. 7, following the funeral of her husband on Saturday afternoon.  Mrs. Larison had been in failing health for several years.

Funeral services were held at the Wetmore Funeral Home at 2 p. m., Oct. 9, conducted by Rev. Robt. M. Peters.  Burial was in Fairview cemetery.

Daisy A. Nash, daughter of Oliver S. [mith] and America G. [Glendora Aldrich] Nash, was born in Taylor County, Iowa, June 1, 1877, and died at the age of 74 years, four months and six days.

She was married to Frank L. Kemery, March 10, 1915, and they made their home in Jackson Township.  He passed away Dec. 22, 1943.

On March 26, 1947, she was married to Roy Larison and they made their home in Bedford, but their few years together were marred by the continued illness of both of them.  Her husband preceded her in death four days.

She was preceded in death by two brothers, Arthur and Archie B. [ertram] Nash; one sister, Cora L. Mohler; and by her parents.  She is survived by seven nieces and nephews.

 [Kingman, Floyd C.]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    October 8, 1936    [p. 1]

F. C. Kingman, 40, Former Agent Dies

Floyd C. Kingman, 40, of Collins, Iowa, died Monday.  The funeral services were held at the Harbach Funeral Home in Des Moines Wednesday afternoon.

The foregoing death notice appeared in a Des Moines paper and [it] is supposed by friends in Bedford that the Mr. Kingman referred to is a former resident of this city.  He served as county agent here for a number of years.

[Russell, John George]

Times-Republican

Tuesday    June 26, 1906    p. 8

A Sudden Death

[John] George Russell, one of the old settlers and best-known citizens of Jackson Township, died at his home this morning at 8 o'clock.

Yesterday, Mr. Russell was working in the field and was feeling unusually well, but at supper time, not coming home, a search was made and he was found lying by the fence in a partially unconscious condition.  He was taken home and Dr. Beauchamp summoned, but he never regained consciousness except for a short time and passed away this morning.

If the relatives who have been summoned arrive in time the funeral will be held at 2:30 p. m., Friday, at Forest Grove, conducted by Revs. Thompson and Jackson.

Just about a year ago a brother of the deceased, Wm. Russell, died of the same disease that today carried his brother away.

[Russell, John George]

Times-Republican

Thursday    June 28, 1906    p. 3

Obituary

John George Russell was born Oct. 9th, 1839, in Canteel, County Tyrone, Ireland, and died at his home 11 miles southeast of Bedford, June 26, aged 66 yrs., 8 mo., and 17 days.  He was baptized in infancy and in youth became a member of the Church of England.  While still living in his native country he was married to Miss Margaret Davidson.  Four children, all daughters, blessed this union, one dying in infancy, while three with their mother, and also three sisters of the deceased, still live.  In 1880 the family removed to America, settling on the same farm and moving into the same house where Mr. Russell died.  His upright life and kindly disposition makes his loss a heavy one to the neighborhood.

The funeral will occur tomorrow at 2:30 p. m. at the Forest Grove church, conducted by Rev. Thompson.  Interment will be made at Forest Grove.

[Crabtree, Mary Alice, Mrs.]

Times-Republican

Thursday    June 28, 1906    p. 3

Death At Conway

Mrs. Mary Alice Crabtree died at her home in Conway, Monday evening, June 25, and the funeral was held Tuesday at 2 p. m. at the M. E. church, conducted by Rev. Coe.

The deceased has been a resident of Taylor County for more than a quarter of a century and for nine years made her home at Conway.

On Sunday, June 17, while leading the devotional services at the Epworth League, she was stricken with paralysis.  She was carried home and to her bed from which she never arose.

Four children survive their mother, and in their sorrow they have the sincere sympathy of the many, many friends of Mrs. Crabtree.

[Crabtree, Mary Alice Jane Dawson]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday      July 5, 1906     p. 2

----Mrs. [Mary] Alice [Jane Dawson] Crabtree, who was stricken with paralysis at church a week ago Sunday night, died at her home near the M. E. church at 5:50 p. m., Monday, aged 58 years and 3 months. Mrs. Crabtree was left a widow about three years ago, her husband having died very suddenly of heart failure. The deceased leaves two sons and two daughters to mourn the loss of a loving, Christian mother. Funeral services were held at the M. E. church at 2 o’clock Tuesday afternoon, conducted by her pastor, Rev. A. J. Coe. Interment in the Conway cemetery by the side of her husband. ---Conway Journal

[Meek, Anna Turner]

Times-Republican

Thursday    February 25, 1909    p. 3

Mrs. Meek Dead

A message was received here yesterday conveying the sad intelligence of the death of Mrs. Anna Meek, which occurred at Colorado Springs, Colorado, on Tuesday afternoon.

The body was shipped to Bedford and will arrive here tonight.  It is accompanied by the bereaved husband, and until he arrives no definite funeral announcement can be made.

Mrs. Meek has been in poor health for some months and a few weeks ago went to Colorado in the hope that the change of climate would prove beneficial.  The hope, however, was vain.  She continued to grow worse and realizing that the inevitable end could not long be delayed, her husband went to her bedside.  She lived a few days after his arrival, but continued steadily to decline until the end came Tuesday.

Mrs. Meek is the wife of Harry Meek and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. [illiam] J. [efferson] Turner.  She grew to womanhood here and no one was more highly esteemed or had more friends.

Obituary will appear next week.

[Meek, Harry Alexander]

Times-Republican

Thursday    May 16, 1912    p. 5

Harry A. Meek Is Called By Death

Life Comes To End Following An Operation In Creston Hospital

Harry A. [lexander] Meek died about 8 o'clock Monday night in the Cottage hospital in Creston, where he submitted to an operation.  He had a severe spell of sickness last winter and another attack came upon him about ten days ago.  He was taken to Creston Saturday noon and an operation was performed that evening.  He was afflicted with a complication of physical ills.

Funeral services were held at the residence Wednesday afternoon, conducted by Rev. W. B. Thompson and Rev. J. A. Currie.  Interment was in Fairview cemetery.

Harry A. [lexander] Meek was the son of Mr. and Mrs. A. [lexander] S. [cott] Meek [Mary Elizabeth Abbott], who had recently returned to Bedford after several years' absence.  He was born near Bedford and lived here most of his life, and during the years of his manhood had been engaged in business.  He was married in 1898 to Miss Anna Turner, whose death took place in February 1909.  He was always popular, jovial, and liberal, made friends easily and kept them.  At the time of his death and for several years prior, he was proprietor of the Oxford cafe, and when he became ill he had just completed a line of improvements that had been under way for several weeks.

Surviving are the parents, Mr. and Mrs. A. [lexander] S. [cott] Meek of Bedford, and a sister, Mrs. L. [ouella] Parrish of Creston.

Mr. Meek was 38 years of age.

[Grubb, Harriet Snider]

Times-Republican

Thursday    May 16, 1912    p. 5

Mrs. James H. Grubb Passes Away And Is Laid to Rest

Mrs. J. H. Grubb

Mrs. James H. Grubb died at her home in this city Tuesday at the age of 64 years.  Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock in the First Baptist Church, conducted by the pastor, Dr. J. W. Neyman.  Interment was in Fairview cemetery.  Mrs. Grubb had been in poor health about two years.  All of her children were at her bedside when death came.

Harriet Snider was born March 18, 1848, in Bartholomew County, Indiana.  October 18, 1868, she was united in marriage with James H. Grubb, who survives.  Five children were born to them, four of whom are living:  Mrs. W. B. Jones [Lizzie] of Lincoln, Neb., Mrs. F. [rank] S. [igel] Burnham [Lulu] of New Market, R. [oss] E. [verett] Grubb of Garden City, Kan., and W. [illiam] G. [rant] Grubb of Lincoln, Neb.  Kate, the youngest daughter, died in May, 1903. 

The family came to Taylor County in 1884 and have since been respected members of the community.

[GRUBB, HARRIET SNIDER]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, May 23, 1912
Mrs. Mabel Kershaw of Kansas City attended the funeral of her aunt, Mrs. Grubb, last Wednesday. . . .
R. E. Grubb of Garden City, Kas., who has been here attending his mother's funeral, returned home Friday.

[Grubb, Harriet Snider]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday    May 16, 1912    [p. 1]

Obituary

Mrs. J. [ames] H. Grubb, west of town, died at her home Tuesday morning, after a lingering illness of two years.  Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at two o'clock, at the First Baptist Church, conducted by Rev. Neyman.  Interment was in Fairview cemetery.

Harriet Snider was born in Indiana in 1848, and was married to James H. Grubb in 1868.  To this union five children were born: Mrs. W. B. Jones [Lizzie] , Lincoln, Neb.; Mrs. F. [rank] S. [igel] Burnham [Lulu], New Market, Iowa; R.[oss] E. [verett] Grubb, Garden City, Kas.; and W. [illiam] G. [rant] Grubb, Lincoln, Neb.  Kate, the youngest, died in 1903.  The family came to Taylor County in 1884 and have been residents of this vicinity ever since.

[Morgan, Clyde Vernon]

Times-Republican

Thursday    February 25, 1909    p. 3

Met Death In Raging Waters

The body of Clyde Vernon Morgan arrived here Tuesday and was taken to Gravity where it was interred later in the day.

Clyde was the son of J. C. Morgan, formerly of this county, but for some years a resident of Cassoday, Kansas.  Deceased was a boy of 11 years and six months and came to his death by drowning.  He had started from the home of his parents for town, driving a horse and buggy.  On his road he was compelled to ford a river.  Ordinarily the ford is safe, but on that day the water was up and the ice was floating in the stream.  Clyde would have made the crossing in safety, but just as he was in mid-stream, a big cake of ice struck the buggy, turning it over and throwing him out.  In the icy waters he had no chance and was soon drowned.

[MORGAN, CLYDE VERNON]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, February 15, 1909
Death by Drowning
A sad funeral cortege passed through Bedford Monday, en route from the train to Gravity. The remains were those of Verne Morgan, the eleven-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Morgan, who met his death by drowning at the home of his parents in Cassady, Kas. It seems the little man was driving across a stream in a buggy when the ice was breaking up and a large piece of it floated down and struck the buggy, overturning it, with the result that before help could reach him, he was drowned. Mr. Morgan and family lived in Gravity for some time before removing to Kansas and the remains were brought back to the cold home for burial. they have the sympathy of all in their hour of sorrow.

[MORGAN, CLYDE VERNON]
Cassoday Times (Cassoday, Kansas), Thursday, February 25, 1909

A sad occurrence was Vern Morgan's death last Friday afternoon and was a great shock to his parents and to the whole neighborhood. Vern was sent to Cassoday in a one-horse buggy and arrived at the creek about the same time that his teacher Miss Maude Childers did. The creek was past fording and full of floating ice, but Vern, regardless of the protests of his teacher, drove in and was washed down stream. He was thrown from the buggy and caught on the wire fence. Miss Childers unable to rescue him, waded into the water, held up the wire and kept his head above water until help arrived. On account of the swiftness of the stream, the floating ice and the fact that his clothes were caught on the wire, it was impossible to get him out except by cutting the wire on one bank and pulling him out by the wire on the other bank, this caused him to be under water a few minutes but not long enough to drown for he was still alive about ¾ of an hur later when he was gotten home but died shortly after, doubtless from being chilled with the cold water. Dr. Hurd arrived in a few minutes and everything was done to revive him but after working with him about three hours it was evident that further efforts were useless. The family left Saturday with the remains for their old home in Iowa, for interment. The bereaved family have the sympathy of the entire community.

[Grubb, Myra Ethel Hall]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    September 5, 1946    [p. 1]

Mrs. Ethel Grubb Dies At Irwin Home

Mrs. Ethel Grubb, a resident of Bedford for many years, died at the home of Mr. and Mrs. George Irwin, Sunday afternoon, September 1.

The funeral services were held at the Shum Funeral Home Tuesday afternoon, conducted by Rev. W. A. Purdy.  Burial was in the Fairview cemetery.

Myra Ethel Grubb, daughter of Washington and Sarah Jane [Pryor] Hall, was born in Taylor County, Iowa, December 31, 1876, being aged 69 years and 9 months at the time of her death.

On June 29, 1902, she was married to Ross E. [verett] Grubb who preceded her in death on May 19, 1916.  Part of their married life was spent in western Kansas, [the] remaining years in Des Moines and Glenwood, Iowa.

She is survived by one sister, Mrs. Edith O'Dell of Glenwood; one brother, Charles A. Hall of San Fernando, California; three nephews, Leland Hopson of Des Moines, Ralph Hopson of Kansas City, and Everett Simpson of Omaha.

She was a member of the Christian church in Bedford.

She had been in failing health since last December and was cared for by her sister, Mrs. O'Dell.

[McCracken, Thomas]

Times-Republican

Thursday    July 30, 1903    [p. 1]

He Sustains Broken Neck Haying

Our Old Friend and Neighbor, Thos. McCracken, Falls From a Load of Hay and Is Instantly Killed---The Physician Is Immediately Called, But Death Ensues Before He Reaches The Scene

A Shocking Death

The Terrible Accident Happens At The Lindley Farm Three Miles North of This City

Yesterday, shortly after one o'clock, news reached this city by telephone that was shocking in the extreme, and at first people refused to believe the first horrible report of the shocking death of our old time neighbor, Thos. McCracken, but very soon the distressing facts were impressed upon the people of this city.  Death lurks about in every conceivable shape, and is ever present, but none were prepared for this sudden and terrible appearance.

Mr. McCracken was out three miles north of this city on the Lindley farm putting up hay.  It was the last load before dinner and he with Sam Harley was loading after a hay loader and the load was about eight feet high.  Mr. Harley got down to unfasten the loader from the wagon and had just done so when Mr. McCracken came to the ground, the horses having taken a forward step, causing him to fall, striking on the side of his face, breaking his neck, as the doctor's visit subsequently developed.  He never spoke after he fell and death was almost instantaneous with the fall.

The body was brought to the family residence in this city, and the various relatives notified of the sudden death, but it is the thought that none of the children will be here for the funeral as they are all so far away with the exception of C. [hristopher] C. [olumbus] McCracken, the oldest son, who lives here.  Thomas is at Arbuckle, Cal., near San Francisco, Cary is in Hawaii, Lillian is touring Europe, [Amanda] Iowa is in Portland, Oregon, Laura is in Fremont, Nebraska, and Mary is at North Platte, Neb.

It is possible that some of them may be here, but at this writing it is not certain.

Funeral Notice

Thomas [Jefferson] McCracken was born Jan. 12, 1832, and died July 23, 1903, aged 71 years, 6 months and 13 days.  The funeral will be held at the Baptist church on Sunday July 26, at 11 o'clock a. m., conducted by Rev. D. W. Griffith.

The casket will be open at the residence from 9 o'clock a. m. to 7 o'clock p. m., Saturday July 25.

Friends of the family invited.

[McCracken, Thomas]

Times-Republican

Thursday    July 30, 1903    p. 4

Obituary

Thomas [Jefferson] McCracken was born in [Randolph County] North Carolina, Jan. 12, 1832, and died near his home in Bedford, Taylor County, Iowa, July 23, 1903.

He was married to Miss Elizabeth [Ann] Lewis in Howard County, Indiana, July 30, 1854.  Ten children were born to this union, six sons and four daughters.  Three sons died in infancy.  The remaining sons are Thomas, of San Francisco; Cary, of Honolulu, and C. [hristopher] C. [olumbus], of this place.  The daughters---Mrs. Mary Grimes, wife of Judge Grimes, of North Platte, Nebraska; Mrs. Laura Welple, of Fremont, Nebraska, and Mrs. [Amanda] Iowa Dipple, Portland, Oregon.

We all feel deeply for the other daughter, Miss Lillian, who is in Europe on her vacation.  May God sustain and bless her in the trying hour when the news shall be broken to her.  Those present at the funeral are, the son, C. [hristopher] C.[olumbus], and Mrs. Grimes.  Others could not be present on account of distance and sickness.

How often many of us, or those of us who are accustomed to be at prayer meeting, remember his pleadings at a throne of grace for his family, especially the absent ones from home.  His family and pastor were ever remembered at a throne of grace.

Bro. McCracken was raised a Quaker, but professed conversion and united with the Baptist church in Howard County, Indiana, in 1855.  This testimony is given by his pastor that he has been most faithful and devoted in his Christian duties; always present at prayer meeting, no matter how stormy the weather, or how tired he felt from his day's toil.  Sister McCracken said that when she requested him not to go to prayer meeting when so tired, he would say, no, he would go, for the prayer meeting was the last place he wanted to go from.

Last Wednesday night there were no electric lights, on account of injury to the dynamos, but Brother Douglass secured a number of lamps and we had a most blessed prayer meeting. Bro. McCracken took part in prayer, and also spoke very fervently.  The prayer made a deep impression upon the pastor.  He especially prayed for the members of the church who used profane language---that they might see the great evil of their course and turn to God.  Mightily did he plead with God that there might be a gracious revival among the members as well as the salvation of precious souls.  The Lord grant that his prayer may be answered, not only for this church, but for all others.

We spoke of the burden of his testimony, emphasizing the great need of taking time to wait on God in these busy days.  Wish there was a trumpet voice to make everybody hear the need of "taking time to wait on God, no matter how great the rush."

There has gone from our midst one of the old land marks of this community.  He came here in 1856, and for almost half a century he has lived among you.  He was in business for over thirty years and is known far and wide, not only in Bedford, but in the county.  The old settlers must pass on to the unseen country.  This seems a special call to them.

Who shall take his place in the Sabbath School, the church and in the prayer meeting?  He will be missed in this respect by the pastor more possibly than by anyone else.  He will be missed in the home and among associates.

There is great consolation to the family in that he had his wish in every particular.  He wanted to go suddenly, and he went that way.  He wanted the prayer meeting to be the last place where he should publicly take part before being called away, and this was granted.  God grant that others may arise to be faithful.

[MCCRACKEN, THOMAS JEFFERSON]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, July 30, 1903
Thos. McCracken Is Killed
Falls From a Wagon Loaded With Hay and Sustains a Broken Neck—Death is Instantaneous
Last Thursday afternoon at about 12:30 o'clock the sad and shocking news was received here of the death of Thos. McCracken.
Mr. McCracken was assisting D. M. Propst and S. J. Harley in putting up hay on the Lindley farm about two and a half miles north of Bedford. They were loading hay with a hay loader, Mr. McCracken driving the team. They had just finished their last load before dinner and Mr. Harley had climbed down from the wagon to uncouple the loader.
Mr. McCracken stepped to the back end of the wagon to remove some loose hay that had accumulated between the rack and the loader, when it is supposed that the horses took a step forward, causing him to lose his balance. He pitched forward, falling on the loader, one of the prongs of the carrier piercing the corner of his left eye. This is supposed to have numbed and blinded him so that he fell to the ground, landing on his head, breaking his neck. Mr. Harley, being on the ground close to the wagon, didn't see him until he struck the ground. He never spoke after he fell, death being instantaneous. Dr. Beauchamp was called and arrived on the scene as soon as possible but to no avail. He examined the body and discovered that the neck had been broken.
The undertaker was immediately sent for and the body was brought to his home in west Bedford where it was prepared for burial.
The funeral services were conducted at the Baptist church Sunday morning at 11 o'clock by Rev. D. W. Griffith. The church was too small to hold the crowd that sought admission, Mr. McCracken having been one of the oldest residents of Bedford. The businessmen turned out in a body to do honor to his memory. The floral offerings were profuse and beautiful. The remains were then laid to rest in the Bedford cemetery.
The evening before his death Mr. McCracken came home from his work as usual, feeling very tired and fatigued, so much so that his wife requested him to stay at home from the regular weekly prayer meeting, but Mr. McCracken insisted on going, saying that a prayer meeting was the last place he wished to be.
Biographical
Thos. McCracken was born in North Carolina January 12, 1832; married Elizabeth Lewis in Howard county, Indiana, July 30, 1854. Ten children were born to this union, six sons and four daughters. The remaining sons are Thomas of San Francisco; Cary, of Honolulu and C.[hristopher] C. [olumbus] of Bedford. The daughters are, Mrs. Judge Grimes, North Platte, Neb., Mrs. Laura Welple [Whelpley], Fremont, Neb., Mrs. Iowa Dipple [Dippel], Portland, Oregon and Miss Lillian, the latter being on a tour of Europe and will probably not hear of her father's death until her return to America. None of the children could be at the funeral except Mr. Grimes and C.[hristopher] C. [olumbus], the others being kept from coming by distance and sickness.
Mr. McCracken was born a Quaker but united with the Baptist church in Howard county, Indiana, in 1855. He had always been a devoted, faithful Christian and his place in the prayer meeting, Sunday school and church will be sadly missed. He was one of Bedford's old landmarks, coming here in 1856 and was in business here for over thirty years and had many friends in Bedford and all over the county.
His sorrowing widow and weeping children have the sympathy of the entire county in their terrible bereavement.

[Hutson, Lena]

Times-Republican

Thursday    February 18, 1909    p. 7

Miss Lena Hutson, niece of Mrs. L. [ycurgus] L. Terrill [Elizabeth Hutson], died at her home in Rosendale, Missouri, February 6thMrs. Terrill had received a message telling of her niece's illness, and left for Rosendale on the first train, but the Grim Reaper traveled swifter than can conveyances guided by mortal hands, and just before she reached the bedside of her niece, death came and called the sick one hence.

[Ford, Ellen, Mrs.]

Times-Republican

Thursday    February 18, 1909    p. 7

Mrs. Ellen Ford

Mrs. Ellen Ford died at her home in the south part of Bedford on Friday morning at 1:30 o'clock at the age of 78 years.

The funeral services were held at 10:30 a. m., at the Catholic Church in Bedford, conducted by Father Glenn.  The body was then taken to Lenox on the noon train, and in the afternoon was interred at St. Patrick's Cemetery at that place.

The deceased was born in Ireland, but came to this country when young.  After her marriage, she and her husband resided for some time in Henry County, this state, but later moved to Taylor County, where they made their home for many years.

Six children were born to them, five of whom survive.  The husband died some thirty-five years ago and was buried at Mt. Pleasant.  One daughter, who died in youth, is buried at St. Patrick's, and it was beside her body that that of her mother was placed.