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

[Benjamin, Sarah Catherine Barnes Nation]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday     July 29, 1926     p. 4

Obituary—Mrs. Sarah Benjamin

Mrs. Sarah Catherine Benjamin was born in Marengo, Iowa County, Iowa, May 5, 1853, and passed away at the home of her granddaughter, Mrs. Elsie Thompson near Cambridge, Nebraska, July 22, 1926 at 1:30 A. M. at the age of 73 years, 2 months and 17 days.

Her father’s name was Isom [Isam] Barnes and her mother's name Deborah Lindewood [Lindamood]. She married Jas. W. Nation at Fontenelle, Iowa, November 1871, when she was 18 years of age. To this union were born three daughters and two sons, both sons dying in infancy.

From 1871 to 1879 they made their home at Stuart, Iowa, and then moved to Sharpsburg, Taylor County, Iowa. Mr. Nation died April 21, 1894.

Mrs. Nation married George W. Benjamin at Bedford, Iowa, October 16, 1913. They lived here until they moved to Trenton, Nebr., in June 1915 and there made their home until her death.

She leaves to mourn, her husband, three daughters, Cora Sweigard of Oelrichs, S. Dakota, Amanda Sweigard of New Raymer, Colo, and Mrs. Blanche Heatherington of Oakland, Iowa, Also one brother, John Barns of Ashby, Nebr., two sisters, Rachel Greeley of Burlington Junction, Mo. and Mrs. Amanda Robbins of Bedford, Iowa, three step daughters, Myrtle Sterns and Willie Hinkle of Trenton, Nebr., and Mrs. Willie Hinkle of Worland, Wyo., four stepsons, Marion, Tom, Grover and Frank Benjamin, all of Trenton, 31 grand children, 15 great grand children and a host of loving friends.

Mrs. Benjamin was a member of the Presbyterian Church in Sharpsburg, Iowa. As a mother she was loving, as a wife she was true, and as a grandmother, children highly esteemed her. She was loved by her friends and neighbors.

Services were held at the home in Trenton, Rev. A. W. Reper, officiating. Text used Rev. 22:12.

The body was brought back to her old home at Sharpsburg and services held at the Presbyterian Church Sunday July 25th, the Rev. McClellan in charge, and interment was made in the Conway cemetery.

[Booth, Abigail W. “Abbie” Pierce]

Bedford Times-Republican

Monday     June 27, 1921     p. 3

Mrs. Booth Dead

Mrs. Booth died Saturday afternoon at 2 :00 o'clock at her home in Sharpsburg and was buried today in the Conway cemetery beside the body of her husband who preceeded her several years ago. Mrs. Booth was a sister to Charles Darling of Bedford, and had many friends. The family have the sympathy of many in the loss of this good woman.

[Booth, Abigail W. “Abbie” Pierce]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday      June 30, 1921    p. 6

Obituary----Mrs. Abbie Booth

Abbie W. Pierce was born near Atkinson, Maine, May 7th, 1874 [1844], and passed away at her home near Sharpsburg, June 25th, 1921, at the age of 77 years, 1 month and 18 days.

She, with her parents, moved to Wisconsin in 1854 and later moved to Scott County, Iowa, near Davenport. On March 3, 1870, she was united in marriage to David E. Booth, moving with him to Monticello, Jones County, Iowa, where they resided until the spring of 1877, when they moved to this county to the home where she resided until her Creator called her to meet the loved ones gone on before. To this union five sons were born, three of whom, with the father, preceded her in death. Two sons, E. [dward] A. [rthur] Booth and E. [lwood] P. [ierce] Booth still survive and reside at the old homestead.

These two sons, with two sisters and one brother are left to mourn her loss, and all were with her during her late illness.

She united with the Methodist church at an early age and remained a consistent member to her death. So passes from our midst a devoted wife and a loving mother.

By her Pastor: ---No more fitting tribute could be given her than the one Christ gave to the woman of the Bible “She hath done what she could,” and her works do follow her.

Funeral services were held at the M. E. church Monday at 2:00 p. m., conducted by Rev. James. Burial at the Conway cemetery.
[Note: Iowa, County Marriages gives the marriage date as March 3, 1867 and the marriage place as Scott County, Iowa.]

[Booth, Abigail W. “Abbie” Pierce]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday      June 30, 1921    p. 6

Sharpsburg Items

Elmer Robbins and wife of Bedford attended the funeral of Mrs. Booth here last Monday and visited with Grandma Robbins at the Will Davis home.

[Booth, Edward Arthur “Ed”]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     November 19, 1936     [p. 1]

Sharpsburg Man Dies

Ed Booth died at his home south of Sharpsburg early Tuesday morning. He suffered a stroke of paralysis last week. He is survived by a brother, Elwood Booth. Funeral services were held at the Methodist church in Sharpsburg today.

[Booth, Edward Arthur “Ed”]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     November 26, 1936     p. 7

OBITUARY

Edward Arthur Booth, son of David and Addie [Abbie Pierce] Booth, was born at Monticello, Iowa, Nov. 7, 1870 and departed from this life at his home near Sharpsburg, Nov. 17, 1936 at the age of 66 years and 10 days.

He came here with his parents in 1878 and had resided here since. His life work has been that of farming on the home farm in partnership with his brother, E.[lwood] P. [ierce] Booth who survives him. Two cousins: Mrs. Lewis Swearingen California, of Bedford, and Mrs. Kate Bean of Martindale, Iowa, also survive.

He was a good neighbor and friend and will be greatly missed by those who knew him.

Funeral services were held from the Sharpsburg Methodist church, Thursday afternoon, Nov. 19, conducted by the pastor Rev. J. A. Walls and Rev. A. S. Hutcheson, pastor, of the Presbyterian Church. Burial was in the Conway cemetery.

[Booth, Edward Arthur “Ed”]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     November 26, 1936     p. 7

SHARPSBURG

Here For Funeral

Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Swearingen and Mrs. Blanche Heatherington of Bedford; Mr. and Mrs. Homer Borden of New Market attended the funeral services for Ed Booth here Thursday afternoon.

[Booth, Elwood Pierce]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     August 31, 1939     p. 3

SHARPSBURG

OBITUARY

Elwood P. Booth

Ellwood [Elwood] Pierce Booth, son of David E. and Abbie W. [Pierce] Booth, was born June 10, 1874 in Jones county, Iowa, and died at the Methodist hospital in St. Joseph August 21, 1939 at the age of 65 years, 2 months and 11 days.

When he was seven years old he moved with his parents to the farm south of Sharpsburg where he spent the rest of his life except for a few years spent in Nebraska.

He never married but his brother and mother lived with him until they passed away. He was the second of a family of five sons, all of whom have preceded him in death.

He was a member of the Odd Fellow lodge. He leaves to mourn a number of cousins, one aunt and many friends and neighbors.

Funeral services were held at the Methodist church in Sharpsburg Wednesday, August 23, conducted by Rev. B. R. Weetman. Music was furnished by George Rutledge, Mabel Rutledge, Mrs. Taylor and George Gillette, accompanied by Marjorie Smith. Burial was made in the Conway cemetery.

[Breach, Anna Matilda Brockman]

Bedford Times-Press

Wednesday      December 23, 1998

Anna Matilda Breach

Anna Matilda Breach, daughter of Lewis Alff and Anna Brockman was born at Neola, Iowa December 17, 1901 and departed this life December 18, 1998 in Clearfield, Iowa at the age of 97 years.

She grew to maturity attending the public school and the Lutheran Church.  

On September 30, 1926 she was united in marriage to Ray Clarence Breach at Oakland, Iowa and they moved to Taylor County in 1942.

To this union five children were born: Dean, Delmar, Norma, Kenneth and Eleanor.

She was engaged as a housewife and employed at Glenwood State School and Spring General Store.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son's Delmar and Kenneth; husband Ray; one sister, four brothers, one grandson and one great granddaughter.

Left to cherish her memory are: son, Dean and wife Flossie Breach of Sharpsburg, Iowa; daughter, Norma and husband William Culver of Hastings, NE; daughter, Eleanor and husband William Witt of Council Bluffs, IA; brother's George and wife Annie Alff of Oakland, IA; Alfred and wife Margaret Alff of Oakland, IA; Delmar and wife Ethelyn Alff of Macedonia, IA; sister, Emma Conner of Carson, IA; ten grandchildren; 16 great   grandchildren, six great great  grandchildren; and a host of nephews, nieces cousins and friends.

She was a member of St. Timothy      Lutheran      Church, Bedford, Iowa; and the American Legion Auxiliary, Lenox, Iowa.

She was a  kind and considerate mother, grandmother and neighbor and will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Funeral services were held Monday, December 21 at Novinger Taylor Funeral Home in Bedford with Pastor Al Rusk officiating. Interment in Conway Cemetery, Conway, Iowa.

[Breach, Ray Clarence]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday      June 16, 1966     p. 4

Ray Breach, 67 Rites Wednesday

Funeral services for Ray Clarence Breach, 67, of Conway were held Wednesday, June 15 at the Gravity Christian Church with Rev. Ivo Randels officiating. Mr. Breach died at his home in Conway June 12. Interment was at Conway Cemetery, Conway.

[Breach, Ray Clarence]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     June 23, 1966     p. 6

Ray Breach, 67 Rites June 15

Funeral services for Ray Clarence Breach, 67, long time Taylor County resident, were held June 15 at the Gravity Christian Church with Rev. Ivo Randels officiating.

Mr. Breach died at his home June 12, 1966. Interment was at Conway Cemetery, Conway.

Ray Clarence Breach, son of Daniel Webster Breach and Mary Jane Bird, was born Feb. 23, 1899 at Oakland, Iowa. The greater part of his life was spent in this vicinity.

He was united in marriage to Anna Alff Sept. 30, 1926 and to this union five children were born: Dean Breach of Sharpsburg, Delmar Breach of Prescott, Ia., Kenneth Breach of Sharpsburg, Mrs. Wm (Norma) Culver of Bellevue, Nebr., Mrs. Wm. (Eleanor) Witt of Minden, Iowa.

When he was 15 years of age he became a member of the Christian Church of Oakland, Ia., and has been a faithful member all during his life.

Those surviving in addition to his wife, Anna, and the above named children are: one brother, Alva Haskins of Oakland, Ia.; eight grandchildren, many nephews, nieces and a host of friends and neighbors.

He was a man of faith, a constant Bible reader, and a faithful attender of the worship services of his church. He had a great love for children and was a favorite of his grandchildren. He will be greatly missed.

[Brown, Merle McVey]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     July 3, 1947    p. 7

CONWAY

Merle Brown Buried Here

The body of Merle [McVey] Brown, 20, found Monday, June 23, in a pond on the Lee Bridgeman farm, near the Adams and Taylor county line. Mr. Bridgeman had been attempting to drain the pond for some time and Monday resumed the work. He noticed an object floating in the water, which appeared to be a human head. He immediately called Adams county authorities.

Circumstances indicated that Brown had taken his own life by walking into three feet of water and apparently had thrown himself face down into the water. He had been last seen Thursday and the condition of the body indicated that it had been in water several days.

Graveside services for Brown were held at Conway, Tuesday morning at 11 o'clock.

[Church, John S.]

Bedford Free Press

May 18, 1905    p. 9

An Old Citizen Passes Away

Rev. A. I. Jones was called to Conway last Sunday to conduct the funeral of J.[ohn] S. Church, who died at that place Friday. May 12, aged 74 years. Mr. Church had been a resident of Conway and Taylor County for many years, and was one of our best and most respected citizens.

[CHURCH, JOHN S.]
Bedford Times-Republican (Bedford, Iowa), Tuesday, May 16, 1905
Obituary – John Shopbell [Shotwell] Church died at his home in Conway, Friday, May 12, age 74 years, 1 month and 5 days.
The deceased was born in Ohio on Feb. 7, 1828, but the greater part of his mature life was spent in Taylor county. For many years he has been a resident of Conway, having been in business there for a long time. On Feb. 9, 1848 the deceased was united in marriage to Sarah Haycock [Laycock]. To this marriage was born three girls, two of whom are now living, Mrs. Clara Thompson and Ella Church, both of Conway. Mrs. Church died in 1892.
On April 14, 1894 Mr. Church was married to Sarah Ellen Hunt [Hurst], who survives him.
The funeral was held at the Presbyterian church in Conway, conducted by Dr. A. I. Jones of Bedford. Interment at Conway cemetery.

[Church, Sarah Ellen Hurst]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     June 18, 1942     [p. 1]

Ellen Church, 93, Dies In Conway

Mrs. Ellen Church, 93, a resident of Conway the past 59 years, died at her home there Sunday, June 14. The funeral services were held at the Methodist church in Conway Tuesday afternoon and burial was in the Conway cemetery.

Mrs. Church was one of the kindest of women and was an outstanding character in the community where she resided so many years. She was always thinking of someone else and devoted years of her life caring for an invalid stepdaughter.  She bore every trial without complaining and was truly a great woman.

The obituary will be printed in your Times-Press next week.

[Church, Sarah Ellen Hurst]

Taylor County Herald

Thursday      June 18, 1942      p. 4

Mrs. John S. Church

Sarah Ellen Hurst, only daughter of Harvey and Ann Hurst, was born at Keokuk, Iowa, January 11, 1849, and died at her home in Conway, Iowa, on June 14, 1942, at the age of 93 years, five months and three days.

When she was 11 years of age her father died and she, with her mother and four brothers, moved to Lee County, Illinois. The family later moved to Mason City. In 1883 they moved to Conway, where she has resided since. She was married to John S. Church on April 14, 1893. Mr. Church died May 3, 1905.

She was converted when a young girl and was a lifelong member of the Methodist church. Thus ends a long and useful life. She was one of the kindest women, always thinking the best of everyone. She devoted years of her life to caring for an invalid stepdaughter. She bore every trial without complaining. She was truly a great woman and a humble one.

Surviving to mourn her death are two step-grandsons, Col. Holland of White River, S. D. and Frank Thompson of Berthoud, Colo.; three cousins, Mrs. E. A. Somers and Mrs. S. A. Godfrey of Pomona, Calif., and Mrs. C. R. Rosebraugh of Clearfield, Iowa.

Funeral services were Tuesday afternoon, June 16, from the Conway Methodist church with the Rev. Francis B. Harris in charge of the rites. Interment was in the Conway cemetery.
[Note: The same obituary was printed in the Bedford Times-Press, June 25, 1942, page 7.]

____________________

RITES TUESDAY

Funeral services were Tuesday afternoon from the Conway Methodist   Church for Mrs. John S. Church, 93, who died at her home in Conway on Sunday, June 14.

Surviving are two foster grand sons, Col. L. Holland of White River, S. D., and Frank Thompson of Berthard, Colo.; three cousins, Mrs. E. A. Sommers, Mrs. S. A. Godfrey, Calif., and Mrs. C. R. Rosebraugh of Clearfield.

 Rites were conducted by the Rev. F. B. Harris. Interment   was in the Conway cemetery.

[Clark, Cyrus G.]

Bedford Times-Republican

Monday      February 21, 1921      p. 5

Obituary

Cyrus G. Clark was born July 12th, 1853, in Mercer County, Penn. When a small boy the family moved to Jones County, Iowa.  Came to Taylor County, Iowa with his parents in April 1881. Was married to Miss Martha Emma Simmons, April 21st, 1881. Two children blessed their home, Mrs. Arthur Hess of near Bedford, E. [Guy] M. [ansfield] Clark of Cumberland, Iowa.  He leaves to mourn his death, his wife and two children, two brothers, D. [avid] D. of Center Junction Iowa, and W. [illiam] E. of Wichita, Kansas.  The brothers were unable to be present at the funeral. The funeral took place Sunday afternoon at the residence and interment was made in the Conway cemetery.  The family have the heartfelt sympathy of all in the loss of husband and father. 

[Clark, Guy Mansfield]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    June 6, 1946     [p. 1]

Guy Clark Dies At Cumberland, Ia.

Guy Clark, a former resident   of Bedford and a brother of Mrs. Arthur Hess of this city, died unexpectedly while out fishing Wednesday, May 22. His home was at Cumberland, Iowa, where he had been depot agent and telegraph operator for the past twenty-nine years.

Guy Mansfield Clark was born at Conway, December 23, 1883.  He grew to manhood there and attended the Conway schools.  He is survived by his wife, two married children and two grandchildren.  Also by the one sister, Mrs. Arthur Hess.

The funeral services were held at Cumberland the Friday following his death. Attending the last rites from Bedford were Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Hess.

[Clark, Martha Emma Simmons]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     September 23, 1943     p. 4

Mrs. Emma Clark, 86, Dies At Hess Home

Mrs. Emma Clark, a resident   of Taylor County for more than sixty years, died at the home of her daughter and husband, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Hess, north of Bedford Sunday, September 19, after a long illness.

The funeral services were held at the Hess home Tuesday afternoon, conducted by Rev. P. H. Peterson. Burial was in the Conway cemetery.

Martha Emma Simmons was born at Monticello, Iowa, July 17, 1857, the daughter of Henry and Katherine [McCarty] Simmons, being aged 86 years, 2 months and 2 days at the time of her death.

She was married to Cyrus G.  Clark April 12 [21], 1881 and moved to Taylor County where she had since made her home. To them were born two children, a daughter and a son.

Her husband preceded her in death Feb. 18, 1921. She is survived by her daughter, Mrs. Meryl Hess of Bedford, and her son, Guy Clark of Cumberland; also by three grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

She united with the Christian church at Conway when she was a young woman.

[Winslow, Samuel]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday      February 10, 1910     p. 4

Samuel [Sanford] Winslow, an old soldier and pioneer settler of this vicinity, died last week of neuralgia of the heart at his home between Lenox and Sharpsburg.

[WINSLOW, SAMUEL]
Bedford Times-Republican (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, February 10, 1910
Samuel Winslow Dead
Old Time Resident of Vicinity of Sharpsburg Passes Away
SHARPSBURG. – Samuel Winslow, an old resident of this section and a veteran of the civil war, died at his home last Thursday from dropsy of the heart. The funeral services were held at the house Friday after which interment was made at Grove cemetery.

[Wurster, Amy Lee]

Lenox Time Table

Thursday     December 12, 1968     [p. 1]

Graveside Rites

Graveside services for Amy Lee Wurster, infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Wurster were Saturday, December 7 at Blue Grove Cemetery.

Rev. Floyd Newbrough officiated.

In addition to the parents, she is survived by three sisters, Sheryl, Elaine and Lori, her grandmother, Mrs. Mildred Woolley and grandfather, Chas. Wurster, all of Lenox.