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

[Rutledge, Harriet J. Acker]

North Taylor Review (Sharpsburg, Iowa)

Thursday      March 30, 1916     [p. 1]

Obituary

Harriet J. Acker was born in Perry County, Ohio Sept. 8, 1850.

She united with the Methodist church at the age of 14 years and remained a faithful member until the time of her death.

She was united in marriage to Wm. [Edward] Rutledge Feb. 6, 1902, at her home in Perry County, Ohio after which she came to make her home near Sharpsburg, from whence she was called home March 23, 1916 at the age 65 years, 4 months and 15 days.

She was the last of her family, her father, mother and two sisters having gone on before.

She leaves a host of friends and relatives in [a] different place to mourn her loss.

[Scroggie, James Leonard]

Bedford Times-Press

Wednesday     March 12, 2003

JAMES LEONARD SCROGGIE

Funeral services for Leonard Scroggie, age 90 of Bedford, who died Tuesday, March 4, 2003 at the Bedford Nursing & Rehab Center were held Friday, March 7, 2003 at 10:30 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford with Pastor Ted DeHass officiating. Interment was held at the Conway Cemetery. Memorials can be given in Leonard's name. 

James Leonard Scroggie was born December 4, 1912 in Wauneta, Nebraska the son of James Burl Scroggie and Bertha Anna Welton Scroggie. When Leonard was five years old, his family moved to Iowa, traveling across Nebraska in a covered wagon. The family settled in Taylor County where he attended school east of Bedford. After school, he worked for area farmers. This was during the Great Depression and times were tough. Leonard worked for the C.C. Camp, with Howard Poore. While attending a 10-cent movie show in Conway, he met his future wife, Opal Gross; six months later they were united in marriage on April 15,1939 in Corning; the couple lived in Conway, then moved to northwest Iowa where he worked for various farmers. They returned to the Conway area and then they moved to Oklahoma where he worked road construction, returning to Taylor County and moving to Bedford in 1957. Leonard began working for the Taylor County Road Maintenance, a job he held for thirty-three years, retiring in 1976.

Leonard loved the out-doors, hunting and fishing when he could. Camping occupied most of, Leonard and Opal's time after retirement. Together they enjoyed traveling around Iowa, being around people and visiting. Leonard's family was most important in his life. He was always up for a good card game, especially 'Cut Throat Pitch'. Leonard was a member of the First Baptist Church in Bedford.

Left to cherish Leonard's memory are his loving wife Opal of Bedford; three children, Gary Scroggie and wife Joanne of Bedford and their kids, Gary Jr., Lea Ann and Mike; Sandra Helm and husband Jim of Lenox and their children, Stacy, Kristy, Kerri and   Brian; and Ronald Scroggie and wife Tina of Avoca and their children, Terry, Angela, Schuyler, Brent and Dylan; a sister, Estle Dalbey of Maryville, Missouri; twelve great-grandchildren and a host of friends. Preceding Leonard in death are his parents, James and Bertha, a brother Junior Scroggie; two sisters, Ruby Glasman and Jessie at infancy and   a grandson,   Steven Scroggie.

[Seymour, Arthur Griswold]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday     January 23, 1919     p. 7

GRAVITY

Mr. A. [rthur] G. [riswold] Seymour, who died at his home in Colorado, was brought to Conway for burial, the funeral services being held Wednesday. Mr. Seymour was an old and well-respected citizen of Taylor County for many years and had a host of friends in this community. His son, Leonard Seymour, returned here with the body for burial.

[SEYMOUR, ARTHUR GRISWOLD]
Adams County Free Press (Corning, Iowa), Saturday, January 18, 1919, p. 8
HOLT
Word has been received in this community that the death of A. [rthur] G. [riswold] Seymour occurred Sunday, January 5, t the home of his daughter, Mrs. James Irwin. Mr. Seymour once owned the farm right south of Gravel Point school house in this township.

[Shannon, Edward Jennings]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     September 4, 1980

Edward J. Shannon Services Aug. 20

Funeral services for Edward J. [ennings] Shannon, 80, of Sharpsburg, were held August 20 in Shum-Novinger Funeral Home in Bedford with Rev. Don Fisher of the Sharpsburg-Lenox United Presbyterian Church officiating. Mr. Shannon died August 18, 1980 in a nursing home at Corning. Interment was in the Conway Cemetery, Conway.

Mr. Shannon was born at New Market on June 9, 1900. He spent much of his life in Taylor County as a welder. He was married in Aurora, Ill. on July 1, 1928 to [Wilma] Josephine Flaherty.

Survivors include a daughter, Patricia A. MacAlister of Des Plaines, Ill.; son Gerald M. Shannon of Omaha, Neb.; brother Wincell Shannon of Harlington, Tex.; brother Vernon Shannon of Benson, Ariz.; sister Aneatha [Anetha] (Roy) Talkington of Spokane, Wash.; seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

[Sharp, Roy]

Bedford Times-Press

Roy Sharp, 87 Final Rites Were Held Sept. 17

Funeral services for Roy Sharp, 87, of Bedford, held Sept. 17 in Shum-Novinger Funeral Home in Bedford, were conducted by Carl Cummings. Mr. Sharp died Sept. 13, 1979 in Bedford Manor. Bedford and Conway American Legions presented military honors at Conway Cemetery.

Roy Sharp, son of A. [lexander] A. [llen] Sharp and Sally Ann Graybill Sharp, was born at Parnell, Missouri, December 9, 1891.

He grew to maturity in the Parnell area where he was a member of a farming family.

He moved with family to Taylor County Iowa in the year 1912 and was engaged in farming for over 50 years.

His parents, three brothers and three sisters preceded him in death.

Left to cherish his memory are two sisters: Sue Souder of Bedford, Iowa, and Mable Mahan of Lakewood, Colo.; two brothers: George Sharp of Shenandoah, Iowa, and Oscar Sharp of Bedford, Iowa; nieces; nephews; other relatives and many friends.

He was a Veteran of World War I, having served in France during the war.

Roy loved the out-of-doors and was a good farmer and was very fond of good horses. After this parents' death he continued to live with his brother, Ernest and family and after he was no longer able to farm he resided for a short period with his nephew, Glen Sharp, and family prior to his admission in the nursing home where he has since resided.

He was a kind and considerate son, brother, uncle, friend and neighbor and he will be sadly missed by those who knew and loved him.

[Short, Eulalia Alverta Shaddy]

Bedford Times-Press

Wednesday      December 11, 1996

Eulalia Short

Eulalia Alverta Shaddy Short, the daughter of Burcell Shaddy and Alice Beeny was born at Ava, MO on April 7, 1913 and departed this life on Dec. 3, 1996 at Corning Hospital at the age of 83 years, 7 mos. and 26 days.

She lived in Iowa and grew to maturity in Taylor County where she attended the public school.

She was united in marriage to Clifford Short and they lived in Taylor County. To this union, two children were born, Bette Lee, of Bedford and Norma Cox of Wheatland, WY.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Cliff Short, her parents, three sisters, Maude, Grace, Ilene, and two brothers, Cy and Bill; two great grandsons, Clinton and Dallas Schrader [.

Left to cherish her memory are: daughters Bette Lee, husband Horton and Norma Cox, three grandchildren; Janice Wilson, Wheatland, WY; Lana Christensen and husband Gail, and Renee Schrader and husband Shane all of Bedford     and     seven     great grandchildren; Mathue, Andrea, Quentin Michaela Christensen; Tracy and Mandy Wilson; Taylor Schrader; and two great grandchildren, Tyler Christensen and Brittany Wilson.

She was a kind and considerate wife, mother and grandmother and will be missed by all who knew arid loved her. Funeral services were held Dec. 7th at Novinger Taylor Funeral Home in Bedford with Nancy Ross officiating.

[Smith, Florence Grace May Hastings]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday     November 27, 1919     p. 12

Obituary

We give below the obituary of Mrs. R. [ufus] P. [utnam] Smith, of Sharpsburg, who passed away at her home in Sharpsburg on Nov. 20, after an illness of several weeks. The editor of this department has known Mrs. Smith for many years, and has held her in great esteem. She was a mother and a woman whom it was a pleasure to meet and to have the friendship of. She always had a good and pleasant word for everybody and the lives of those around her and who knew her best were always made better by having made her acquaintance.

Mrs. Smith had long been a resident of the Sharpsburg community and had a wide circle of warm personal friends. She had been a faithful member of the Methodist church for the past 30 years and she with several members of her family were members of the Sharpsburg Methodist church. Her place will be hard to fill in the family circle, in the church and in the community. The obituary follows:

Florence Grace May Hastings, daughter of Joseph and Isabelle [Woods] Hastings, was born at Bath, New Hampshire, Feb. 6, 1847, and departed this life at her home in Sharpsburg, Ia., Nov. 20, 1919, at the age of 72 years, 8 months and 14 days.

When eleven years old she, with her parents, moved to Bellevue, Iowa, where she resided for a number of years.

She was united in marriage to Rufus P. [utnam] Smith July 19, 1866, at Maquoketa, Ia. They resided at this place for some time when they removed to Taylor County, where she and her family have since resided.

To this union were born five children: Frank L. [afayette] Smith, Omaha, Neb.; Charlie H.[arry] Smith, who died in 1912; Grace I. [sabella] Smith Copeland, of Hutchinson, Kansas; Vernon R. [ufus] Smith of Bedford, and Mrs. Mary L.[ucinda] Gardner of Sharpsburg, Iowa.

Her companion and son have preceded her into the beyond.

Besides her family she leaves a host of friends to mourn her departure.

Funeral services were held at the Methodist church in Sharpsburg on last Sunday, the sermon being delivered by Rev. F. N. Redinger of the Conway Methodist church. The remains were laid to rest by the side of those of her husband in the Conway cemetery.

W. H. O’Grady was the funeral director.

[Smith, Florence Grace May Hastings]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday    November 27, 1919     p. 2

V. [ernon] R. [ufus] Smith, county auditor, went to Sharpsburg Friday to attend the funeral of his mother, Mrs. R. [ufus] P. [utnam] Smith.

[Smith, Lillian Nina Cassat]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     December 30, 1971     p. 6

Rites Held Dec. 24 For Lillian Smith

Funeral services for Lillian Cassat Smith of Chicago, formerly of Conway, were held December 24 at Shum-Novinger Funeral Home here conducted by Rev. Newell E. Davis. She was the wife of Dr. Philip [Hamblin] Smith. Mrs. Smith died December 22, 1971. Interment was at the Conway Cemetery, Conway.

[Smith, Philip Hamblin]

Lenox Time Table

Thursday      May 26, 1949     [p. 1]

Dr. Philip H. Smith Dies in Illinois

Dr. Philip H. [amblin] Smith died on Tuesday at his home in Evanston, Ill., having been ill since the previous Saturday.

He is survived by his wife and two daughters, and the following sisters and brother: Mrs. Mark Robinson of Bedford, Mrs. Sim Beemer of Conway, Mrs. Orville Rogers of Lenox, and Donald Smith of Bedford. The above names attended funeral services for Dr. Smith held at Evanston today (Thursday).

[Smith, Philip Hamblin]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     May 26, 1949     [p. 1]

Former Resident Dies In Chicago

Dr. Philip H. [amblin]] Smith, 50, of Evanston, Illinois, died in a Chicago hospital Tuesday, May 24, after a few days’ illness. Dr. Smith is a former resident of Sharpsburg.

He is survived by three sisters and a brother, Mrs. Mark Robinson and Donald Smith of Bedford, Mrs. Sim Beemer of Conway and Mrs. Orville Rogers of Lenox.

Mr. and Mrs. Robinson, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Beemer, Mr. and Mrs. Rogers, all left Wednesday for Evanston to attend the last rites.

[Smith, Philip Hamblin]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     June 9, 1949     p. 6

SHARPSBURG

Philip Smith – Obituary

Philip Hamblin Smith, M. D., 49, obstetrician and gynecologist and an associate in the Northwestern University medical school, died Tuesday afternoon, May 24, in Wesley Memorial hospital.

Dr. Smith was stricken suddenly the previous Saturday afternoon at his apartment in Orrington hotel. He suffered the rupture of an aneurysm of a blood vessel, the same condition of which his father died at the age of 41.

Born in Sharpsburg, January 6, 1900, Dr. Smith received his degree at the Northwestern University medical school in 1926. He took graduate work at the University of Vienna. He had been a member of the faculty of the department of obstetrics and gynecology at the Northwestern medical school since 1930 and was attending obstetrician for the Chicago Maternity center.

Dr. Smith interned at Evanston hospital and at Chicago Lying-In Hospital, under Dr. Joseph B. DeLee.

He organized the North Shore group of Chicago Maternity center.

He was a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and had recently been made a fellow of the International College of Surgeons; a member of the American board of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Nu Sigma Nu, and the Masonic lodge. A skillful surgeon, his whole life was given to the service of other people.

A veteran of World War I, in which he served in the infantry, he was a member of the Westmoreland Country club and the First Presbyterian church and a member of the executive committee of the Chicago Gynecological Association.

Colleagues of Dr. Smith at Evanston hospital are planning to endow a bed in Dr. Smith’s name in the obstetrical department of the hospital, where he spent many hours each day.

Dr. Smith leaves his wife, Leila [Lillian}; two daughters, Mrs. Kenneth Christiansen and Miss Joanne Smith, both of Cambridge, Mass.; three sisters, Mrs. Mark Robinson of Bedford, Mrs. Simmie Beemer of Conway, and Mrs. Orville Rogers of Lenox; and one brother, Donald Smith of Bedford.

Dr. Emory W. Luccock of the First Presbyterian church of Wichita, Kansas, former minister of the First Presbyterian church in Evanston and Dr. Harold Blake Walker, present minister of the church, officiated at the services Thursday afternoon at the Hebblethwaite chapel in Evanston and at Memorial Park.

[Smith, Philip Hamblin]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     November 17, 1949     p. 3

CONWAY

Graveside Services Here

Graveside services were held at the Conway cemetery Thursday afternoon for the late Dr. Philip [Hamblin] Smith of Chicago, a former resident of the Sharpsburg vicinity. Dr. Smith died several months ago and his body had been placed in the mausoleum there at that time. His wife accompanied the body here and was a guest Wednesday and Thursday in the S. [imeon] B. [ryan] Beemer home. Mrs. Smith is returning to her home state in Georgia.

[Smith, Rufus Putnam]

Bedford Free Press

Wednesday     September 25, 1918     p. 5

R. P. Smith Dies

R. [ufus] P. [utnam] Smith, an old resident of Sharpsburg, died at his home there Sunday night. Mr. Smith is the father of Vern Smith who is the Republican candidate for county auditor.

[Smith, Rufus Putnam]

North Taylor Review (Sharpsburg, Iowa)

Thursday      September 26, 1918     [p. 1]

R. P. SMITH DEAD

Aged Citizen Passes Away Monday Morning

R. P. Smith, who has been seriously ill for some months, died Monday morning. On account of his long illness his death was not unexpected.

He had been a resident of this vicinity for over thirty years, and was widely acquainted, having moved to Sharpsburg about 11 years ago.

Obituary

Rufus Putnam Smith was born Oct. 14, 1843, near Bellevue, Iowa, and departed this life at his home in Sharpsburg Sept. 23, 1918, aged 74 years, 11 months and 9 days. He was the son of John [Lowry] and Mary [Melinda] Smith. He was united in marriage to Miss Florence [Grace May] Hastings, July 19th, 1867 [1866]. To this union were born five children, Charles, who died some seven years ago at Norwich; Frank, of South Omaha, Nebr.; Mrs. Grace Copeland, of Hutchinson, Kans.; Vern R. [ufus] of this city; and Mrs. Lucy Gardner of this place.

Mr. Smith united with the Methodist church about 1895, and was always found in his place in the work till illness prevented. He has been a resident of this place for many years and was a kind neighbor and friend to all.

He leaves to mourn his loss a wife and four children, with numerous grandchildren.

The funeral was held at the Methodist church, conducted by Rev. C. Shaw, assisted by C. W. Peer, and burial was at the Conway cemetery.

The many friends of the family will join with the Review in extending sympathy to all in their bereavement.
[Note: The correct marriage date is July 19, 1866.  Sources: Iowa, County Marriages, 1809-1992 and his wife’s obituary.]

[Smith, William Jarvis]

Lenox Time Table

Thursday      January 14, 1937     p. 3

SHARPSBURG

William Smith died at his home here Thursday. Funeral services were conducted at the M. E. church Saturday at 1:00 o’clock. Burial was in the Conway cemetery.

[Smith, William Jarvis]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday      January 14, 1937     p. 4

Obituary – William J. Smith

William Jarvis Smith, son of James and Matilda Palmer Smith, was born March 7, 1852 in Andrew in Jackson County, Iowa and died January 7, 1937 at his home in Sharpsburg, Iowa, aged 84 years and ten months. The end came suddenly and with out warning following a season of normally good health for one of his age.

In the spring of 1874, as a young man, he came with boyhood comrades, Alex and Sam Creveling, in an emigrant wagon to Taylor County.

On October 6, 1876 he was united in marriage to Mary Frances Rutledge, daughter of William [Edward] and Louisa [Ann Biggs] Rutledge. The first ten years of their married life were spent in Taylor County, where three of their five children were born. The family moved onto a homestead in western Nebraska near Trenton in the spring of 1886. The two younger children were born during the family’s residence in Nebraska.

Husband and wife have lived continuously in the community of Sharpsburg since 1899, moving to Sharpsburg from the farm southeast of town four years ago.

Deceased leaves to mourn his passing a faithful and devoted daughter, Mrs. Mable  Kerns of McCook, three sons, Guy Smith of Trenton, Ray Smith of Palisade, and Earl Smith of Wayne, all residents of Nebraska. Another son, Bert, died in infancy. Other near relatives include a sister, Mrs. Stella Gray of Terre Haute, Indiana, and grandchildren and great grandchildren to the number of eighteen, living in Nebraska and California.

Here was a man who truly may be said to be a “son of the soil.” He plowed, he planted, he sowed, he reaped. Long days of long years he battled undismayed to wrest a livelihood for his family from the soil, often under the most trying and adverse circumstances. Yet he never was too busy with his own affairs to discharge the duties of a good neighbor, cheerfully; never too busy to drop his work and go for a dinner or sit up at night with the sick. He had no enemies. He had few acquaintances because he had so many friends. Has, at last his quiet and rest, both well earned.

Funeral services were held at the Methodist church in Sharpsburg at 1 o’clock Saturday with Rev. W. F. Overhulser of Bedford in charge. Interment was in the Conway cemetery.

[Starkey, Deldros F. “Dee”]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday      August 5, 1948     p. 3

CONWAY

Obituary – Dee Starkey

Dee [Deldros F.] Starkey, son of Elijah and Mary Jane [Cranston] Starkey, was born May 29, 1879, on a farm near Conway, where he spent most of his life and died July 31, at the age of 69 years, 2 months and 2 days.

He married Sarah Hemmersbach, February 2, 1902. He was united with the Methodist church at Conway at an early age, and kept his faith until the end.

He has been in ill health for nearly 6 years.

Those surviving are his wife, Sarah, several cousins and many friends.

Funeral services were held Monday in the Methodist Church in Conway. Interment was in Conway cemetery.
[Note: Iowa, Marriages gives the marriage date as Feb. 5, 1902 at Conway, taylor County, Iowa.]

[Starkey, Elijah]

New Market Herald

Thursday     October 6, 1921    [p. 1]

Elijah Starkey died at his home in Conway at an early hour Sunday. He was one of the first settlers of the county, having come to this community in 1856. He was a veteran of the Civil War, and 86 years of age at his death. The funeral was Monday afternoon, Rev. Carl Brown conducting the service. ---Clearfield Enterprise

[Starkey, Elijah]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday      September 29, 1921      p. 2

CONWAY NEWS NOTES

Mr. E. [lijah] Starkey passed away at his home in Conway, Sunday morning, Sept. 25. Funeral services were held at 2:00 o’clock, Monday afternoon at the M. E. church, conducted by Rev. Carl Brown. Complete obituary unobtainable at this writing.

[Starkey, Elijah]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday      October 13, 1921     p. 2

Obituary

Elijah Starkey was born April 26, 1836, in Holmes County, Ohio, and passed away at his home in Conway, Iowa, on September 25, 1921, at 9 o’clock a. m., at the age of 85 years, 4 months and 29 days.

At the age of 5 years he moved with his parents to Indiana and from Indiana to Illinois. In 1856 he moved with his parents to Conway, in and near which place he has resided ever since, except the four years he spent in the war.

Feb. 4th, 1861, he enlisted in Co. E., Missouri Calvary and served four years and two months. He was honorably discharged on April 4th, 1865.

He was married to Mary J. [ane] Cranston, April 23, 1868, and lived with her in and near Conway since that time. He is survived by his widow and one son Dee Starkey, who lives at the old home place near Conway.

Mr. Starkey has been a patient sufferer for about six years, with a broken hip, most of which time he has been confined to the house.

He was converted and baptised in March 1916, by Rev. Mitchel, then pastor of the Conway M. E. church.

[Starkey, Mary Jane Cranston]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday       July 22, 1937    [p. 1]

Mrs. Mary Starkey Dies At Conway

Mrs. Mary Starkey, 85, a resident of Conway for many years, died at the home of her son and his wife, Mr. and Mrs. Dee Starkey at 12:30 o’clock Wednesday noon, July 21. She is survived by the son and his wife.

The funeral services will be held at the Methodist church in Conway at 2 o’clock Friday afternoon, July 23, conducted by Rev. J. A. Walls. Burial will be in the Conway cemetery.

[Starkey, Mary Jane Cranston]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday       August 5, 1937     p. 7

CONWAY

Obituary – Mrs. Mary J. Starkey

Mary J. [ane] Cranston, only daughter of Henry and Sarah Cranston, was born April 21, 1852 at Astoria, New York and departed this life at the home of her son and daughter-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Dee Starkey, east of Conway, Iowa, July 21, 1937, being 85 years and 3 months old. Her mother died when she was a small child. At five years she went to live with the James Walker family at Sandwich, Ill., and with them she came to Iowa and located near Conway, in September 1865.

On April 26 [23], 1868 she was united in marriage to E. [lijah] Starkey and to them five children were born, four dying infancy. The Starkeys located in Conway thirty-one years ago. Mr. Starkey died in September 1921. Five years ago she went to make her home with her son on the farm where she spent the evening of her life in quiet seclusion.

Mrs. Starkey united with the Conway Presbyterian church in November 1900 and later brought her church letter to the Methodist church in which she has been a faithful and devoted member.

Funeral services were held from the Conway Methodist Church Friday afternoon, July 23 and interment was made in the Conway cemetery.
[Note:  Taylor County, Iowa, marriages gives the marriage date as April 23, 1868 as does his obituary.]

 

[Whitten, John Quincy Adams]

Blockton News

Thursday      March 3, 1921     [p. 1]

Death of John Q. Whitten

Word was received here Sunday morning that Uncle John Q. [uincy] Whitten has passed away at the home of his daughter, Mr. W. [illiam] E. Stubbs, in Mound City, Mo., at 12:15 that morning. He was aged 92 years, 10 months and 11 days. The body was brought to the home of his son John C. [urtis] Whitten, in Blockton Monday evening and the funeral services were held at the Methodist Church Tuesday afternoon at 2 o’clock, conducted by A. F. Conrey. Interment was made in Rose Hill cemetery.

Obituary next week.

[Whitten, John Quincy Adams]

Blockton News

Thursday      March 10, 1921      [p. 1]

John Whitten

John Quincy Adams, son of Nathan and Elizabeth Whitten, was born April 10, 1828, on Warrius Ridge, in Jefferson County, Ohio, just three and one-half miles south of Smithfield, and died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. W. [illiam] E. Stubbs [Adelia], in Mound City, Mo., Feb. 27, 1921, aged 92 years, 10 months and 17 days.

His early life and boyhood was spent in and around Dover, Ohio, in Tuscarawas County, where he attended school and received his education in the common branches. Growing up as a boy on the farm, he knew the ways of the beasts of the fields and the singing bird. He learned to love nature and the things of nature. And so he grew to a young manhood.

Then came the days of ’49 with the magic lure for gold, which drew men from their homes and the loved ones and took them away to the West. John Whitten, now twenty years of age heard the call to the far West and he answered the magic summons. On March [?] 1849, he started on that memorable journey, which began at New Philadelphia, Ohio, and ended many months later at Stockton, California. Through dangers many of the hardships almost unbearable of journeying through a land inhabited by Indians who were hostile to friendly. They finally arrived at San Jose, California October 12, just seven months and a day from the time they had started out.

After spending three or four years in California, Mr. Whitten [words unreadable] and decided to return home and remembering the hardships of the overland trip, they decided to travel by steamship to New York. After arriving in New York they started out for Ohio once more, reaching Dover, a few miles from the starting place, Aug. 1, 1853. On his arrival home he found that his mother and brother had died during his absence. He decided to stay at home with his father, but the wonder-lust had gripped him and after a few days visit he started west again, settling on eighty acres of land near Greggsville, Illinois. Here he engaged in the business of wagon making.

Feb. 22, 1854, he was married to Catherine Frye, and they settled for a short time near Fort Washington, Illinois, later moving overland to Northwest Missouri, bound for California. Here the Civil War overtook them and they settled in what is now Worth County. To this union was born ten children, six of whom with the wife and mother, preceded the husband and father to their heavenly rest. The surviving children are: Mrs. J. C. Wilson of Eustis, Fla.; Mrs. Amelia Sapp of Maryville, Mo.; Mrs. W. [illiam] E. Stubbs [Adelia] of Mound City, Mo., and John Curtis Whitten of Blockton, Ia. There are also 13 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.

In July of the year 1861 the first company of soldiers was formed, of which John Whitten was First or Orderly Sergt., playing a prominent part in the great war of the rebellion.

In the year 1882 he moved his family to Holt County, Mo., and spent the remainder of his life in northwest Missouri and southern Iowa.

Mr. Whitten had a prominent part in the life of this section of Missouri. His was a Christian home and in the dark days just preceding and following the Civil War, the religious services that were held were always held in his home. He was converted early in life and became a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, his membership being in the church at Blockton, Ia., at the time of his death.

Mr. Whitten has written up the story of his life in a manner most beautiful and interesting. The concluding words of his life story are of great interest. He said, “Such is the history of my life. I have seen the Middle West in its infancy. Railroads were unknown at the beginning of my life, the telephone, electric lights and motorcars were yet to be worked out. I do not yearn for the past and I would not have things now as they wee then, as some profess they would.

“But there is a charm and native simplicity about the olden days that will always endear them to my memory. I love to look at Missouri’s prosperity, her great cities, thriving towns and beautiful farms; and to think that I watched and helped her grow up, causes my heart to rejoice for I remember her as I saw her, a virgin, primeval country where the panther’s cry was a common occurrence. But that is all changed now, and I have only my memories of what has been, with all about me the evidences of man’s ingenuity and powers of invention, all bespeaking of a dauntless courage and strong heart without which our country could never have risen to sit among the powers of the earth in the space of one man’s life. I am now on my annual visit to my children. I am enjoying excellent health for one of my age and have retained the use of my mental faculties. For all these I give thinks to my Creator for His wonderful blessings to me. I am living with the assurance that when He sees fit to change my course on the Voyage of Time he will safely steer my vessel into the Haven of Rest.”

So died John Whitten. He was conscious to the last, recognized all his loved ones and friends, was very patient even in his hours of suffering. His faith was securely fixed on God, and just a few days before his death he sat beside the fire singing happily the words of his best beloved song, “Jesus is all the World to me.” But sickness came to the tired body and the other evening he whispered his last words of love to his daughter kneeling by his side and fell asleep.

Verily he rests from his labors, and his works do follow him.

Funeral services were conducted at the home of W. [illiam] E. Stubbs on Monday morning by Rev. L. E. Jones. The body was brought to Blockton, Iowa, where funeral services were held at the Methodist church Tuesday afternoon, conducted by Rev. A. F. Conrey. Interment was made in Rose Hill cemetery.
[Note: Ohio, Marriages, 1800-1958 gives the marriage date as Feb. 16, 1854.]