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

[Hatcher, Lena Rector Barton]

Times-Republican

Thursday     January 29, 1931     p. 5

Mrs. C. C. Hatcher

Lena Rector Barton first saw the light of day in the home of her parents, W.[harton] R. [ector] and Margaret Ellen [McCoy] Barton, in Laclede, Mo., Aug. 6, 1887, and left for her Heavenly home on high, Thursday morning, Jan. 22, 1931, at 3:00 o'clock, from Research Hospital in Kansas City, Mo., having attained the age of 43 years, 6 months and 16 days.  She grew to womanhood in the place of her birth, attending the public schools and the Brookfield Conservatory of Music, graduating from Laclede high school with the class of 1906.  She professed faith in Christ at the age of 16 years and became an active worker in the Baptist church.  On June 20, 1906, she joined hand and heart at the marriage altar with the Rev. C. [harles] C. [urry] Hatcher, then pastor at Hamilton, Mo.  To their union three children were born:  Harvey Barton, Doris Virginia and Leona Marie.  With her family she has lived and loved and been loved, in the towns of Hamilton, Mo.; Savannah, Mo.; Bedford, Ia.; Columbia, Mo., and Liberty, Mo.  On June 2, 1930, she went with her husband and family to Lexington, Mo., where she spent a brief six months creating a place in the work and in the hearts and esteem of those in the community, and among the people of the First Baptist Church, of which her husband is pastor.  On Monday, Jan. 5th, she became ill at her home where professional skill, loved ones and friends combated illness until Thursday, Jan. 15, when she was taken to Research Hospital in Kansas City, where everything humanly possible was done to give her back again to those who loved her and the service dear to her heart.  A model of patience and fortitude, she endeared herself in her last days to all who ministered to her, and spoke in her last days of the wonderful help of His divine grace.  She quietly and peacefully went out to begin her new day of bliss with her Savior just before a new day dawned upon the earth.  She is survived by her husband, three children, her father and mother, other relatives and a host of friends.

The funeral services were held at the First Baptist Church at Laclede, Mo., Friday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Forrest C. Feezor of Liberty, Mo., assisted by Rev. J. W. Trower and Rev. T. A. Dowler of Laclede.

[Cobb, Thelma Lenore]

Times-Republican

Thursday    November 18, 1909

Thelma Cobb

Thelma [Lenore] Cobb, aged 5 months, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. [den] D. Cobb, died at 4 o'clock Saturday afternoon.  The funeral service was held at the residence in Ross Township at 10:30 o'clock Monday morning, conducted by Rev. George A. Hendrickson.  Interment was in the Bedford cemetery.

[Wickersham, Russell Core]

Times-Republican

Thursday    October 29, 1931    p. 5

Russel Wickersham

Russell [Core] Wickersham, 48, a resident of the Guss vicinity for 30 years, died Friday, Oct. 16, at his home in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, after lying in a coma for 33 days.  His illness was due to complications, which followed an operation for acute appendicitis, which he underwent a few weeks ago.  The body was taken to Villisca Sunday.  Funeral services were held at 2:30 p. m., Monday in Maple Grove church at Guss and were conducted by Rev. Ivan Mills of Adair, Ia., an acquaintance of the family for many years and a former pastor at Guss.  Burial was made in the family lot in the Guss cemetery.

Russell [Core] Wickersham, son of Isaac and [Cornelia] Jennie Wickersham, was born Oct. 4, 1883 [1884], near Bedford, Ia.  In 1893 he moved with his parents to a farm near Guss where he resided for 30 years.  He was married March 5, 1908, to Ruby [Mabel] Wallahan and to this union was born one daughter, Grace W.  His mother and elder brother preceded him in death.  He is survived by his wife and daughter of Oklahoma City, his father and stepmother of Villisca, and three sisters and four brothers.  Mr. Wickersham was an active member of the Christian church and of the I. O. O. F. and Masonic lodges.

Mr. and Mrs. Frank Wysong of Oklahoma City, Okla., Charles Wysong, Mrs. C. T. Wickersham, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Taylor, Jr., Mr. and Mrs. A. A. Taylor, Mr. and Mrs. C. C. Russell, Paul Parrish and J. I. Larison attended the funeral from here.

[Note:  His World War I Draft registration card gives his birth date as October 4, 1884.]

[Turner, Charles Albert]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    June 17, 1965    p. 2

Albert Turner Rites June 9

Funeral services for Charles Albert Turner, 81, lifetime Taylor County resident, were held June 9 at Madison Street Shum-Novinger Funeral Home with Rev. Leonard Wilson officiating.  Mr. Turner died at his home in Bedford June 6, 1965.  Interment was at Fairview Cemetery, Bedford.

Charles Albert, son of James [Alexander] and Flora  [May Hinshaw] Turner, was born south of Bedford on February 3, 1884.

On March 18, 1906 he was married to Carrie Dalton.

To this union were born six children:  Helen who died in infancy; Gerald of Fort Collins, Colo.; Dick of Bedford; Mrs. Gwen Jones of Bedford; and Mrs. Margaret Cobb of Springfield, Mo.  Son, Robert [Dwane], preceded Mr. Turner in death in 1947.

Besides the four remaining children, he is survived by his wife, 11 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren; two brothers of Bedford, Joe [Joseph Hinshaw] and Douglas [Theodore]; two sisters, Mrs. Gertrude [Emma Wildman] Abarr of Bedford and Mrs. Iva Johnson of St. Peters, Minn.

Mr. Turner spent his entire life in Taylor County.  He retired from the farm in 1961.

He was baptized and became a member of the East Mission church as a young man.

[Turner, Donald C. "Don"]

Times-Republican

Thursday    January 2, 1919    [p. 1]

Don C. Turner Buried Here

Remains Brought From Regina, Canada, Where He Died, Dec. 14.

The remains of Don C. Turner arrived in Bedford Thursday, December 19, from Regina, Canada, accompanied by his brother Frank, and a sister Mrs. W. [illiam] R. [ollin] Wildman [Gertrude Emma] of Blockton.  The funeral was held at Fairview cemetery the following day, Rev. Lowe conducting the services.

Don Turner was born on a farm east of Bedford, 27 years ago last July.  He grew to manhood here, assisting his father on the farm and later taking up the work of auctioneering, in which he was quite successful.  He left here for Canada three years ago, locating at Regina, where he has been working at his profession during the season and also running an engine during the threshing season.  He was taken ill with influenza and died before any of his relatives could reach him.

Besides his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. [ames] A. [lexander] Turner [Flora May Hinshaw] of this city, he leaves four brothers, Frank, [Charles] Albert, Joseph [Hinshaw] and Douglas [Theodore] (the latter a twin) and two sisters, Mrs. W.[illiam] R. [ollin] Wildman [Gertrude Emma] and Mrs. Iva Johnson, and numerous other relatives to mourn his death.

[DeBolt, Charles Stuart]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    June 17, 1965    p. 2

Merle DeBoltŐs Son Killed In Accident

The 16-month-old son [Charles Stuart] of Mr. and Mrs. Merle DeBolt of Cook, Wash., was killed the first week of June in a car accident.  Mrs. DeBolt [Elmerna McCoun] was injured but not seriously.  The Merle Debolts are former Taylor County residents.

Mrs. Maude Anderson of Villisca is the boy's grandmother.

[DeBolt, Annette]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday    March 29, 1923

Anettie Debolt Dead

Word has been received here by the Killion brothers of the death of Anettie [Annette] Debolt, which occurred at her home in Guthrie, Oklahoma, March 9th.  She was the daughter of Mrs. Sarah Debolt, who at one time lived in this community, and will be remembered here as Sarah Killion.

[Farlow, Simeon Francis]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    June 21, 1951    p. 7

Farlow Rites Held In Siam Last Week

Siam---Funeral services were held for Simeon F. Farlow June 13 at the Christian Church in Siam with Rev. Clarence Moore, pastor of the Methodist church, in charge.

Simeon Francis, son of Mary [Ann] Gordon and Francis Carr Farlow, was born near North English, Iowa, on Nov. 21, 1870 and died at the home of his son in Siam June 10, 1951, at the age of 80 years, 6 months and 19 days.

He moved with his parents to Taylor County in 1891.  On September 5, 1895 he was married to Martha Jane Hembree of North Star community, north of Siam.  They made their home in Iowa with the exception of three years spent in Kansas, moving to Siam in 1923.

To them were born two children, Floyd Wm. and Marjory, who passed away at the age of 13 years [9 years].  Mr. Farlow united with the Church when a young man, transferring his membership to the Church of Christ at Siam.

Mrs. Farlow died April 24, 1946.

Surviving are his son Floyd, and daughter-in-law, Happilona, of Siam, three grandchildren, Floyd Francis of Siam, Donald Monroe of New Market, and Alice Jeanette of Fort Dodge and four great grandchildren.  Also two sisters, Mrs. Amelia Snyder and Mrs. Cora Houck, both of Harrisonville, Mo. and one brother, John Farlow of Kansas City.

[Farlow, Martha Jane Hembree]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    April 25, 1946    [p. 1]

Mrs. Sim Farlow [Martha Jane Hembree] of Siam died at her home Wednesday evening.  The funeral services are pending word from relatives.

[Farlow, Martha Jane Hembree]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    May 2, 1946    p. 7

Obituary – Mrs. S. F. Farlow

Martha Jane, daughter of W. [illiam] D. [avid] and Margery Ann Hankins Hembree, was born in Taylor County, Iowa, Dec. 4, 1876 and died at her home in Siam, April 24, 1946 at the age of 69 years, 4 months and 20 days.

She received her education in the North Star school, north of Siam.  In early life she confessed her faith in her Savior and united with the Baptist church in New Market.  Later she transferred her membership to the Church of Christ at that place.

On Sept. 5, 1895 she was married to Simeon F. [rancis] Farlow at the Baptist church parsonage in Bedford.  To them were born two children, Floyd William and Marjorie Marie.  She was preceded in death by her father, mother, one sister and one brother.  Also by her daughter, Marjorie Marie, who died Feb. 11, 1911 at the age of 9 years.

She is survived by her husband, her son Floyd and wife Happilona who have done so much to minister to their parents' comfort; three grandchildren, Francis and his wife, Mary Lois of Camp Gordon Johnson, Florida, Donald of Des Moines and Jeanette of the home; one great granddaughter Joyce Elaine Farlow and her mother, Uryth Farlow of Des Moines; two sisters, Mrs. Rosa [Belle] Hutchinson of Bedford and Mrs. Dollie Lindsay of Washington; one brother, Frank Hembree of Compton, Calif.

Mother Farlow was of a quiet and unassuming nature, a lover of her home and friends, never so happy as when ministering to the comfort of her family.

The funeral services were held at the Christian church in Siam Sunday afternoon, conducted by Rev. W. A. Purdy of Bedford.  Burial was in Old Memory cemetery at New Market.

Attend Farlow Rites

Among those from a distance who attended the funeral services for Mrs. Simeon Farlow were John Farlow of Kansas City, Mrs. Lee H. Ramey of Belton, Mo., Mr. and Mrs. Marion Hutchinson and daughter Janice of Council Bluffs, Don Farlow of Des Moines, T4 Francis Farlow and Mrs. Farlow of Camp Gordon Johnson, Florida, Mrs. Uryth Farlow and daughter Joyce of Des Moines.

[Farlow, John]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday    August 28, 1902    [p. 1]

An Aged Man Gone

John Farlow, a former resident of Bedford, died at his home in Beatrice, Nebraska, August 21, 1902, at a ripe old age.  The remains were brought to Bedford and interred in the Lexington cemetery.  Elders Wm. Cobb and Lee Ferguson conducted the funeral services.  Mr. Farlow was one of Taylor County's oldest and most highly respected citizens, and leaves many friends as well as relatives to mourn his loss.

John Farlow was born in Indiana in 1820.  He was married in [December 23] 1849; his aged wife and four children survive him.  There were six children born to the union, one died in Indiana and one in this county.  Deceased united with the Christian church in early life and has lived a long and consistent life in the Masters cause.  Text at funeral services:  "Blessed in the sight of the Lord is the death of the saint."

[Farlow, John]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday    August 28, 1902    p. 3

Obituary

John Farlow was born in Indiana in the year 1820 and died at Beatrice, Nebraska, Aug. 20, 1902, aged 82 years, 3 months, and 21 days. He was married in 1849; his aged wife and four children survive him. There were six children born to the union, one died in Indiana and one in this county.

Deceased united with the Christian church in early life and has lived a long and consistent life in the Masters cause. Text at funeral services: "Blessed in the sight of the Lord is the death of the Saint."

[Farlow, John]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday    August 28, 1902    p. 3

The Funeral.

From Saturday's Daily

John Farlow died at his home in Beatrice, Nebraska, Aug. 21, 1902. The remains were brought here on the morning train and the funeral services were held this afternoon at 2 o'clock by Elders Cobb and Ferguson.

The burial services were held at Lexington Cemetery and many friends and relatives accompanied the remains to their final resting place.

W. [illiam] N. [elson] and C. [harles] C. [ora] Farlow, sons of deceased and [Jessie] Maude, a daughter, of Beatrice were present.

[Farlow, John]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday    August 28, 1902    p. 3

DEATH ANGEL IN EVIDENCE

A Former Resident of this County Dies in Nebraska and Will be Brought Here For Interment

From Friday's Dally Republican

John Farlow, a very aged man and a former resident of this county, died yesterday at Beatrice, Nebraska. No particulars of sickness and death having reached here, we can only say that the remains are expected to arrive on the night train. Funeral services will be held at the Christian church in this city tomorrow, conducted by Elders Wm. Cobb and Lee Ferguson. Interment will be in the Lexington cemetery.

Upon the arrival of the remains they will be taken to the Nendick home in the north part of town. More definite announcement cannot be given at this time.

In the death of Mr. Farlow, an old landmark of Taylor County disappears, as he was one of the old pioneers of this county, well known and highly esteemed by all old residents. He went out to Nebraska about two years ago to make his home with his son.

[FARLOW, JOHN]
Beatrice Daily Express (Beatrice, Nebraska), Friday, August 22, 1902
Death of John Farlow.
John Farlow, an old and highly respected resident of this city, died last night about midnight at an advanced age, of infirmities incident to age at his home, 1313 East Market street. Mr. Farlow has been ill for about a year past.
Short services were held at his home at 1 p. m. today and the remains were taken to Bedford, Ia., for burial this afternoon.
[Note: The same announcement was published in the Beatrice Semi-Weekly Express, August 22, 1902.]

[FARLOW, JOHN]
Omaha Daily Bee (Omaha, Nebraska), Saturday, August 23, 1902
John Farlow, Beatrice.
BEATRICE, Neb., Aug. 22. – (Special.) – John Farlow, an old and highly respected resident of this city, died last night, aged 84 years. The remains were taken to Bedford, Ia., for interment.

[FARLOW, JOHN]
Beatrice Daily Sun (Beatrice, Nebraska), Saturday, August 23, 1902
Funeral of John Farlow
The funeral services over the remains of the late John Farlow were held yesterday afternoon at 1 o'clock from the family home, 1313 East Market street.
Rev. Edgar Price conducted the services, which were largely attended.
At the close of the services the funeral party proceeded to the Burlington depot, where the remains were placed on the 2:05 north bound train to be taken to Bedford, Ia., for interment.
C. C. Farlow and two other members of the bereaved family accompanied the remains.

[FARLOW, JOHN]
Beatrice Weekly Times (Beatrice, Nebraska), Thursday, August 28, 1902
John Farlow – John Farlow, father of Corey Farlow, former deputy sheriff, died about midnight last night of dropsy. The deceased was about eighty years old. The funeral was held at 1 o'clock this afternoon at the home, 1313 Market street. The remains were taken to Bedford, Iowa, for burial.

[FARLOW, JOHN]
Beatrice Daily Sun (Beatrice, Nebraska), Thursday, August 28, 1902
C. C. Farlow returned home last evening from Bedford, Ia., where he went several days ago with the remains of his father, which were interred at that place.

[Farlow, Frank, Mrs.]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday    November 6, 1902    [p. 1]

Mrs. Frank Farlow Dead

Died at her home in Mason Township, on Saturday, November 1, at a ripe old age, Mrs. Frank Farlow.  For some time she had been very low, and her demise was no surprise.  The remains were taken to North English for burial, accompanied by Mr. Farlow, son Charles and daughter Amy.  The sympathy of many friends is extended in this hour of bereavement.

[Farlow, Charles Cora]

Times-Republican

Thursday July 3, 1930    p. 7

C. C. Farlow

C. [harles] C. [ora] Farlow, ex-mayor of Beatrice, died unexpectedly from an attack of acute indigestion, Tuesday evening at 7 o'clock at his home at the corner of Eighth and Market streets.  As he had been about town as usual the past few days, announcement of his death came as a shock to his friends, although he had been in failing health for the past few years.  In 1920 he became a candidate for city commissioner and was elected mayor.  He served continuously in that office for eight years.  J. R. Ellis, then city commissioner, was elected and served as mayor from 1928 to 1930, his successor being the present mayor, W. I. Reed.  It was recalled that his service as mayor extended through a stormy period featured by conflicts over municipal ownership and other issues.  He was high man in several elections and while the returns showed the public attitude toward various questions the votes were also in the way of tributes to Mr. Farlow from his fellow citizens.  However, he always spoke of election victories with modest disclaimers of the personal element and stressed whatever issue was at stake.  While head of the city government Mr. Farlow built a number of homes in South Beatrice and also an apartment house on East Court Street.  After retiring from office he spent much of his time looking after his property interests.  He had a farm in western Nebraska.  He was a great admirer of attractive homes and substantial improvements and while in office aided wherever he could in the upbuilding and beautification of Beatrice.  He was fond of horses and he was a familiar figure at race meetings.  He was a member of Beatrice Masonic Lodge and the local order of Elks, and usually could be found at gatherings of these orders.  He was unassuming and reticent and never meddled with affairs other than his own.  He held the respect and esteem of all during his long service as mayor of the city, and his passing will be deeply regretted by his friends in Beatrice and vicinity.  Born at Bedford, Ia., Nov. 7, 1869, Mr. Farlow was 61 years of age.  He came to Beatrice in 1891 where he engaged in the real estate, abstract and insurance business.  In 1895-6 he operated a drug store in the old Paddock block.  In 1893 he was married to Miss Ruth Reynolds of this city, and since that time they had resided continuously at Eighth and Market streets.  He was a member of the First Christian church of this city.  Besides his widow he leaves two sisters, Mrs. Mona Childs of Bridgeport, Nebr., and Mrs. Maude Moses of Denver, Colo.  His brother, W. [illiam] N.[elson] Farlow, died in this city a few years ago.----Beatrice(Nebraska) Daily Sun

[Wiseman, Forrest Dewey "Jerry"]

Maryville Daily Forum

Wednesday    January 2, 1980

Forrest Wiseman

Forrest D. [ewey] (Jerry) Wiseman, 79, died Friday evening [December 28, 1979] at a hospital in Maryville.

Born March 6, 1900, at Wilcox [Nodaway County, Missouri], he was one of eight children of Silas [Amberry] and Margaret (Sexson) Wiseman.

He worked as a farm hand around Hopkins until 1944 when he went to work on the railroad.  He continued that work until 1961.  He has been a resident of the Maryville Health Care Center since Aug. 22, 1977.

He was married to Opal [Ulmer Walker] Wiseman on June 6, 1935, in Maryville and made his home in Hopkins.

Survivors include his wife, Opal Wiseman of the home; one stepdaughter, Mrs. Truman Davison [Charlotte Ulmer], Hopkins; three sisters, Mrs. Elmer Mackey [Inez Isabelle], Maryville, Mo., Mrs. Francis [Lee] Young [Esther Mae] and Mrs. Ralph [Irvin] Bradley [Nellie Opal], both of Hopkins; two brothers, Leland and Loren Wiseman, both of Hopkins; and four step grandsons.

Services were at 2 p. m. Monday at the Swanson-Price Funeral Home in Hopkins.

The Rev. Joyce Nicholas officiated.  Music was furnished by Mr. and Mrs. Richard Brand.  Burial was in the Hopkins cemetery.

Pallbearers were Rick, Randy, Steve and Keith Davison, Kelly Morrison and Larry Wiseman.

[Atkinson, Belle Van Sickle]

Taylor County Herald

Thursday    December 15, 1932    p. 5

Former Bedford Lady Died In Oklahoma

Mrs. Belle Atkinson, 75, pioneer resident of Payne County since 1900, died near Stillwater, Okla., Monday, December 5, 1932.  Funeral services will be held on Wednesday afternoon, 2:30 o'clock at the Strode Funeral Home.  Interment will be in Fairlawn cemetery here.  The Rev. Don Schooler, pastor of the First Methodist Episcopal church, South, will be in charge.

Belle Van Sickle was born at Bedford, Ia., March 14, 1857.  She was married in June, 1880, to Mark Atkinson, at Bedford.

The Atkinsons moved to Payne county in 1900, purchasing the farm just north of the Boomer lake, (about three miles from Stillwater), where they have resided continuously since.

The husband preceded Mrs. Atkinson in death, in January, 1916.  Two sons survive, they being George F. [rank] Atkinson and Richard Atkinson, both living at the home place.  A daughter, Miss Mary Atkinson, died in 1928.

There is one brother and one sister, E. [dwin] S. [tanton] Van Sickle, of Chico, Calif., and Mrs. V.[ictoria] V. Faith, of McGill, Nev.----Stillwater (Okla.) Daily Press

[Swearingen, William Chapman]

Times-Republican

Monday    May 31, 1920

W. C. Swearingen Dead

The body of Wm. C. [hapman] Swearingen was brought to Bedford from his home in Nebraska Saturday and taken to the home of H. [arvey] W. [esley] Parrish, his father-in-law, in the north part of the city, where the funeral services were held this afternoon at 2 o'clock, after which the remains were laid to rest in the Bedford cemetery.  The name Swearingen is familiar to almost every resident of Taylor County, having been in business in Bedford for many years under the firm name of Swearingen Bros.  During the many years in business he made many friends in a social and business way, who will sympathize with the bereaved widow in her great loss.  He was about 58 years of age at the time of his death and had spent almost his entire life among us.  A few years ago he left Bedford to take a responsible position in a wholesale house at Grand Island, Neb., where he passed away.  The family have the sympathy of the entire community.

[Swearingen, Mary Frances Parrish]

Times-Republican

Thursday    January 20, 1921    [p. 1]

Died At Salt Lake City

Mary [Frances] Swearingen, daughter of H. [arvey] W. [esley] Parrish, died at Salt Lake City, Tuesday evening at 8 o'clock, just one hour before her father, who left here Sunday night, reached her bedside.  Mrs. Swearingen left here about two months ago in hopes of benefiting her health.  The body will arrive in Bedford Friday afternoon, after which the funeral arrangements will be made.  Her death was a shock to her many friends in Bedford who have known her from childhood.  We will publish her obituary in our next issue.

[Swearingen, Mary Frances Parrish]

Times-Republican

Monday    January 24, 1921    [p. 1]

Death of Mrs. Swearingen

Mrs. Mary Frances Swearingen, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harvey [Wesley] Parrish [Maria Greedy], was born at Bedford, Iowa, Jan. 17, 1875, and died at Salt Lake City, Jan. 18, 1921, at the age of 46 years and 1 day.

Mrs. Swearingen grew to womanhood in Bedford, attending the public schools of this place.  At 14 years of age she united with the Presbyterian Church of which she continued to be a member and helper until her removal to Grand Island, Neb., after her marriage.  On Sept. 14, 1905, she was married to Wm. C.[hapman] Swearingen, who preceded her to the Beyond last May.  For a while after that she made her home with her parents here, but later went to Colorado and then to Utah in hopes of better health.  She improved but little and then began to fail and the past few weeks grew rapidly worse, but refrained from letting her parents know for fear they should worry.

She was quiet and unassuming, thoughtful and helpful to those around and a blessing wherever she went.  To know her was to admire and respect her; and the chords of sympathy in many a heart has been touched by her quiet, Christian spirit in the battle for life, and the community grieve with Mr. and Mrs. Parrish in their affliction.

Funeral services were held from the Parrish home Sunday afternoon at 2:30, conducted by Rev. Lumbar.  Interment in Fairview cemetery.

[Swearingen, Matilda Chapman]

Times-Republican

Thursday    September 19, 1907

Long Life Ended

Mrs. Matilda D. Swearingen died at her home in Bedford on Monday evening, September 16, 1907, aged 82 years, 4 months and 4 days.

The funeral was held at the home at 3 p. m. yesterday, conducted by Rev. S. E. Henry, and attended by a large concourse of sorrowing friends.  Interment at Fairview cemetery.

Matilda D. Chapman was born near Maysville, West Virginia on May 12, 1825, but in early life went to Ohio and for some years attended the Woman's Seminary at Steubenville in that state.

On May 12, 1845, she was united in marriage to Geo. W. [ilcoxen] Swearingen at Navarre, Stark County, Ohio, where they spent the first years of their married life.  After leaving Stark County they lived for a time at Hanoverton and also at Minerva, Ohio.  In the spring of 1873, they moved from the last named place to Bedford, Iowa, and this was their home during all the rest of their lives.

For forty years and six days Mr. and Mrs. Swearingen lived together, a happy, contented life, then the husband was called hence, his death occurring on May 18, 1885.

During their married life six children were born, who have already answered the summons from on high, and with their father, awaited the coming of the beloved wife and mother.  Five children yet survive.  They are Mrs. F. [red] F. Conser [Aurelia Aravista] of Kensington, Ohio; Mrs. Anna N. [aomi] Wilmoth of Bucklin, Missouri; Mrs. William M. Ramsey [Hannah Rebecca], of Burlington, and W. [illiam] C.[hapman] and R. [ichard] S.[herman] Swearingen, whose homes are at Bedford.  With the exception of Mrs. Conser, all the living children were permitted to be at their mother's side during her last illness.

The grandchildren are George Conser, Frank Conser, Nellie Graff, George Graff, Cora [Elizabeth] King, Mrs. Zoa Townsend, Glen Calhoun and Helen McCorkle.

While a young girl attending the seminary, the deceased united with the Presbyterian Church and was ever after, until prevented by age and infirmities, she was a constant, active worker in the church, a consistent and conscientious Christian.  Her life was always a beautiful example of charity and kindness to all, and none knew her but to admire and respect.  During all the long days of her pain and suffering no word of complaint ever passed her lips, but her constant prayer was "Let Thy will be done."

The old friends who acted as pall bearers at the funeral were:  A. G. Guthrie, B. F. Bailey, David Bailey, John Graff, H. W. Parrish and Jacob Cole.

[Evans, Martha Maize]

Times-Republican

Monday    May 31, 1920

Mrs. J. S. Evans Funeral

Mrs. Martha [Maize] Evans, wife of the late J. [ames] S. Evans, who left Bedford only a few weeks ago to make her home with her daughter in Chicago, Mrs. [T. B.] Maulding [Olive], died Friday morning, May 28th, 1920, at the age of 70 years.  The body arrived in Bedford from Chicago Saturday afternoon and was taken to the Wetmore undertaking parlors until yesterday, when the remains were taken to the Baptist Church at 3 o'clock.  Rev. Chas. Putnam conducted the services, after which the remains were taken to the Fairview cemetery and laid beside the body of her husband who preceded her to that great unknown several years ago.  She leaves six children to mourn the loss of a mother, four daughters and two sons.  She spent the greater part of her life in Bedford and had friends by the score, who share the grief with the children.