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

[Slaight, George Raymond "Ray"]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    October 27, 1938    p. 12

Ray Slaight

George Raymond Slaight, son of [George] William and Lenah [Debra Albertson] Slaight, was born near Goodland, Kans., Nov. 4, 1893 and died Oct. 17, 1938.

He moved to Canada at the age of nine years where he remained until the world war.  He served over seas in the Canadian army until he was wounded Oct. 17, 1918.  He was converted at an early age, uniting with the Methodist church in Canada, later transferring his membership to Siam.

He was united in marriage with Geneva Thompson, June 23, 1920.  To this union were born two children, George Samuel at home, and Earl Raymond who preceded him to the Great Beyond at the age of three years.

"Uncle Ray," as he was known by most children, was a kind and loving husband and a real pal as well as a devoted father to his only son, George.  He was always so willing to help others and many times has gone out of his way to do a kind deed for his neighbors and friends.

Sunday evening he attended services at the United Brethren church in Clarinda, where he greeted everyone with a bright and happy smile.  He returned home to answer his Master's call before the dawn.

He leaves to mourn his departure his wife and son George, one brother Wesley and family of Clarinda; one sister, Blossom of B. C. Canada.

Services were held at the home Wednesday afternoon and at 2 o'clock public service was at the United Brethren church in Clarinda, in charge of Rev. Hultse, assisted by Rev. T. J. Overholt and Rev. Shackelford of New Market.  Military honors were given at the burial service in Memory cemetery.  Members of Clarinda and New Market posts had charge of the firing squad and taps.

[Cubbage, Myrta Wilmina Matheny]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    November 10, 1955    [p. 1]

Former Resident Died In Kansas City, Mo.

Mrs. Myrtle [Myrta] W. [ilmina] Cubbage, 88, former resident of the Blockton community, died Nov. 6 in Kansas City.  The body was brought to Bedford and last rites were held at the Platteville church, Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 9, conducted by Wilbur G. Travis of the Christian church.  Burial in Platteville cemetery.

[Cubbage, William]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    September 20, 1934    [p. 1]

William Cubbage, 78, Dies At Holton, Kans.

William Cubbage, 78, a former resident of this community, died at his home in Holton, Kans., Tuesday, Sept. 10.  The funeral services were held at the Platteville church Thursday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Earl Longfellow.  Burial was in the Platteville cemetery.

He was born in Galesburg, Ill., Oct. 27, 1885.  He was married to Miss Myrta Willmina Matheny, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. [ohn] C. [ollins] Matheny [Mary Jane Maddox].  To them were born ten children, three of whom preceded him in death.  Those surviving with the wife are Mrs. F. [ranklin] A. [sher] Gray [Edna May] and William Cubbage, Jr., of Kansas City; Frank Cubbage of Bedford; Dan Cubbage, Bruce Cubbage, and Harry Cubbage of Holton, Kans.; John Cubbage of Longmont, Colo.  There are also twelve grandchildren.

He united with the Methodist church at Platteville thirty years ago.

[Cubbage, William]

Blockton News

Thursday    September 27, 1934    p. 8

Obituary

William Cubbage, son of Abraham and Ann [Feathers] Cubbage, was born in Galesburg, Ill., Oct. 27, 1855, aged 78 years, 10 months and 16 days.

He was united in marriage to Miss Myrta Willmina Matheny, the daughter of J.[ohn] C . [ollins] and Mary Jane [Maddox] Matheny. To this union was born 10 children, three of whom preceded him in death. He leaves to mourn his going: His wife, one daughter, Mrs. F. A. Grey  [Edna May] of Kansas City. Mo.; six sons, William, Jr., of Kansas City; Frank, of Bedford; Dan, Bruce and Harry, of Holton, Kansas, and John of Longmont, Colo. He leaves 12 grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends.

He united with the Methodist church of Platteville 30 years ago.

The funeral, conducted by Rev Earl Longfellow, was from the Platteville church Sept 13, and burial was in the Platteville cemetery.

 [Stephens, Eliza Jane Walters]

Times-Republican

Thursday    September 29, 1904

Death Of An Old Resident

At 7 o'clock last evening Mrs. Eliza [Jane Walters] Stephens quietly passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. John C. Jones [Sarah Ellen], three miles west of town.  She had been sick about three weeks and the cause of her death was Bright's Disease.  The deceased had been in fairly good health up to a month or so ago, when she made a visit to her children living at Shenandoah and Clarinda.  After staying there a while she returned to her daughter's, where she had made her home since the death of her husband [William Jacob], when she was almost immediately taken ill, gradually getting worse and worse until last evening when the end came.

At the time of her death Mrs. Stephens had lived six months and three days beyond the three score years and ten allotted to mankind.  With her husband she came to Taylor County thirty years ago, and since that time she has lived in the vicinity of Bedford.  Two years ago the 15th of this month [September 15, 1902], her husband [William Jacob] died and since that time she has not attempted to keep house but has lived with her daughter.

Only two of her children live near here; Tom, who makes his home in Bedford, and Mrs. Susie [Sarah Ellen] Jones, with whom she lived.  The others, one boy and seven girls, reside at different points scattered all over the country from Boston to the Rocky Mountains.

The funeral will be held at the residence of John C. Jones tomorrow at 10 a. m., conducted by Rev. Jones.  Interment at Bowers cemetery.

[Jones, John C.]

Times-Republican

Thursday    June 13, 1907

Death of John C. Jones

John C. Jones died at his home in Benton Township Sunday evening, June 9th, at 8 o'clock, age 62 years, 6 months and 18 days.  The funeral services were held at the residence on Tuesday at 2:30 p. m., conducted by Rev. A. I. Jones.  Interment at Fairview.

The deceased was one of the old settlers of Taylor County, having moved here from Pennsylvania many years ago.  When he first located here he settled on the farm where death found him.

He was never in public life and consequently the circle of his acquaintance was not large, but, in Bedford and vicinity, he was known by all, and no man stood higher in the estimation of his friends.  Honest, honorable and energetic, he attended to his own affairs and never interfered with others.  Charitable in his judgment of his fellowman, kindhearted and sincere, he was a neighbor whom all respected and admired, and a friend to be valued by all.

The deceased is survived by his wife [Sarah Ellen Stephens] and one sister.  The sister, however, resides in Oklahoma, and could not be here at the funeral.  The sorrow stricken wife is thus left alone, and the true sympathy of all goes out to her in her desolation and grief.

[JONES, JOHN C.]
Bedford Times-Republican (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, June 27, 1907
Mrs. Mittie Fratt, who was called to Bedford by the fatal illness of her uncle, J. [ohn] C. Jones and remained for some time after his death, left on Thursday of last week for her home at Omaha.

[JONES, JOHN C.]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, June 13, 1907
Death of John C. Jones
John C. Jones was born in Hillsdale, N. Y., November 21, 1844 and died at his home three miles west of Bedford on Sunday evening at 8 o'clock, June 9, 1907. He has been in poor health for some time and while the announcement caused sorrow and grief among his large number of friends, it was not wholly unexpected.
Mr. Jones moved with his parents in 1847 to Wayne county, N. Y. and in 1855 to Geneva, Ill., where he continued to reside until he came to Bedford in 1870.
On November 21, 1881, he was united in marriage to Miss Nancy Stevens, of Bedford, and the following year they moved to the farm west of town where they have since resided.
Mr. Jones has been one of the prominent and progressive farmers of the county, where he has made many friends by upright dealings. He was the owner of a fine farm and was energetic in its management until incapacitated by disease. He leaves a heart broken wife and one sister, Mrs. Nancy Hart, of Wichita, Kansas, to mourn his death.
The funeral was held from the home on Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock, conducted by Rev. A. I. Jones. Interment was made in Fairview cemetery.
  The bereaved relatives have the sympathy of all.

[JONES, JOHN C.]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, June 13, 1907
E. L. Cutler and wife, of Shenandoah, were here Monday and Tuesday, called by the death of their brother-in-law, Mr. John Jones.

[Vosburg, John Demus]

Times-Republican

Thursday    June 13, 1907

Death of John Vosburg

John D. [emus] Vosburg died at 9:45 a. m. June 5th.  The body was shipped to Bedford arriving here Thursday, and on Friday at 10 a. m. the funeral services were held at the home of Robt. Rockwell conducted by Rev. Price.

The deceased was born in Kirkwood, Illinois, May 30, 1876, and was 31 years and 5 days old at the time of his death.  When only a baby of two years of age, with his parents the deceased came to Taylor County, and this was his home until after his marriage, when he moved to St. Joseph, where he resided until his death.

On February 23, 1904, Mr. Vosburg was united in marriage to Miss Ursula [Jane] Rockwell.  Eighteen months later a baby girl, Pink, came to bless their union, and make complete the home circle.

The deceased was a man who made friends wherever he went.  Those who knew him here, speak of him in words of commendation, and at St. Joseph, he stood high in the estimation of both business and social associates.  He is survived by his wife, baby, his father, two sisters and four brothers to all of whom goes out the sincere sympathy of all who knew him.

The cause of his death was spinal meningitis, and he was ill about 4 weeks.

[VOSBERG, JOHN DEMUS]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, June 13, 1907
John D. Vosberg Passed Away
John D. Vosberg was born in Kirkwood, Ill., May 30, 1876 and died at his home in St. Joseph, Mo., Wednesday, June 5, 1907 at 9:45 a. m. The remains were brought here, and the funeral was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. R. B. Rockwell on Friday, June 7, conducted by Elder Edgar Price.
When but two years of age he came to Bedford which was his home for several years. He went to St. Joe, where he was employed and while living there was united in marriage on February 23, 1904, to Miss Ursula Rockwell of this city. This union was, on August 5, 1905, blessed by the arrival of little baby Pink. Mr. Vosberg was sick but about four weeks with spinal meningitis, which resulted so fatally.
Aside from a heart broken wife and little daughter he leaves a father, two sisters and four brothers to mourn his early death. The sympathy of the entire community is extended to them.

[Hall, Mary Lou]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    March 9, 1933    p. 4

Twin Infants Die

Mary Lou, 3-day-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Hall of Sheridan, Mo., died Monday, Feb. 27.  A twin brother died at birth.  Surviving are the parents and a sister, Frances Jean.  Burial was in the Isadora cemetery Monday, where brief services were held.

[Hall, Vere, Infant of]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    March 11, 1937    p. 3

Hall Infant Succumbs

The four days old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Vere [Albert] Hall [Hazel Ruth Ulmer] was buried in the Hopkins cemetery Friday afternoon.  She died Thursday.  Funeral services were held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Lyle Ulmer.

[Hall, Nathan Parnik]

Times-Republican

Thursday    June 20, 1907

Old Settler Called

Nathan [Parnik] Hall died at the home of his son, C. [yrus] M. [orey] Hall, at 1925 Garfield Street, Lincoln, Nebraska, on Tuesday, June 4th, aged 85 years, 8 months and 20 days.

The deceased was one of the old settlers of Taylor County, having located on a farm 8 miles northeast of Bedford in 1869.  Later he moved to Conway and in 1892 moved to Plainview, Nebraska.  The funeral was held at the home in Lincoln June 5th and [the] remains taken to Conway and interred in the family lot in the Conway cemetery.

[HALL, NATHAN PARNIK]
Lincoln Journal Star (Lincoln, Nebraska), Tuesday, June 4, 1907
Nathan Hall died this morning at the home of his son, Cyrus M. Hall, 1825 Garfield street, aged eighty-six years. A private funeral service at 2 p. m. Wednesday and the body will be taken to Conway, Ia., for interment.

[HALL, NATHAN PARNIK]
Nebraska State Journal (Lincoln, Nebraska), Wednesday, June 5, 1907
Nathan hall, an aged resident of South Lincoln, died early yesterday morning at the home of his son, 1825 Garfield street. He was eighty-six years old. The funeral will be held at the home at 2 p. m. today. Interment will take place at Conway Junction, Nebraska [Conway, Iowa].

[HALL, NATHAN PARNIK]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, June 6, 1907
Death of N. Hall
Word was received at this place yesterday conveying the sad intelligence of the death of N. [athan] Hall, a former resident of this place, which occurred early Tuesday morning at the home of his son, Cyrus Hall, at Lincoln, Neb. The remains will arrive in Conway this (Thursday) morning on the early train, accompanied by his sons, C. [yrus] M. and C. O. Hall and Mrs. Guy Liggett and at 9:00 o'clock they will be conveyed to the Conway cemetery where a short service will be held at the grave, after which the remains will be laid to rest by the side of his wife, who passed away a number of years ago. Mr. Hall was an old settler of this part of the county, having lived for many years with his family on a farm near Conway, before moving to town. – Conway Record

[Hall, Cloud]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    October 10, 1940    p. 3

Hopkins Farmer Dies

Was Resident Of Community The Past Twenty Years

Cloud Hall, 71, a resident of near Hopkins for more than twenty years, died Friday morning at the St. Francis hospital in Maryville.  In ill health the past year, he had been seriously ill only three or four days.

Born August 18, 1869 at Columbia, Mo., Mr. Hall moved to West Plains, Mo., when 10 years of age and grew to manhood there.  He was married at West Plains to Tennessee [Martha Ann] Tune on January 18, 1894.  Six years later they moved to Tarkio and later to Skidmore.  In 1919 Mr. Hall moved to the farm southeast of Hopkins, which was his home at the time of his death.

Mr. Hall leaves his widow and nine children:  Seymour Hall, Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.; Claude Hall, Libertyville, Ill.; Everett Hall, Portland, Ore.; Mrs. Grace Gunther, Lemmon, S. D.; Mrs. Nellie Brown, St. Joseph; Orville Hall, Conception Junction; Mrs. Opal Williams and Mrs. Mary Hilsenbeck, Fillmore, and Oren Hall, Hopkins.

Also surviving are twenty-four grandchildren; three great grandchildren; four brothers and a sister.

The funeral was held Sunday afternoon at the Baptist church in Hopkins.  Burial was in the Hopkins cemetery.

[Hall, Cloud]

Maryville Daily Forum

Friday    October 4, 1940    p. 3

Cloud Hall, A Farmer Of Nodaway County, Dies

Cloud Hall, age 71, a resident of near Hopkins for more than twenty years, died at 4:30 o'clock this morning at St. Francis hospital.  In ill health the past year, he had been seriously ill only three or four days.

Born August 18, 1869 at Columbia, Mo., Mr. Hall moved to West Plains, Mo., when 10 years of age and grew to manhood there.  He was married at West Plains to Tennessee [Martha Ann] Tune on January 18, 1894.  Six years later they moved to Tarkio and later to Skidmore where Mr. Hall was associated with the Rankin ranches.  In 1919, Mr. Hall moved to the farm southeast of Hopkins, which was his home at the time of his death.

He was a member of the Walkup Grove Baptist church near Fairfax.

Mr. Hall leaves his widow and nine children, Seymour Hall, Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.; Claude Hall, Libertyville, Ill.; Everett Hall, Portland, Ore.; Mrs. Grace Gunther, Lemmon, S. D.; Mrs. Nellie Brown, St. Joseph; Orville Hall, Conception Junction; Mrs. Opal Williams and Mrs. Mary Hilsenbeck, Fillmore, and Oren Hall, Hopkins.

Also surviving are twenty-four grandchildren; three great grandchildren; four brothers, Lee Hall, Jonesboro, Ark.; Elmer and Harve Hall, West Plains, and Harland Hall, St. Joseph, and a sister, Miss Evenal Hall, West Plains.

The funeral will be held at 2:30 o'clock Sunday afternoon at the Baptist church in Hopkins.  Burial will be in Hopkins cemetery.

[Hall, Guy]

Times-Republican

Thursday    April 16, 1908

Tarried But A Little While

Death visited the home of Mr. and Mrs. J. [ay] L. Hall [Nettie Elona Carr] on Monday night and took away the flower of their fireside, their youngest born [Guy], a sweet babe of five months.

The little one was sick less than a day, and its condition was not thought to be serious until just a few hours before its death.  Monday morning it seemed to be ailing, but no one thought that the trouble was more than one of the minor ills of babyhood, and no alarm was felt.  The usual household remedies were given, and as the babe did not seem to get any better, a physician was called.  It was not, however, until evening that alarming symptoms were noticeable.  From than on it grew rapidly worse, and at 10 o'clock its soul, pure and white as the driven snow, left the little body and was wafted back to Him from whom it has been parted for such a little while.

The conditions were such that an early interment was imperative, and at 3 o'clock Tuesday afternoon the funeral was held at the home, Rev. Henry officiating.

No one but a father and mother know how dear to the parent's heart is a little babe, no difference how short the time of its life's span.  In a loving parent's heart love knows no time---a day is a century---a century but a day.  Upon the babe, who has lived but a day, the parent lavishes the same love that is given to the elder children, and their very helplessness makes them seem more dear, and in their anguish the bereaved parents have the sincere and heartfelt sympathy of all.

[Hall, Elizabeth Ruth Golliday]

Times-Republican

Thursday    May 31, 1923

Mrs. E. R. Hall Passed Away

Mrs. E. [lizabeth] R. [uth Golliday] Hall, one of the oldest settlers in Bedford, having located here before the civil war, died at her home on West Main Street last night at 9:45, after a lingering sickness of several months, at the age of 82 years.  She leaves three children to mourn the loss of a mother, two boys and one girl.  As we go to press no arrangements have been made for the funeral.  Obituary will be published in our Tuesday issue.

[Hall, Elizabeth Ruth Golliday]

Times-Republican

Tuesday     June 5, 1923

Passed To Her Reward

Ruth Elizabeth [Elizabeth Ruth] Golliday was born July 28th, 1841.  Her parents were Uriah [P.] and Lucinda [McColm] Golliday and she was one of a family of eight children.  The father was one of the pioneer preachers of southwestern Iowa, having been Presiding Elder of the Corning District, delegate to General Conference, besides holding some of the important pastorates of the Conference.  He was also a chaplain in the Union army during the Civil War.

The deceased was married on April 9th, 1863, to Seymour J. Hall, a promising young lawyer of Bedford who later became circuit judge.  To this union five children were born:  Alfred Pearson of Centerville, Henry Kirk of Bedford, Lucinda Mills of Bedford, and Jessie and Annis, the two latter having died in childhood.

Mrs. Hall was baptized March 27th, 1842, under the ministry of Newton G. Berrymore and in early girlhood was admitted into full membership.  Her membership was placed in the local church upon her moving to Bedford and as she has lived in the present home for about sixty years, she was doubtless one of the oldest members of the local church.  Having lived in this community for so long she could relate many interesting incidents of the early days.

She enjoyed the church and as long as she was able she was a faithful attendant upon the means of grace.

The husband and father died in the year 1878 and thus being left a widow in early life she was compelled to face many of the hardships of that early day alone, yet she was able to keep the family together and they were reared in a cultured, refined and Christian home.

Her health has been failing for some months and at the last the burden of the years was too great to be borne and she passed quietly to her reward at the advanced age of 81 years, 10 months and 2 days.

Funeral services were held at the residence Friday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock, conducted by her pastor, Rev. M. A. Gable.  Interment was made in old Bedford Cemetery.

[Sawyer, Sarah Kenyon]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    May 14, 1936    p. 8

Mrs. Sarah Sawyer Buried Saturday

Funeral services for Mrs. Sarah Sawyer, 83, who died at her home in Bedford Wednesday, May 6, were held at the Walker & Shum Mortuary at 10 o'clock Saturday morning, May 9, conducted by Rev. C. Max Buck.  Burial was in the Fairview cemetery.

Sarah Kenyon was born July 16, 1852 in southern Canada.   In her infancy she moved with her parents to Manchester, Delaware County, Iowa, where she resided through the days of her childhood.  It was there she was married to Nathan S. [mith] Sawyer in 1868.

Two years later, in 1870, she came with her husband to Taylor County, Iowa, where they made their home on a farm.  After a short time on the farm they moved to Bedford where they continued to reside until the husband died March 3, 1911.  Since the death of Mr. Sawyer, she has continued to reside in Bedford.

To them were born three sons, all of whom survive her.  They are Melvin A. Sawyer of Bedford; John G. [ordon] Sawyer of Oxford, Nebr.; and Clesson G.[lenn] Sawyer of Denver, Colo.  There are two grandsons, three great grandsons and three great granddaughters.

Years ago when Elder A. C. [words missing] preached in the Church of Christ in Bedford, she confessed her faith in God and was baptized.  At that time she became a member of the Church of Christ in Bedford and throughout the active years of her life she was a devoted worker in the church.  In later years, Mrs. Sawyer was an invalid, confined to her home and unable to attend church.  She remained faithful follower of our Lord until her death.

She was a member of the Rebekah lodge, having retained that membership for many years despite the fact that failing health made her attendance in lodge impossible.

She was a kind, thoughtful, loving mother, a fine neighbor and a friend to many.  She had been a resident of Taylor County for sixty-six years.

[Nevius, Harriet Ellen Torrance Wheeler]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday    February 4, 1926

Obituary – Mrs. Ellen Wheeler Nevius

Mrs. [Harriet] Ellen [Torrance] Wheeler Nevius passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. J. [acob] D. Robbins [Belle] near Hopkins, Mo. Wednesday evening, January 27th.  She had not been in very good health for a number of years, but her death was very sudden and came as a shock to her family and friends.  For many years she and her husband, Elisha [Vance] Wheeler, with their family, were residents of Siam and were highly respected citizens.  22 years ago, on January 21, Mr. Wheeler passed to his reward, after which she made her home with her daughter, Mrs. Ewing [Lester] Bradley [Elizabeth] at Gravity.  In 1909 she was married to Mr. [William Helms] Nevius of Gravity, and in 1912 Mr. Nevius passed to the great beyond.  After his death she resided with her daughter, Mrs. J. [acob] D. Robbins [Belle] and family of Hopkins, Mo.  Mrs. Nevius was 77 years of age and was greatly loved both in this community and where she spent her later years.  She leaves two daughters, Mrs. J. [acob] D. Robbins [Belle] of Hopkins, Mo., and Mrs. Ewing [Lester] Bradley [Elizabeth] of Cresco, Iowa; two sons, John [Allen] Wheeler of Tarkio and Fred [Charles] Wheeler of Clarinda; 12 grandchildren and many other relatives and friends.  Funeral services were held in the Church of Christ in Hopkins, conducted by the pastor.  Interment in Siam cemetery.

[Nevius, Harriet Ellen Torrance Wheeler]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday    February 4, 1926

Mr. and Mrs. N. H. Reid attended the funeral of Mrs. Ellen Wheeler Nevius at Hopkins, Mo. Friday.

[Nevius, William Helms]

Times-Republican

Thursday    December 5, 1912    [p. 1]

William J. Nevius Dies From Injuries

Father of Next Clerk of Court Falls From Scaffold While At Work

Was Resident of Gravity

Doing Carpenter Work On the Menoher Residence---Funeral Is Held Wednesday

William J. [Helms] Nevius of Gravity, father of John S. [earl] Nevius, the next clerk of the district court, and of W. [illiam] J. [ason] Nevius of Bedford, died at an early hour Monday morning, as a result of injuries received in a fall from a scaffold Saturday afternoon.

Mr. Nevius was a carpenter and was engaged in work on a scaffold on the Menoher residence.  Concussion of the brain resulted from the fall.  He was 78 years of age.  He was the father of five sons and one daughter, John S. [earl] Nevius and W. [illiam] J. [ason] Nevius of Bedford, Frank [Franklin Clarence] Nevius of Clarinda, B. [rown] B. [oman] Nevius of Montana, George Nevius of Canada, Mrs. B. [arbara Reid] Aiken of Gravity.

Funeral services were held in the Christian church of Gravity at 2 o'clock Wednesday afternoon, conducted by Rev. W. L. Dunlavy and Rev. Mr. Wade.  Interment was in the Gravity cemetery.

NEVIUS, WILLIAM HELMS]

Clarinda Journal, Thursday, December 12, 1912, p. 9

 Details of Fatal Accident

W. H. Nevius Falls at Gravity---Is Injured Beyond Recovery

Brief mention of the death of W. H. Nevius, a former resident of Clarinda, was made in the Journal of last week. The Gravity Independent of the 5th inst, gave the following particulars concerning Mr. Nevius and the fatal accident which befell him:

W. H. Nevius, carpenter, 78 years of age, fell from a scaffold while at work on the B. F. Menoher residence last Saturday, and received injuries from which he died at 4:30 Monday morning, without regaining consciousness. The accident happened about 11 o'clock Saturday forenoon. Jess Clark and Mr. Nevius were at work on a scaffold at the west end of the small addition being built to the house. The scaffold was only about eight feet from the ground but directly over the cement steps leading to the basement. They were putting on the moulding for the cornice and the nature of the work required the men to stoop over considerably to work up under the eaves. It is believed that this position caused Mr. Nevius to become dizzy when he straightened up and he lost his balance, falling head first into the cement stairway, striking his head with terrific force on the stone steps. Mr Clark was working at the other end of the scaffold and saw him fall. He sprang from the scaffold and almost caught him as he fell, but too late to break the force of the fall.

The injured man was at once carried into the home of F. C. Whitman and both doctors called. His suffering was intense for a short time after which he lapsed into unconsciousness from which he never recovered. Saturday evening he was carried to his own home where he died about 4:30 Monday morning. The relatives of the family from Bedford and Clarinda were called and were with him when the end came.

The accident is one of the saddest ones which has happened in this vicinity for a long time. Mr. Nevius was unusually active for a man of his age and although cautioned to work inside that morning and let some of the other men work on the scaffold, he insisted on finishing the work he had commenced earlier in the morning. W. W. Clark had spoken to him two or three times during the morning, trying to persuade him to give up the work on the outside, but he insisted on finishing what the younger and more active men should have done.

Mr. Nevius is the father of John Nevius who was recently elected clerk of the court for Taylor County and was of the best citizens of Gravity. Everybody was his friend. He was a consistent member of the Christian church, a clean, upright citizen and a friend of all who knew him. Always industrious he came to his death while engaged in the active work of his trade, even at his advanced age. The entire community mourn his sudden death and his departure is a great shock to his family and aged companion.

He was born in Fulton County, Ill Aug. 11, 1834, being in his seventy-ninth year at the time of his death. The funeral service will be conducted by his friend and neighbor, Dr. W. L. Dunlavy, at the Christian church here Saturday forenoon at 10 o'clock. The body will be tenderly laid to rest in the Gravity cemetery.

One son, George, who now lives in Canada, wired that he would be here Friday evening so the funeral was postponed to this date. Another of the five sons, who now lives in Montana, was not able to be present. The remainder of his immediate family will be present at the funeral.

[NEVIUS, WILLIAM HELMS]

Clarinda Herald, Thursday, December 19, 1912, [p. 1]

William Helms Nevius

William Helms Nevius was born in Fulton County, Illinois, August 11th, 1834. Died at his home in Gravity, Iowa, December 2d, 1912, aged 78 years, 3 months and 21 days. On February 24th, 1852, he was married to Eliza Moss, who died August 2d, 1860. To this union was born one son, George E. [dward] Nevius. January, 1861, he was married to Rosetta Searl, and she preceded him to the better land October 3d, 1907. To this union were born ten children, five of whom died in infancy. Those living are J. [ohn] S. [earl] and W.  [illiam] J. [ason] of Bedford, Mrs. Barbara A. Akin, of Gravity, Frank C. [larence] and Geo. E., of Clarinda, Iowa, and B. [rown] B. [owman] of Moore, Mont., all of whom were present at the funeral except the last named. January 7th, 1909, he was married to Mrs. Ellen Wheeler, who survives him, being present at the funeral. There is left of his original family, two brothers, Geo. G., of Richfield, Mo., Peter, of Coffeyville, Kans., who were too feeble to be present. April 24th, 1861, he manfully responded to his country's call and enlisted in Co. I, 12th Illinois volunteers and was discharged August 1861. In 1865 he moved from Bureau County, Illinois, to Linn County, Kansas, and in 1878 he moved to Page County, Iowa, thence in 1905 to Gravity, where he resided until his death. He united with the Christian church when a young man and was ever an earnest and consistent Christian. We knew of no one in this community who was more highly respected for his kindly words and deeds than Bro. Nevius, energetic, kind-hearted, sympathetic and honest. He will be greatly missed in his home, in the church and community at large. A man of faith and good works. The funeral services were conducted by W. L. Dunlavy, of the Christian church in Gravity on the following Saturday at 10 o'clock, assisted by Rev. Ed Menoher, of Clearfield, and Rev. W. H. Shipman of the M. E. church of Gravity, after which interment was made in the Gravity cemetery.
[Note: Illinois Statewide Marriage Index gives the marriage date as October 5, 1862 in Bureau County, Illinois.]

[NEVIUS, WILLIAM HELM]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, December 5, 1912
An Accidental Death.
While working on the B. F. Menoher house in north Gravity Saturday forenoon, W. H. Nevius fell from a scaffold head first onto the basement steps and received injuries from which he died Monday morning at about 4:30. Mr. Nevius was past 78 years old and is the father of John Nevius who was recently elected clerk of courts for this county.
Mr. Nevius was an old and highly esteemed citizen of Gravity and although 78 years old he persisted in still working at his trade, despite remonstrances of his family, who have long feared for his safety. His sons, J. S., who had already moved to Bedford and W. J., who lives on the state road just east of town, were summoned immediately but the father never regained consciousness. The funeral had been set for yesterday afternoon but a telegram from a son in Canada stating that he was on his way home, caused a postponement until he arrives, which will be Friday or Saturday.

[NEVIUS, WILLIAM HELM]
Bedford Times-Republican (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, December 12, 1912
GRAVITY – W. H. Nevius died at his home here last Sunday morning from an accident that happened on Saturday morning while he was at work on B. F. Menoher's residence here. Funeral services were postponed to await the arrival of his son, George Nevius, who had been in Canada and were held the following Saturday at 10 a. m. at the Christian church, conducted by Elder W. L. Dunlavy. Interment at Gravity cemetery.

[Nevius, Nelle Marsh Monahan]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    December 16, 1965    p. 5

Final Rites Held Dec. 13 For Nelle Nevius

Funeral services for Mrs. John (Nelle) Nevius, 90, of New Market, were held Dec. 13 at the east Shum-Novinger Funeral Home, with Carl Cummings officiating.  Mrs. Nevius died December 10, 1965 at the Municipal Hospital in Clarinda.  Interment was at Memory Cemetery, New Market, with the Rebekah service given by Rebekah Lodge No. 134, Bedford.

Nelle Marsh, daughter of Charles and Mary Chapman Marsh, was born February 10, 1875 in Adams County, Iowa, south of Corning.

During her youth she lived in the rural area south of Corning, Iowa, where she attended the public school and took active part in the various community activities.

On September 22, 1897 she was united in marriage to James Monahan at Corning, Iowa.  To them three children were born:  Frances, Pauline and Gladys.

Following their marriage they took up a homestead in South Dakota, returning to Taylor County, Iowa, where they lived until 1931, when they moved to Clarinda, Ia.

When they were living in the East Mission Church neighborhood she united with that church and her membership was later transferred to the Bedford Baptist Church.

In 1941 she was united in marriage to John S. [earl] Nevius and following his death she moved to New Market where she has continued to reside.

Her parents, one brother, Roswell R. Marsh, and two grandsons, Max and Harold Drennen, preceded her in death.

Left with fond memories are her daughters:  Frances Drennen and her husband Claude of New Market; Pauline McNutt and her husband, Vernon of Omaha, Nebr.; Gladys Copperstone and her husband, Kenneth of Scottsbluff, Nebr.; grandchildren, Barbara and Gary McNutt and Anna Bell Drennen; one great granddaughter, Daphne Provence; a sister, Percy Ralston, and her husband, Dr. Frank Ralston of Des Moines; and sister, Ruth Munns of Corning, Iowa.

She was a member of the Bedford Rebekah Lodge and a member of the Wild Rose Club.

She was a kind and loving mother, friend and neighbor.  She will be missed by all who knew her.

[Wheeler, John]

Times-Republican

Thursday    February 25, 1904

John Wheeler Dead

John Wheeler, an old resident of Siam and for the past year residing in the north end of this city, died at his residence at six o'clock Saturday evening.  Mr. Wheeler, although ailing, had been sick for only a short time.  Friday, the 12th, he drove to Bedford from Siam and died eight days later.  His sudden death was caused by weak lungs, his left lung being nearly gone.

The funeral services were held in Siam from the Christian church at 1 o'clock today.  The stores were closed out of respect to the memory of a beloved citizen.  Rev. Jameson presided and was assisted by Rev. Ferguson of Bedford. The pallbearers were E. E. Smith, G. M. Bradley, Lon Bradley, of Gravity, J. M. Boardner, J. W. Beauchamp and O. Scribner.

Mr. Wheeler was 48 years old and has spent his life in the neighborhood of Siam.  He leaves a widow; also three children, Elisha, Ethel and Maude, two brothers, Elisha Wheeler of Blanchard, Silas Wheeler of Tarkio, Mo., and two sisters, Mrs. Mescow of Hopkins and Mrs. Henry Clarke, of Tarkio, Mo.

Mr. Wheeler had many friends in Bedford who will miss a familiar face.  His death, although not unlooked for at an early date, nevertheless came as a surprise because of his short illness, which was scarcely known to his friends.  It may have been hastened by the death of his wife about two months ago.

[Wheeler, Wesley Graham]

Times-Republican

Thursday    August 23, 1928

Wesley Graham Wheeler, who resided about fifteen miles east of Bedford, passed away Sunday morning at the Creston Hospital, at the age of 35 years.  He is survived by his wife and a small son and daughter.  Mrs. Wheeler is a daughter of Mrs. Will Hughes, of east of Bedford.  The funeral services were held at the home Tuesday afternoon, conducted by a minister at Blockton.