Obituaries |
submitted by: Julia Johnson - julia.johnson63@gmail.com |
Bedford Times-Press
Thursday June 27, 1974 p. 9
Last Rites Held In Blockton for John Orlan Steen
Funeral services for John Orlan Steen, 90, of Blockton, long time Taylor County resident, were held at the Blockton Christian Church June 17 officiated by Rev. G. W. Swan and Carl Cummings. Mr. Steen died June 14 at Clearview Nursing Home in Mount Ayr, Iowa. Interment was at Rose Hill Cemetery, Blockton.
John Orlan Steen, son of Louisa and Frank Steen, was born near Kirkman, Iowa on September 27, 1883. In 1885 the family moved to Lincoln Center, Kansas then returned to New Sharon, Iowa in 1888. In 1902 the Steen family moved to Taylor County where he spent the remainder of his life.
On September 18, 1907 he was united in marriage to Stella Pearl Franklin, who preceded him in death in 1920. To them two children were born, Gerald F.[ranklin] Steen of Blockton and Lois M. [arie] Brice of Omaha, Nebraska.
On March 11, 1924 he was united in marriage to Georgia Hartley, who preceded him in death on August 23, 1970.
His parents, three brothers, three sisters and one grandson also preceded him in death.
He was a member of the Blockton Christian Church and of the Masonic Lodge. He celebrated his 50th year as a Master Mason on March 13, 1970.
He is survived by his son, Gerald, his daughter, Lois, other relatives and a host of friends.
[Steen, Stella Pearl Franklin]
Clearfield Enterprise
Thursday September 1, 1921 p. 6
Obituary—Mrs. J. O. Steen.
Stella Pearl Franklin was born August 9, 1885, and died in Bethany Hospital in Kansas City, on Saturday, August 27th, aged 37 years and 18 days. She was married to J. [ohn] Orlan Steen in her young womanhood, and they have spent their married life in Gay and Grant townships, Taylor County.
She leaves to mourn her early departure from this life, the husband, one son, Gerald Franklin, aged fourteen; a daughter Lois Marie aged seven years.
Funeral services were held at the residence near the Cooper schoolhouse on Monday afternoon, Rev. Lowe of the Bedford Church of Christ officiated. The esteem in which the deceased was held was attested by the very large attendance of friends and neighbors.
Interment was at Platteville, near the childhood home of the deceased, and there the body was tenderly laid to rest. The world can ill spare these wives and mothers who are called in the prime of their life's vigor.
[Steen, Stella Pearl Franklin]
Bedford Times-Republican
Thursday September 1, 1921 p. 2
CONWAY NEWS NOTES
Our community was shocked Saturday morning when word was received that Mrs. J. [ohn] O. [rlan] Steen had passed away at the hospital in Kansas City, Kans., where she had been operated on only a few days ago. The body arrived Saturday night and a large number of friends and neighbors met the bereaved ones at the station. She leaves a devoted husband, a son aged about 13, and daughter about 7, besides mother, brothers, sisters and other relatives and friends, to mourn the loss of this dear one. Funeral services were conducted Monday at 1:30 at the house by Rev. Lowe of Bedford, and music was furnished by the Blockton Choir. The entire community extends their sympathy to the sorrowing ones.
________________________
Obituary
Mrs. Stella Pearl Steen, daughter of William S. [tanton] and Sarah C. [atherine] Franklin, was born August 9, 1884, in Taylor County, Iowa, and departed this life August 27, 1921, at Bethany Hospital, Kansas City, Kansas, aged 37 years and 18 days.
She was united in marriage to J. [ohn] Orlan Steen, September 7, 1907. To this union were born two children, Gerald Franklin Steen and Lois Marie Steen.
Those who survive are the children, husband, her mother, and four brothers: Omar S. [tanton] Franklin of Cedar Edge, Colo; Arthur Franklin, Blockton, Ia.; Herman Franklin, Blockton, Ia; Elmer Franklin, Kansas City, Mo.; and two sisters: Mrs. [Mary Al] Verda Hinshaw, of Conway, Iowa; Miss Bessie [May] Franklin, Blockton, Iowa.
In early womanhood she associated herself with the Christian church at Blockton, Iowa.
Funeral services were conducted from the home east of Conway, Monday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock, August 29, by Rev. E. E. Lowe, minister, of the Church of Christ at Bedford, and the body was laid to rest in Platteville cemetery.
A large crowd of old time friends attended the last sad rites and many beautiful flowers were placed on the casket of the departed one.
[Steen, Stella Pearl Franklin]
Blockton News
Thursday September 1, 1921 [p. 1]
Mrs. J. O. Steen Dead
Mrs. J. [ohn] O. [rlan] Steen, of near Conway, formerly Miss Stella Franklin, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. [illiam] S. Franklin, passed away at a Kansas City hospital Friday night following a surgical operation. The funeral was held at the home near Conway Monday afternoon at 1:30 and interment was made in the Platteville cemetery. Obituary next week.
[Note: The obituary published in the Blockton News, September 8, 1921, p. 1 is the same obituary that was published in the Bedford Times-Republican, September 1, 1921, p. 2.]
[Steen, Stella Pearl Franklin]
Blockton News
Thursday September 8, 1921 p. 4
Elmer Franklin and wife returned to their home in Kansas City Friday after spending the week here and attending the funeral of his sister, Mrs. J. [ohn] O.[rlan] Steen [Stella Pearl Franklin].
[Steen, Stella Pearl Franklin]
Blockton News
Thursday September 8, 1921 p. 4
Roy Steen, of New Sharon; Wm. House and wife, of Nebraska, and Mrs. Kate Harris, of Gilman, brother and sisters of J. [ohn] O. [rlan] Steen, and Wesley McCain and wife, of New Sharon, an uncle, attended the funeral of Mrs. J. [ohn] O. [rlan] Steen [Stella Pearl Franklin] last week.
Bedford Times-Republican
Thursday November 12, 1914 p. 4
W. [illiam] S. [tanton] Franklin died at the home northwest of Blockton early Monday morning. He had not been in the best of health for about two weeks, but was able to be about and spent Sunday with relatives at Lenox. After returning home he became very ill and died about midnight. Funeral service was held Wednesday at 11 a. m., at Platteville. Rev. Charles Priest of the Christian church conducted the services. Interment will be made in Platteville cemetery. He leaves to mourn his loss the wife and three sons and three daughters. Omar [Stanton] Franklin of Fort Morgan, Col., Arthur and Herman, Mary A. [lverda], Stella P.[earl], and Bessie all of Blockton. He was a good citizen and honored by all.
[Franklin, William Stanton]
Bedford Free Press
Tuesday November 17, 1914 p. 7
William Stanton Franklin.
Died at his home in Gay Township, near Platteville at 11:55, Sunday night, November 8, aged 76 years, 6 months and 22 days. Funeral services were held at the Methodist Episcopal church in Platteville at 11 a. m., Wednesday conducted by Rev. Charles D. Priest, of Blockton. Interment was in the Platteville cemetery.
Deceased leaves his wife, four sons and three daughters to mourn his loss, besides nine grandchildren and a sister, Mrs. H. [iram] B. [urk] Ostrander [Hannah Elizabeth], all of whom were present at the funeral.
In 1912, Mr. Franklin, who was an exceptionally good writer for one of his age, wrote a brief biography of his life, which is quoted in part:
W. [illiam] S. [tanton] Franklin was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, April 15, 1840, his parents living successively during the first ten years of his life in Mahoning, Seneca and Woods counties. At the age of ten he began work on a farm, attending school in the winter. At the age of 20 he went to an academy at Fostoria, which he attended for two terms, following which he taught school again, but the war excitement was too much for him and he enlisted in the Forty-ninth Ohio infantry and remained in the service until November 1865. With his regiment he was in 42 battles and skirmishes, and marched several thousand miles, being at different times under Buell, Rosecrans and Sherman. His regiment participated in the battles of Shiloh, Murfreesboro and Dallas, Ga., at which latter place fifty per cent of his regiment were killed or wounded. His service with Sherman was on the famous march to the sea.
After the war he returned to Ohio, and soon concluded to come to Iowa, which he did in 1865, locating in Iowa County.
In 1866 he was married to Sarah C. [atherine] Rumple of Iowa County and after his marriage he remained there for four years, farming and teaching school. In 1870 he came to Taylor county and bought the 160 acre farm, which has been his home ever since. Soon after coming to this county he taught school at Platteville.
He was in his early manhood a member of the Presbyterian Church, but on coming to Iowa County united with the Methodist Protestant church, in which denomination he retained his membership during the remainder of his life. He was for many years a member of the I. O. O. F. lodge at Platteville, until the charter was surrendered and he received from the grand lodge his final card, but owing to old age and distance from another lodge, he did not deposit his card again. In everything that goes to make up good citizenship, Mr. Franklin excelled and he died respected by all who knew him.
[Franklin, William Stanton]
Bedford Free Press
Tuesday November 17, 1914 p. 7
BLOCKTON
On Wednesday of last week in the Methodist Episcopal Church at Platteville, was held the funeral of W. [illiam] S. [tanton] Franklin, one of the old settlers of Taylor County. Mr. Franklin was an honored citizen and a faithful friend and neighbor. He served over four years as a soldier for the union during the dark days from 61 to 65, was wounded a number of times, marched to the sea under Sherman and served in some of the hardest fought battles of the Civil war. Truly a veteran and a hero has fallen.
[FRANKLIN, WILLIAM STANTON]
Blockton News (Blockton, Iowa), Thursday, November 9, 1939
Twenty-Five Years Ago – W. [illiam] S. [tanton] Franklin died at his home northwest of town on Nov. 8 at the age of 74 years, 6 months and 22 days
[Franklin, William Stanton]
Blockton News
Thursday November 12, 1914 p. 4
Elmer Franklin, of Kansas City, came Monday, called here by the sudden death of his father, W. [illiam] S. [tanton] Franklin.
[Franklin, William Stanton]
Blockton News
Thursday November 12, 1914 p. 5
William Stanton Franklin
Died at his home near Platteville at 11:55 Sunday night, November 8th, aged 74 years, 6 months and 22 days.
Mr. Franklin had suffered from a bad cold on his lungs for something like two weeks but had been up and around as usual. He was in town Saturday and spent Sunday at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Hinshaw [Mary Alverda]. The end came suddenly and was caused by heart failure.
Mr. Franklin leaves his aged companion, four sons, three daughters, nine grandchildren, one sister, Mrs. H. [iram] B. [urk] Ostrander [Hannah Elizabeth], of this place, and a host of friends to mourn his departure.
The funeral was held at the Methodist church at Platteville at 11 o'clock, yesterday, conducted by Rev. Charles D. Priest, pastor of the Blockton Christian church, and interment was made in the Platteville cemetery. The funeral was very largely attended.
The following sketch of his life was written by Mr. Franklin in 1912:
"W. S. Franklin was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, near Salem, April 16th, 1840. His parents lived there about eight years, his father working in a factory, and then moved on a small farm in Mahoning county, about six miles distant. They lived there about two years and, selling out, moved to Seneca County, near 150 miles west. His parents lived on a small farm in Seneca County, which they had purchased, for about five years when they again sold out and moved to Wood County and purchased another small tract of land.
Mr. Franklin, the subject of this sketch, when his parents moved to Seneca County, was a lad of ten years of age. He commenced working on a farm in the summer and attended country school during the winter, which he continued to do for several years. When he was twenty years of age he attended a select school in Fostoria for two terms and taught school in Wood County. He went to Fostoria for the third term of schooling in 1861, when the great rebellion came upon the United States with great fury, causing terrible excitement throughout the land; when Fort Sumter was fired upon by the rebellious people of the South, and the American flag was trampled in the dust, the patriotism of the loyal citizen was aroused to its highest pitch of loyalty, millions of patriots throughout the nation in the North offering their services and lives to save the Union of states and freedom to all classes of citizens. Mr. Franklin and most of the young men, who were students at the school at Fostoria, enlisted in the 49th Ohio Infantry for three years or during the war. This regiment veteraned before the first enlistment had expired and the period of service was from August 15th, 1861, to November 30th, 1865---4 years, 4 months and 15 days. The regiment was mustered out at Victoria, Texas, and it took a month to recross the Gulf of Mexico and get back to Columbus, Ohio, where the veterans of the regiment were paid off, Mr. Franklin reaching his home again January 1st, 1866. The 49th O. V. L. was in forty-two skirmishes and battles and marched several thousand miles over the plains, valleys, rivers and mountains of the southern country. Comrade Franklin was with his regiment during [most of its] hard marches and perilous campaigns under General Buell in Kentucky and Tennessee, and in the same states under Rosecrans and in the Georgia campaign of four months they were under the great commander, General Sherman. The hardest battle he was through was the second day at Shiloh, Murfreesboro and the slaughter pen near Dallas, Georgia, where 50 per cent of the regiment was wounded or killed. When the army was at Tullahoma, Tennessee, under General Rosecrans, Mr. Franklin was sent back to Ohio with Col. Gibson and two soldiers from each company in the regiment on recruiting service, and he recruited 15 recruits at a time when volunteers were scarce. He was wounded when General Sherman's army was marching around Atlanta, and was sent back to Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, and as soon as able was put in the commissary department on duty and in a few months returned to his regiment in Texas.
When that awful bloody war was over and he was back at his home in Ohio he concluded to locate in Iowa. In coming west to this state he brought his parents along to care for in their declining years, as they were aged and afflicted. His only brother also came along and later became a successful farmer in Taylor County.
On the 4th day of March, 1866, Mr. Franklin was married to Sarah C. [atherine] Rumple, of Iowa county, a young woman he had known before the war, as he had worked for her parents two years back in Ohio, they having moved to Iowa county, Iowa, in 1865. He purchased 80 acres of land in said county near the home of his father- in-law and farmed there five years and taught the five winter terms in the district school. In the spring of 1870 he sold his farm and bought 160 acres of land near Platteville in Taylor County. During the winter of 1871 he taught school in the village of Platteville. To this union five sons were born—Omar [Stanton], Arthur, Herman, Elmer and U. [lysses] S. [idney], the latter dying in August, 1872, when thirteen months of age—and three daughters—Mary A. [lverda], Stella P.[earl] and Bessie [May].
James Franklin, the father of the deceased, died in June 1872, aged 76 1/2 years, and was born in England. The mother, an American, died in August 1881, aged 73 years. Both parents were buried in the Platteville cemetery.
The subject of this biography united with the Presbyterian church when 18 years of age and remained with that church until he came to Iowa when he joined the Methodist Protestant church by letter at the Iowa Station in Iowa county, Iowa. While in Taylor County he and Mrs. Franklin united with the Methodist Protestant church again, and tried with time and money to establish that denomination in the county, but all effort failed.
Mr. Franklin continued to believe in the true spiritual church, as founded by the humble Nazarene, on the glorious principles of brotherhood, love and harmony. He was a member of Ciela Lodge I O. O. F. No. 216, at Platteville, 24 years, past the chairs, and was secretary several terms. When the lodge failed on account of withdrawals to other lodges and places he was one of the five members left to surrender the charter and receive final cards from the Grand Master. He did not present his card to another lodge on account of distance and becoming an invalid.
Mr. Franklin believed that when the ego or spirit leaves the body it will take on the spiritual form and all sincere souls who aspire to the higher spheres will reach them through progression and the aid of spiritual teachers from the spiritual world. He believed that honesty, morality, right living and doing, spirituality and true character is what counts in this world and in the great future. He realized that the spirit in man is immortal and that its continued existence will endure throughout eternity. It is part of the universal spirit and cannot be lost. He believed in the spiritualism of the Bible and pure spiritualism of modern times, as revealed to the great seers, A. J. Davis and others. He also believed in the mediumship of Jesus and his true disciples, as was manifested at his transfiguration before Peter, James and John; when he conversed with Moses and Elias, who had passed over the vail long before. Then his appearance to his disciples at different times for forty days after his crucifixion. All persons who have been born of the spirit and have lived pure lives pass from the earth sphere at time of transition to the spirit homes of their loved ones who have gone before, where there will be a happy greeting and meeting, never to part any more forever. Then we bid adieu to the world of sin and sorrow.
[FRANKLIN, WILLIAM STANTON]
Blockton News (Blockton, Iowa), Thursday, November 12, 1914
Omar Franklin, of Fort Morgan, Colorado, came Tuesday to be present at the funeral of his father, W. S. Franklin.
[Franklin, Sarah Catherine Rumple]
Bedford Times-Republican
Thursday March 15, 1928 p. 7
Mrs. W. S. Franklin
Mrs. W. [illiam] S. [tanton] Franklin [Sarah Catherine Rumple], aged 77 years, died quite suddenly on Monday evening about seven o'clock at the home of her daughter, Mrs. B. [ert] W. [right] Hinshaw [Mary Alverda]. The Franklin family are old setters of near Platteville, having lived on the Franklin farm for 57 years. ---The Blockton News
[Franklin, Sarah Catherine Rumple]
Clearfield Enterprise
Thursday March 8, 1928 p. 2
Mrs. [William Stanton] Franklin [Sarah Catherine Rumple] of Blockton died very suddenly the other day at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Bert Hinshaw [Mary Alverda], north of Clearfield. The funeral was on Thursday, at Blockton.
[Franklin, Sarah Catherine Rumple]
Blockton News
March 15, 1928 [p. 1]
Obituary
Sarah Catherine Rumple was born near Fostoria, in Seneca county, Ohio, on October 10,1850, and departed this life Monday evening, March 5, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. B. [ert] W. [right] Hinshaw [Mary Alverda] of Clearfield, aged 77 years, 5 months and 25 days.
She lived with her parents until her marriage to W. [illiam] S. [tanton] Franklin March 4, 1866. They made their home in Iowa County, Iowa for some five years, when they moved to the home farm, 6 miles northwest of Blockton, where she spent the remainder of this earthly life. To this union eight children were born, 5 sons and three daughters—Omar [Stanton], Arthur, Herman, Ulysses [Sidney], and Elmer, and Mary A. [lverda], Stella [Pearl], and Bessie [May].
Mrs. Franklin is survived by four sons and two daughters. They are Omar [Stanton], Arthur, Herman, and Elmer, and Mrs. B. [ert] W. [right] Hinshaw [Mary Alverda] and Mrs. O. [rville] E. Swank [Bessie May]. She is also survived by ten grandchildren and two great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband who died Nov. 8, 1914; one son, Ulysses [Sidney], who died Aug. 26, 1892, and one daughter, Stella Pearl Steen, who departed this life Aug. 27, 1921.
Mrs. Franklin joined the Methodist Protestant church of Platteville and was a member of that church when it disbanded. She was not affiliated with any other church.
Mrs. Franklin has lived in this community for 57 years and is well known and loved by many. She was a very loving mother and the best neighbor one could wish to have. Her children loved her so much that they are unable to find words to express their great love and devotion. They will miss her loving presence very much.
Funeral services were held at the Blockton Christian church Saturday morning at 11 o'clock, conducted by Rev. C. Max Buck, and interment was made in the Platteville cemetery.
[FRANKLIN, SARAH CATHERINE RUMPLE]
Blockton News (Blockton, Iowa), Thursday, March 8, 1928
Mrs. W. S. Franklin Dead
Mrs. W. [illiam] S. [tanton] Franklin, aged 77 years, died quite suddenly Monday evening about 7 o'clock at the home of her daughter, Mrs. B. W. Hinshaw. The Franklin family are old settlers of near Platteville, having lived on the Franklin farm for 57 years.
[FRANKLIN, SARAH CATHERINE RUMPLE]
Blockton News (Blockton, Iowa), Thursday, March 15, 1928
Omar Franklin and wife of Cedaredge, Colorado and Elmer Franklin and wife of Kansas City, were called here last week by the death of their mother, Mrs. W. [illiam] S. [tanton] Franklin.
[FRANKLIN, SARAH CATHERINE RUMPLE]
Blockton News (Blockton, Iowa), Thursday, March 29, 1928
Omar Franklin and wife who were called here by the death of his mother, Mrs. W. S. Franklin, left the first of the week for their home at Cedaredge, Delta county, Colorado.
Bedford Times-Press
Thursday September 26, 1935 [p. 1]
Herman Franklin, 65, Dies At Independence
Herman Franklin, 65, a resident of Blockton, died at Independence, Mo., Saturday, Sept. 21. The funeral services were held at his home in Blockton Tuesday afternoon, Sept. 24, conducted by Rev. W. H. Warrior. Burial was in the Rose Hill cemetery. Several Spanish American war veterans from Bedford attended the funeral.
Herman Franklin, son of Mr. and Mrs. W. [illiam] S. [tanton] Franklin [Sarah Catherine Rumple] was born near Ladora, Iowa, May 9, 1870. He moved with his parents to Taylor County in 1871 and spent most of his life here.
He enlisted with Company I of the 51st Iowa regiment during the Spanish American war and saw service in the Philippine Islands. He was discharged Nov. 2, 1899.
Due to ill health he retired from the farm and moved to Blockton several years ago. Mr. and Mrs. George Besco kept house for him.
The parents, five brothers and sisters preceded him in death. Surviving relatives are a brother, Elmer Franklin of Kansas City and a sister, Mrs. [Mary Al] Verda Hinshaw of Clearfield.
Blockton News
Thursday September 26, 1935 [p. 1]
Obituary
Herman Franklin, son of Mr. and Mrs. W. [illiam] S. [tanton] Franklin [Sarah Catherine Rumple, was born near Ladora, Iowa County, Iowa, May 9, 1870, and passed away at Independence, Mo., Sept. 21, 1935, being 65 years, 4 months and 12 days of age at the time of his death.
He moved with his parents to Taylor County in 1871 where he spent the greater part of his life.
He enlisted with the Fifty-first Iowa Regiment, Co. I, during the Spanish-American war, and saw service in the Philippine Islands, and was discharged Nov. 2, 1899.
He lived a very quiet life and had many friends in the neighborhood in which he lived.
Owing to ill health in recent years he retired from active farming and moved to Blockton, making his home with Mr. and Mrs. George Besco.
His father, mother, and five brothers and sisters have passed to the Great Beyond, leaving one brother Elmer, of Kansas City, and a sister, Mrs. [Mary Al] Verda Hinshaw, of Clearfield, to mourn his death.
Funeral services were held at the home Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock, conducted by Rev. W. H. Warrior. Burial in Rose Hill cemetery, Blockton.