Obituaries
submitted by: Julia Johnson - julia.johnson63@gmail.com
[Thompson, Mary Elizabeth Ratliff]

Clearfield Enterprise

Thursday    April 29, 1948    [p. 1]

Mary E. Thompson

Mary Elizabeth Ratliff, daughter of Rev. James and Mrs. Hannah Ratliff, was born June 16th, 1869, near Greenville, Tenn., one of a family of ten. She departed this life at her home in Clearfield on April 18, 1948, at the age of 73 years, 10 months, 2 days.

She married Enos Thompson, November 27th, 1889.

To this union were born five children: Roe Ethel, James, Hattie Mabel, Samuel Brainard, and Eva Ruth. Her husband and two sons preceded her in death, James only a year ago.

She came with her family to Clarinda, Iowa, in the spring of 1903, and in 1911 moved to Bedford, Iowa, which was her home until 13 years ago, when she moved to Clearfield, Iowa, where she has made her home since.

At an early age, she became a Christian, always taking an interest in the affairs of the church and attending as her health permitted. She held membership in the Bedford Baptist Church at the time of her death.

Her heritage to her children was her Christian faith. Among her last words, she expressed appreciation to her family for their love and devotion.

Her greatest interest in life was her devotion to her family and church.

She loved to commune with friends, enjoyed good music, learning to play the piano after the family was grown. She loved to read and kept up on world affairs.

She leaves to mourn her departure, her three daughters, Mrs. [Joseph] Glen Butts [Roe Ethel], of Bedford, Iowa; Mrs. Walter [Francis] Mason [Hattie Mabel], of Clearfield, Iowa; and Mrs. William [Daniel] Marshall [Ruth Eva] of Woodward, Iowa; one daughter-in-law, Mrs. Hazel Thompson of Clearfield, Iowa; three grandchildren, Olin Mason, Bonnie Jean Thompson, and Dwight Marshall; three brothers and one sister, nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

Funeral services were held in the Bedford Baptist Church, Wednesday April 21st, 1948, conducted by Rev. U. E Burroughs, of Mount Ayr Baptist Church, with interment in Fairview Cemetery at Bedford Iowa.

[Thompson, Mary Elizabeth Ratliff]

Clearfield Enterprise

Thursday    April 29, 1948    p. 2

Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Thompson of New Market, and Mr. and Mrs. Audrey Thompson of Gravity, attended the funeral of Mrs. Mary [Elizabeth Ratliff] Thompson on April 21st.

[Thompson, Mary Elizabeth Ratliff]

Clearfield Enterprise

Thursday    April 29, 1948    p. 2

Mrs. Will Marshall [Ruth Eva] of Woodward, Iowa, came to Clearfield to attend the funeral of her mother, Mrs. Mary [Elizabeth Ratliff] Thompson.

[Pender, Virgil]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday     December 19, 1907    p. 6

Virgil Pender, residing on Mrs. Brown's place about five miles south of town, committed suicide by hanging last Tuesday. He left the house in the morning taking with him a strap belonging to the harness, but nothing was thought of it until his lifeless body was found hanging in the barn about noon. He had tied the strap to a plank or beam above the manger and slipping his head through a slip noose, jumped off the manger. It is not thought that death occurred for sometime. He came from Madison County some months ago. He seemed to be a hard worker and himself and brother had raised a good crop. The remains were taken to Winterset on the evening train Thursday, accompanied by his wife and two small children and brother. His father, brother, sister and uncle had come down from Winterset on hearing of the sad news. The cause for his rash act is not known. Death is always sad indeed but under such circumstances its sadness is manifold. The bereaved family and friends have the sympathy of the entire community.

[Stingley, Thomas]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday     December 26, 1907    p. 4

Blockton News

Rev. G. W. Wood was called to Sheridan Wednesday to preach the funeral of Thomas Stingley who died there Tuesday. Mr. Stingley had been helpless from paralysis the past two years brought on by a fall.

[Duncan, Alma McMahill]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday    November 21, 1916    [p. 1]

MRS. DUNCAN DIES AT HOME IN RICHMOND, MO.

Word was received here Saturday morning of the death of Mrs. Chas. V. Duncan of Richmond, Mo. Mrs. Duncan was formerly Miss Alma McMahill, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles F. [remont] McMahill, of Osborn, Mo., and a former resident of Bedford.

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Marley, Miss Nancy Scott, Miss Ruth Jared and Mr. Tom Scott left Sunday morning for Richmond to attend the funeral services.

[Young, Wilbur]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday    November 21, 1916    [p. 1]

WILBUR YOUNG DIED FOLLOWING OPERATION

Wilbur Young, the fourteen-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Tom Young, who reside near Braddyville, died at 1:20 o'clock Monday noon, following an operation for appendicitis.

The funeral services will be held at Shambaugh at 10:30 o'clock Wednesday morning. The Young family lived on a farm west of Bedford about ten years ago.

[Melvin, Asenith]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday    November 21, 1916    p. 2

HOPKINS

Mrs. Asenith R. Melvin died at the home of her brother, J. [esse] D. [elaney] Melvin, southwest of Bedford in Polk Township, November 12, aged 78 years.  The funeral services were held at the home Monday conducted by Rev. Mr. Nayle of Siam.  Interment was made in the Siam cemetery.

[Reed, Sarah Ann Brown]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday    November 21, 1916    p. 2

BLOCKTON

Mrs. Sarah [Ann Brown] Reed died at her home southwest of Blockton Tuesday morning, after a few days’ illness with pneumonia.

[Reed, Sarah Ann Brown]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday    November 21, 1916    p. 2

BLOCKTON

Miles A. Reed of Monte Vista, Col., came last week, called by the fatal illness of his mother, Mrs. Sarah [Ann Brown] Reed.

[Reed, Sarah Ann Brown]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday    November 21, 1916    p. 5

Mr. and Mrs. Wid Kemery were in Platteville Friday to attend the funeral of the former’s aunt, Mrs. Sarah [Ann Brown] Reed, who died last week at her home near Blockton.  The funeral services were held at the Platteville church.

[Reed, Sarah Ann Brown]

Blockton News

Thursday    November 23, 1916    [p. 1]

Obituary

Sarah A. [nn] Brown, daughter of Elias and Margaret Brown, was born November 2, 1837, near Greenwood, Johnson County, Indiana, and died at her home southwest of Blockton November 14, 1916, aged 79 years and 12 days.

She came to Iowa with her parents when 9 years of age, returning to Indiana and remaining two years.  They then came to the northern part of Iowa, and in 1855 came to Taylor County, locating near Platteville.

She was united in marriage to Jacob W. [olverton] Reed November 18, 1867.  To this union was born 8 children as follows:  Miles A. and J. [acob] W. Reed, of Monte Vista, Colorado; Mrs. Della Hennegin and Mrs. Icie Jenkins, of Sheridan, Missouri; Geo. B. [rown] Reed, at the old home near Blockton; Jefferson and Anna died in infancy and Elsie died when 12 years and 11 months old.

The following other relatives survive her:  fifteen grandchildren, one great grandchild, two stepchildren, two sisters, one brother and a host of other relatives and friends.  There are four grandchildren dead.  Her companion preceded her July 1, 1888.

She united with the Methodist Episcopal church at an early age and lived a consistent Christian life till death.

 The funeral services were conducted from the M. E. church at Platteville November 17, by H. J. Moody, pastor of the M. E. church at Sheridan, assisted by Challie E. Graham, pastor of the Church of Christ at Isadora, after which the remains were laid to rest in the Platteville cemetery.

[Words unreadable] who said:  “As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you.”

[REED, SARAH ANN BROWN]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Tuesday, November 28, 1916
BLOCKTON - Miles A. Reed and J. W. Reed, who were called here by the death of their mother, Mrs. Sarah Reed, departed last week for their homes near Monta Vista, Colorado.

[Reed, Jacob Wolverton]

South-West Democrat

Friday    July 13, 1888    p. 4

—A strange circumstance is connected with the death of Jacob [Wolverton] Reed which we give as we heard it, and allow everybody to interpret as they please. One week ago last Saturday he went to Bedford to Mr. Flick's office and made his will. Mr. Flick was very busy and wanted him to come back during the following week, but Mr. Reed would not be put off, and said, " next week will be too late, it must be done to-day." The will was made, and the next day while seated at dinner in apparently good health, he was struck with paralysis and never spoke again. Was it a presentiment, and if so, from whence did it come? -- Platte Valley Chronicle.

[Reed, George Brown]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    November 20, 1958    p. 7

George B. Reed Died At Blockton

George B. [rown] Reed of the Blockton community died at his home Wednesday, November 12 after failing health for several months.

Funeral services were held at the Wetmore Funeral Home in Bedford Saturday afternoon, November 15. Rev. I. G. Wilkins, pastor of the Blockton Methodist church, officiated. Burial in Rose Hill cemetery at Blockton.

George B. [rown] Reed, son of Sarah [Ann] Brown and Jacob W. [olverton] Reed, was born August 1, 1883, on a farm near Blockton, Iowa, and passed away at the age of 75 years, three months, 13 days.  He lived his entire life on the farm where he was born, except for a short time spent in Blockton.

He was married to Ada Bosch on February 17, 1904.  They were the parents of four children, John of Bedford and triplet daughters, Mrs. Mabel Shay of Des Moines, Mrs. Ferne Straight of Bedford, Mrs. Wilma Clary of South Haven, Kansas.

Besides his wife and children he is survived by nine grandchildren, two great grandchildren; and by one sister, Mrs. Icie Jenkins of Sheridan, Missouri.  One grandson, three brothers and three sisters preceded him in death.

Mr. and Mrs. Reed celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 1954.

[Reed, George Brown]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    November 20, 1958    p. 7

Relatives Here For George Reed Funeral

Relatives here from a distance to attend the funeral services for George [Brown] Reed, included the following:  Mr. and Mrs. Oren Clary and family, South Haven, Kansas; Mr. and Mrs. Don Bosch, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Bosch, Mrs. Evert Haynie, Kansas City, Mo.; Mr. and Mrs. Paul King and family, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Shay, Mr. and Mrs. Max Livesay, Mrs. Ed Shinstine, Des Moines; Mr. and Mrs. Roe Miller, Barnard, Mo.; Mrs. Jennie King, Mr. and Mrs. Wayne McMahan, Mrs. Charles Jettner, Mr. and Mrs. Wray Mahan, Maryville; Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Bosch, Marshalltown, Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. Charles Birkenholtz, Mr. and Mrs. Doyle Moore, Mr. and Mrs. Earl Trueblood, Pickering, Mrs. Bryan Bosch, Parnell, Mo.; Mrs. Dora Guthrie, Judy Guthrie, Shenandoah; Mr. and Mrs. John Joseph, Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Riley, St. Joseph; Bonnie Taylor, Ann Hawk, Columbia, Missouri.

[Reed, Ada Bosch]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    March 30, 1978    [p. 1]

Last Rites Held Thursday For Mrs. Ada Reed

Funeral services for Mrs. George (Ada) Reed, 91, of Bedford, will be held today, Thursday, at Shum-Novinger Funeral Home at 2 p. m. conducted by Rev. Dwayne Madsen.  Mrs. Reed died March 26, 1978, in the home of her daughter, the William Shays in Des Moines.  Interment will be in Rose Hill, Blockton.

Mrs. Reed’s survivors include one son, John, Russellville, Mo. and three daughters, Mrs. William (Mabel) Shay, Des Moines, Wilma Clary, South Haven, Kans. and Mrs. Howard (Ferne) Straight, Bedford.

Visitation will be held Wednesday evening from 7 to 7:30 p. m. with Carl Cummings in charge.

[Jenkins, Lewis Plimpton]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    August 5, 1954    [p. 1]

L. P. Jenkins Died Thursday

L. [ewis] P. [limpton] Jenkins, long-time resident of the Blockton community, died at his home July 29.  Funeral services were held at the Wetmore Funeral Home in Bedford, Sunday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Fred H. Cowles of the Bedford Baptist church.  Burial was in the Sheridan, Mo. cemetery with Masonic services at the grave.

Lewis P. [limpton] Jenkins, son of John W. [illiam] and Emily Runyon Jenkins, was born in Worth County, Mo., near Sheridan, on Dec. 12, 1872 and died at the age of 81 years, seven months, 17 days.

He was the second of six children, namely William D. Jenkins, Lacy H. Jenkins, Mrs. Margaret Lamar and Mrs. Eva Cloud, who preceded him in death and John H. [oward] Jenkins of Excelsior Springs, Mo.

He was married to Icie Reed of Blockton on Feb. 2, 1898.  To them two children were born, Reed and Lloyd, both of Sheridan, Mo.

Surviving with his wife, two sons and one brother are four grandchildren, Lewis Jenkins and Kathleen Shinstine of Des Moines, Betty Jenkins of Cody, Wyo., and Lt. Hal Jenkins of Laredo Air Force Base, Laredo, Texas.

He had been a member of Bethany Lodge, No. 320 A. F. & A. M. of Blockton since 1909.

[Jenkins, Icie Reed]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    June 7, 1962    p. 5

Icie Jenkins Dies In Bedford

Mrs. Icie Jenkins, 82, of Sheridan, died at the Thogmartin Rest Home in Bedford Sunday, May 27.

Funeral services were held on Friday, June first at the Methodist church in Sheridan, Mo.  Rev. Delbert Blehle officiated.  Burial in the Sheridan cemetery.

Icie Reed, daughter of Jacob W. [olverton] and Sarah Ann [Brown] Reed, was born in Taylor County and spent most of her life here and in Worth County, Mo., nearby.  She was the last of the Reed children.

In 1898 she was married to Lewis P. [limpton] Jenkins and they were the parents of two sons, Reed Jenkins of Sheridan and Lloyd L. Jenkins, who died in 1958.  Mr. Jenkins died in 1954.

Surviving with the son are four grandchildren, Betty Jenkins Shanley of Kodiak, Alaska, Kathleen Jenkins Shinstine and Lewis Jenkins of Des Moines, Hal Jenkins of Columbia, Mo.; and nine great grandchildren.

Mrs. Jenkins was a member of the Blockton Methodist church and a 50-year member of the Order of the Eastern Star.

[Anderson, Cynthia Ann Williams]

Blockton News

Thursday    November 23, 1916    [p. 1]

Obituary

Cynthia Ann Williams Anderson was born at St. Joseph, Missouri, May 17th, 1848, and died at her home in Blockton November 18th, 1916, at 6:30 a. m., at the age of 68 years, 6 months and 1 day.

She lived in the vicinity of St. Joseph and Savannah until the outbreak of the war in 1861, then for political reasons she came to the vicinity of Mormontown with her mother and stepfather, Samuel Page.

She was married to George Riley Anderson August 6th, 1863, at the age of 15, while he was at home on furlough. She was the mother of ten children, six of whom preceded her in death. The four remaining children are Mrs. Cora Patrick, of Blockton; Thomas [Hastings] and Miss Dollie at home and Mrs. Mary [Ann] Little, of Fort Collins, Colorado. All were present at the funeral service. She also leaves 16 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. Her only brother, Socrates Williams, [died about ten years ago. Her husband passed away in April 1913. For almost 50 years they had walked life's pathway together.

Many years ago she joined the United Brethren church, it is thought under the pastorate of Rev. Siemiller.

She often expressed a desire to go. Her wish at last has been granted. While here she knew all the privations of a pioneer life, but we are told in the word that there is a place where God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow nor dying, neither shall there be any more pain. For the former things are passed away.

The funeral services were held at the M. E. church Sunday afternoon at 3 o'clock, conducted by the pastor, and interment was made in Rose Hill cemetery.

[Anderson, Cynthia Ann Williams]

Bedford Free Press

Tuesday      November 28, 1916     p. 3

BLOCKTON

Mrs. George R. [iley] Anderson [Cynthia Ann Williams] died at her home in Blockton, November 18, aged 68 years. The funeral services were held at the Methodist Episcopal church Sunday afternoon last conducted by the pastor. Interment was made in the Rose Hill cemetery. She is survived by four children. They are Mrs. Cora Patrick of Blockton; Thomas and Dollie Anderson of Blockton; and Mrs. Mary Little, of Fort Collins, Colorado.

[Melvin, William]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday    December 12, 1907    p. 4

Word comes from Siam to the effect that William Melvin, an old settler of this county, died last night at the home of his son, James. Mr. Melvin was 87 years of age, and had been ailing for some time. He has several children residing in this vicinity, his three sons, William, John and James, being well known throughout the county. Particulars and funeral arrangements are not available.

[Holmes, Chester William "Chet"]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday    December 12, 1907    p. 8

ACCIDENTAL DEATH

C. W. Holmes, Formerly of Conway, Killed in Idaho.

A copy of the Lyons, (Kansas) Republican, was handed us this week by Mayor McKinley, and in it we find an account of the accidental death of C. W. Holmes, who formerly resided at Conway. The obituary notice is not exactly correct when it states that the boyhood days of the deceased were spent near Lyons, for Chet, as he was called, did not leave this county until he was 16 years of age. Many of the older settlers will remember him well. The account of his death is as follows:

"Chester William Holmes was born March 29th, 1866, at Monroe Furnace, Jackson County, Ohio; died November 15th, 1907, at his home in Burke, Idaho, aged 41 years, 7 months and 17 days.

"On Saturday, Nov. 16, 1907, a telegram was received by his brothers here that Chet Holmes, the oldest of the family, had been killed at his home in Burke, Idaho, by falling from a building. Word was sent at once to his mother who had just gone on a visit to Kiowa and she was accompanied home by her nephew, Chas. Neff, also to Carl and wife in Oklahoma, who arrived Wednesday evening. Arrangements were made to ship the remains to Lyons for burial. Roy Lawrence, who had lived with the Holmes family for more than two years, and who returned to Idaho with Mr. and Mrs. Holmes after their visit here in August last, accompanied the bereaved wife on the long and tiresome journey. They were joined at La Junta by her daughter, Mrs. G. H. Downer, and arrived in Lyons Wednesday morning at 10:53. The funeral services were held Thursday at 2 o'clock p. m. at the Christian church and was largely attended by relatives and friends of the family. The remains were laid at rest in the Lyons cemetery.

"He was married at Joplin, Mo., May 24, 1897, to Mrs. Lydia Stoll, who was his true and faithful companion to the end.

"Chet spent his boyhood days on the farm owned by his parents, southwest of Lyons. He had lived at Burke, Idaho, 7 years, and at the time of his death was with the Hecla Mining Co., by whom he had been employed for the last five years. On account of the financial flurry, Mrs. Holmes was unable to check out from their deposits in the bank at Wallace, sufficient to meet the expenses. J.

R. Smith, President of the mine, assumed all expenses and advanced sufficient funds for her needs until she can return and attend to her interests there. At the time of the accident he was assisting the electrician in wiring a part of the inside of the building, 25 or 30 feet from the floor. He was standing on a wood beam that crossed from one side to the other, around which was tied a short rope used, perhaps, for attaching a block and tackle. It is supposed that he caught his heel on this rope in taking a step backward, and losing his balance, fell to the floor, striking on his head and shoulders, fracturing the cerebral column. This explanation is made that his friends may know how the accident occurred, as nearly as we can tell at present, and that his services were appreciated by his employers who rendered all the assistance within their power."

 

[Melvin, Margaret Ann Miller]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday    March 17, 1898    p. 5

Gone to Her Happy Home.

Died, at the home 2 miles northeast of Siam, March 12, 1898, at half past 5 o'clock a. m., Mrs. Margaret A. [nn] Melvin, her maiden name was Margaret A. [nn] Miller. She was born in Washington County, East Tennessee, August 9, 1820. She was married to James Melvin, July 26, 1849. They had born to them 6 boys, who are all living and were present at her funeral. They moved to Illinois in 1857 where they lived for twenty years; then they moved to Taylor County, Iowa, in 1877 where they resided until 1884 then they moved to Kansas, remaining there 3 years; then came back to Taylor County, Iowa, in 1887 and have resided in Taylor county ever since.

Her age was 77 years, 7 months and three days. Mrs. Melvin had suffered the pains of this world for about 5 years, but has gone where sorrow and pain are no more. Mother Melvin united herself with the Methodist church when 20 years of age, living a devoted Christian life ever since. She leaves an aged husband and 6 boys and a host of friends to mourn her loss. Her funeral took place on Sabbath day, March 13, at the Methodist church, was conducted by Rev. John Horton, pastor of that church. He preached a fine discourse from Isaiah 33-17, "Thine eyes shall see the King in his beauty; they shall behold the land that is very far off."

A very large crowd was present and her remains were laid away in the Siarn cemetery.

                                                            C. P.

[Melvin,

Margaret Ann Miller]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday    March 17, 1898    p. 4

P. [eter] R. [eeves] Melvin and wife, of Barnard, attended the funeral of Mr. Melvin's mother [Margaret Ann Miller].

[MELVIN, MARGARET ANN MILLER]
Clarinda Journal (Clarinda, Iowa), Friday, March 11, 1898
SIAM – Died, at her home two miles northeast of Siam, March 12, at 5:30 o'clock a. m., Mrs. Margaret A. [nn] Melvin. Her maiden name was Margaret A. [nn] Miller. She was born in Washington county, Tennessee, Aug. 9, 1820. She was married to James Melvin July 26, 1849. They had born to them six sons, who are all living and were present at her funeral. They moved to Illinois in 1857, where they lived for 20 years, then they moved to Taylor county, Ia., in 1877, where they resided until 1884; then they moved to Kansas, remaining there three years, when they came back to Taylor county, where they have resided ever since. Her age was 77 years, 7 months and 3 days. Mrs. Melvin had suffered the pains of this world for five years but has gone where sorrow and pain is known no more. Mother Melvin united with the Methodist church when 20 years of age, living a true Christian life ever since. She leaves an aged husband and six sons and a host of friends to mourn their loss. Her funeral took place Sabbath day, March 13, at the Methodist church, conducted by Rev. Horton, pastor of that church. He preached a fine discourse from Isaiah xxxiii, 17. "Thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty. They shall behold the land that is very far off." A very large crowd was present. The remains were laid to rest in the Siam cemetery.

 

 [Melvin, James Edwin]

Maryville Daily Forum

Saturday    April 24, 1948    [p. 1]

J. E. Melvin Dies; Had Been Farmer Near Hopkins

James Edwin Melvin, 85-year-old farmer of near Hopkins, died at 5:30 o’clock Friday afternoon at the home of his son, [Henry] Vern Melvin, one mile east of Hopkins.  He had lived in the Hopkins community the last 34 years.

Mr. Melvin was born February 13, 1863, in McDonough County, Illinois, and came to Taylor County, Iowa, when he was 14 years of age.  He became a member of the Baptist church at Gravity when he was a young man.

Funeral services will be held at 2:30 o’clock Sunday afternoon at the Hopkins Methodist church.  The Rev. Vernon Wheeler, pastor, will conduct the services.  Burial will be in the cemetery at Siam.  The Masonic lodge will have charge of the services at the grave.

He is survived by four sons, [Henry] Vern, of near Hopkins; Brice, Bedford, John M.[artin], Des Moines, and James W. [oodford], Clearmont, two daughters, Mrs. Leroy [Ellis] Johnson [Mary May], Gravity, Ia., and Mrs. Roy S. [amuel] Dillon [Susie Elizabeth], Blockton, Ia.; one brother, John A. [lan] Melvin, Coin, Ia., 21 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.   His wife died several years ago.

[Boone, Donald Lyle]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday    April 16, 1925    p. 5

Donald Lyle Boone

Donald Lyle Boone, oldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Morey [Maury Herbert] Boone [Edith Proud], was born near Lenox, Ia., on February 5th, 1921, and passed away at the home of his parents on March 31, 1925, at the age of 4 years, 1 month and 25 days. —Lenox Time-Table.