Henry Wallace DOUGLAS

DOUGLAS, GLOVER, MERRIMAN

Posted By: Sharon R Becker (email)
Date: 9/8/2011 at 17:58:05

Bedford Times-Republican
Bedford, Iowa
Thursday, August 29, 1907

Taps Have Sounded

Henry Wallace DOUGLAS died at his home in Bedford on Tuesday morning, a little before 9 o'clock, age 68 years, 11 months and 13 days.

The deceased was born in Courtland County, New York, September 14, 1837, and grew to manhood there. When the war broke out he enlisted in Company E, 157th N. Y. Volunteers, and served through the war. As a soldier he was faithful and fearless and his record is one of which his descendants have good cause for feeling proud.

In 1860 (sic, should be 1869), with his family he came to Iowa and settled in Ringgold County. Later he moved to Taylor County, and after he decided to leave the farm, moved to Bedford, which has since been his home. He was married in early manhood to Miss Betsey GLOVER who died in 1901. Five children were born to them, three of whom survive. All are grown to maturity. They are [William] Henry and Clarence [Charles], who with their families reside in Bedford, and Mrs. Ida MERRYMAN (sic, should be MERRIMAN), of Clearfield.

The funeral services were held at the Baptist church yesterday at 10 a. m., conducted by Rev. A. I. JONES. Interment was made at the Bedford Cemetery where the ceremonies were in charge of Sedgwick Post, of which the deceased had been an honored member for years.

During the last ten years Mr. DOUGLAS has served as janitor of the Baptist church. In the performance of his duties he was faithful and painstaking, and his familiar, kindly face will be sadly missed by those who go there to worship.

* * * *

Bedford Free Press
Bedford, Iowa
Thursday, August 29, 1907

Henry W. Douglas passed away

Henry Walter DOUGLAS was born in Courtland County, New York Sept. 14, 1838, and died at his home in West Bedford Tuesday morning August 27, 1907 at 9:10 o'clock from a complication of diseases. The funeral services were held at the Baptist church Wednesday forenoon at 10 o'clock conducted by Rev. A. I. JONES and interment was in Bedford Cemetery.

The deceased was married in New York in 1859 [to Betsy GLOVER] and them five children were born, two sons being now dead.

Those living are William H[enry]. and Clarence C[harles]., of Bedford and Mrs. Ida MERRYMAN, of Oskaloosa.

When the call to arms was made Mr. DOUGLAS volunteered his services and for three years shared the hardships of the war with his comrades in Co. E of the 157th N. Y. Volunteers. At the close of the war he returned to his home and again took up the peaceful pursuits of life.

He left New York in 1869 and came to Iowa, locating in Ringgold County where he lived until 1882 when he moved to Clearfield. From there he moved to Bedford in 1897 and this has since been his home. In 1901 his wife, the companion of his joys and sorrows for so many years, passed away, since which time he has kept house with a granddaughter's assistance.

Early in life he joined the Baptist church and has always lived a consistent Christian life since. He has been the janitor of the church ever since living in Bedford and was filling that position at the time of his death. His regular attendance and faithful work endeared him to all and his familiar face will be sadly missed by the congregation whom he has so long served. He was a member of the G. A. R. post and they attended his funeral in a body. The bereaved relatives have the sympathy of all in their hour of sorrow.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, September of 2011