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

[Robert Chalmers Griffith]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    April 25, 1946    [p. 1]

R. C. Griffith Dies At Home Near Park

R. C. Griffith, a life-long resident of Taylor County, died at his home near Lake of Three Fires park early Monday morning, after having been in failing health for several years.

The funeral services were held at the Shum Funeral Home Wednesday afternoon, conducted by Rev. J. D. Stevens, pastor of the Conway Methodist church.  Burial was in the Lexington cemetery.

Robert Chalmers Griffith, son of Daniel and Roxanna J. Dilley Griffith, was born February 15, 1868, near Conway, being aged 78 years, 2 months, and 7 days at the time of his death.

He was one of a family of three children.  He was born in Clayton Township, his parents being pioneers of this county, and spent his entire life in that township with the exception of a short time in Conway, when he was a small child.  He was engaged in farming for many years and was always interested in the welfare of the community, which had so long been his home.  He served as a trustee of the township and as [a] member of the school board.

On July 26, 1891, he was married to Miss Lula B. Graffis at Bedford.  Mrs. Griffith survives.

He also leaves a half-sister, Mrs. Hattie Haller of Bedford; four nephews: Elvin H. [arold] Griffith and Fern B. Griffith of Bedford, George Haller of Denver, Colorado, William Haller of Concord, New Hampshire and their families; and by a number of cousins and other relatives.  His parents and the brother, Wm. D. Griffith, died a number of years ago.

Mr. Griffith united with the East Mission church many years ago.  He was a kind neighbor and friend and will be missed in his home and community by all who knew him.

[Eva Lucile Houk Williams]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    April 11, 1946   p. 2

Obituary - Eva Houk Williams

Eva Lucile Houk, daughter of Harry W. [right] and Lois E. [dith Boyer] Houk, was born at Cameron Junction, Wisc., May 2, 1903, and died April 6, 1946, at the age of 37 years, 11 months and 4 days.  She united with the Christian church when she was eleven years old.

She attended East High School in Des Moines.  Later, she attended college and received her diploma as a missionary.  She was married to Daniel Williams, March 28, 1931.  One son was born to them, Virgil Gilbert Williams, who resides with his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Houk.

Surviving with the son and her parents, are one brother, L. Rex Houk and family of Sheridan, Mo.; two cousins, who were reared in the Houk home, Joseph Boyer and Mrs. Dorothy Beal, whom she loved as brother and sister.  One brother, E. [ugene] Clark Houk preceded her in death.

The funeral services were held at the Christian church in Bedford Monday afternoon, conducted by the Rev. Ben W. Sanderson, assisted by the pastor, Rev. W. A. Purdy.  Burial was in the Gravity cemetery.

[Elbert Burrows]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    April 11, 1946    p. 2

Obituary - Elbert Burrows

Elbert Burrows, son of William and Emily Burrows, was born Dec. 22, 1876, in Jefferson, Henry County, Iowa, and died April 3, 1946, at his home in Gravity.

When about eleven years old he moved, with his parents, to a farm 3 miles east of Gravity.  After he was grown, he and his parents moved again, this time to the home where he spent the remainder of his life.

For over thirty years he was in the harness business.  To him farmers were not just customers, but real friends.  This was evidenced by his unique practice of writing by hand, each spring, personal letters to one hundred of these farmer friends.

After retiring from business, Mr. Burrows spent a great deal of time reading.  He was a thoughtful reader of the Bible.

He was one of eight children, only one of whom now survives, Mrs. Clara Kysar of Gravity.  He also leaves a number of nieces and nephews.

The funeral services were held at the Gravity Methodist church, Saturday, April 6 at 2:00 p.m., conducted by Rev. C. W. Proctor of Sharpsburg.