Obituaries
submitted by: Julia Johnson - julia.johnson63@gmail.com
 
[Miller, Harmon Samuel]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday       July 15, 1965     p. 2

Harmon S. Miller Rites Held Sun., July 11

Funeral services for Harmon S. [amuel] Miller, 64, long time Bedford resident, were held July 11 at State Street Shum-Novinger Funeral Home with Carl Cummings officiating. Mr. Miller died at his home in Bedford July 9, 1965. Interment was at Fairview Cemetery, Bedford.

Included in the services was the following obituary.

Harmon S. [amuel] Miller, son of Horace E. [dward] and Rosa Haun Miller, was born March 8, 1901 in Jackson Township, Taylor county, Iowa.

When he was a small boy he moved with his parents to the state of Wisconsin and here his mother passed away when he was five years old.

The family then moved to Cherry County in western Nebraska and during his youth he worked on a ranch and later as a forest ranger for the U. S. Government.

In 1920 he moved to Sheridan, Mo., to work for his uncle in the garage as a mechanic, the profession he was to make his life's occupation.

On September 11, 1922 he was united in marriage to Bessie Brumfield at Bedford, Ia., with the Rev. M. A. Gable, minister of the Methodist Church, officiating. To them was born one son, Robert.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister who died in infancy, and a half brother, James E. Miller.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Bessie of the home; son, Robert and his wife, Madge; a grandson Gary Allan; granddaughter, Susan Kay of Kansas City, Mo.; a half sister, Mrs. Ruby McCord of Bentonville, Ark.; and a half brother, George Miller of Chicago, Ill.; nieces, nephews and cousins and other relatives and a host of friends.

He was a capable and efficient workman; a kind and loving husband and father, friend and neighbor, and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him

[Miller, Maud Cole]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     March 7, 1935     p. 4

Mrs. Phil S. Miller Succumbs Saturday

Mrs. Phil S. Miller, 67, died at her home southeast of Bedford in Jackson Township, Saturday, March 2, 1935. The funeral services were held at the Forest Grove church Wednesday afternoon conducted by Rev. Clark M. Crowell. Burial was in the Forest Grove cemetery.

Mrs. Miller, whose name before her marriage was Miss Maude [Maud] Cole, was born Feb. 6, 1868 at Parkersburg, W. Va. Sept. 8, 1897 she was married to Phil S. Miller in West Virginia, and they came to Bedford, Iowa, to make their home.

To them were born two children, a son and a daughter. The son preceded his mother in death, as did also a granddaughter. She was a member of the Baptist church.

Surviving relatives are the husband, daughter, Mrs. Edna Gilbert; son-in-law, William Gilbert; and grandson, Eugene Gilbert. Also four sisters and a brother, Mrs. W. R. Caskin, Mrs. Gage Buell, and Irvin K. Cole, all of Marietta, O.; Mrs. Austin DeVoil and Mrs. James McElroy of Cambridge, O.

[Pierce, Roy]

Bedford Times Independent

Friday     July 15, 1887      p. 2

ACCIdenTAl dEATH. —About 11 o'clock this morning, Roy Pierce, the 12-year-old son of Samuel Pierce, residing 2 1/2 miles southeast of this city, was in the garden carrying persley to the hogs. On his way to the house, he stopped at the swing for a few moments. He soon came running to the house and complained of the left side of his head hurting and said that the board in the swing had hit him. Dr. Weidner was called and arrived at 2 o'clock, finding the boy in convulsions. After staggering to the house he was put to bed and shortly after fell asleep, but woke up in a few moments in convulsions. He remained unconscious from then to the time of his death, 2:30 P. M. Nothing in medical skill could relieve the sufferer. As no external bruises could be found, it is supposed that perhaps the boy had eaten something poisonous, which caused convulsions and death. The funeral services will probably take place tomorrow forenoon at the residence.

[Pierce, Roy]

Bedford Times Independent

July 15, 1887      p. 2

—Rev. A. L. Sarchet conducted the funeral services of Roy Pierce, the boy who died yesterday, at Forest Grove this afternoon at 2 o'clock.

[Pierce, Sarah Cole]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday    December 4, 1923   [p. 1]

Grandma Pierce Dead

Sarah Pierce passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Ed Ackley, Sunday morning, Dec. 2, at 5 o'clock. Funeral service will be held at the Forest Grove church today, Dec. 4, at 10:30 A. M. Funeral cortege will leave the Ackley home at 10:15. Interment at Forest Grove cemetery.

[Pierce, Sarah Cole]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday    December 6, 1923     p. 6

Obituary

Sarah Cole, daughter of Simeon and Martha Cole, was born at Wilkesbarre, Pa., Nov. 30, 1836. When 16 years of age, she moved with her parents to Lee county Illinois.

In 1854, she was united in marriage with Samuel Pierce. To this union nine children were born, six of whom survive their mother. Mr. Pierce passed away thirty-two years ago.

In 1881, the family came to Taylor County, Iowa, and the home was maintained here for years. Shortly after coming to Iowa, Mrs. Pierce united with the First Presbyterian church of Bedford and lived a consistent Christian life, loved and respected by all who knew her. As one of the pioneers, she knew something of the hardships and sacrifices incident to their lot and knew how to sympathize with all who worked to develop a new country.

After a lingering illness she passed away Dec. 2, 1923, aged 87 years and 1 day.

The funeral was held at the Forest Grove church, Tuesday, Dec. 4th, 1923, at 10 30 a. m. The service was conducted by Rev. John H. Currie, assisted by Rev. O. S. Boyer. Interment was made in the Forest Grove cemetery. A. L. Stithem, funeral director.

The following are the surviving sons and daughters of the deceased: Mrs. A. [id] Bradshaw [Ella], Compton, Iowa; Mrs. H. V. Geisinger, Storm Lake, Iowa; E.[dgar] R. Pierce, Idaho Falls, Iowa; Mrs. C.  [harles] N. Nelson [Gloe], Mrs. Ed Ackley [Ila Zee] and Elvon Pierce of Bedford.

[Note: The same obituary was printed in the Bedford Free Press, December 6, 1923, p. 5.]

[Russell, Anna Elizabeth]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday      August 4, 1949    [p. 1]

Anna Russell Rites Held Friday P.M.

Miss Anna Russell, a resident of Taylor County her entire life, died at her home southeast of Bedford, Wednesday, July 27.

The funeral services were held at the Wetmore Funeral Home Friday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Russell G. Nye. Burial was in the Forest Grove cemetery.

Anna Elizabeth Russell, eldest daughter of William Henry and Elizabeth Kemery Russell, was born in Jackson Township, Taylor County, Iowa, March 9, 1876, being aged 73 years, 4 months and 18 days at the time of her death.

In the year 1920 she moved to Bedford and remained there until 1930. The remainder of her life was spent in the family home in Jackson Township.

She was a member of the Bedford Methodist Church and attended services regularly as long as she was able. Sundays during her later life were spent listening to sermons on the radio.

Anna was a lover of home and family life. Everyone who knew her admired her for her clean living, Christian thoughts and fair dealings. She was cared for by her youngest sister, Bertha M. Foster, during her illness the past two years. One sister, Iowa J. [ulia] Fluke, preceded her in death on June 23, 1946.

Anna leaves to mourn her passing one sister, Bertha M. Foster; one brother, Henry K. Russell; one nephew, HK Russell; one niece, Madeline Irvin and seven great nieces.

[Russell, Isabella]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday      October 15, 1936    [p. 1]

Miss Isabel Russell Died Sunday P. M.

Miss Isabel [la] Russell died suddenly at her home southeast of Bedford in Jackson Township early Sunday afternoon, Oct. 11, after having attended church services in Bedford that forenoon.

The funeral services were held at the home Wednesday afternoon conducted by Rev. W. F. Overhulser and burial was in the Forest Grove cemetery.

Isabel Russell was born in Ireland, July 4, 1873. She came to Taylor County with her parents in 1880 and remained here until 1889, when she moved east, returning here again in 1932.

She is survived by her two sisters, Miss Margaret [Ann] Russell and Miss Martha Russell, both at home.

Miss Russell united with the Methodist church in childhood and remained a faithful member until her death.

[Russell, Margaret Davidson]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday     June 6, 1909    p. 4

Mrs. J. G. Russell

Margaret Davidson was born March 28, 1834, in Tyrone County, Ireland. She died at her home in Jackson Township, Taylor County, June 4, 1909, at the age of 75 years, 2 months and 6 days.

She was married to J. [ohn] G. [eorge] Russell at their old home in Ireland April 9th, 1868. Four children were born to them. One died in infancy and the living are Isabelle of New York, Maggie and Martha J. [ane], of Bedford.

Mr and Mrs. Russell were of Scotch Irish descent, belonging to that hearty race that has undertaken so many great enterprises and been on the firing line of civilization and Christianization. It seemed natural for them, as many of the race had done, to go to a new country. They accordingly left their homeland and came directly to their home in this county in 1880. They loved their chosen country and were willing to live here, die here and have their bodies laid to rest here.

It is almost three years since Mr. Russell was called to his reward. For Mrs. Russell these have been lonely years for she missed him so but with stout heart she had gone forward in the performance of duty and now their children will miss them both but we all seek a better country where no "good-byes will be spoken, and where friendship and love will flow on unbroken.''

Mrs. Russell was brought up in the Presbyterian Church but some years since when a class was organized in their community she united with the Methodist church. She has been a faithful member. A few years ago because of removals from the community and the difficulty of securing a supply the class was abandoned. It was a great regret on the part of Mrs. Russell that she was so far removed from the services of her church. She expressed to the writer her love for the church and its services and her faith in her master. After almost a year of illness, last week she rapidly grew worse and seemed to realize that her end was nigh and to her children she said " I am ready to go,” and committed her soul to the keeping of her Savior. The funeral services were held in Forest Grove church Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock, conducted by Rev. W. M. Dudley of the Methodist Episcopal church. Interment was in the Forest cemetery.  D.

[Russell, Martha Jane]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     June 1, 1950     [p. 1]

Mrs. Martha Russell Died At Home Today

Mrs. Martha [Jane] Russell, 74, died at her home southeast of Bedford today, June 1.

The funeral services will be held at the Wetmore Funeral Home at 2 o’clock Sunday afternoon, June 4, conducted by Rev. Russell G. Nye. Burial will be in the Forest Grove cemetery.

[Russell, Martha Jane]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    June 15, 1950    p. 7

Obituary - Martha Russell

Martha Jane Russell, daughter of John George and Margaret D. [avidson] Russell, was born August 7, 1875 in County Tyrone, near Belfast, Ireland and died Thursday, June 1 at her home in Jackson Township at the age of 74 years, 9 months and 24 days, after an illness of almost two years.

She came to the United States with her family in 1880 and settled in Jackson Township in May of the same year. Martha spent the remainder of her years at the old family home with the exception of one winter at which time she resided in Bedford.

Martha was a member of the Bedford Methodist Church and was quite active in all church activities.

She was also secretary of the Liberty School board for many years.

Martha was a lover of home and nature. Although being bedfast much of the last two years, she was patient, gentle and kind to all.

Her father, mother and two sisters, Isabella and Margaret [Ann], preceded her in death. She leaves to mourn her passing several cousins.

The funeral services were held at the Wetmore Funeral Home Sunday afternoon, June 4, conducted by Rev. Russell G. Nye. Interment in Forest Grove cemetery.

[Russell, William Henry]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday     January 19, 1905    [p. 1]

Death of an Old Resident

Sunday morning, January 15, the residents of Jackson Township were grieved to learn of the death of William H. [enry] Russell, one of the old settlers and most highly respected citizens of that community, resulting from cerebral hemorrhage, aged 63 years and 8 months. The funeral services were conducted at the home Wednesday morning by Rev. W. B. Thompson, after which the remains were interred in Forest Grove cemetery.

Thus has passed to his reward a faithful, earnest, Christian character, an indulgent father, a loving companion and a true, loyal friend. His place will be sadly missed by all, but the satisfaction of feeling that, in accordance with his faithful life, he is now enjoying the sweet, blissful fruits of an exemplary life, in a large measure brings reconciliation and a certain joy that he has passed from the troubles, trials and sufferings of this life to eternal peace and rest. His indeed was a noble life, and his example could well be followed by others.

The deceased was born in Ireland May 15, 1841. During his boyhood he went to Scotland, where he remained until 24 years old, when in 1865 he came over the water, landing in New York. After two years residence there he located in Wisconsin. Three years afterwards he came to Iowa and settled in Taylor County, where he resided until his death. In 1875 he married Elizabeth Kemery to which union was born four children, three girls and one boy, all of whom and the sorrowing widow are living.

In his infancy Mr. Russell was confirmed in the Episcopal Church, but later joined the M. E. church, of which he was a faithful member up to the time of his death.

[Russell, William Henry]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday     January 19, 1905    [p. 1]

Obituary

William Henry Russell was born May 15th, 1841 at Canteel, County Tyrone, Ireland, and died Sunday January 15th, 1905 at 6:30 a. m., age 63 years, 8 months.

In infancy he was baptized, and while still quite young was confirmed in the Episcopal Church. While only a boy he left the land of his birth and went to Scotland, remaining there until he was 24 years of age, when hearing of the wonderful possibilities for young men in the New World, he embarked for New York, arriving there in 1865.

After two years spent in the metropolis he decided to go West, and in 1867 located in Wisconsin. Here it was that Mr. Russell united with the M. E. church of which he ever afterwards remained a true, loyal and faithful member.

After spending three years in Wisconsin, Mr. Russell decided to push on still farther toward the land of the setting sun, and in 1870 he came to Iowa settling in Taylor County, where he has since made his home.

In the year 1875, Mr. Russell united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Kemery; to this union was born four children, three girls and one boy, all of whom together with his faithful wife survive him. The children reside at home.

Of his other near relatives who survive him there are three sisters and one brother. Of them, M. A. Russell and Mrs. J. B. Robinson reside in New York City, while J. G. Russell and Mrs. J. Slater are residents of Taylor County.

The funeral services will be held at the residence in Jackson Township, on Wednesday, Jan. 18, at 11 a. m., conducted by Rev. Thompson. Interment at Forest Grove cemetery.

[Russell, William Henry]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday     January 19, 1905     p. 2

Death Claims A Well Known Citizen.

From Monday's Daily

William H. [enry] Russell died at his home in Jackson Township of cerebral hemorrhage on Sunday morning at 6:30 o'clock, at the age of 63 years and 8 months.

"Uncle Billy Russell" as he was affectionately called, was one of the best-known citizens of Taylor County. He has lived in Jackson Township for many years, and there is not a person in that or the adjoining townships to whom his face was not familiar.

A hard working, industrious, energetic and temperate man, he had prospered in the affairs of the world, and financially was well able to lay aside the active duties of life and spend his days in comfort and idleness. But this was antagonistic to his nature. He preferred the farm to life in town, and death found him at the old place where he had spent the most of his life, among the scenes he loved.

For years "Uncle Billy" had always taken an active interest in public and political affairs and at the many gatherings he attended formed the acquaintance of many of the leading men throughout the country. By all these, as well as by those who knew him best he was respected and admired. His honest rugged nature, his kindly heart made him a man to be loved and honored, and his death leaves vacant a place that on this earth will never be refilled.

The funeral will be conducted by Rev. Thompson at the residence Wednesday morning at 11 o'clock. Interment at Forest Grove cemetery.

[Stewart, Charles Albert]

South-West Democrat

Friday      July 20, 1888     p. 4

---Died, in Bedford on last Tuesday, of pulmonary consumption, [Charles] Albert Stewart, son of E. [lias] V. Stewart, late of Jackson Township, in the 24th year of his age. Funeral services were conducted from the residence of the deceased's mother by Rev. W. P. Bishop on Wednesday at 9 o'clock. Deceased was buried in the Hoover cemetery.

[Stewart, Isabella Stewart]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday    May 6, 1909    [p. 1]

Mrs. Isabella Stewart

Mrs. Isabella Stewart was born in Edinburgh. Scotland, October 20, 1831, and died at the home of her son, S. [amuel] O. [scar] Stewart in Bedford Tuesday evening, May 4, 1909, at 10:45 o'clock.

When but two or three years old she came with her parents to America, landing in New York, where they remained until 1838. They then moved to Knox County, Ill. While living at that place she was united in marriage to E. [lias] V. Stewart in 1850. Thirteen years later, or in 1863, they moved to Taylor County, locating in Jackson Township where she resided until moving to Bedford, ten years ago. While living on the farm her husband died, in 1887, and since then she has made her home, with her son S. [amuel] O. Stewart.

She was the mother of ten children, only four of whom survive to mourn her death. They are: J. [ohn] W. [illiam] Stewart, of this county; Mrs. Ellen Johnson, of Omaha, Neb.; Mrs. Anna Davis, living in Nebraska, and S. [amuel] O.[scar] Stewart, of Bedford. She united with the M. E. church when but a small girl, and has always lived the life of a true conscientious Christian. She was a good noble woman, and a loving wife and mother and a kind friend, and as such she will be missed by all.

The funeral is to be held this afternoon at the M. E. church, at 1 o'clock, conducted by Rev. W. M. Dudley, and the remains will be laid to rest in Forest Grove cemetery, near which she lived so many years. The bereaved have the sympathy of all.

[Stewart, Isabella Stewart]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday     May 6, 1909     p. 5

OBITUARY.

Another Pioneer Gone

Mrs. Isabel Stewart died at 10:50 Tuesday night at the home of her son Samuel O. [scar] Stewart, aged 77 years, 6 months and 14 days.

Funeral services will be held at the M. E. church this afternoon, Thursday, at 1 o'clock, conducted by Rev. W. M. Dudley. Interment at Forest Grove cemetery.

Mrs. Stewart has been in ill health for a long time. Her decline was gradual but each day she grew weaker, slowly but surely. For days prior to her death she suffered severely until death came as a welcome relief from her pain that was almost unbearable.

Isabel Stewart was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, but came to this country when only a small child. Her parents settled in Knox County, Illinois, where she grew to womanhood and on May 29, 1850, was married to E. [lias] V. Stewart.

In the fall of 1863 with her husband she moved to Taylor County and settled in Jackson Township, which was her home until ten years ago when she came to live with her son in Bedford. Her husband died December 7, 1886 [1887].

Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Stewart only four of whom survive. Those living are John W. [illiam] of Jackson Township, Ellen Johnson of Omaha, Anna Davis, whose home is in western Nebraska and Samuel O. [scar] who resides at Bedford.

In early life Mrs. Stewart united with the Methodist Episcopal church and remained a conscientious and earnest member to the end. She was a sincere Christian, a loving and devoted wife and mother and kind and obliging neighbor and her death is the cause of sincere sorrow on the part of all who knew her.

[Stewart, Isabella Stewart]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday     May 13, 1909    p. 4

Mrs. Ellen Johnson, who was called here by the illness and recent death of her mother, Mrs. Isabel Stewart, left Tuesday night for her home at Omaha.

[Stewart, Isabella Stewart]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday     May 13, 1909    p. 5

obituary

Isabella Stewart.

Isabella Stewart was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, October 20, 1831, and died at the home of her son, S. [amuel] O. [scar] Stewart, in Bedford, May 4, 1909, at the age of 77 years, 6 months and 14 days. She was of Scotch ancestry. Her father, William Stewart and her mother, whose maiden name was Mary L. Nairn, came to New York when Isabella was a child and afterwards moved to Illinois where their daughter grew into young womanhood and married E. [lias] V. Stewart in the year 1850. After residing in Illinois a number of years Mr. and Mrs. E. [lias] V. Stewart moved to Iowa. Ten children were born to them, only four of these survive. They are J. [ohn] W. [illiam] Stewart of Bedford, Mrs. Ellen Johnson of Omaha, Neb., Mrs. Anna Davis of Arcadia, Neb. and S. [amuel] O. [scar] Stewart of Bedford. Mrs. Stewart lost her husband over twenty-two years ago, after which she kept her family together until the last one married about, seven years ago. Since then she has made her home with her son, S. [amuel] O. [scar] Stewart, and he and his companion have tenderly cared for her.

Mrs. Stewart comes from a line of Methodist ancestry, her parents being pioneer Methodists in Illinois. One brother, John Wesley Stewart, was for a long time a prominent member of the Nebraska conference. Mrs. Stewart united with the church in childhood and has always remained a faithful member. Sickness and infirmity prevented her from going to the house of the Lord in recent years, but she expressed to her pastor and others her unwavering faith in her Master and longed to go and be at rest from suffering and pain to meet her loved one and her Savior. They rest from all their labours and their works follow them."

[Stewart, Lauretta “Retta”]

Taylor County Republican

Thursday     November 28, 1878     p. 3

From Jackson Township.

Miss Rettie [Loreta] Stewart died on Saturday last, aged 18 years, 2 months and 2 days. Although her friends and relatives have been expecting her decease almost daily for some time, her death was a severe blow to them. A large number of friends attended the funeral, which took place on Sabbath evening. Rev. Bishop will preach the funeral sermon at the Forest Grove schoolhouse a week from next Sabbath at three o'clock, P. M.

[Stewart, Lauretta “Retta”]

Iowa South-West

Saturday     November 30, 1878     p. 3

Died.

STUART. — At the home of her parents, in Jackson Township, Nov. 24th, 1878, of consumption, Loreta Stewart, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E. [lias] V. Stewart, aged 18 yours, 2 mo. and 3 days.

Our darling Retta left us,

On angel wings to roam,

And with the heavenly spirits

She sweetly rests at home.

Through so many years she suffered,

All patiently, day by day,

Till consumption, like an adder,

Wasted her precious life away.

To the stillness of the lamb

We consigned her lovely form;

But her gentle, loving spirit

Awaits the Resurrection morn.

Our home's so sad without her;

The dear home-circle broken;

But we design not to murmur,

For a higher power has spoken.

Her loving voice no more we hear;

Her well-known step we sadly miss;

But now we'll strive to meet her

In that land of heavenly bliss.

C. V. A. McGregor

[Note: Same death notice was printed in the Taylor County Republican, December 5, 1878     p. 3.]

[Stewart, Lauretta “Retta”]

Taylor County Republican

Thursday     December 12, 1878     p. 3

Rev. Bishop preached the funeral sermon of Loretta Stewart on last Sabbath, at the Forest Grove schoolhouse. The snow fell most of the day, which prevented some from attending. The friends and relatives and a goodly number of acquaintances, however, were present.

[Stewart, Mary Edith]

Bedford Argus

Thursday     June 26, 1879      p. 3

Our friends, Mr. and Mrs. E. [lias] V. Stewart, of Jackson Township, lost their daughter Mary [Edith], the 18th inst. She was a bright young girl, and gave promise of a glorious future. But death came, and there is a broken home circle and hearts stricken with sadness. The bereaved family has the heartfelt sympathies of all.