Obituaries
submitted by: Julia Johnson - julia.johnson63@gmail.com
 
[Alexander, Effie Mae Hiatt]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    November 29, 1951     [p. 1]

Alexander Rites Held Here Friday, Nov. 23

Mrs. Effie May [Mae] Alexander, 57, a long-time resident of the Blockton community, died unexpectedly in Salina, Kans., Nov. 20.

The body was brought to Bedford and funeral services were held at the Wetmore Funeral Home, Friday afternoon, Nov. 23, conducted by Rev. Robt. M. Peters. Burial was in the Athelstan cemetery.

Mrs. Alexander was the wife of the late Lou Alexander who died about a year ago.

[Alexander, Lou A.]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     April 6, 1950      [p. 1]

L. A. Alexander Dies At Blockton

L. A. Alexander, 65, died in Blockton Sunday afternoon. The funeral services were held at the Wetmore Funeral Home in Bedford Tuesday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Mrs. Linda Tolby of the Blockton Methodist Church. Burial was in the Athelstan cemetery.

[Alexander, Lou A.]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     April 13, 1950    p. 3

BLOCKTON

Obituary – L. A. Alexander

Lou A. Alexander was born September 27, 1884 at Carthage, Missouri and died at his home in Blockton, April 2, 1950 at the age of 66 years, 6 months and 6 days.

His boyhood was spent in Attica, Kansas, though he and his family spent the last ten years in Blockton. When a young man of twenty-four years old, he married Effie Mae Hiatt. To them were born seven children, four boys and three girls: Herschel, Virgil and Arwin, Donna, Virginia, Elaine. One twin, Dwayne preceded him in death.

He leaves to mourn his death, his wife and six children, sixteen grandchildren.

[Bremer, Violet Craig Little]

Leon Reporter  (Leon, Iowa)

Thursday    October 30, l924

Violet Craig Little was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, April 3, l847; died at her home near Woodland, Iowa, October 24, l924, aged 77 years, 6 months and 2l days. She was united in marriage to Hance Bremer August 24, l865. To this union were born l0 children, of which 6 survive. Her husband and two sons, John and Mark, also two daughters, Mrs. Agatha Lentz and Mrs. Adda Adair, preceded her. Those remaining are Marion, of High Point; Guy, of Newton, Iowa; P. [hilip] M., J. [ames] C. [laud] and Ellis [Hance] Bremer, also one daughter, Mrs. H. [enry] M. Wood [Samantha Jane], all of Woodland. She has l5 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren living.

When a girl in Ohio, she united with the M.E. Church North. In l871, the family moved to Taylor County, Iowa; in l882 they removed to this place. For several years she has been in failing health but the fatal sickness coming just a few days ago. The funeral service was held Saturday at the Union Church, by Rev. Cunningham, of Lineville, and her body laid to rest beside her husband in the Lentz Cemetery.

[Burnside, Alice Etta King]

Thursday     October 16, 1941     [p. 1]

Mrs. John Burnside, Former Resident, Dies

Mrs. John Burnside died in Denver, Colo., this morning, according to a telegram received by her brother-in-law, John F. Mohler. The funeral services and burial will be in Denver Saturday.

Mrs. Burnside was a former resident of Bedford, having been engaged in the millinery business here for many years.

She is survived by her husband; one sister, Mrs. Gould (Tressa) Cass of Denver; and two brothers, Charles King of Fort Collins, Colo., and Lem King of Denver. A daughter, Edith, preceded her mother in death.

[Burnside, Alice Etta King]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     October 30, 1941      p. 3

OBITUARY

Mrs. John L. Burnside

Mrs. John L. [eslie] Burnside, 76, died at her home in Denver, Colorado, Wednesday, October 15, following a heart attack.

The funeral services were held in Denver Saturday afternoon and burial was in the Fairmount cemetery at that place.

Alice E. [tta] King, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. James King of Bedford, was born in Abingdon, Illinois. She attended the public schools in Illinois and was married at the age of twenty-four years to John L. [eslie] Burnside.

Mr. and Mrs. Burnside resided in Bedford for many years. She operated a millinery store here and was active in church and business circles. Mr. Burnside was in the grocery business here. They moved to Colorado in 1906.

Mrs. Burnside was a teacher at Opportunity School in Denver, when it opened in1916. For many years she was a member of the Colorado Teachers Association, the Denver Classroom Teachers Association, the Denver Teachers Club and the Civic Garden Club.

She is survived by her husband; by two brothers, Charles King of Fort Collins, Colo., and Lemuel F. King of Denver; and a sister, Mrs. W. G. Cass of Denver. A daughter, Edith, preceded her mother in death.     Also her parents and two sisters, Mrs. John F. Mohler of Bedford and Mrs. W. S. Reynolds of Denver.

[Burnside, Frank]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday       Oct. 12, 1899     p. 8

Frank Burnside Dead

Frank Burnside, brother of John Burnside, of this city, died last Friday at Los Angeles, California. The remains will arrive in Bedford tomorrow for burial.

[Burnside, Frank]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday       Oct. 19, 1899    [p. 1]

In Lexington Cemetery

Last Friday night the remains of Frank Burnside arrived from Los Angeles, where he died. The funeral services were conducted by Elder Walters at the home of John Burnside, brother of the deceased, after which the interment was made in Lexington Cemetery.

[BURNSIDE, FRANK]
Record-Union (Sacramento, California), Friday, October 6, 1899, p. 8
Tragedy at Los Angeles
Frank Burnsides Makes an Attempt to Murder His Wife Then Ends His Own Existence by Swallowing a Dose of Deadly Poison
Induced His Wife to Drink Some Beer in Which He Had Placed Strychnine, But Her Life Was Saved by the Timely Aid of a Physician—Jealousy the Cause of the Deed
Los Angeles, Oct. 5. – Cold in death, a victim of the green-eyed monster, a wife murderer at heart and only by accident not so in deed, Frank Burnside occupies a slab at the Morgue.
This morning Burnsides and his wife arose with no ill feeling between them. By sundown Burnsides was dead, while his wife occupied a cot in the Receiving Hospital.
It was not the husband's fault that his wife does not occupy a slab adjoining his own in the Morgue. His diabolical work was methodical and meant murder and only because the poison worked too quickly, and Mrs. Burnsides suspected foul play the dose did not prove fatal. The woman was taken to the Receiving Hospital where Dr. Hagel relieved her stomach of the strychnine and saved her life.
Burnsides was insanely jealous of his wife and today determined to kill her. He purchased a small amount of beer, in which he placed strychnine. He induced his wife to drink it and she immediately went into convulsions. She was hurried to the Receiving Hospital where the stomach pump saved her life.
While his wife was on the way to the hospital Burnsides put the remainder of the poison into a glass of milk and drank the contents. When the police called to arrest him, he was dead.

[BURNSIDE, FRANK]
Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, California), Friday, October 6, 1899, p. 16
Strychnine For Two
Frank Burnside Dead But His Wife Will Recover
Husband Took a Dose of Poison and His Widow Claims He Inveigled Her into Taking Some of the Same Bad Stuff
One dead and the other saved only by the attention of skilled physicians, tells the story of a tragedy in domestic life which occurred yesterday. Shortly before noon the patrol wagon was hastily called to the Santa Fe House at No. 630 ½ Stephenson avenue, kept by Mrs. Fetch. The officers found a woman writhing in the agonies of strychnine poisoning. She gave her name as Mrs. Ethel Burnside and wanted to be taken to the Receiving Hospital.
A few minutes after 11 a. m. yesterday, Frank Burnside, husband of the woman, went into N. B. Thompson's drug store at the corner of Stephenson and Third street and asked for some strychnine. Fred C. McKinnie, who is employed in the store, asked him what he wanted it for. After some hesitation, Burnside said that he intended to kill some mice.
During this time he appeared perfectly calm but when asked his name he became excited. He wanted to know how it should be prepared. The druggist told him to pulverize it. Burnside purchased 10 cents worth, about fifteen grains and left.
Going directly to the saloon at the corner of Alameda and East Seventh streets, he bought 5 cents worth of beer. This was placed in a quart fruit jar. He then went to his room and according to Mrs. Burnside's statement, induced her to drink some of the beer. She was shortly taken with violent pains.
About 11:15 o'clock Mrs. Burnside rushed into the restaurant on the ground floor of the Santa Fe House and exclaimed: "Give me some milk or black coffee, my husband has poisoned me." Everything possible was done for the woman but she continued to grow worse. About this time Burnside came in and throwing himself at his wife's feet, begged her to go upstairs where the couple have occupied rooms for the past week.
The agonized woman asked those near to summon medical assistance. Her muscles were twitching, and she stated that she was going to die. Coming up close to his wife, Burnside almost yelled: "Don't you say that I have murdered you." This he repeated three times, asking her" "Do you hear?" The woman warned him not to touch her and said: "You have, and you know it."
For over two hours at the Receiving Hospital Dr. Hagan administered emetics and used the stomach pump. Finally, Mrs. Burnside was pronounced out of danger and will recover.
Burnside left the restaurant before his wife was taken away and for six hours his whereabouts were unknown to the authorities. Every effort to locate the missing man proved fruitless. About 5 o'clock in the afternoon John Calvert came up to the residence of Mrs. Nannie Baker at No. 718 Santa Fe avenue and told her that Burnside was dead. Detectives Flammer and Steele happened to be near and had Calvert show them where the body could be found.
In the rear of an old unused winery at No. 344 South Alameda street, Calvert and a man named August Gustafson sleep in a small cottage. It has been the habit of Burnside to hang around the place. At 12:15 o'clock yesterday, Gustafson came to the room and found Burnside lying on the bed and asked him what was the matter. Burnside replied that he was drunk and asked to have the door closed. Nothing was thought about the matter by Gustafson until he returned at 5 o'clock. His friend still remained on the bed and was dead. The position of the body, which was still warm, indicated that Burnside had died from poisoning. Appearances showed that he had struggled in his dying agony.
In the room occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Burnside two glass jars were found. One had evidently contained milk and the other beer. In the bottom of each was strychnine. A chemical test by F. C. McKinnie proved this. It was probably the same poison Burnside had purchased at the drug store. Mrs. Burnside says that her dead husband drank the milk and induced her to drink the beer.
Mrs. Burnside spent Wednesday night with Mrs. C. Sheppard at No. 600 South Santa Fe avenue and intimated a desire to board with Mrs. Sheppard. The Burnsides had been married five years, the woman having been married once before. Three weeks ago, they returned from a visit to San Francisco. Burnside has been out of work for some time but had the promise of a job.
Mrs. Burnside was taken to the home of Mrs. Sheppard at No. 828 Stephenson avenue last evening. She is still very sick and will require further medical attention.
The dead man has a brother in this city, who works in the street cleaning department. He feels the situation very keenly but said the saddest part was to tell his mother.
The Coroner's inquest will be held this morning at 11 o'clock in Howry's undertaking rooms.

[BURNSIDE, FRANK]
Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, California), Saturday, October 7, 1899, p. 6
The Burnside Inquest
At the Coroner's inquest yesterday morning to inquire into the death of Frank Burnside who tried to kill his wife with strychnine Thursday and took a fatal dose of the drug himself, no new facts were brought out and a verdict of strychnine poisoning was returned by the jury.
Mrs. Burnside was not present, but relatives of the dead man have arranged to have the remains sent to his old home at Bedford, Iowa, for interment. Mrs. Burnside is still weak from the effects of the poison and is being cared for by friends.

[Burnside, John Leslie]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     June 13, 1946     [p. 1]

John L. Burnside, 83, Dies in Denver, Colo.

John L. [eslie] Burnside, 83, died in Denver, Colorado, Thursday, June 6, according to word received by his brother-in-law, John F. Mohler of Bedford. Burial was at Denver Saturday.

Mr. Burnside was a resident of Bedford for many years, being a grocery store clerk here. His wife and daughter Edith, both died a number of years ago. The family moved to Denver from Bedford 30 years or more ago.

[Burnside, John Leslie]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     June 20, 1946     [p. 1]

Obituary – John L. Burnside

John L. [eslie] Burnside died at his home, 2031 South Pearl Street, Denver, Colo., Thursday, June 6, 1946 at the age of 82 years.

He came to Taylor County, Iowa and lived on a farm near Lexington, later moving to Bedford where he was married to Alice King in 1888. He lived in Bedford until 1906 when he moved to Fort Collins, Colo., and then to Denver.

His wife preceded him in death in 1941 and his daughter, Mrs. Edith Cortwright in 1918.

He is survived by a brother, William C. Burnside, and nephew Leslie Burnside of Banning, California.

The funeral services were held at the Olinger Mortuary in Denver Saturday, June 8. Burial was in the Fairmount cemetery there.

[Duey, John Everett]

Lenox Time Table

Wednesday     February 17, 1999     p. 2

John Everett Duey

John Everett Duey, son of Stephen H. Duey and Charlotte (Finkbeiner) Duey was born June 19, 1914 at Graham, Missouri and passed away February 6, 1999 at Greater Community Hospital in Creston, Iowa.

On February 16, 1937 he was united in marriage to Helen Lou Horton. To this union were born three children: James Douglas Duey, Judith Rae Branham and Brenda Joan Spurrier. Johnny lived his entire life near and in the Clearfield community.

Johnny owned and operated the Clearfield Elevator for 30 years, retiring in 1977. He was a member of the United Methodist Church, a 50-year member of Noble Lodge #458 A .F. and A.M., served four terms on the Clearfield City Council and he was past Fire Chief of the Clearfield Fire Department. He was a charter member of the Clearfield Lions Club and a member of the Clearfield Cemetery Board for 17 years. He was a very active member of the community and took great pride in the town and the City Park.

Johnny and Helen Lou traveled and spent many winters in Arizona. Until their health failed, they had not missed an Iowa State Fair in 50 years.

He loved to have his grandchildren and great grandchildren come to play and visit.

Left to            cherish his memory is his good friend, Grace Brown, who helped him so much this last year, his daughters, Judy Branham and husband Wayne of Sheridan, MO and Brenda Spurrier and husband Dean "Curley" of Clearfield, IA; daughter-in-law, Ramona Duey of Folsom, CA, 8 grandchildren; Mark Hargin of Bedford, IA, Mitch Hargin of Clarinda, IA, Lisa Bergan of Superior, CO, Linda Bartlett of Roseville, CA, Craig Duey of Placerville, CA, Scott Spurrier and Angela Rugolo, both of Chandler, AZ and Brent Spurrier of Benton, IA, 13 great grandchildren, a sister Mollie Johnston of Afton, IA, sister-in-law Marianna Duey of Waverly, IA and brother-in-law and sister- in-law Raymond and Isabel Trost of Lenox , IA; nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Helen Lou, son Jim, three sisters Ethyl McIntire, Rosetta Corliss, twin sister, Joy Evelyn Spring and one brother, L. J. Duey.

Services were held Tuesday, February 9 1999 at 1:30 p. m. at the United Methodist Church in Clearfield with the Rev. Alan Rusk officiating. Music was provided by Maralene Longfellow and Kathy Nelson.

Casket bearers were Wayne Wilson, Jerry Ewalt, Fred Wilson, Jerry Horton, Jerry Fletchall, and Charles Jackson. Honorary pallbearers were Darl Bell, Gaylan Bell, James Darst and Paul Brown.

Interment was in the Clearfield Cemetery in Clearfield, Iowa.

[Oxley, Lewis Binley]

Taylor County Republican

Thursday     January 19, 1882    p. 4

---Died, on Saturday night, at the residence of Philip Burk, in this city, Lewis [Binley] Oxley aged about seventy-six years, of palsy. The deceased had been afflicted with the disease for several years past, and during the past three years had been almost entirely helpless. The funeral took place on Monday, the remains being taken to Buchanan [Siam] for interment.

[Rockwell, Dora]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday     November 7, 1901    p. 7

Dora Rockwell.

Dora Rockwell departed this life at her home in this city on the evening of Oct. 26. She was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, on Oct. 20, 1853. For some weeks she has been declining in strength, and during the summer, took her aged mother to visit a brother in Bedford, Iowa. The disease could not be eradicated, and she gradually grew weaker until the end came.

A sister, Mrs. Moore from Oklahoma, came to care for her the last day. A brother from Bedford was at the funeral, which was held at the Congregational church Monday last at 3:30 p. m., conducted by Rev. H. L. Marsh. —Kiowa (Kansas) Journal.

[Rockwell, Hiram, Jr.]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday     April 6, 1911      p. 4

Old Bedford Resident Dies at Creston

Hiram Rockwell, for many years a resident of Bedford and a brother of Robt. B.[ruce] Rockwell, who still lives here, died at Creston, Iowa, Saturday. He resided here since the war until going to Creston about the time of the big railroad strike, and has ever since been in the employ of the C. B. & Q. The Creston American has the fallowing obituary:

Hiram Rockwell was born in Jewett, Harrison County, Ohio, August 10, 1848, and died in Creston, Iowa, April 1, 1911, being almost 63 years of age at his death. He came to Bedford with his parents when a small boy. At the age of thirteen years he was a drummer boy in the United States Army, and July 18, 1863 he enlisted with Company B., 9th Regular Iowa Cavalry and served until the close of the civil strife, receiving his honorable discharge at Little Rock Ark., March 23, 1866. At the close of the civil war he returned to Bedford, where he worked for a time as stationary engineer, and later became a fireman on the C. B. & Q. and was soon promoted to engineer. He had been in the employ of the Burlington road for over 25 years. He was married in 1875 to Sarah Husband of Afton, at Hopkins, Mo., and he became the father of two children both of whom survive him. They are Mrs. G. [odfrey] M. [aynard] Levy [Stella] of Chicago, Ill., and Otho H. Rockwell, of this city. His wife also survives.

The funeral will be held Tuesday afternoon at 1 o'clock from the home at the corner of Walnut and Mills streets in this city and following the services the body will be taken to Afton on No. 4, and burial will be made in Greenlawn cemetery there. Rev. O. W. Winter, pastor of the Christian church of this city, will be in charge of the services.

Mr. and Mrs. G. [odfrey] M. [aynard] Levy, of Chicago, and Mr. and Mrs. G. L. Moore, of Ft. Smith, Arkansas, arrived in the city today for the funeral.

[Rockwell, Isabella Miller]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday      February 12, 1903     [p. 1]

Funeral Notice.

Died at the home of her son, R. [obert] B. [ruce] Rockwell, in Bedford, February 9, 1903, at 1:30 p. m., Isabella [Miller] Rockwell, aged 92 years, 11 months and 18 days. Funeral services were held at the Christian church at 10 o'clock a. m Wednesday, conducted by Elder Lee Ferguson. Interment in Platteville cemetery.

[Rockwell, Isabella Miller]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday     February 12, 1903     p. 3

Funeral Notice

From Monday's Daily

Died, at the home of her son, R. [obert] B. [ruce] Rockwell in Bedford, Iowa, Feb. 9, 1903, at 1:30 p. m., Isabella [Miller] Rockwell, aged 92 years, 11 months and 18 days.

Funeral services will be held at the Christian Church at 10 o'clock a. m., Wednesday, Feb. 11, 1903; the services will be conducted by Elder Lee Ferguson. Interment in the Platteville cemetery.

Deceased had been an invalid for several years, but only during the last month was she helpless. She was perhaps the oldest person in Taylor County.

[Rockwell, Isabella Miller]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday     February 12, 1903     p. 4

OLD RESIDENT gone

After Breasting Life's Storms For Half a Century, Isabella Rockwell Passes to The Other Shore.

From Wednesday's Daily

Isabella Rockwell has gone to her reward. The funeral services were held this morning at 10 o'clock at the Christian church, Elder Lee Ferguson officiating. Interment occurred in the Platteville cemetery.

Obituary

Isabella Miller was born in Lycoming County, Pa., Feb. 21, 1810, and was married to Hiram Rockwell in 1833, and to them was born ten children, three boys and 7 girls. Two sons and three daughters are still living. In 1838 she moved with her family to Jefferson county, Ohio, remaining there until the spring of 1855 when with the family she moved to Scott county, Indiana. In the fall of 1860 [she] came to Taylor County where she has lived almost continuously to the time of her death. Her husband died at Bedford in 1862.

[Rockwell, Otho H.]

Bedford Free Press

Tuesday      January 20, 1914     [p. 1]

MEETS DEATH BY BEING CRUSHED BY ENGINE

Otho H. Rockwell, son of Hiram Rockwell, and a nephew of Robert [Bruce] Rockwell of this city was crushed to death by an engine in the South Omaha yards Thursday evening. Rockwell was a brakeman on a freight between Creston and Omaha, his home being in Creston.

He lived nearly an hour after the accident. The remains were brought to Creston Friday night where they awaited the arrival of the mother who was visiting In Ft. Smith, Ark., at the time of "the accident. The only other member of the family, a married sister, lives in Chicago.

Funeral services were held at the home in Creston Monday and interment took place in the cemetery at Afton, where the father is buried. Mrs. Ursula Vosburg of this city, a cousin of the deceased, attended the funeral returning yesterday afternoon.

 

[Rockwell, Otho H.]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday      January 22, 1914      [p. 1]

OTHO ROCKWELL KILLED

Meets Death Under Engine In the South Omaha Yards

Otho B. [H.] Rockwell, nephew of Robert Rockwell, was killed Thursday night while employed as a brakeman by being run over by an engine in the South Omaha yards. His home was in Creston and his remains were taken there for funeral services and to Afton for burial. Mrs. Ursula [Jane] Vosburg of Bedford attended the funeral, returning yesterday to her home in Bedford.

[ROCKWELL, OTHO H.]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Tuesday, January 20, 1914
Mrs. Mary Crawford of Forest City stopped here Monday afternoon on her way home from attending the funeral of her cousin, Otho Rockwell at Creston, and will visit a day or two with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. R. [obert] B. [ruce] Rockwell.

[Rockwell, Robert “Robbie”]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday     August 22, 1895     p. 2

Mrs. Robt. Rockwell went to Creston Tuesday to attend the funeral of a little nephew, a son of Hiram Rockwell.

[Rockwell, Robert “Robbie”]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday     August 22, 1895     p. 2

Robbie Rockwell, aged 11 years and eight months, son of Mr. and Mrs. Hiram Rockwell [Sarah Husband], died at 11 o'clock last evening at the home of his parents on north Vine Street. The little one was a cripple and had been sick for some time. Funeral services will be held to-morrow, at 12:30 at the residence, and the remains will be taken to Afton on No. 4 for interment. The afflicted parents have the sympathy of the community. Creston Advertiser, August 20

[Rockwell, Robert Bruce]

Bedford Free Press

Tuesday      September 1, 1914      [p. 1]

Robert Rockwell Dies

Robert [Bruce] Rockwell died at his home this morning at 6 o'clock. No funeral arrangements have yet been made.

[Rockwell, Robert Bruce]

Bedford Free Press

Tuesday      September 8, 1914       [p. 1]

OBITUARY

R. B. Rockwell

R. B. Rockwell died at his home shortly after six o'clock Tuesday morning after several weeks confinement to his home. Funeral services were held from the Presbyterian Church Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock, conducted by the pastor, Rev. John Currie. Interment was in the cemetery at Lexington where the other members of his family are buried.

Robert Bruce Rockwell was born April 22, 1836, in Bradford county, Pennsylvania. Two years later the family moved to Ohio, thence to Indiana. In 1860 he came to Taylor County. August 5, 1861, he enlisted in Company K of the Fourth Iowa Volunteer infantry. While home on a furlough in July 1863, he was married to [Waity] Jane Ballou in Bedford. He was discharged from the military service August 20, 1864, at Davenport, Iowa.

Mr. and Mrs. Rockwell were the parents of nine children, five dying in early childhood. Two daughters, Mrs. Pink Daugherty and Mrs. Ruth Trotter, also preceded their father in death. Surviving are Mrs. Rockwell, two daughters, Mrs. Mary [Isabel] Crawford of Forest City, Mo., and Mrs. Ursula [Jane] Vosburg of Bedford; one sister, Mrs. Matilda Hornbeck; ten grandchildren, and one great grandchild.

After the war Mr. Rockwell settled in Bedford, which has been his residence ever since. Most of the time, until enfeebled by age and weaknesses incurred while in military service, he has been engaged in the drug business, for many years being in partnership with Charles Nelson. In his younger manhood he took an active part in politics, and at different times held political office. He was a prominent Mason and one of the most devoted members and regular attendants of the lodge here until a few months ago.

[Rockwell, Robert Bruce]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday      September 3, 1914      [p. 1]

ROBERT ROCKWELL CALLED BY DEATH

More Than Half-Century Resident of Bedford—Goes From Here to Civil War.

Long Engaged in Drug Business, an Associate of Charles Nelson in Business

Robert B. [ruce] Rockwell, for more than half a century a resident of Bedford, died at his home here at 6 o'clock Tuesday morning, after an illness through which he lingered practically all summer. Funeral services were held at 2 o'clock this afternoon at the First Presbyterian church, conducted by Rev. John A. Currie, the pastor. Mr. Rockwell was 78 years of age.

Robert Bruce Rockwell was born April 22, 1836, in Bradford county, Pennsylvania. Two years later the family moved to Ohio, thence to Indiana. In 1860 he came to Taylor County. August 5, 1861, he enlisted in Company K of the Fourth Iowa volunteer infantry. While home on a furlough in July 1863, he was married to [Waity] Jane Ballou in Bedford. He was discharged from the military service August 20, 1864, at Davenport, Iowa.

Mr. and Mrs. Rockwell were the parents of nine children, five dying in early childhood. Two daughters, Mrs. Pink Daugherty [Cyrena] and Mrs. Ruth Trotter, also preceded their father in death. Surviving are Mrs. Rockwell and two daughters, Mrs. Mary Crawford of Forest City, Mo., and Mrs. Sula [Ursula] Vosburg of Bedford; one sister, Mrs. Matilda Hornbeck; ten grandchildren, and one great grandchild.

Practically all of Mr. Rockwell's years of activity were devoted to the drug business, his associate having been C. N. Nelson. Army life left Mr. Rockwell with physical weaknesses, from which he never recovered. He always took an active interest in public affairs. He was a member of the A. F. and A. M. and until the last year, when handicapped by his physical condition, was a devoted and regular attendant, notwithstanding his advanced age.

 

[Rockwell, Waity Jane Ballou]

Bedford Free Press

Wednesday     May 8, 1918     [p. 1]

Obituary Mrs. J. W. Rockwell.

Mrs. W. [aity] J. [ane Ballou] Rockwell passed away at her home in Bedford, Monday May 6. Mrs. Rockwell was one of Bedford's oldest and most valued citizens, being a resident here since 1860. The funeral service was held at the Presbyterian Church, Wednesday afternoon at 2:30, conducted by Rev. J. A. Currie. Interment was made in the Lexington cemetery.

Mrs. W. [aity] Jane Ballou was born at Norwich, N. Y. January 14, 1836. Her mother died when she was six years old and she grew to young womanhood in the home of her grandparents.

She came to Iowa in 1859 and since 1860 has been a resident of Bedford. On July 29, 1863 she was united in marriage with Robt. B. [ruce] Rockwell. To this union nine children were born, five of whom died in infancy. Two daughters also preceded their mother in death after they had established homes of their own, Mrs. Pink Dougherty of Bedford and Ruth Trotter of Baltimore, Ind.

Mr. Rockwell passed away September 1, 1914.

Mrs. Rockwell was of Quaker ancestry and preferred to live a simple, kindly life, after the manner of these devoted people.

She became a member of the Bedford Presbyterian Church about twenty-eight years ago and was a faithful and devoted worker as long as her health permitted such activities.

She will long be remembered for her ministry to the sick. Her great delight was to run on errands of sympathy and kindness unmindful of herself or of any reward or appreciation. She was especially proud of her grandchildren who were serving the interests of humanity, one as a missionary in Japan and two in France defending the liberties of mankind. After an illness of several months, she passed away, May 6, 1918 at 5:15 p. m., aged 81 years, 3 months, and 12 days. She is survived by two brothers, Geo. Ballou of Blockton and Richard Ballou of Bedford; two daughters, Mrs. Mary R. Crawford of Forest City, Mo., and Mrs. Sula [Ursula Jane] Vosburg of Bedford; ten grandchildren, four great grandchildren and a host of friends.

[The same obituary was printed in the Bedford Times-Republican, May 9, 1918, p. 1.]

[ROCKWELL, WAITY JANE BALLOU]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Wednesday, May 15, 1918
To Home in Forest City – Mrs. William Crawford returned to her home in Forest City, Mo. Saturday afternoon. She was called to Bedford by the death of her mother, Mrs. R. B. Rockwell.

[Sinclair, James Lee]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     June 30, 1960     p. 4

Lee Sinclair, 72, Died In Nebraska

Lee Sinclair, 72, remembered especially in the Siam vicinity, died at veterans’ hospital in Lincoln, Nebr., Saturday as a result of an asthmatic condition, from which he had suffered several years.

Funeral services were Monday at Hopkins and burial at Clarinda. His wife died in 1914.

James Lee Sinclair, son of William D. and Hannah Cowder Sinclair, was born July 1, 1887 at Nettleton, Mo., and passed away at the age of 72 years, 11 months, 24 days.

He moved in childhood with his parents to southern Iowa. Later he went to Idaho, where he was married to Anna Marilla Shields, daughter of Joseph and Amelia Shields of Siam, on Dec. 31, 1907. They established their home in Idaho, where his wife died on March 16, 1914. He brought his wife to Iowa for burial and remained in Iowa for a time. Later he returned to Idaho, where he disposed of his farm and established his home in Fairbury, Nebr., until it was necessary for him to enter the Veterans hospital on account of failing health.

He enlisted in the army May 4, 1918, serving until his discharge on Jan. 12, 1919.

He was the last of his family, his father, mother, brothers and sisters preceding him in death.

[Note:  He is buried in Siam Cemetery, Polk Township, southwest of Bedford, Taylor County, Iowa, not Clarinda Cemetery in Page County, Iowa.]