Obituaries
submitted by: Julia Johnson - julia.johnson63@gmail.com
 
 
[Burwell, Ellen Elizabeth Henninger]

Gravity Independent

Thursday      June 1, 1939     p. 2

Mrs. Lon Burwell Passes Away

Word was received here Monday evening of the death of Mrs. Lon [Alonzo William] Burwell [Ellen Elizabeth Henniger] at here home at Albany, Oregon. The body will arrive here Saturday. The burial will be at two o'clock Saturday afternoon with a short service at the graveside in the cemetery. The Rev. Biggerstaff will conduct the cemetery service.

[Clark, Elsie Dollie Beemer]

Gravity Independent

Thursday       February 13, 1936     [p. 1]

Elsie Clark Dies In Texas

Mrs. Elsie [Dollie] Clark, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Judson Beemer, and sister of George, Seal and Sim Beemer and Mrs. N. [Norton] B. [yrd] Morrison [Seena Mae] of this place, died February 5th, at a sanitarium in Plainview, Texas, according to word received by relatives recently. She died of erysipelas and was buried at Lazbuddie, Texas.

[Clary, James Edward “Ed”]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     July 10, 1941      p. 5

Mrs. Oren Clary of South Haven, Kans., visited with friends in Bedford last week and also with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. George Reed near Blockton. Mrs. Clary is the former Miss Wilma Reed. She accompanied Mr. and Mrs. [Alvin] Kyle Clary here to attend the funeral services for his father, J. [ames] E. [dward] Clary. They returned to their homes Saturday.

[Crain, David Arthur]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    January 26, 1939     p. 5

Dave Crain, Former Hopkins Man, Dies

Dave [Arthur] Crain, who some 35 years ago owned and operated a barbershop in Hopkins, died this week at his home in Warrensburg, Mo., following a long illness. He was about 71 years of age.

His first wife was Miss Ella Mendenhall of Hopkins, who died several years ago. He is survived by his second wife and a number of other relatives, including Mrs. Charley Miller, a half sister, and Clyde Olmsted, a nephew, both of near Hopkins.

Funeral services will be held at 1 o'clock Friday afternoon, Jan. 27 at the Swanson Funeral Home in Hopkins, conducted by Rev. Paul Barton, pastor of the Methodist church. Burial will be in the Shearer cemetery.

[Dutton, Ezekiel Talbert]

Gravity Independent

Thursday     August 29, 1935     p. 3

Obituary—E. T. Dutton

Ezekial [Ezekiel] Talbert Dutton, son of George H. [enry] and Mary Jane [Cole] Dutton, was born in Wisconsin, May 29, 1867, and departed this life August 23, 1935, in the University hospital at Iowa City, at the age of 67 years, two months and 25 days.

He was one of a family of nine children, five of whom are living and three proceeded him in death. He moved with his parents to Iowa when a small boy where he grew to manhood.

On April 11, 1910, he was married to Mattie Williamson of Nebraska City, Nebr. and they lived on a farm near Bartlett, Iowa for several years. The last two years of his life he made his home in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Those of his immediate family who survive him are: his wife, two sisters and three brothers. They are: Mrs. Hettie Henry of Glenwood, Iowa; [John] Elmer Dutton, Gravity; Mrs. Zula [Artie] Marsh, New Market; Vert B. Dutton, Shawnee, Oklahoma; Morey [Alvin] Dutton, Manderson, Wyoming.

He was a patient sufferer, a good neighbor, a kind husband and brother.

The funeral service was held here at 2:30 Monday afternoon from the M. E. church, conducted by the pastor, Rev. L. W. Nixon. The music was by a mixed quartet composed of Georgina Francis, Leoma Walker, George Roberts and J. S Francis, with Carol Brown as accompanist.

The pallbearers were: L. A. Coy, Roy Walker, Tom Young, Harley Nickle, Frank Fleming and Robert Akers.

Interment was in the Gravity cemetery.

[Firkins, Alonzo]

Gravity Independent

Thursday    May 4, 1939     [p. 1]

Alonzo Firkins

Alonzo Firkins, 91, died early Saturday morning after a long illness at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Harry [Josiah] Crowell [Inice Mae] of Lenox. Surviving him are six daughters and one son: Mrs. Harry Shipley [Winifred] of Nodaway; Mrs. Nellie Van Alstine and Mrs. Wes Richards [Myrtle] of Corning; Mrs. Chas. Rogers [Rose] of Indianola; Mrs. Lewis Huss [Mary Jane] of Gravity; Mrs. Harry Crowell of Lenox and Clinton Firkins of Nodaway. There are also 26 grandchildren; 30 great grandchildren; and six great great grandchildren and two sisters, Mrs. Sidney Murray, 90,of Oneida, Illinois; and Mrs. Elizabeth Wilmont, 96, of Galesburg, Illinois. Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon in the Iveyville church, with the Rev. Hegee, minister of the Christian church at Lenox officiating. Burial was at Prairie Rose cemetery.

[Firkins, Alonzo]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     May 4, 1939    p. 3

GRAVITY

Lonzo Firkins Dies

[A] Lonzo Firkins, father of Mrs. Lewis Huss [Mary Jane], was buried at the Prairie Rose cemetery Sunday afternoon. The funeral services were at the Fairview church.

[Firkins, Mary Jane Mayo]

Adams County Free Press (Corning, Iowa)

September 13, 1905     p. 7

Obituary

Mary Jane Mayo was born in Knox County, Illinois, September 17, 1847, where she spent her girlhood boys. During this time in 1866, she was married to Alonzo Firkins, and to this union were born eight children, all of whom are living, except the youngest, Ruby Gertrude, who preceded her mother to the heavenly land ten years ago. Mrs. Firkins was converted at the early age of sixteen years and joined the Baptist church. She, together with her husband and two oldest children, moved from Illinois in 1875, coming to Iowa and settling in Holt Township. She united with the Methodist church at Iveyville during the revival services held by Miss Phillips some ten years ago. In all the varied scenes of life through which she passed she was true to her God, remaining faithful until her death. Her children all had the supreme pleasure of ministering to her wants and making her as comfortable as it was possible for her to be, during her prolonged illness.

Mrs. Firkins died on Sunday, September 10, 1905, surrounded by her family, whom she bade goodbye in an affectionate manner. The funeral obsequies were held in the Iveyville church on Monday of this week, Rev. Mr. Flickinger officiating, and interment was made in the Prairie Rose cemetery. Beside the husband the following children survive this good lady: [Mary] Jane, Inice and Winnie, at home; Mrs. Myrtle Richards, Mrs. Nellie Van Alstine, Clinton T. Firkins and Mrs. Rose Rogers.

[Firkins, Ruby Gertrude]

Taylor County Democrat

Thursday     September 6, 1894      [p. 1]

leonard

Mr. and Mrs. A. Firkins' infant daughter [Ruby Gertrude] died at the home residence on Wednesday evening, August 29, 1894, aged about 19 months. She had been an invalid all her short life and had suffered greatly until God saw fit to end her sufferings and take her unto himself. Rev. E. C. Pratt preached the funeral sermon at the Iveyville church and she was laid away to rest in the Prairie Rose cemetery. The family has the sympathy of their many friends.

[Humphrey, Elmer Evert]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday      January 26, 1939     p. 7

GRAVITY

Former Resident Dies

Elmer [Evert] Humphrey died suddenly, Tuesday, Jan. 16 at his home in Nebraska City. His sister, Mrs. Clyde Damewood and husband, went there immediately. His brother, W. [illiam] H. [enry] Humphrey and daughter, Mrs. Levi Kernen attended the funeral services, which were held Thursday, Jan. 19.

[Humphrey, Elmer Evert]

Gravity Independent

Thursday     January 26, 1939     [p. 1]

Elmer Evert Humphery

Elmer Evert Humphrey son of Mary [Elizabeth Barnes] and Edward [Montgomery] Humphrey was born near Corning, Iowa, May 11, 1886 and passed away at his home in Nebraska City, Nebraska, January 17, 1939; age 52 years, 8 months and 6 days. He was united in marriage to Hattie Campbell in 1912. To this union two sons were born, Loran and Marvin. Loran passed away in May 1936.

In 1938 he was united in marriage to Mrs. Margaret Brown. He leaves his wife and one son, six brothers and one sister: Will, Gravity; Edd of Corning; Frank, John and James of Greeley, Colo.; Clarence of Otis, Colorado; and Mrs. Blanche Damewood of Conway, Iowa.  He was a kind husband and father and will be greatly missed in the home.

Those who went from here to Nebraska City Thursday to attend the funeral were: Mr. and Mrs. Vane Lucas and Mrs. Blythe Lucas all of Bedford, Clyde Damewood, W. H. Humphrey and Oren Price. Mrs. Clyde Damewood returned home with them.

[Note: His World War I Draft Registration Card gives his birth date as May 15, 1888.]

[Humphrey, Loren]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    June 4, 1936     p. 2

gravity

Attend Funeral

Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Damewood, daughter Doris, William Humphrey, Mr. and Mrs. Wade Nelson and Mrs. Levi Kernen went to Nebraska City Saturday and attended funeral services for Loren Humphrey, 19, who died of [rest of sentence missing]. [He was a] son of Elmer Humphrey.

[Nevius, Floyd Elsworth]

Gravity Independent

Thursday      April 27, 1939     [p. 1]

Floyd Nevius

Floyd Nevius of Fremont, Nebraska, died suddenly early Tuesday morning of last week, from a heart attack in front of a service station in Fremont. The funeral was held Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock.

He was born October 29, 1885 in Page County, Iowa. He attended the agricultural college at Ames, Iowa, and on September 7, 1909, married Miss Retta Moore at Bedford, Iowa, He was a member of the Methodist church.

Surviving him are Mrs. Nevius, three sons, Paul of Scribner, Nebraska; Carrol J. and Floyd Dean of Fremont; a daughter, Mrs. Bert Wagner of Fremont; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. [ohn] S. Nevius of Bedford; two sisters, Mrs. P. [ink] J. Gold [Vera] of Bedford and Mrs. Clyde Perkins [Kate], Sidney; and two brothers, Guy Nevius of Hamburg and Carl of Council Bluffs; and three grandchildren. Burial was in the Fremont cemetery.

[Nevius, Floyd Elsworth]

Gravity Independent

Thursday      April 27, 1939     p. 3

Those attending the funeral of Floyd Nevius at Fremont, Nebraska, last Wednesday were: Mr. and Mrs. John Nevius, Mrs. Pink Gold and W. J. Nevius all of Bedford; Bay Walker, Darrell Moore and wife; Beth Moore; F. A. Batten and wife; Mrs. A. C. Beery, Mrs. George Crawford and son, Wade. Mrs. Batten remained with her sister, returning home Sunday.

[Nevius, Floyd Elsworth]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    April 20, 1939     [p 1]

Floyd Nevius Dies in Fremont, Nebr.

Floyd Nevius, 51 son of Mr. and Mrs. John S. [earl] Nevius of Bedford, died suddenly while on his way to work Tuesday morning in Fremont, Nebr. The funeral services were held in Fremont Wednesday afternoon and burial was made there. Mr. and Mrs. Nevius and their daughter, Mrs. Pink Gold, went to Fremont Tuesday called by the death. W. J. Nevius of Bedford, Ray Walker, F. A. Batten, Mr. and Mrs. Darrell Moore of Gravity and the George Crawford family of New Market attended the funeral services Wednesday. Mrs. Nevius is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Moore of Gravity.

[Nevius, Floyd Elsworth]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    April 27, 1939     p. 8

FLOYD E. NEVIUS

Floyd E. [lsworth] Nevius, son of Mr. and Mrs. John S. [earl] Nevius of Bedford, was born Oct. 29, 1887 in Page county, Iowa, and dropped dead about 7 o'clock the morning of Monday, April 17 as he was on his way to work in Fremont, Nebr. He ate a hearty breakfast at his home and had not complained of being ill, his death apparently being due to a heart attack.

The funeral services were held at the Methodist church in Fremont, of which he was a member, Wednesday afternoon, April 19, conducted by Dr. Paul Philipp.  Burial was in Fremont Memorial Park cemetery.

Mr. Nevius moved with his parents to Gravity, Taylor County, Iowa at an early age and grew to manhood there. He attended Iowa State College when a young man.

He was married to [Emma Loretta] Retta Moore of Gravity at Bedford, Sept. 7, 1909. After farming near Gravity for three years they moved to Fremont in 1912, where he was employed by the Union Transfer, Chicago & North Western railroad and as engineer at the city ice plant.

Surviving are his wife, three sons, Paul Nevius of Scribner, Nebr., Carroll J. Nevius and Floyd Jean Nevius of Fremont, Nebr., and one daughter, Mrs. Bert Wagner [Dorotha] of Fremont. Also by his parents of Bedford; two sisters, Mrs. P. [ink] J. Gold [Vera] of Bedford and Mrs. Clyde Perkins [Kate] of Sidney, Iowa; by two brothers, Guy Nevius of Hamburg, Iowa, and Dr. Carl Nevius of Council Bluffs; and by three grandchildren.

[Nevius, John Searl]

Taylor County Herald

Thursday    May 28, 1942    [p. 1]

Heart Attack Is Fatal to J. S. Nevius

A heart attack sustained on Main Street shortly after eleven o'clock Saturday morning, proved fatal to John S. [earl] Nevius, 76-year-old retired Bedford mayor.

Active in civic life for many years, Mr. Nevius only this year retired from city office after he announced he would not again seek the mayoralty. He had continued to manage his insurance agency and had only recently been named a Justice of the Peace.

Surviving are his widow; two daughters, Mrs. Kate Perkins of Sidney and Mrs. Vera Gold of Gravity; two sons, Carl [Walker] Nevius who is stationed with the U. S. Army at Harrisburg, Pa., and Guy [Edwin] Nevius, of Bassett, Nebr.

He also leaves two brothers, Jason Nevius of Bedford and B. [rown] B. [oman] Nevius of Aurora, Colo., and a half-brother, George Nevius of Clarinda together with a sister, Mrs. Barbara Reid of Council Bluffs, seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

Funeral services were Wednesday afternoon at two 'o'clock from the chapel of the Wetmore Funeral Home with the Rev. O. H. Hallgrimson In charge of the rites. Interment was in the Gravity cemetery.

[Nevius, John Searl]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     May 28, 1942     [p. 1]

J. S. NEVIUS DROPS DEAD

Death Came Saturday Morning; Burial Wednesday

John S. Nevius, 76, of this city, dropped dead on the street here Saturday forenoon about 11:30 o'clock. He had been in his usual health and had been about town all morning, visiting with friends and attending to business matters. He had just turned to walk away from Kenneth Shields with whom he had been talking when he fell to the sidewalk in front of the

Fuller-Taylor store.

Dr. Hardin and Dr. Rimel both arrived right away to administer aid but death had come almost instantly. News of the death was a distinct shock to citizens of the town and country. He was well and favorably known, having been active in public affairs of the county and city for a number of years, serving as clerk of the courts and deputy clerk for a number of years, county chairman of the Republican party for a time, mayor of the city for several terms, receiver of Crum & Dinges Investment Co., and active in the insurance, real estate and loan business at the time of his death.

The funeral services were held at the Wetmore Funeral Home Wednesday afternoon, conducted by Rev. O. H. Hallgrimson, assisted by Rev. A. Douglass Steffenson. Burial was made in the Gravity cemetery, the I.O.O.F. burial service being given at the grave.

Obituary read at the service was as follows:

John Searl Nevius, son of Rossetta [Rosetta Searl] and William [Helms] Nevius, was born January 9, 1866 in Linn County, Kans., and passed away in Bedford, Iowa May 23, 1942 at the age of 76 years, 4 months and 14 days.

At an early age he moved with his parents from Kansas to Page county, Iowa, where he grew to manhood.

He was married to Miss Fanny Walker, January 24, 1887 at Clarinda, Iowa. Five children were born to them, four of whom are living and mourn the passing of their father: Mrs. Pink Gold of Gravity, Mrs. Clyde Perkins of Sidney, Guy [Edwin] Nevius of Bassett, Nebraska, and Major Carl [Walker] Nevius of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Nevius passed away at her home in Bedford July 26, 1940. A son Floyd died several years ago.

On October 1, 1941 he was married to Mrs. Nelle Moneyhan [Monahan] in Omaha, Nebraska.

He is also survived by three brothers: [William] Jason Nevius of Bedford, George Nevius of Clarinda and B. [rown] B. [oman] Nevius of Aurora, Colorado; and one sister, Mrs. Barbara Aiken of Council Bluffs; a number of grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Mr. Nevius moved to Bedford from a farm near Gravity 29 years ago when he became Clerk of the Courts of Taylor County, an office which he held for two terms. He served as Bedford's able Mayor for fourteen years. As a member of the Methodist church he adhered faithfully to its fundamental principles and was a good Christian steward. He held a number of official positions in the church.

Mr. Nevius will be greatly missed by his many friends.

[Oxley, Frank Pulaski]

Gravity Independent

Thursday     December 29, 1938    [p. 1]

Frank Oxley

Frank Pulaska [Pulaski], son of Ethan and Dinore [Asenath Elnora] Oxley, was born two miles south of Siam, in Taylor county, Iowa, January 13, 1868, and departed this life at his home three and one-half miles southeast of Guss December 20, 1938, less than a month of being 71 years of age.

He was one of a family of twelve children, of whom only four survive him. He grew to manhood in the Siam community.

On August 29, 1893, he was united in marriage to Amanda Eggers. To this union two sons were born who with their families mourn his death. Glenn, the older son and his wife Hazel are the parents of five children: Pauline, Vesta, Lowell, Audrey and Lloyd. [Ethan] Leon, the younger son and his wife Mable are the parents of two children: Freda and Paul.

"Frank," as he was familiarly called, resided almost forty-five years on the farm home where he died. During the years he placed the present improvements. He was a progressive farmer, an honorable citizen, a good neighbor, and devoted to his family. He was a patient sufferer during the last several weeks of his life. All that loving hands and medical care could do did not avail to restore him to health.

Besides his wife, two sons and their families, he leaves three sisters and one brother: Laura Hazon [Hazen], of Wayne, Kansas; Myrtle Hanks, Backus, Minnesota; Eutokia Hanks, Eugene, Oregon, and Abraham Oxley of Hopkins, Missouri.

Funeral services were conducted at the Guss Methodist church Friday afternoon at 1:30 by pastor Rev. E. B. Stewart. Music was by Sharpsburg mixed quartette composed of Mrs. Bessie Underwood, Mr. and Mrs. George Rutledge, Lou Cundy; accompanist, Mrs. Jennie Eno, sang: "Blessed Assurance," "No Tears In Paradise" and "Sweet Hour of Prayer."

Pall bearers (all nephews—5 Oxleys): Frank, Jr., George, Mahlon, Herbert, Willis; and one Harris nephew—Thomas Harris.

Burial was at Shears [Shearer] cemetery southwest of Siam, where the bodies of many other relatives were laid to rest.

[Note: The same obituary was printed in the Bedford Times-Press, December 29, 1938, page 8.]

[Oxley, Frank Pulaski]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     December 29, 1938     p. 3

SIAM

Former Resident Succumbs

Frank Oxley, brother of Abe Oxley and brother-in-law of Mrs. Rilda Oxley of Siam, who passed away at his home near Guss Tuesday, Dec. 20, was buried Friday, Dec. 23 in the Shearer cemetery. Mr. Oxley was born and grew to manhood at Siam and has many friends who are grieved by his death.

[Oxley, Frank Pulaski]

Gravity Independent

Thursday     December 29, 1938    [p. 1]

Oxley Funeral Friday

The Frank Oxley funeral was held in the church at Guss Friday afternoon, and the body was taken to the cemetery near Siam for interment.

Mr. Oxley had been in very poor health for a long time and his death occurred Tuesday at noon. He has lived in the northwest part of Taylor county for many years. He is survived by Mrs. Oxley, and two sons, Glen and Leon. Also a brother of Bedford, and three sisters. Mr. Oxley was 70 years old at the time of his death.

[Robinson, Clara Mearle Neville]

Gravity Independent

Thursday      December 20, 1934    [p. 1]

Mrs. Clarence Robinson

Clara Mearle Neville, daughter of Samuel [Elliot] and [Clara] Etta [Dutton] Neville, was born in Gravity, Iowa, October 30,1893 and died December 16, 1934 at her home northwest of Gravity, age 41 years, 1 month and 15 days.

On December 29, 1915 she was married to Clarence [Arthur] Robinson. To this union, two children were born Inez Geraldine and Edwin Dale.

She had always lived in and near Gravity. In early girlhood she united with the Christian church in Gravity and has since lived a consistent, Christian life. She was modest in her mode of living, yet she was a home builder and devoted her life to her family. She also made a place in the hearts of her friends.

She has been in failing health for several years. The past summer she developed T. B. and was sent to the Oakdale sanatorium. Just four weeks ago she was brought home where her loved ones and her friends did all they could to relieve her of her suffering. She told her family and friends she was ready to go.

She leaves to mourn her death besides her husband and two children, two sisters— Mrs. Hazel Barrenger of Clarinda, and Mrs. Lila Parks of near Gravity; two brothers – Elmer Neville of Elba, Colorado, and Floyd Neville of Gravity, and a host of friends.

The funeral service was held in the M. E. church here Monday, conducted by Rev. Nixon. The pallbearers were, Merle Allen, Leland Morgan, Jesse McColm, Earl Morgan, Fred Thomas, and Chauncey Moore. Interment was made in the Gravity cemetery.

[Weller, Sarah Ann Abigail Huss Guss]

Gravity Independent

Thursday     August 29, 1935     [p. 1]

Mrs. J. N. Weller, 73, Formerly of Guss, Dies in California

Mrs. J. [ames] N. [orman] Weller, for many years a resident of the Guss vicinity, died Thursday of last week at her home near Morgan Hill, Cali., her death resulting from influenza and a slight stroke of paralysis. She was ill six weeks.

Sarah A. [nn Abigail] Huss was born in Johnson County, Iowa, Sept. 19, 1861, and was 73 years old at her death. She was the last one of a family of eleven children.

She was married May 1, 1888, to Chas. F. [remont] Guss, and he preceded her in death on Jan. 17, 1901. To this union were born five children, two of whom died in infancy.

On March 12, 1902, Mrs. Guss was married to Jas. N. [orman] Weller and they have lived four years on a farm at Guss. Twenty-five years ago they went to Morgan Hill, California, to make their home, and Mr. Weller died there April 9, 1932.

Children and stepchildren surviving Mrs. Weller are Mrs. Grace [Estelle] Ralston, Harris, Iowa, Alta F. [aye] Guss, Morgan Hill, California, Ira F.[remont] Guss, Bay City, Michigan; Wm. A. Weller, Villisca; Fred Weller, Ida Grove, Iowa; Mrs. Nellie [Emma] Crumb and Herbert A. [lvin] Weller, Billings, Montana; and Lawrence E. [dgar] Weller, San Martin, California. There are also fourteen grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

Mrs. Weller was a member of the Methodist church, joining that organization in her childhood. Her body accompanied by her daughter, Alta F. [aye] Guss, arrived in Villisca Monday night and was taken to the Sutphen funeral chapel where it remained until Tuesday morning when it was taken to the Wm.  A. Weller home southeast of Villisca.

Funeral services were held Tuesday at 2:30 p. m. in the Methodist church at Guss, conducted by the Rev. L. B. Carpenter. Singing was by Mrs. Bell Brown of near New Market. Among those from a distance who came for the funeral were the Rev. and Mrs. John Ralston and three children of Harris, Iowa, and Ira A. [Fremont] Guss, wife and two children of Bay City, Michigan.