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

[Brown, Ilo Morgan]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday      December 20, 1984      p. 7

Services held in Omaha for Ilo Morgan Brown

Services for Ilo Morgan Brown, 76, were held December 8, in Omaha, Ne. Mr. Brown died Dec. 5, 1984 at Emmanuel Hospital in Omaha.

Ilo Morgan Brown, son of George L. [ewis] and [Hazel] Katherine Morgan Brown, was born Sept. 18, 1908 near Platteville, Ia. and grew to maturity in the Platteville-Blockton area. He attended country school, graduated from Blockton High School in 1927 and attended college at Ames for two years.

On Jan. 17, 1942 he was married to Lola Leske of Nebraska City. To them were born two children, James and Katherine.

Ilo and his family lived in Omaha, where he was associated with Ballantyne Co. and later became vice-president.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, two nephews and a brother-in-law. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Lola, son James and his wife, Cathy, his daughter, Katherine and her husband, Charles Peek, three granddaughters, a niece, Viola Besco, a cousin, Hazel Blane, Bedford and several cousins.

[Brown, Margaret Fow]

Bedford Times-Republican

Tuesday      October 17, 1905      p. 5

Old Settler Passes Away

Margarett Fow was born in Philadelphia, Penn., March 18th 1827. Died Oct. 14, 1905, aged 78 years, 11 months and 26 days. In August 1841 was married to Isaac Henry Brown.

In the year of 1855 moved to Taylor county, Iowa, on the homestead where she spent the remainer of her life.

To this union were born ten children, seven still survives her.

Matilda Brown living at Cody, Wyo., Howard and Thomas living at Atwood, Kans., Isaac H. at St. Joseph, Mo., Charles living at Stockton, Kan., Amelia Widner living at Macon, Mo., Francis Marion living on the old home stead 6 miles southeast of Bedford. Her husband died Dec. 19, 1897. In January 1905, she was taken with a cold, which developed into dropsy.

She was a dutiful wife, a kind and loving mother and always ready to help a neighbor. In her last sickness she bore her sufferings patiently. Funeral was held at Platteville Monday, Oct. 16, at 1 p. m. A large procession followed the remains from the home to their last resting place.

[Brown, Mary Sorber]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday January 31, 1901      [p. 1]

Mrs. Mary Brown Dead

Miss Mary Sorber was born in Luzerne Co. Pennsylvania January 28,1812. Died in Bedford Iowa, January 23, 1901, aged 88 years, 11 months, 25 days.

In 1852 she was married to Jacob Brown Jr. in Dubuque Co., Iowa, who died in 1877, leaving the widow and one child, a son who survives both parents.

Mrs. Brown had made her home with her niece, Mrs Geo. Ballou, ever since 1878. She lead a very secluded life, having suffered from deafness for nearly 30 years.

Her friends were few. Her bible and hymn book were her chief delight.  God seemed to have shut out the music and voices of earth  that the music and voices from heaven might become more delightful.

Funeral services were conducted at the late home by Rev. Ware. Interment in Platteville cemetery.

[Note: Marriage date is Sept. 6, 1852.  Marriage place: Dubuque, Dubuque Co., Iowa. Source: Iowa State Marriage Certificate]

 

[Brown, Sylvia Grove Reed Fordyce]

Blockton News

Thursday     August 4, 1932    p. 2

R. W. Brown, of Aurelia, came Thursday morning called here by the death of his mother, Mrs. S. [ylvia] G. [rove] Brown.

Jake Brown and wife, of Ideal, South Dakota, were called here last week by the death of his mother, Mrs. S. [ylvia] G. [rove] Brown.

[BROWN, SYLVIA GROVE REED FORDYCE]
Blockton News (Blockton, Iowa), Thursday, August 4, 1932
R. [inaldo] W. [ade] Brown of Aurelia came Thursday morning called here by the death of his mother, Mrs. S.[ylvia] G. [rove] Brown.
Jake Brown and wife, of Ideal, South Dakota, were called here last week by the death of his mother, Mrs. S. [ylvia] G. [rove] Brown.

[Bruner, James Wallace]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday     July 16, 1925     p. 2

Jas. W. Bruner

(Ashland, Ore., Daily Tidings:)

Funeral services were held yesterday for the late James W. [allace] Bruner, a resident of this city for over twenty years, who died Saturday after a lingering illness. The funeral was attended by his many friends who mourn his passing.

Mr. J. [ames] W. [allace] Bruner was born in Knox County, Illinois, in 1855. He and Mrs. Bruner were married in the state of Missouri in 1877. These two have traveled the way of life together for 48 years. They lived in Iowa for some years. About twenty years ago they came to Ashland and have made this city their home. Mr. Bruner was not only a faithful member of the Methodist church for many years but was a trustee of this church. He discharged all the duties of life faithfully. He is survived by his faithful, devoted wife and three daughters: Mrs. James Yeo and Mrs. Norman Ashcraft [Ethel Clara] of Newport, Oregon, and Miss Hazel Bruner of Ashland.

[Burks, John Alexander]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday     July 16, 1908     p. 3

John [Alexander] Berks [Burks], long a resident of the Platteville neighborhood in former years, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Crow, near Conway, on Monday, and was buried at the Platteville cemetery on Tuesday afternoon. The funeral was held at the East Mission church, Rev. McManus of Bedford conducting the same. The deceased had reached the age of 68 years. His death resulted from dropsical troubles, from which he had suffered much thru many years. — Clearfield Enterprise

[Note:  The last name is spelled Burks on his gravestone.]

[Burks, John Alexander]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday      July 16, 1908      p. 8

Passed from Earth to Heaven.

John [Alexander] Burks [Jr.] passed away at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Jas. Crow, near Conway, Ia., Monday, July 6, 1908. He was 68 years, 6 months and 2 days old. He was born in Kentucky in 1840, and was married to Miss Morgania Propst July 14, 1861. His companion died August 12, 1899, since which time he has been living with his children.

The closing months of his life were those of gradual decline and his illness was borne with great patience; and while his weary feet rested upon earth his wasted hands seemed almost to touch the other shore.

One child—Willie—has gone before; nine remain to mourn him. They are, Charley, of Stanberry, Mo.; D. [aniel] A., of Sheridan, Mo.; Walter, of Bedford; Mrs. Mary Hunter, of Moscow, Idaho; Mrs Belle McNair, of Conway; Mrs. Lillie Crow, of Conway; Mrs Hattie Parks and Mrs. Myrtle Keith, of Gifford, Idaho. All were present at the funeral but Mrs. Parks and Mrs. Keith.

The funeral services were held at East Mission church, Tuesday, July 7th, at 1 o'clock, conducted by Rev. McMasters of the First Baptist church of Bedford, taking as the basis of his remarks t he 49th Psalm and very touchingly and beautifully spoke of the mysteries of life.

The remains were interred beside those of his wife in the Platteville cemetery.

MRS. D. H. BURKS

[BURKS, JOHN ALEXANDER]
Bedford Times-Republican (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, July 9, 1908
The funeral of John Burks was held Tuesday at East Mission conducted by Rev. McMaster. Mr. Burks died at his home in Clayton township Monday, after an illness extending over many months. He is one of the old settlers of the county and leaves nine children, all grown to maturity, besides many other relatives and hundreds of friends to mourn his loss. He was 69 years old at the time of his death.

[Cochrane, Mary Ellen Clark]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday September 9, 1987       [p. 1]

Mrs. Cochrane, Former Resident, Dies

Mrs. W. R. (Mary Ellen) Cochrane, a former resident of Bedford, died at a hospital in Hanford, Calif., Monday, August 30, following a sudden attack of the heart. She had been ill at a hospital for a number of months [and] had been back at her home in Grangeville. The morning of her death her physician noted a change for the worse and removed her to the hospital where the passing occurred about 9 p.m.

Mrs. Cochrane was born in Bluegrass, Muscatine county, Iowa, July 12, 1862. Later she moved to Stuart, Iowa, where at 17 years of age she accepted a position teaching in the local schools.

She was married to W. [illiam] R. Cochrane in the fall of 1880 and for 57 years had been a devoted and happy helpmate. The couple moved to Bedford and later to St. Joseph, Mich., where in both localities she was of great assistance to her husband in the conducting of his newspapers.

In 1907 she and her husband moved to California, first locating in Los Angeles and later in the Sacramento Valley. In 1919 they moved to Hanford, purchasing a ranch near Grangeville.

During her life in that community Mrs. Cochrane made a host of friends. In 1924 she was elected matron of Lucerne Chapter, No. 127, O.E.S. In early girlhood she became a member or the Methodist church, and for years served as organist. In Grangeville she was a prominent member of the Ladies Aid Society.

She is survived by her husband, a son, George Cochrane of Hanford, Calif., two grandsons, Benjamin and Douglas Cochrane of Washington State, and a brother, Dr. J. E. Clark of Los Angeles.

The husband, W. [illiam] R. Cochrane, was at one time editor of the Taylor County Republican in Bedford.

[Cochran, Virtle]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday      September 6, 1900     p. 4

Of Such Is The Kingdom.

Word reached us yesterday of the death of little Virtle Cochran, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Cochran, of Platteville, who died Tuesday, September 4, at 3:30 o'clock p. m. Virtle was a bright, sweet little girl, the joy of her parents home. She was about one year old. We understand the funeral services were conducted by Rev. Carl Brown, of Blockton, yesterday. The remains were buried in the Platteville cemetery.

[Collar, Lucy Night “Lou” Matheny]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday       January 11, 1900      [p. 1]

Platteville Items

Died, at her home in Platteville, Monday morning, at about six o'clock, Mrs. Lou Collar, wife of Wm. Collar. Mrs. Collar has long been a sufferer from ill health, but for the last year had seemed to improve. She leaves a husband, two boys and a girl baby about four weeks old, a father, mother, six brothers, four sisters and a large circle of friends to mourn her loss.

She was about twenty-nine years of age, but in her short life had endeared herself to all who came in contact with her. The funeral was conducted by Woodman camp 5298, of Athelstan, of which Mr. Collar is a member, assisted by Grove camp of Woodman and Royal neighbors.

 

[Matheny, William Wilson]          [Matheny, Ina Belle Johnson]

Blockton News

Thursday      May 5, 1938      [p. 1]

An Unexpected Explosion

Blockton was the scene of one of the most distressing accidents in its history Sunday morning about 5:30 when Mr. and Mrs. W. [illiam] W. [ilson] Matheny received fatal burns in an explosion which occurred in the kitchen of their home. Their daughter, Miss Ida, who was asleep in another room from where the explosion occurred, received severe bums on her hands and arms while extinguishing the flames which enveloped her parents.

Among the first to give aid and assistance to the stricken family were Mr. and Mrs. Ross Ray, Roy Gordon, Jack Schoenmann, Ed Lawrence, L. H. Schoenmann, and others, who extinguished the fire and spread the alarm. Mrs. Ray, who lives across the street, did not even wait to dress but armed with a quilt or blanket smothered the flames in the clothing of her unfortunate neighbors.

The injured family were immediately taken to a Creston hospital, Mrs. Matheny being taken in the H. S. Campbell car, Mr. Matheny in the R. M. Shafer car and Miss Matheny in the E. E. Brown car. Mr. Matheny passed away at 10:30 and Mrs. Matheny at 11:45 Sunday forenoon. The daughter was released from the hospital and allowed to return home in the afternoon.

It seems that Mr. and Mrs. Matheny were both up and Mr. Matheny had made ready to start a fire in the cook stove, placing paper, kindling and wood in their proper order, one stove lid haying not as yet been replaced on the stove. From all appearances and from statements made by Mr Matheny while on the way to the hospital the explosion occurred the moment he struck the match which would indicate that the evaporated fumes or gas from a clothes cleaning fluid (used by many families in cleaning clothing without the least apprehension of the danger when allowed to evaporate from clothing so cleaned in the house) in the closed room caused the explosion when the match was lighted. The force of the explosion broke at least one window in the house.

It was a very regrettable accident, but similar accidents  are occurring somewhere every day.

It was a severe shock to members of the immediate family, and to everyone in the community for that matter.

[Matheny, William Wilson]          [Matheny, Ina Belle Johnson]

Blockton News

Thursday      May 5, 1938      p. 5

Milo Johnson, of Leavenworth, Kansas, came Sunday night called here by the deaths of his sister and brother-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. W. [illiam] W. [ilson] Matheny.

The funeral services for Mr. and Mrs. W. [illiam] W. [ilson] Matheny were largely attended here Tuesday afternoon, many relatives from a distance being present.

[Matheny, William Wilson]          [Matheny, Ina Belle Johnson]

Blockton News

Thursday     May 5, 1938    [p. 1]

Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Matheny

William Wilson Matheny, son of John C. [ollins] and Mary Jane [Maddox] Matheny, was born near Pontiac, Illinois, Nov. 17, 1873, and died at a Creston hospital May 1, 1938, at the age of 64 years, 5 months and 14 days.

He came to Iowa when a boy and settled near Platteville and lived here the remainder of his life.

He united with the Methodist church at Platteville in 1916, and remained faithful until the last.

He leaves 4 sisters, Myrtle, Nettle, Mary, and Latitia, also 4 brothers, Harry, Albert, Daniel, and Arthur. Five other brothers and sisters preceded him in death.

Ina Belle Johnson, daughter of William and Elizabeth Johnson, was born near Blockton April 11, 1875, sand passed away at a Creston hospital May 1, 1938, at the age 63 years, and 20 days.

She was the oldest of a family of eleven children.

She was converted and united with the Platteville Methodist church at an early age and lived a Christian throughout her life.

She leaves to mourn her departure 3 sisters, Ora, Verda and Olive, and 4 brother [s], Alma, Jesse, Charles, and Milo Johnson. One sister and two brothers preceded her in death. One uncle, Samuel Irvin, survives.

Mr. and Mrs. Matheny were united in marriage Dec. 22, 1897. To this union three children ware born: Donald of near Blockton, Ovid Pierce of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Ida Blanche at home.

They leave to mourn their departure besides the three children and brothers and sisters, four grandchildren—Wilma, Cecil, Norma, and Gail; also a host of relatives and friends, who join in heartfelt sympathy for the family in this their hour of sorrow.

Funeral services were held at the Blockton Methodist church Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock, conducted by Rev. W. H. Warrior, and interment was made in the Platteville cemetery.

[Note: The same obituary was printed in the Bedford Times-Press, May 12, 1938, page 6.]

[Matheny, William Wilson]          [Matheny, Ina Belle Johnson]

Blockton News

Thursday      May 12, 1938     p. 5

Among the relatives from a distance attending the funeral of Mr. and Mrs. W.[illiam] W. [ilson] Matheny last week, not mentioned in our last issue, were Lon Nash and wife and Mrs. Audra Crosby, of Hillsdale, Wyoming; Almon Johnson, of Buffalo, Wyoming; Mrs. Myrtle Cubbage, of Holton, Kansas; Chas. Johnson and family, of Des Moines, and Samuel Erwin, Will Murray and wife and John Murray, of Barnard, Kansas.

[MATHENY, WILLIAM WILSON]
Blockton News (Blockton, Iowa), Thursday, May 5, 1938
The funeral services for Mr. and Mrs. W. [illiam] W. [ilson] Matheny were largely attended here Tuesday afternoon, many relatives from a distance being present.
Mrs. Olive Dungy, of near Pattonsburg, Mo., came Sunday afternoon, called here by the deaths of her sister and brother-in-law, W. [illiam] W. [ilson] Matheny and wife.

[McKinzie, William Marion]

Bedford Times-Republican

Monday     October 25, 1920     p. 4

Wm. McKenzie Dead

Wm. McKenzie [McKinzie] one of the old residents of Platteville died at his home Friday and the funeral took place Saturday.

[McKinzie, William Marion]

Blockton News

Thursday     October 28, 1920    [p. 1]

Obituary

Marion William [William Marion] McKinzie was born in Kahoka, Clark County, Mo., May 8, 1849, and passed way at his home in Platteville, Oct. 21, 1920, aged 71 years, 5 months and 13 days.

He was united in marriage to Margaret Jane Pullen July 18, 1869. To this union was born nine children, four of whom preceded him to the beyond. Five children survive him, as follows: Mrs. J. [ames] M. [inor] Lantz, of Bedford; Mrs. Jesse Fulk, of Conway; Hiram E. [lmer] McKinzie of Nevada, Mo.; Fred McKinzie, of Bedford; Frank McKinzie, of Ellendale, North Dakota. Two brothers and one sister also survive him. One brother and one sister reside in California and the other brother in Clark County, Mo. His companion preceded him Feb. 3, 1920.

The funeral services were conducted from the church at Platteville Oct. 23, 1920, by Challie E. Graham, pastor of the Isadora Church of Christ, and the remains laid to rest in the Platteville cemetery.

The many friends extend to the bereaved ones their sympathy, and wish for them the comfort, blessing and guidance of the kind heavenly Father in this time of sorrow. May He conduct them to the tearless land where farewells are never spoken.

[McKinzie, Margaret Jane Pullen]

Blockton News

Thursday      February 5, 1920     [p. 1]

Mrs. William McKenzie Dead

Mrs. William McKenzie passed away at her home at Platteville Tuesday after a several days' illness with pneumonia.

[McKinzie, Margaret Jane Pullen]

Blockton News

Thursday      February 26, 1920      [p. 1]

Obituary

Margaret Jane Cullins [Pullen], wife of W. [illiam] M. [arion] McKinzie, was born in Meggs county, Ohio, March 31, 1850, died Feb. 3, 1920, aged 69 years, 10 months and 2 days.

She came with her parents to Missouri where she grew to womanhood. She was united in marriage to W. [illiam] M. [arion] McKinzie July 18, 1869, in Kahoka, Mo. To this union was born nine children. Four preceded their mother to the life beyond. Her husband and five children survive. They are Hiram A. [Elmer], Nevada, Mo.; Mrs. Fannie Lantz, Bedford; Frank McKinzie, Ellendale, North Dakota; Fred McKinzie, Bedford; Mrs. [Grace] Maude Fulk, Bedford; besides a large circle of friends.

She was converted at the age of 16 and united with the Methodist church. She continued to hold a strong faith in her Savior. Her devotion to her family and friends was evidenced by her kindly spirit and faithful service. She was a devoted wife, faithful mother; her faith bore her on over the river and she rests in peace with her Savior.

Interment was made in the Platteville cemetery.

Memorial services will be held later by the writer. Our sympathies go out to the husband, children and friends.

J. W. Harwood

[Merriman, Carl H.]

Blockton News

Thursday     March 24, 1927    [p. 1]

Obituary

Carl H. Merriman, son of Solomon and Mary [Ellen Reiger] Merriman, was born in Jones County, Iowa, November 11, 1868, and died at the Jennie Edmondson hospital, Council Bluffs, Iowa, March 16, 1927, aged 58 years, 4 months and 6 days.

When a small boy he came with his parents to Taylor county. When a young man he made his home in the western part of Kansas. He engaged in school teaching and ranching in that part of the state for several years. He then came back to Taylor county and lived with his father and mother, and after their death returned to his farm and ranch near Scott City, Kansas, where he resided till December, 1926,when he came to the home of his sister, Mrs. J. E. Miller, near Council Buffs.

He was a member of the I. O. O. F. lodge and Rebecca lodge at Athelstan.

He is survived by three brothers and two sisters—Mrs. J. E. Miller, of Council Bluffs; Mrs. W. [illiam] E. Smelser, of Aumsville, Oregon; S. [idney] S. [olomon] Merriman, of Armington, Montana; Wm. Merriman, of Perry, Oklahoma, and F.[rank] J. [esse] Merriman, of Athelstan—and a host of friends and relatives to mourn his departure.

Funeral services were held at the Platteville church Friday afternoon at 1 o'clock, conducted by Rev. H. V. Reeves, pastor of the Blockton Christian church, and interment was made in the Platteville cemetery.

[Merriman, Mary Rieger]

Blockton News

Thursday    March 18, 1920    [p. 1]

Obituary

Mary Rieger-Merriman was born in Germany September 8, 1841 and died March 15, 1920, aged 78 years, 6 months and 7 days.

With her family she emigrated to America in 1854. The family settled near Dubuque and in 1878 located on the farm near Blockton where the deceased has since lived and where she passed away.

She was united in marriage to Solomon Merriman Sept. 14,1860, and to this union was born nine children—Sidney S. [olomon], of Armington, Montana; Clara, deceased; William, of Perry, Oklahoma; Theresa Smelser, of Perry, Oklahoma; Carl H., of Blockton; Flora, deceased; Mary, deceased; Mrs.   Lillie Miller, of Council Bluffs; Frank J. [esse], of Athelstan. She is also survived by two brothers and one sister and a large number of grand and great grand children.

Mrs. Merriman was confirmed and received into the German Lutheran church in her youth and   remained faithful to her Lord all through life. She was a kind mother, faithful wife and a good neighbor. She lived a quiet and beautiful life of more than three score and ten years. She crossed the bar in peace and rests in the home over there beside the river of life.

Funeral services will be held at the home this afternoon (Thursday) at 2 o'clock, conducted by Rev. J. W. Harwood, pastor of the Blockton Methodist Episcopal church, and interment will be made in the Platteville cemetery.

[Merriman, Solomon “Sol”]

Blockton News

Thursday     August 1, 1918    [p. 1]

Obituary

Solomon Merriman, son of Jessie [Jesse] and Bessie [Wright] Merriman, was born in Sandusky County, Ohio, February 12, 1837, and died at his home south west of Blockton July 25, 1918, aged 81 years, 5 months and 13 days.

He spent his youth in Ohio and at the age of 16 years or in the summer of 1853, came with his parents to Jones County, Iowa, where they engaged in farming.

On September 14, 1860, he was united in marriage to Mary [Ellen] Rieger. To this union nine children were born. The surviving children are Sidney S.[olomon] Merriman, of Armington, Montana; William Merriman and Mrs. W.[illiam] E. Smelser, of Perry, Oklahoma; Carl H. Merriman, of Blockton; Mrs. J. E. Miller, of Council Bluffs, and F. [rank] J. [esse] Merriman of Athelstan. Three children have preceded the father---Mrs. Clara Kauble, dying July 25, 1884; Mary Merriman, May 5, 1892, and Mrs. E. E. Bond in October 1905.

He moved to Taylor County with his family in the spring of 1874 and located near Bedford and in 1877 moved to the farm southwest of town where he has since resided and where he passed away.

Besides the children named above he is survived by the wife and many other relatives and friends. Quiet and unassuming the deceased made many friends and the early settlers all speak highly of him and honor his memory.

The funeral services were held [rest of sentence unreadable] conducted by Rev. Laird, and interment was made in the Platteville cemetery.

 

  [MERRIMAN, SOLOMON "SOL"]
Blockton News (Blockton, Iowa), Thursday, August 1, 1918
Mrs. Lee Stowell, of Conception and Miss Mabel and Rex Bond, of Ravenwood, attended the funeral of their grandfather Soloman Merriman, Saturday.