[ALDRICH, GEORGE W.]
Pullman Herald (Pullman, Washington), March 14, 1896
Death of Geo. Aldrich
George W. Aldrich died at his home in Pullman on Sunday, March 8th, in the 54th year of his age, after a long and painful illness.
Deceased was a native of Indiana, having been born in Switzerland County, that state, on December 5th, 1842.
On December 1st, 1872, he was united in marriage to Miss C. [atherine] E. Ray. His wife and three daughters survive him. One daughter, Mrs. Georgia Bailey, resides in Spokane; the others, Jessie and Hazel, residing with their mother in this city.
The funeral was held Tuesday morning, at the Baptist church, being conducted by Rev. Pope.
[ALDRICH, GEORGE W.]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, March 26, 1896
Editor Free Press: I have just received notice of the death of an old resident of Bedford, George Aldrich, who died at his home at Pullman, Washington, on March 8th, 1896, of consumption.
About 1870 deceased was married to Catherine Ray, who is a sister of David and Francis Ray and Mrs. Samuel Martin. The deceased was a carpenter by trade and leaves a wife and two small girls to mourn the loss of an indulgent husband and father.
Many warm friends in this community will be pained to learn of this sad death.
Bedford 19-96 J. A.
[ALEXANDER, ROSABELLE MCALPIN]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, May 19, 1898
Laid to Rest
Last Monday, at her home in this city, Mrs. James Alexander passed from this world of care and sorrow. She had been in ill health for some time and her death was not unexpected. The remains were laid to rest in Old Memory cemetery at New Market Wednesday. A large number from this city attended the funeral.
[ALEXANDER, ROSABELLE MCALPIN]
Clarinda Journal (Clarinda, Iowa), Friday, May 20, 1898
NEW MARKET – Mrs. Belle Alexander of Bedford was buried the 18th inst. She was the only daughter of D. R. McAlpin and wife. She died at her home in Bedford. Rev. T. C. Smith of Clarinda preached the funeral at the Methodist church in New Market. Mrs. Alexander was in poor health and went with her father to Kirksville, Mo., to take osteopathic treatment and growing worse came home to die in a few days. Her father came home and attended the funeral. People are very much in sympathy with the old gentleman, nothing but a heroic will has kept him from his coffin. His sufferings have sweetened him in spirit and won the tender regard of every thoughtful man and woman.
[ATKINS, JOHN]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, August 29, 1895
Death of John Atkins
John Atkins, an aged citizen of Mason township, died very suddenly on last Saturday night while sitting in his chair. Mr. Atkins had been afflicted with heart trouble for several months and had been unable for some time to sleep in a reclining position but usually slept quite well sitting in a chair. He was in his usual condition on Saturday evening with nothing to indicate that death was hovering so near, and no special watch was kept. At about 12:30 o'clock some one of the family went into his room to look after his wants and found him dead, everything going to indicate that he had died without a struggle.
Funeral services were held at the residence at 4:30 o'clock on Sunday evening, conducted by Rev. Hart of Gravity and the remains were brought to Bedford and shipped to Kirkwood, Ill for interment. The remains were accompanied by Wm. Atkins, a son and Geo. Barahana, a son-in-law of the deceased. The deceased was aged 73 years, 11 months and 12 days.
[BAKER, CORA, - 1897]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, July 16, 1897
Died at St. Joe
The funeral of Miss Cora Baker, who died in St. Joe last Friday, July 9, was conducted from the Christian Chapel at 2:30 p. m. last Sunday, Elder Wm. Cobb preaching the sermon.
Miss Baker was about 23 years of age and died at the home of a relative in St. Joe. The remains arrived on the evening passenger Saturday and were taken to the home of her sister, Mrs. W. H. Cannon, in the third ward. Interment was in the Bedford cemetery.
Miss Baker was quite well known here, having spent the greater portion of her childhood in this city and her friends regret to hear of her sudden death.
[BALL, DOROTHY FRANCES]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, January 30, 1896
Died, an infant child of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Ball, at New Market, on Saturday, January 25, 1896. Funeral services were held last Saturday.
[Note: Her headstone gives the death date as January 24, 1896.]
[BARNES, JOSEPH'S DAUGHTER, - 1896]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, April 16, 1896
CLAYTON TOWNSHIP – Died: Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Barnes, after about six months of suffering, passed away Friday night. The body was interred in the Platteville cemetery Sunday at 2 p. m. She bore her suffering patiently.
[BARNETT, DAYTON, 1838 – 1898]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, June 9, 1898
D. Barnett Dead
Word reached Bedford last Saturday of the death of D. [ayton] Barnett, father of Mrs. Wm. Miller of this city at his home in Pepin, Wisconsin. Mr. and Mrs. Miller attended the funeral. They have the sympathy of their friends in this sad loss.
[BAXTER, JAMES, - 1897]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, April 22, 1897
James Baxter, aged 23 years, died Wednesday, April 14, at the home of W. Z. Benson in Conway. The deceased returned from Oklahoma only the day before his death.
[BEALL, JOHN, - 1896]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, July 16, 1896
Died, at the home of J. C. Calhoun, one-half mile east of Bedford, July 10, 1896, at 9:40 a. m., John Beall, aged 41 years, 6 months and 24 days. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. M. C. Waddell at the residence of J. C. Calhoun, July 11, at 3 p. m. Interment in the Lexington cemetery.
The deceased had suffered all the horrors of a death by a cancer and while all mourn the loss of a good citizen, no one can help rejoicing that such intense suffering has been ended by an entrance through the Valley of the Shadow of Death.
[BEAVER, DORA ANN MICK]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, February 4, 1897
Mrs. Albert Beaver, aged 26 years, 2 months and 17 days, died at her home near New Market, Wednesday, Jan. 27, 1897. Funeral services were held at the Baptist church in New Market Thursday, conducted by Rev. J. C. Lewis of Bedford. The deceased leaves a husband and a little girl eighteen months old. She was born Nov. 10, 1870, in Henry county, Ill., came to Taylor county in 1874 and on Aug. 12, 1894, was married to Albert Beaver. The funeral was largely attended.
[BOYER, JOHN, 1824 – 1897]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, December 2 1897
SIAM – Uncle John Boyer was laid to rest in the Siam cemetery after an illness of several weeks. He leaves three daughters and one son to mourn their loss, besides numerous friends.
[BROWN, PHEBE C. BRADLEY]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, June 2, 1898
A Sudden Death
Died, at her home in Bedford, Sunday, May 29, at 4:30 a. m., Mrs. Maxwell Brown, aged 52 years, 3 months and 19 days. Mrs. Brown was in her usual health up to a very short time before her death and the call was a very unexpected one. She leaves a husband and two sons, Howard and Herman, aged 24 and 14 respectively. She was a most highly respected lady and her departure is mourned by many. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. E. N. Ware, after which the body was laid to rest in the Bedford cemetery at 4 o'clock Monday. The old soldiers and their wives attended the funeral. Howard was in Company I at Des Moines, but promptly came home. He has permission from his company to stay at home, which he will do, as he considers his duty here.
[BUNDY, JAMES, - 1898]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, May 5, 1898
--- Word reaches Bedford of the death of James Bundy, Sidney, N. Y., at the age of 77 years. He was a brother of Henry Bundy of this city.
[BURKS, CHARLES MASON'S INFANT, - 1896]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, April 16, 1896
CLAYTON TOWNSHIP – Died, infant child of Mr. and Mrs. C. [harles] M. [ason] Burks, Saturday morning the 11th of whooping cough. Services were conducted by Rev. Maine, of Blockton, at the Platteville church Sunday.
[CANADAY, RACHAEL WELLS]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, May 27, 1897
SIAM – Died on Sunday, May 23, 1897, at 10:30 a. m., Mrs. Rachel Canida [Canaday], after an illness of some 10 weeks. She passed quietly away to that undiscovered country from whose bourne no travelers return. The funeral services were held at the family residence on Monday at ten a. m., conducted by Elder Simmons of Hopkins, Mo., of the regular Baptist faith, after which the remains were conveyed to the Shearer cemetery and there deposited in the silent grave to await the call of her Savior, whom she had served for many years. She leaves an aged companion and one son to mourn her loss, also two sisters, Miss Jane Wells of Siam and Mrs. Nancy Ball, of Nodaway county, Mo. and many other relatives and friends. Blessed are they who die in the Lord.
[CARROLL, MAUDE GERTRUDE MOREY]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, February 11, 1897
Word was received in this city Thursday of the death of Mrs. I. [John] N. [olan] Carroll, at her home north of Gravity. Mrs. Carroll had been afflicted with tuberculosis of the spine. Dr. Beauchamp was called in council with the family physician on Wednesday and after a careful diagnosis of the case pronounced the case hopeless. Mrs. Carroll died the next day. The funeral occurred on Friday.
[CARROLL, MAUDE GERTRUDE MOREY]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, February 18, 1897
Maude Gertrude Morey was born in Morrow County, Ohio, Sept. 6, 1868. Was married to Nolan Carroll Sept. 21st, 1892 at Ohio City, Ohio, died near Gravity, Feb. 3, 1897, aged 28 years, 4 months and 28 days. Her little infant daughter preceded her but a short time. She leaves a husband, father, two brothers and a large circle of friends to mourn her loss. The grief-stricken husband and family have the sympathy of the entire community. Funeral services were held at the M. E. church at Gravity at 11 o'clock on Friday morning, Rev. Hart of the Presbyterian church officiating.
[CLARK, HERMAN PAGE]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, March 4, 1897
The angel of death has again visited our midst and taken from our ranks a noble and honored young man, Herman P., oldest son of Chas. and Sarah Clark, died February 19, 1897, aged 18 years and 11 days. His sickness was brief, having been from his studies in school about a week. He was a young man of rare accomplishments and by his intelligent, kind and loving way, had won many friends. He had taken much interest in his studies. He attended the W. N. College at Shenandoah through the winter of '95 and '96 and nowhere was he more interested and happy than in educational work.
He was a faithful scholar at Sunday School and how sad to attend and find one place vacant. Just before his death he bid his parents and brother good bye and remarked, "How Beautiful" and then said to the relatives and friends standing near, "I'm going home to Jesus." The funeral services were held at the Maple Grove church by the pastor Rev. Harvey, thence to the cemetery for burial. the pall bearers were selected from his associates. Many friends sympathized with this sad and lone home in their bereavement.
[CLAYBURG, ISAAC, JR., 1823 - 1897]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, February 4, 1897
BLOCKTON – After a few hours' illness, Isaac Clayburg died on Sunday night. He was about 74 years of age and boarding with Thos. Anderson.
[CONNOR, DAVID J., 1860 - 1895]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, September 26, 1895
Death from Unknown Cause
A coroner's inquest was held over the body of David Connor at his late residence southeast of Lenox, last Thursday. The verdict of the coroner's jury, after examination of the body was that Connor came to his death from some cause unknown to the jury.
A rumor was circulated that two bullet holes had been found in Connors body but an investigation by the coroner reveals the fact that what at first appeared to be bullet holes were only holes made by insects that had attacked the body in large numbers. All of the dead man's effects, watch, knife, a small sum of money, etc., were found on his person. There is no suspicion of foul play, but it is reported that Connor was intoxicated when last seen alive.
[DAUGHERTY, SARAH G. NEWCOMB]
Clarinda Herald (Clarinda, Iowa), Tuesday, December 27, 1898
NEW MARKET – Charles Daugherty's wife died last Sunday morning. Mrs. Daugherty was formerly of Bedford. The circumstances of her death are unusually distressing.
[DAUGHERTY, SARAH G. NEWCOMB] [DAUGHERTY, MARY M.]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, December 29, 1898
Doubly Bereaved – A double bereavement has fallen upon the life and home of Chas. E. [lmer] Daugherty, about twelve miles west of Bedford in Page county. Last Saturday an angel of light came into the life of himself and wife but hardly had the Christmas carols pealed forth the glad news of another Christ's birthday, both mother and child had gone to join the angelic hosts to sing praises to God and the Lamb. It was indeed a sad bereavement and a trial hard to bear but there is sweet consolation in resting in the promises of God. The stricken husband and father has the keenest sympathy of relatives and friends in his terrible sorrow. May our heavenly Father give him grace to sustain him in his trouble.
The funeral services occurred on Monday evening at the home, conducted by Rev. E. N. Ware, assisted by the Presbyterian choir, Missses Dinges and Wilkins and Guy Thompson and K. Stephens, after which the remains were laid away together in one casket in Old Memory cemetery.
[DAUGHERTY, SARAH G. NEWCOMB]
Clarinda Journal (Clarinda, Iowa), Friday, December 30, 1898
NEW MARKET – Mrs. C. [harles] E. [lmer] Dougherty died early Sunday morning and the funeral was held Monday.
[DAVIS, BENNETT]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, July 9, 1896
Death of Bennett Davis
Bennett Davis died at his home in this city at 8:40 Friday morning of heart failure. The deceased has been in feeble health for several weeks, but death came unexpectedly, his family not thinking his case so critical as it proved to be. The funeral services were conducted from the residence at 9 o'clock, a. m., Saturday, July 4, with Elder Horace S[?]officiating.
Bennett Dais was a native of Indiana and was born July 1, 1837, died July 3, aged 59 years, 2 months and 2 days. He leaves a wife, a son Oscar Davis and two stepsons, John and Samuel Bash (all of whom were present when their father died), to mourn the loss of a kind husband and an indulgent father. Mr. Davis had been a resident of the county for 20 years, 17 of which were spent in Bedford. He was a quiet, sober and law-abiding citizen and held in high esteem by all. He was a member of the Christian church and lived a life consistent with his profession.
[DAWSON, CYRUS]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, May 13, 1897
Died in Ohio
Uncle John Dawson, of Ross township, received word recently of the death of his brother, Cyrus Dawson, whose demise occurred on the 25th of April of paralysis, at the home of his son William, near Hartley, Ohio. The deceased was a Baptist and the services were conducted by Rev. R. A. McMillion of that denomination.
The deceased was born in Pennsylvania in 1827 and was 70 years of age. He was married twice and was the father of 14 children, all of whom were highly respectable people. For 47 years during his life the deceased was an active worker in the church and his good deeds are cherished by many.
[DUNCAN, R. L., - 1897]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, April 22, 1897
R. L. Duncan, who came to Taylor in 1859, died recently at Gravity. He served during the war in the 16th Iowa and was the father of 19 children.
[DUNN, SAMUEL LOUIS]
Adams County Free Press (Corning, Iowa), Thursday, September 15, 1898 p.3
Private Louis Dunn, of Lenox, Iowa, a member of Company I Fifty-first Iowa VOL INF, died at Camp Merriam on Thursday, September 1st of typhoid fever. His body was brought home last week, and the funeral services were held at the home of his parents in Lenox. The remains were accompanied by Lieutenant Colonel Miller, a friend of the young man and his family. The local editor of this newspaper was well acquainted with young Dunn, having worked with him in a newspaper office for some time. He was a bright, accommodating young man, full of life and vigor, who made a friend of almost every acquaintance. That his promising young life should thus go out is sad indeed. We extend our sincere sympathy to the bereaved ones. The deceased was a brother of Wesley Dunn, who belongs to Company K, of this city.
[EASTLACK, VERDA N.]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, August 13, 1896
The four-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. F. [rank] M. Eastlack, of Sharpsburg, died on Tuesday morning. Death resulted from the effects of a severe, although accidental, scalding received on Sunday previous.
[FERRY, RILEY]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, February 6, 1896
The remains of Riley Ferry, who died at 11:30 o'clock Saturday night, Jan. 25, at his home in Sedalia, Mo., 234 West Pettis street, were buried today, Jan. 26. Services were held at St. Vincent de Paul's church at 10 a. m., by the pastor, Father Scalan, a large number of friends of the family being present.
The following gentlemen officiated as pall bearers: Geo. Fisher, John W. Murphy, E. C. Cassidy, W. B. Martin, Patrick Curran and Jos. Lennartz.
Mr. Ferry was an exceedingly popular gentleman and in their affliction his family will have the sympathy of the community.
The following is published by request: Died at midnight, Jan. 26, 1896, Riley Ferry, aged 40 years, at 11:35 last night of Bright's disease, at his home 235 West Pettis street. He leaves a wife, one son and one daughter. Funeral services will be held at the house at 10 o'clock tomorrow. Mr. Ferry has lived here for the past six years, five years of that time in business on East S[?]t street. E. L. Ferry, father of the deceased, arrived from St. Joseph, Mo., at about the moment of the death of his son. – Sedalia, Mo., Democrat. – The deceased was formerly a resident of this city, moving to Missouri about 6 years ago.
[FREDERICK, CHARLES' NIECE, - 1897]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, January 14, 1897
BLOCKTON – An orphan niece, aged 10 years, of Charles Fredrick, died at his home and the remains were taken to Ft. Madison Friday, accompanied by Mr. Fredrick.
[FREEL, THOMAS]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, April 8, 1897
Death of Thos. Freel
Thomas Freel, a former resident of this county, died at Elk City, Kan., March 22, 1897. Mr. Freel was apparently in good health on the day of his death until about 4 o'clock when he had a stroke of apoplexy while on the streets from which he died in about two hours.
The deceased was an Indiananian by birth, came to Iowa while young, where he met and married Miss Mary Simmons. Ten children were born of this marriage. Mr. Freel was a veteran of the 29thIowa, in which he served from '63 to '65. He was a member of the G. A. R. and his funeral was under their directions. The deceased was a brother of Mrs. Cyrenus Taylor and Mrs. Wm. Winning, both of this county.
[FRIEND, MINNIE A. DAY]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, January 7, 1897
SIAM – Mrs. Friend Ends Her Life with Poison, Taken with Suicidal Intent
Saturday morning our community was shocked when the news came that Mrs. Friend, who resided on the D. Bradley place, had taken poison. They started a messenger for Dr. Snow but before he arrived the fatal drug had done its work and the poor woman had departed to her long home, "from whence no traveler returns." The coroner was sent for, a jury empaneled and after hearing what evidence could be produced, the jury brought in the following verdict: That the deceased had taken poison with her own hand with suicidal intent. The remains were taken to Burlington Junction, Mo., for interment. Mrs. Friend leaves a husband and two small children to mourn her loss.
[FURR, ABIGAIL MARIAH CARR]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, November 26, 1896
Died, at the home of her grandson, Jay L. Hall, in Bedford, Friday, November 20th, 1896, Mrs. A.[bigail] Furr, aged 86 years, 9 months and 20 days.
Mrs. Furr had previous to her death been suffering for about six weeks from a stroke of paralysis. She took a change for the worse Sunday and gradually declined until death ended her sufferings.
Funeral services were conducted at the residence by Rev. J. C. Lewis at 3:30 Friday afternoon, after which the remains were taken to Monmouth, Ill. for interment. Albert Furr, a son of the deceased, accompanied the remains.
[GLASSGOW, WILLIAM C., 1833 - 1898]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, February 24, 1898
A Fearful Death
William Glassgow of New Market, Accidentally Swallows Carbolic Acid and Dies a Frightful Death
At 4 o'clock last Friday afternoon, William Glassgow of New Market, drank carbolic acid and in a few moments was cold in death. The testimony of an eye witness is about as follows: Mr. Glasgow had been in the habit of getting on occasional sprees. Friday afternoon he entered his home and went to the pantry and poured out about an ounce of what he supposed to be alcohol into a glass, and adding some water drank nearly all its contents. Immediately realizing what he had done, he started for Dr. McColm's office, forty rods away. When he entered the door, the medicine had so far taken effect as to keep him from uttering a word and he fell in the doorway with a spasm and never regained consciousness again.
Mr. Glasgow was one of the old settlers of Taylor county, being 65 years old at the time of his death. He leaves a wife, two girls and four boys. The funeral services were held at 11 o'clock Saturday, conducted by Rev. Rambeau, after which the remains were interred in the Dallas cemetery.
[GRAY, MARTHA CAROLINE REES]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, April 22, 1897
Mrs. James Grey, who was so severely burned about two weeks ago by the explosion of a lamp, died at about 4 o'clock this Wednesday evening.
Mrs. Grey was so severely injured in the accident that it seemed almost a miracle that she should have survived it even for a day. The cuticle on more than one-half the body was literally roasted and sloughed off. It is laid down as a rule in medical science that, when more than one-third of the surface of the body has been thus injured the chances are against the patient. Arrangements for the funeral have not yet been announced.
[Note: The last name is spelled Gray on her headstone.]
[GRAY, MARTHA CAROLINE REES]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, April 29, 1897
The funeral of Mrs. Gray, who died from injuries received from a lamp exploding, occurred last Thursday. Short services were held at the home in Bedford, after which the remains were taken to Pickering, Mo. At the latter place impressive services were conducted by Elder Craig, assisted by Elder Siberell, at the Christian church. Mr. and Mrs. Gray were formerly residents of Pickering and a vast concourse of their former neighbors assembled at the church to express their sympathy for the bereaved family. Mr. Gray is yet in a helpless condition on account of the injury received from the flames while he was making a heroic effort to save his wife from the awful fate that overtook her. His hands were badly burned; every particle of skin having since sloughed off. Mr. Gray has secured homes for his little children with relatives.
[GRIFFITH, DAVID, 1829 – 1896]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, July 30, 1896
Died in Colorado
Word was received in this city this morning of the death at Pueblo, Col. of David Griffith, who was one among the best-known citizens of Taylor county. Mr. Griffith went to Pueblo early last spring. A short time ago he was taken ill with mountain fever, which resulted in his death Monday morning.
The remains will be brought to Iowa for interment and will arrive at Conway on the 10:40 north-bound passenger tonight. The funeral will be from the residence of Henry Martin (near old Lexington cemetery) at 10 a. m. Wednesday, July 29th. The deceased was an auctioneer and farmer and was widely known and universally respected. His wife died several years ago, since which time he has made his home with his children.
[GRIFFITH, DAVID, 1829 – 1896]
Sterling Kansas Bulletin (Sterling, Kansas), Friday, July 31, 1896
Mrs. Andrew Featherby left Monday night for Missouri to attend her father's funeral. He died suddenly while visiting at Pueblo.
[GROFF, MARY JANE]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, November 14, 1895
Obituary – Died at her home in Nodaway township, Nov. 6th, 1895, Mary Jane Graff aged 19 years, 9 mos. and 2 days.
The deceased leaves a father and mother, two brothers and three brothers to mourn her loss. She made public profession of her faith in Christ and united with the Church of Christ in 1893 and ever afterward manifested deep concern and much interest in her spiritual welfare, as well as that of the family to which she belonged, and her entire acquaintance. Her pleadings and exhortations were constant to the last to all her loving associates to prepare to meet her in heaven.
The funeral services were conducted by the venerable Joseph Peregrime and was largely attended, after which the mortal remains of the amiable young lady was laid to rest in the Maple Grove cemetery. A Friend
[Note: The last name is spelled Groff on her headstone.]
[HAMILTON, ARCHIE, - 1896]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, March 5, 1896
Killed by the Cars
Archie Hamilton, ten-year-old son of James Hamilton, who was formerly a resident of Ross township, this county, but now a Q engineer on the Villisca and St. Joe branch, was fatally hurt in the railroad yards at Villisca one day last week.
With a number of other boys Archie was trying to get on a moving freight train for a ride. Missing his hold, he fell under the wheels and his left leg was mangled nearly to the knee. Despite prompt medical attendance he died in less than twenty-four hours after the accident.
[HANSELL, CHARLES, - 1895]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, October 10, 1895
Hung Himself
Chas. Hansell Commits Suicide Near Shenandoah
Chas. Hansell, whom we mentioned two weeks ago as having turned up at Conway just in time to save innocent parties from arrest, hanged himself in a corn crib near Shenandoah one night last week.
About two weeks ago Hansell left Conway for Nebraska where he went to visit a son. Last week he returned to Shenandoah in a penniless condition. Late one afternoon he was observed walking along the railroad. He was in company with a stranger and that was the last seen of him until his dead body was found in a corn crib, he having hanged himself.
[HARTZLER, CHARLES S., 1879 - 1896]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, April 30, 1896
Harry Hertzler, son of Mr. and Mrs. Hertzler, died at his home four miles southeast of Bedford, Saturday, April 25, 1896, aged 16 years.
Funeral services were conducted from the Forest Grove school house, at 11 o'clock today by Rev. M. C. Waddell. Interment was made in the Hoover cemetery.
[Note: This seems to be a death notice for Charles S. Hartzler, son of Samuel Hartzler and Josephine Sigler. According to his father's obituary he died April 25, 1896 at the age of 16. Samuel's son, Harry Hartzler, survived his father, who died in 1916. Charles is buried in the Hartzler family plot in Bedford Fairview cemetery, Taylor County, Iowa.]
[HASSELLMAN, KATE JOHNSON]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, January 19, 1899
---Mrs. J. [acob] V. Saum was called to Bloomfield Thursday evening by the sad intelligence that her sister, Mrs. Kate Hassellman, was called to her last home.
[HAYES, LEWIS]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, January 28, 1897
Lewis Hayes, a school boy and son of Mr. and Mrs. A. Hayes, of Conway, died very suddenly Thursday evening of abscess of the stomach. The boy became sick while at school and was sent home at 11 o'clock and died at 8:30 the same day.
[HAYNES, JOSEPH]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, April 12, 1898
Dropped Dead
Joseph Haynes Dies Suddenly at His Home in Bedford
At 4 o'clock yesterday afternoon that grim monster death came suddenly and without a moment's warning to Joseph Haynes of this city. Deceased had been slightly indisposed for nearly two weeks, but no serious results were anticipated. At 4:40 the corpse was found by a son cold in death lying in the yard. A physician was called but his services were not needed. Mr. Haynes had been slightly troubled with heart disease for several years. He was born in Putnam county, Ind., on April 10, 1843. He moved to Des Moines and two years ago moved from there to this city. He leaves a wife and several children to mourn his untimely end.
[HOPE, DR., MRS., - 1896]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, July 2, 1896
A Sudden Summons
Mrs. Dr. Hope died very suddenly at the Bedford House, at 4:00 o'clock Thursday evening, June 25, 1896. The deceased is the wife of Dr. Hope, of the Oregon Medicine Co. and had been ill for several days. Thursday she was taken suddenly worse and died within a few minutes. Funeral services were conducted at the hotel parlors at 2:00 o'clock by Rev. M. C. Waddell. Dr. Hope is a member of the Masonic fraternity and the members of that society had charge of the ceremonies. Interment was made in the Bedford cemetery.
[HOSKINSON, EFFIE L. EELLS]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, October 22, 1896
In Memoriam – Died, October 14 at her home near Guss, Taylor County, Ia., Effie Hoskinson, wife of Emmett Hoskinson. She was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs, Edward Eelis [Eells]. Deceased was born in Johnson Co., Nov. 11, 1868 and moved with her parents to this country in 1873, where she has since resided. Was married to Emmett Hoskinson March 12, 1890.
The deceased left a husband and three little boys to mourn the loss of a wife's and mother's sympathy and care. The deceased united with the M. E. church in Nov. 1885 and has ever been a consistent member.
The funeral services were held in the Maple Grove church, conducted by Rev. G. W. Maine of Blockton. It was a very large and sad funeral, nearly the entire community gathered to pay their last respects to one who had lived among them since early childhood. The remains were laid to rest in the beautiful cemetery near the church of which she had been a member for eleven years.
Guss, Oct. 20, '96. G. W. M.
[HOSKINSON, EFFIE L. EELLS]
Clarinda Journal (Clarinda, Iowa), Friday, October 16, 1896
A telephone message received yesterday morning in this city informed Mr. and Mrs. James K. Parker of the death of the wife of Mrs. Parker's brother, Mrs. Emmett Hoskinson near Guss, Taylor county. The deceased was about 24 years of age. The husband and three children survive her. Mr. and Mrs. Parker left yesterday to attend the funeral.
[HOSKINSON, EFFIE L. EELLS]
Clarinda Herald (Clarinda, Iowa), Friday, October 23, 1896
Mr. and Mrs. J. K. Parker attended the funeral last week of Mrs. Hoskins[on], a sister of Mrs. Parker, residing in Taylor county. The deceased left three little children, the youngest being only 18 months old. Mr. and Mrs. Parker brought home with them the baby boy and intend to adopt him.
[HOWE, AARON]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, October 6, 1898
Obituary – Aaron Howe was born in Thompson Co., N. Y., Aug. 10, 1809 and died at his home 4 miles west of Bedford Sept. 27, 1898 at 7 a. m. He was married in Delaware county, Ohio in 1829 to Miss Sarah Halsey who died in Jan. 1865. There was born to them, six sons and four daughters, being two daughters, Mrs. Kratt of Colorado and Mrs. Salen and four sons, left to survive the father. There was present to look into his face Joshua of Frankford county, Kansas, G. W., of South Omaha, Nebraska, and the son from Galesburg, Illinois, who reached the place as the procession was on its way to the cemetery. A son in Missouri was not able to be present. His marriage to Mrs. Salen took place about 30 years ago. She remains to remember her beloved companion but as she very tenderly expressed it while taking leave of the remains, "I will soon follow you, it will not be long before we meet again." Notwithstanding the fact that the big show in town attracted many people, a goodly number of friends and neighbors gathered to show their sympathy with the bereaved family. The funeral service took place at the home of the deceased and was conducted by D. W. Griffith, pastor of the Baptist Church at Bedford.
Mr. Howe was an old settler, having lived in Bedford and community since Sept. 1864. When a young man he experienced religion and united with the Baptist Church, of which he has been an honored member ever since. For years the infirmities of age have prevented his attending the sanctuary but his faith in God never failed, so he lived and died in the triumphs of Christian faith. Interment at the Bedford cemetery. D. G.
[Note: He is buried in Graceland cemetery, west of Bedford, Taylor County, Iowa, not the old Bedford cemetery. Source: Burials in Taylor County, Iowa compiled by Pat O'Dell]
[JARED, MARSHALL, 1819 - 1896]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, December 17, 1896
J. L. [Marshall] Jared, an old resident of Taylor county, died at his home in Ross township, Dec. 10. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. H. P. Dyer Friday afternoon. We have been unable to secure the full particulars of the death of Mr. Jared.
[JARED, WARREN]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, May 28, 1896
A Small Pox Victim
News reaches us of the death of Warren Jared at Sedgwick, Kansas on Wednesday night, May 20, 1896. Mr. Jared was a commercial man, aged about 45 years and a brother to John Jared of this city and Del Jared, who resides in the country near here. Mr. Jared resided in Terre Haute, Indiana and was returning from California when stricken by the dread disease—small pox. He stopped off at Sedgwick, Kansas, from which city a telegram was received Tuesday, announcing his illness. Another telegram received by John Jared Friday announced his death. He was married but had no children.
[JOHNSON, JAMES, - 1896]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, November 12, 1896
A message from Gravity Tuesday morning told of the death of a 9-year-old son of Mrs. Jennie Johnson. As near as can be learned the boy was driving a wagon loaded with corn when he fell to the ground and a wheel of the wagon passed over his body, killing him almost instantly.
Mr. and Mrs. A. T. Wentworth attended the funeral of the little Johnson boy that met with a sudden death at Gravity Tuesday. the boy was a nephew of Mrs. Wentworth.
[JOHNSTON, JOSIAH]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, November 11, 1897
Josiah Johnston Dead
Josiah Johnston departed this life Tuesday, November 9, [?] o'clock, at the residence of his [?] in this city, aged 80 years.
Funeral services were conducted at the U. P. church at Clearfield yesterday at 1 o'clock.
About two years ago deceased suffered a stroke of paralysis and has since been in feeble health. Last Friday he had another stroke from which he rallied only a short time, when he became unconscious and so remained to the last. He was one of Taylor county's most respected citizens and his loss will be keenly felt. He leaves a wife and seven children.
[KIDNEY, FRANCIS, - 1897]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, April 29, 1897
Met Death in the Flood
Word was received yesterday from Blockton of the death by drowning of Francis Kidney, a farmer that lived on the Grand river east of that place. Mr. Kidney went out to his pasture which is located on a piece of bottom land, on Saturday to look after his cattle. He was on horseback and it is supposed [he] was in some manner thrown from the horse while going through the swift current that spread out over the bottom. The body was not found until Sunday morning and when discovered was lodged in a wire fence.
The deceased was formerly a resident of Bedford, having lived here with his parents when a small boy. He served during the war in the 4th Iowa infantry.
[KING, JOHN, 1817 – 1898]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, January 27, 1898
John King – John King departed this life at the home of his son, James, in this city Monday, January 24, at 8 o'clock p. m., aged 81 years, 11 months and 6 days.
Deceased was born in Mouth of Lundy's lane, Canada, March 17, 1817. At the age of seven years his mother died and when sixteen years old he moved to New York state and from there to Ohio, thence to Knox county, Illinois, where he was married to Miss Sarah Cannon. The family moved to Bedford thirty-one years ago and have resided here or in the immediate vicinity for that length of time. Mr. King has been a consistent Christian all his life and his death ends the career of one of the noblest and most submissive of God's creatures. He was ready and willing to pass to his reward, to join his wife who preceded him seventeen years ago. At the time of his death he was a member of the Christian chapel. He leaves two children, James King and Mrs. Mary Lomax, of this city, who have the sympathy of all in their loss. He had been a man of strong, robust constitution all his life, hardly ever being sick and his death was preceded by only a few short hours of sickness. Tuesday of last week something like an abscess broke in his throat, which is thought to be the cause of his death.
The funeral services were held at the residence Wednesday morning at 10 o'clock, conducted by Rev. A. H. Collins, assisted by Rev. J. Will Walters, after which the body was interred in the Bedford cemetery followed by a large concourse of sorrowing relatives and friends.
[LINEBAUGH, ARTIE ELIZABETH MAJERS]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, March 26, 1896
Death of Mrs. Linebaugh
After an unequaled struggle with that dread disease, consumption, Mrs. Artie Elizabeth Linebaugh, wife of Miller Linebaugh, passed away at 4:00 o 'clock p. m. on Saturday, March 21, 1896, at her home in Bedford, aged 25 years, 7 months and 14 days.
Funeral services were held at the First Baptist church at 11 o'clock Monday morning conducted by Rev. J. C. Lewis.
The deceased was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. [bner] W. Majors [Majers], was born June 7th, 1871 and married to Miller Linebaugh in 1887. Such is the brief record of her life which contains not the minor details which makes her memory dear to father, mother, husband, her children and two brothers and sisters who mourn her loss.
[LONGFELLOW, ALFRED NELSON]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, August 18, 1898
A Sudden Death
A Conductor Knocked From the Train and Goes Down to Death
A sad accident occurred on the Hannibal & St. Joseph railroad last Thursday whereby A. [lfred] M. [Nelson] Longfellow, a freight conductor lost his life. He was sitting on top of a furniture car that was considerably higher than the rest of the cars. Seemingly he did not take this into consideration, and when the train went under a bridge his head came in contact with the timbers. He was knocked to the ground and soon died from the effects of his injuries.
Mr. Longfellow was at one time a resident of Gay township. His remains were brought to Bedford and the funeral exercises conducted at the M. E. church by Rev. A. H. Collins, after which interment occurred in the Bowers cemetery. Deceased leaves a wife and two children.
[MAHAN, MARY EVA]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, November 4, 1897
Monday morning in Ross township occurred the death of Mary Mahan, the sixteen-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. N. [William] N. [ewton] Mahan. She had been sick for nine months with consumption. The funeral services were conducted Tuesday morning and the remains were laid to rest in the Titus cemetery.
[MASON, ELROY C.]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, September 23, 1897
A Sad Death
It is with regret we record this week the death of Elroy C. Mason, a son of James Mason and a member of the firm of Mason Bros., at New Market. The deceased had been sick with typhoid fever for several weeks and a few days before his death was taken to Clarinda for treatment by a specialist. He gradually grew worse until Wednesday evening, September 15, when he died.
The remains were taken to Old Memory cemetery Thursday, where they were interred. Elroy grew from childhood to manhood in this county and had many warm personal friends who will regret to learn of his death.
[MASON, ELROY C.]
Clarinda Journal (Clarinda, Iowa), Friday, September 17, 1897
Elroy Mason of New Market died Wednesday evening at the home of Mrs. L. E. Shaw in this city of typhoid fever, age about 36 years. He leaves a widow and two children. He was a member of the mercantile firm of Mason Brothers at New Market. He was brought to Clarinda after he was taken ill, for treatment, but his recovery was not to be. The remains were yesterday conveyed to the cemetery at New Market, where the burial took place, with services at the grave by Rev. M. G. Rambo.
[MASON, ELROY C.]
Clarinda Herald (Clarinda, Iowa), Friday, September 17, 1897
Mr. Jerry Mason of New Market, died at the residence of Mrs. Shaw in east Clarinda, Wednesday evening at six o'clock, from typhoid fever. Deceased was aged about thirty years. The funeral services were held at Old Memory cemetery yesterday afternoon at 4:30 o'clock, conducted by Rev. Rambo of New Market.. She was a loving wife and a loving mother and a kind and good neighbor to one and all.
.
[MENDENHALL, MARY ABIGAIL FLUKE]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, January 19, 1899
--Last Friday night Mrs. Mary Mendenhall died of measles at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Fluke, eight miles southwest of town.
[MENOHER, ANNA MARGARET RUTLEDGE]
Garden City Telegram (Garden City, Kansas), Saturday, April 11, 1896, p. 4
Passed away, the 7th inst., at her home in Lawnridge, Ill., Annie R. Menoher, wife of Dr. J. [ames] A. [lexander] Menoher and daughter of the late John Rutledge of this city.
[MENOHER, ANNA MARGARET RUTLEDGE]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, April 16, 1896
Mrs. Annie Menoher, wife of Dr. Menoher (formerly a resident of this county) and a sister of Miss Fannie Rutledge, was buried in the Conway cemetery Thursday. The body was brought to Conway from Illinois, where the deceased resided previous to her death.
[Note: She is buried in Lexington Cemetery, Taylor County, Iowa, not Conway as stated above.]
[MENOHER, ANNA MARGARET RUTLEDGE]
Marshall County Democrat (Lacon, Illinois), Thursday, April 16, 1896
The many friends of Dr. Menoher sympathize with him in the loss of his wife. Her death occurred last Tuesday and was the result of the shock occasioned by a surgical operation performed on Monday. Since Dr. Menoher has come amongst us he has made hosts of warm friends, both by his medical skill and Christian manliness. It is to be hoped he will continue his work here as he has a large practice.
[MENOHER, ANNA MARGARET RUTLEDGE]
Wyoming Post Herald (Wyoming, Illinois), Thursday, April 16, 1896
Lawn Ridge.
Died, April 7, at her home, Mrs. Annie Menoher, aged 29. She has been sick for many months but could get no relief with the best of nursing and medical skill. She leaves a little boy about four years old. Her sister was with her the last few weeks of her life. The body was taken to Conway, Iowa, for interment.
[MILLER, JAMES C., 1821 - 1895]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, August 29, 1895
James Miller, another old settler of this county, died at his home 7 miles west of town at 3 o'clock, Tuesday afternoon, August 26. The funeral services will be held at the Morning Star church at 2 o'clock this, Wednesday, afternoon, and the remains will be interred in the Titus cemetery. Rev. Hart of Gravity will conduct the funeral services.
[MONSON, CHRISTINA M. ERICKSON]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, August 27, 1896
Died – Aug. 8, 1896, at her residence in Saline [Salina], Jefferson Co., Iowa, after a lingering illness of paralysis, Mrs. Christina M. Monson, nee Erickson.
The deceased was born in the parish of Norra-Wi, Sweden, on the 4th of March 1813. She was married to Charles M. Monson at the age of 20. From this union nine children were born, two of whom died in infancy and Oscar F. [rederick] was killed by Indiana in Wayne county, Nebr. in 1870. The other six are living. They are John M., Chas. A. [ugust], Mrs. Clara A. Clark of Salina, Mrs. Thomas L. Hickenbottom of Tarsonville, Mrs. Caroline M. [atilda] Bates of Bedford and Mrs. Rose C. [hristina] Taylor of Creston.
Mrs. Monson emigrated with her husband children from Sweden in the spring of 1849, arriving in New York City Aug. 16 and in Jefferson Co., Ia., in October. The same year the husband and wife had an attack of cholera and the husband died. This left the young widowed mother alone with her children, in a strange country and among people using a strange language. Her means were small as were also the children. These were trying times to the young widow but by hard work and trusting in God she raised her family and has lived in her own modest home since 1850.
The funeral was held at the M. E. church in Saline, Sunday. The remains were interred in the Richwoods cemetery. Mrs. H. B.
[Note: Her FAG memorial gives her maiden name as Eriksdotter.]
[NICHOLSON, WALTER LEE]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, January 20, 1898
Died, at Blockton, Tuesday, January 18th, 1898, at 3:30 o'clock p. m., Walter Lee Nicholson, aged 6 years, 5 months and 12 days of inflammation of the bowels. The funeral services were conducted at the First Christian church in this city, at 10 a. m. today by Rev. J. Will Walters, after which the body was laid to rest in the Bedford cemetery. The bereaved family have the sympathy of all in their affliction.
[NICHOLSON, WALTER LEE]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, January 20, 1898
BLOCKTON - Walter, a child of Charles Nickalson, died Tuesday afternoon from inflammation of the stomach.
[NICHOLSON, WALTER LEE]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, January 27, 1898
In Memory of Walter Lee Nicholson
Again the death angel has visited our town and taken a dear little jewel to adorn his throne. Little Walter was a member of my Sabbath school class and although my acquaintance with him was short, yet one only had but to know him to love him. His bright eyes and loving ways quickly told me that he was more than an ordinary child. His attention in his class ad earnest desires to learn all he could of the lessons, and ever had a quick and intelligent answer for any question that might be asked and would always ask that he might sit beside any one that would whisper and would say to me, it was not right to play and whisper in Sunday school. Oh, how we shall miss him in the class and will make our hearts sad to see his vacant seat, yet we know that our loss is his eternal gain and little Walter has escaped the temptations and trials of this world and is now safe in the arms of the one whom he loved to talk about—Jesus. My heartfelt sympathy is with the bereaved parents who were bringing him up in the way he should go.
You'll know where to find him, dear parents
---in heaven.
Though every fond tie you have be riven,
You'll follow him home to the land of the
blest.
Where sighs are not heard and the weary
Ones rest. Myrtle Nail, Sabbath school teacher, Blockton.
He who said "Suffer little children to come unto me and forbid them not, for such is the kingdom of heaven" has taken another of his little ones to be with him again.
Walter has ever been an industrious little student, although his school days were only begun last September. His bright face and cheery ways have made for himself a warm place in the hearts of his teacher and schoolmates.
Walter had been absent from school only two or three days and we can scarcely realize that he will not be with us again. Since we have known at school that Walter was dangerously sick every child made many inquiries concerning his condition and when it was learned that he never would be with us again in this world a hush came into the school room—yet notwithstanding the sadness in our hearts, we know we are the better for the ray of bright sunshine that the Saviour sent to us by giving Walter to brighten this earth for a time.
Edith Plummer, Teacher, Blockton.
[NISBET, AGNES HARPER]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, January 19, 1899
---Mrs. W. [illiam] W. [alter] Hyde returned Friday from attending the funeral of her mother in Illinois. Her nephew, George Harper, returned with her and will visit a short time in the city.
[NIXON, WILLIAM'S INFANT, - 1895]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, September 5, 1895
CONWAY - The infant child of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Nixon died Monday a 11 o'clock a. m. The funeral services were held at the residence Tuesday at 10 o'clock a. m. and the remains laid to rest in the Conway cemetery.
[OSBORN, THOMAS JEFFERSON]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, January 23, 1896
T. [homas] J. [efferson] Osborn, aged 46 years, died at New Market January 11th. He attended church on Friday evening and was apparently in good health but died at 5 o'clock the next morning.
[PARRISH, ELIZABETH ANN AMERINE REED]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, July 9, 1896
Obituary – Mrs. E. A. Parrish, wife of M. [icajah] Parrish, aged 62 years, 3 months and 10 days, died at her home in Bedford, Iowa, Tuesday, July 7, 1896, at 12:30 p. m.
Funeral services were held today at 2 p. m. at the residence in the northwest part of the city conducted by Rev. M. C. Waddell. Interment was made in the Lexington cemetery.
Mrs. Elizabeth Ann Reed was born in Ohio, March 27, 1824. Nov. 22, 1868, she was married to M.[icajah] Parrish, who survives her and is now more than 81 years of age.
Mr. and Mrs. Parrish were among the oldest residents of Taylor county and were held in high esteem.
[PARRISH, ELIZABETH ANN AMERINE REED]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, July 9, 1896
John Amerine came down from Conway Tuesday in response to a telegram informing him of the death of his sister, Mrs. M. Parish.
[PATCH, STEPHEN, 1809 – 1895]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, November 7, 1895
Smith Patch received word last week that his father, Stephen Patch, had died at his home in Oklahoma, on the 1st day of August. The deceased was 86 years of age and was formerly a resident of this county, having located here in 1854. Last April the old gentleman went to Oklahoma, where he made his home up to the time of his death.
[PLAT, DINAH, MRS., - 1896]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, October 15, 1896
Mrs. Geo. Miller received a telegram Monday informing her of the death of her mother, Mrs. Dinah Plat, at Princeville, Ill. Mrs. Miller will leave on the evening passenger to attend the funeral.
[POINTER, WILLIAM]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, August 29, 1895
Wm. Pointer, one of the oldest and among the best-known residents of Mason township, died at his home in New Market Monday, Aug. 26. The funeral service will be held today, conducted by the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of which society the deceased was an honored member. Several members of Bedford Lodge No. 91 will attend the funeral.
[RIGSBY, MARY ELVIRA JANUARY]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, January 20, 1898
At Rest (A Sister's Tribute)
Mary January Rigsby, wife of D. [avid] T. [homas] Rigsby, quietly passed away at her home near Owyhee, Oregon, Dec. 31, 1897, aged 45 years, seven months and twenty-three days.
The subject of this sketch was born in Union county, Ohio, May 10, 1852, and with her parents came to Taylor county, Iowa, in May 1864. She became a Christian at the early age of fifteen, uniting with the Church of Christ at Bedford, Iowa. She is the eldest daughter of Huston January who resided in this county for 13 years, was one of the pioneer preachers of this county, also representative in the Iowa Legislature for 1874-75 and is now living in Covington, Kentucky.
After her mother died, New Year's morning, 1871, Mary gave up her schooling and kept house for her father, trying to fill the mother's place in the household until she was married July 4, 1873. She left the same day with her husband for their home in Georgetown, Colorado, where they resided for several years. They afterwards lived in different parts of Montana. For the last 15 years their home has been in eastern Oregon. Her husband, two sons and two daughters are left to mourn her departure. She also leaves, besides her aged father, one sister, Mrs. James Beauchamp, of Bedford, Iowa and three brothers, James January of Washington county, Kansas, Dr. I. W. of Boise City, Idaho, and Charles P., now in Italy, besides a large circle of friends who lament her death, yet who mourn not as those who have no hope. Mrs. Rigsby was an invalid for several years until within the last year, when her family was cheered by the improvement of her health. In the last six weeks of her life, however, there was a gradual decline, heart disease being the immediate cause of her death. Her faith gave her a victory over the fear of dying. "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." [Poem not transcribed.] S. Alice Beauchamp
[SAVAGE, FRANK, - 1896]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, October 8, 1896
Mr. and Mrs. R. Savage arrived on the noon passenger from St. joseph with the body of their little son, Frank, aged 1 year and 3 months, who died at 4 o'clock this morning. The body will be taken to New Market this afternoon. D. R. Savage and his son Nelson accompanied Mr. and Mrs. Savage up from St. Joseph.
[SICKLES, MARY S. MCCLAIN]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, August 6, 1896
In Memoriam – Mary S. McClain was born in new Jersey in 1821; was married to J. [ames] S.[amuel] Sickles in 1840 and came to Iowa about 41 years ago; died July 31, 1896, aged 75 years, 2 weeks and 2 days. Funeral services were held at the M. E. church in Platteville at 3 p. m., Aug. 1, 1896, conducted by Rev. Mayne. [Poem not transcribed.] Mrs. J. S.
[Note: Variant spellings of last name include Sickels.]
[SMITH, JAMES, - 1896]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, January 23, 1896
A Sudden Summons
James Smith, a Section Foreman, Killed at Blockton
BLOCKTON, Jan. 22. – (Special to the Free Press) – James Smith, section foreman on the Maple Leaf, between this place and Maloy, was run down and killed by a freight train this afternoon.
The accident happened in in the railroad yards. Smith and several other men were standing on the track in the rear of a freight train that was switching in the yard. The conductor signaled the engineer to back up and before Smith discovered his danger he was run down and his body horribly mangled. Both of his legs were cut off close to the body and the bones of both arms broken and mangled. The body of the unfortunate man was caught by the moving train and dragged along the rails for a distance of two or three rods.
The injured man was carried into the depot, but he died within fifteen minutes after the accident happened. A coroner's inquest was held late this evening and a verdict rendered that Smith's death was accidental, the railroad being in no way to blame.
Smith's home was in Maloy and his body will be shipped there tonight.
[SNOOK, OLETTA SAWYER]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, November 12, 1896
Shot His Wife Then Himself
Tragedy on West Ninth Street Kansas City
Snook Was Jealous Story of the Shocking Affair as Told By an Eye Witness (From Friday's Daily)
The following from the Kansas City World of Nov. 4 will be of interest to our readers. The murdered woman was the divorced wife of J. R. McCoun of this city, from whom he separated about ten years ago.
Mrs. Snook is a sister of N. S. Sawyer of Bedford and is quite well known in the community.
Arthur L. Snook, a railroad brakeman, 36 years old, shot and killed his wife, Oletta, at the Hotel Belmont at West Ninth and Central streets, shortly after noon today. Then he placed the weapon, a 38-caliber revolver, against his left breast and fired a bullet into his heart. Both died instantly. The tragedy occurred in the street entrance to the stairway that leads up from Ninth street to the hotel. Snook was jealous. He was the second husband of the woman he killed.
When the shooting occurred the man and the woman were standing but a few feet apart. He fired two shots at her, but it is not known which one took effect. Apparently the ball struck her in the face, for her features were covered with blood when the crowd that had been attracted by the shooting reached the scene. She fell backwards, her head striking the east wall. Her left elbow rested on the bottom step and her husband's left hand supported her head. Her body lay across the entrance and when Snook shot himself he fell forward on his face, his knees resting on the woman's knees, his left hand clutching her dress and his right doubled beneath him. His face rested on the third step. He was smoking a cigar when he fell and it slipped from between his lips and rolled down almost to his left hand, where it lay, a thin blue stream of smoke slowly circling upward.
The coroner had the bodies removed to Wagner's morgue.
The shooting was witnessed by J. W. Todd, a Santa Fe engineer, who was standing across the street at the time. Snook was an extra freight conductor on the Missouri Pacific railway and ran between this city and Nevada, Mo. Two months ago, he was discharged from the Missouri Pacific hospital where he had been treated for some time. With his wife and 18-year-old stepdaughter, Myrtle McCoun, he went to the Hotel Gibson across from the Ninth Street to board. The husband was away most of the time. Myrtle and her mother were well liked and, according to the stories of people in the hotel, Snook had no foundation for his almost insane jealousy, as Mrs. Snook seldom went anywhere. At times the guests had complained to Mrs. Gibson, the landlady, that when home Snook annoyed them by quarreling with his wife. Last night the husband returned from Nevada, Mo. After quarreling with his wife in their room, No. 20 on the third floor, he engaged separate apartments and this morning was ordered from the hotel by Mrs. Gibson. . ..
They were married nine years ago and until lately were traveling from place to place.
Very little is known of the couple. Mrs. Snook came to Kansas City from Ottawa, Kan. She was a book agent in the employ of the Monroe Publishing Company of Chicago. Her first husband was named McCoun. She was a slender little woman with blue eyes, pale whitish hair and a short nose. Snook was also small and slender with dark hair and eyes. He had a little dark mustache. . . .
Mrs. Oletta Snook, the murdered woman, was 36 years old. She is said to have been a member of the Pythian sisters and that order will be notified. Snook was 40 years old. Immediately after the shooting Engineer Todd offered his services to the grief-stricken daughter. She asked him to notify her grandfather, L. T. McCoun, who lives at Bedford, Iowa, and a telegram was sent to him.
[SNOOK, OLETTA SAWYER]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, November 12, 1896
At Rest (Saturday's Daily)
Attorney L. T. McCoun and his granddaughter, Miss Myrtle McCoun, arrived from Kansas City on the 10:30 passenger last evening with the body of Mrs. Snooks. The members of the Knights of Pythias lodge met them at the depot and escorted the body to the home of Mr. McCoun.
The funeral services were conducted by Rev. H. P. Dyer, from the First Christian church at 1 p. m. and the remains were taken to the Lexington cemetery. Much sympathy is felt for the daughter, who is almost heartbroken over the terrible ordeal through which she has passed.
[SNYDER, ANTONIE, 1828 - 1897]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, July 8, 1897
Obituary – Antonie Snyder, one of the old settlers of Taylor county, died after a week's illness, at his home in Clayton township Saturday, July 3, at 5 p. m., of malaria fever. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. Maine of Blockton and the remains were interred in the Platteville cemetery.
Mr. Snyder was born in Germany in 1828, emigrating to America when quite young. He was married in Ohio and settled in Taylor county, where he lived until his death. He leaves a wife and six children, all of whom are grown. He was a kind and indulgent husband and father, honored and loved by his family and highly respected by all who knew him.
Mr. Snyder was a very prosperous farmer, having by his untiring thrift, industry and good judgment acquired quite a large amount of property.
The Free Press joins with many friends in extending to his family its sincerest sympathies in their bereavement.
[STEELE, WILLIAM, - 1896]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, April 30, 1896
Wm. Steele died at his home seven miles southeast of Bedford on Monday, April 27, 1896, aged 63 years. The funeral services were held at the M. E. church at Platteville, at 2 o'clock p. m. Tuesday, conducted by Rev. E. H. Curtis of Gravity.
The deceased had been afflicted for several years with a cancer on the face and while his sufferings were intense and almost unbearable at times, he bore all with Christian fortitude.
[STEEPLETON, LON'S INFANT, - 1898]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, March 17, 1898
--While quietly sleeping in its crib last Saturday morning, the infant child of Lon Steepleton, about six miles northeast of town, passed to the arms of its loving Savior. No cause is assigned for its death.
[STEWART, DESSIE MAY]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, October 28, 1897
In Memory
Written in memory of Dessie May Stewart, who died October 20, 1897:
"A precious one from us has gone,
A One we loved so well.
That how much we miss her
No one can tell.
She was such a sweet, bright baby—
The pet of the household too,
That to give her up to Jesus
We felt we could not do.
But silently he bore her away
To that bright world above;
And she now awaits our coming,
Where all is joy and love.
Yet how lonely it does seem
When we see that vacant seat,
And miss the patter, patter, patter
Of our little darling's feet.
And when thinking of her we loved,
We cannot help but sigh;
Yet we know she shines an as angel
In that bright home on high.
[STEWART, DESSIE MAY]
Clarinda Journal (Clarinda, Iowa), Friday, October 29, 1897
SIAM – Died, Oct. 20, 1897, Dessa May Stewart, a child of Mr. and Mrs. D. [avid] M. [cCune] Stewart. Little Dessa was born Dec. 31, 1893. Her age was 3 years, 9 months and 19 days. She had just begun to sing and her favorite song was, "Oh, How I Love Jesus." Ah, the little one's father and mother and brothers and sisters should one and all remember how Jesus loves them and if they live as they should they will gain a home in heaven. There they can hear their little loved one who has gone before, sing "Oh, How I Love Jesus." The funeral sermon was preached on Oct. 22 by Rev. John Horton of Siam and the remains were laid away in the Siam cemetery.
[STOCKTON, FREDERICK A.]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, September 22, 1898
A Most Horrible Death
About two weeks ago Frederick Stockton, a switchman on the Great Western railway, was killed by being run over in the yards at St. Joseph by a string of box cars. In making a coupling he stumbled on the rail and the brake beam pulled him under the wheels. He carried a total insurance of $3,900. Deceased was a nephew of Mrs. W. H. Shoemaker of this city.
[STRETCH, ANNA POMEROY]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, July 29, 1897
Death of Mrs. Stretch
Died at her home in Bedford, Iowa, Saturday, July 24, 1897, at 5 o'clock a. m., Mrs. Anna Stretch, aged 58 years, 6 months and 14 days. Funeral services were held at the M. E. church, Sunday, July 25, at 2 o'clock p. m., conducted by Rev. Maine of Blockton. The W. R. C. had charge of the funeral, the services being both appropriate and impressive.
Mrs. Stretch was born in Ohio, came to Iowa, Lee county, while quite young. She afterwards moved to Muscatine county, where she was married to Alfred Stretch. They came to Taylor county in 1896 [1875] and to Bedford six years ago. The surviving members of the family are the husband, a son, Oria Stretch and a daughter, Mrs. Mary Fluharty. Interment was at Fairview.
[STRETCH, LUCY ELMIRA TOWNSEND]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, January 27, 1898
Lucy E. Stretch – Died, at her home in this city, Sunday afternoon at 4:25, Mrs. Lucy E. Stretch, beloved wife of M. [ilton] B. Stretch.
Mrs. Stretch was born February 2, 1847, at West Chazy, New York. She came with her parents to West Liberty, Iowa, in 1864, and was married December 4, 1866. For a number of years Mr. and Mrs. Stretch lived on a farm near Platteville. For about six years they have resided in this city, where they have made many warm friends. She leaves a husband, a daughter and a son, who have the sympathy of all in their sad hour of affliction.
The funeral services were conducted at the home by Rev. Collins on Tuesday, after which the body was laid to rest in the Bedford cemetery.
[TANDO, INFANT, - 1895]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, August 29, 1895
A nine months old child of Mr. Tando near Lenox was badly scalded with hot water and died last week.
[THOMPSON, MARY CRAMER]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, January 20, 1898
BLOCKTON – The mother of Mrs. James Avey about 80 years old, died at the home of James Avey at west Gay on Sunday last.
[TOLER, MARY MICKEY]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, May 27, 1897
A Sudden Death
Mrs. Mary Toler, wife of the late Robert Toler of Washington township, died very suddenly Friday, May 21, 1897, of paralysis, aged about 50 years.
Mrs. Toler was engaged in her usual household duties, when at about 5 o'clock Thursday evening she was suddenly stricken with paralysis of the entire left part of the body. She was out in the yard at the time but managed to reach the house when her condition was discovered, and she was placed in a comfortable situation and tenderly cared for by her family. Mrs. Toler remained conscious until about 8 o'clock Friday morning when she sank gradually into a comatose condition from which she did not rally.
The funeral occurred at Gravity last Monday and the body was taken to Washington, Ia., for interment. Her husband, Robt. Toler died just five years ago, lacking five days. Mr. and Mrs. Toler were highly respected in the community in which they lived. The surviving members of the family are Mrs. N. T. Brown, Mrs. Jessie Aid and Chas. and Eva Toler.
[TRIGGS, MRS. E., - 1897]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, January 7, 1897
CLAYTON TOWNSHIP – Mrs. E. Triggs died Wednesday of last week at 9 p. m. after some three months of sickness. She leaves a number of warm friends to mourn her loss.
[TRIGGS, ORVILLE'S INFANT, - 1895]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, November 21, 1895
An infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Orville Triggs, living eight miles southeast of town, died last Sunday and was buried at Platteville on Monday.
[TRIGGS, ORVILLE'S INFANT, - 1895]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, November 28, 1895
CLAYTON TOWNSHIP – An infant child of Orville Triggs was buried last Monday.
[VAN CLEAVE, JESSE SMITH]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, February 6, 1896
Died, Friday, January 31, 1896, Jesse Smith Van Cleve [Van Cleave], aged 6 years, 1 month and 25 days, and a son of Mr. and Mrs. J. [efferson] W. [arren] Van Cleve [Van Cleave]. Funeral services were held at the residence on Saturday, Feb. 1st, conducted by Rev. M. C. Waddell. The remains were interred in the Bedford cemetery.
[VANLUE, BENJAMIN E.]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, October 1, 1896
With Suicidal intent; (Wednesday's Daily)
B. [enjamin] E. VanLue, whom our readers will remember as one of the trio who came here last spring to start a Borton Cure Institute, made a brave attempt last night at shuffling off this mortal coil. He has been on a protracted spree and could have been seen on the streets nearly every day for the last week in an advanced state of intoxication.
Last evening, he was seen at the depot, when 10:40 passenger came in. He was not seen by any one until about 6 o'clock this morning, when he was found in an unconscious condition in the hay mow at Laird's livery barn. Soon after being found he was taken to the Commercial house and Dr. F. S. Selby was called. The doctor at once entered upon a heroic course of treatment and succeeded, after six or seven hours hard work, in bringing his patient to consciousness.
The would be suicide is the victim of an unhappy train of circumstances in which he has been made the victim of a couple of Borton Cure sharks. He was one of the principal stock holders in the institute that was opened in Bedford last spring and was defrauded out of several hundred dollars. This, together with a love affair, in which he is said to have been a rejected suitor, has undoubtedly led up to the rash act of las night in which he attempted to take his own life.
Later: Since the above was set in type, VanLue again relapsed into an unconscious condition and at about 11 o'clock died. Dr. Bennett, the county coroner, was telegraphed for and arrived on the 3:40 passenger. He impaneled a jury, which is still in session as we go to press.
At the coroner's inquest, held Wednesday evening, he following verdict was rendered:
We, the jury, find that Benjamin VanLue, now lying dead, came to his death by an overdose of morphine administered by his own hand.
O. W. Ormsby, J. M. Houck, J. Blake.
[VAUGHN, THOMAS, 1815 - 1898]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, February 17, 1898
--A. J. Sowers left on the early morning hack Wednesday by the way of Gravity for Clearfield, to attend the funeral of Mr. Thomas Vaughn, an uncle of Mrs. Sowers. Mr. Vaughn was eighty years old.
[WALKER, FRANCES OWEN]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, October 6, 1898
Resting in the Arms of Jesus
Tuesday morning Mr. and Mrs. George Walker were called upon to part with their sweet treasure, their beloved child of five months. This is indeed a hard cross to bear but they have the blessed satisfaction of knowing it has been transferred to a brighter and happier sphere. They have the sympathy of a large circle of friends. The funeral services were conducted at the residence at 10 o'clock Wednesday by Elder Walters, interment in the Fairview cemetery.
[Inscription on headstone: Frances Owen Son of G. D. & M. D. Walker Apr. 29 – Oct. 4, 1898]
[WALLACE, EFFIE MELISSA MICK]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, December 31, 1896
Obituary – Mrs. Effie Wallace, wife of I. [saac] N. [ewton] Wallace, died Dec. 13, 1896, at her home three and one-half miles southwest of Conway, aged 23 years, 11 months and 27 days. Funeral services were conducted at the residence at 11:30 a. m., Dec. 14, by Rev. Patten of the Adventist church of Gravity.
Miss Effie Mick was born in Henry County, Iowa, December 16, 1873. She came to Taylor county with her father in 1875. She was united in marriage to I. [saac] N. [ewton] Wallace in 1889. She leaves a husband and three small children. Interment in Lexington cemetery. [Poem not transcribed.] Carrie Wallace
[WARE, HELLEN "NELLIE", 1875 – 1898]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, March 24, 1898
Died – Miss Ware, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. D. [avid] H. [all] Ware. This is the third member of the family which has been called home within one year. The family have the sympathy of the entire community.
[WARE, HARRY FRANKLIN]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, June 4, 1896
Harry F. [ranklin] Ware, the six-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. J. [ohn] R. [udolph] Ware, living one and one-half miles southwest of New Market, died at 9 o'clock a. m., Saturday, May 30th, 1896, of brain fever. The funeral services were held at the residence at 9 o'clock this morning, conducted by Rev. J. F. Campbell. The remains were brought to this city and interred in the Fairview cemetery. The deceased was a nephew of Attorney Chas. Thomas.
[WEBB, GEORGE, - 1895]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, October 10, 1895
George Webb, infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Webb, died at 7 o'clock last evening. The funeral services will be held at the house at 11 o'clock a. m. today, conducted by Rev. M. C. Waddell.
[WHITECOTTON, ROBERT M.'S INFANT, - 1895]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, November 28, 1895
HOLT – Died – at the home of its parents, Mr. and Mrs. R. [obert] M. Whitecotton, their infant child of whooping cough on Nov. 23, 1895. Rev. Towner preached the funeral sermon at Fairview on Sunday Nov. 24 at 11:00 a. m. The remains were interred at the Prairie Rose cemetery.
[WILLARD, JOSEPH NATHANIEL]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, January 12, 1899
By the Rope Route
Joseph Willard Suicides
The Real Cause of the Terrible Deed Unknown—Particulars of the Tragedy
Dangling at the end of a rope, whose noose was self-adjusted with suicidal intent, the life of Joseph Willard went out, and left only the cold tenement of clay as mute evidence of the awful crime. Last Thursday at the noon hour, Joseph Willard entered the barn of Noble McMaster and deliberately planned to kill himself. Securing a rope, he fastened one end to a rafter in the barn and the other was securely fastened around his neck. To make things doubly sure he also secured his hands behind his back. He then made the fatal leap into eternity, dropping eight or nine feet. His neck was broken in the fall. The body was discovered by Mr. McMaster and left hanging in that position until the arrival of Justice Gray and Deputy Sheriff Payton, the coroner being sick and unable to go. These parties arrived on the scene at about five o'clock and cut the body down. The interment took place in the Willard cemetery in Polk township on Friday, the funeral exercises being conducted by Rev. Philip Jackson.
Joseph Willard was about 25 years of age and single. His parents reside in Montana, from which place he came to Bedford about nine weeks ago. He attended the Omaha exposition and it is said while there he was struck on the back with a club in the hands of a footpad and robbed of considerable money. Ever since that time he has been acting queerly, and there is hardly any question that he was mentally unbalanced when he committed the deed. It is said he left home with about $150 and that his father sent him $30 more and at the time of his death he only had about $15. Among other things found on his person were three notes reading as follows:
"Bound for Bedford. I am a friend of Jim Willards."
'If I happen to die one of these days don't lay it on anybody, for I drank a bottle of medicine all at one time as I walked from my uncle's, George Reeds."
'There are so many things in my heart that I can't tell anybody, and it seems to me like as if I don't want to see anybody. Send my watch and two grips to my folks. Wherever I am buried, bury me in a good suit of clothes. Goodby."
Deceased was a nephew of J. S. Willard, of this city and also of Mrs. Geo. Reed, three and a half miles southeast of town.
[WILLIAMS, LUANA D. RUNDLET]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, July 29, 1897
Died of Old Age
Mrs. Luana Williams Passed Away, Aged 86 Years
Died, at the home of her son, T. V. Williams, 4 miles west of Bedford, Iowa, Thursday, July 22, 1897, at 6:30 p. m., Mrs. Luana D. Williams, aged 86 years, 6 months and 24 days. Funeral services were held at the residence of her son, T. V. Williams, Saturday, July 24, 1897, at 9 a. m., conducted by Rev. J. A. Ross, after which the remains were taken to Marengo, Ill., on the 12:42 train for interment.
Mrs. Williams, nee Miss Luana Raundlet [Rundlet], was a native of Massachusetts. After her marriage to Lewis Williams they moved to Marengo, where the latter died about 10 years ago. She had been a member of the M. E. church since early childhood and was a kindly Christian woman. She leaves four sons, all living in this county. They are T. [yler] V. [aloras], R. [obert] M.[iller], I. [saac] F. [ranklin] and A. [lbert] J. [osiah] Williams. T. V. Williams accompanied the remains to Illinois.
[WOLVERTON (WOOLVERTON), ANDREW JACKSON]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, January 27, 1898
A.[ndrew] J. [ackson] Woolverton died at his home south of Bedford, Tuesday, January 25, and was buried today. The Masonic fraternity of this city assisted in the exercises.
[WYLIE, THOMAS A. H.]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, July 16, 1896
A Noble Man Gone
Rev. T. [homas] A. H. Wylie, Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Bedford, Passes Away in the Noonday of an Useful Life (Monday's Daily Free Press)
Died, at his home in this city, July 11, 1896, at 8:45 o'clock p. m., Rev. T. A. H. Wylie, pastor of the First Presbyterian church. Funeral services will be conducted from the church at 4:00 o'clock p. m., Tuesday, July 14. Definite arrangements for the funeral had not been made up to the hour of going to press.
Thus again has death's mysterious mantle been unfolded and wrapped around the immortal spirit of a good man. After a long and painful illness, Rev. Wylie sank calmly to rest, surrounded by his wife and children and a few of the most intimate friends of the family. Peacefully and calmly he passed into the Valley of the Shadow.
When the sad news spread among the people of the city, expressions of sorrow at his untimely death were heard in every household. All were united by the common bond of sympathy with the bereaved family. For five years Rev. Wylie has had pastorial charge of the First Presbyterian church and during these years he endeared himself to the hearts of our people. He knew the ambitions, hopes and aspirations of all who surrounded him and there was no sacrifice so great that he would not endure in his efforts to educate and inculcate the true principles of Christianity. Strong of mind, earnest of purpose, courageous of heart and magnetic in presence he was a power for good in the community. He was a scholarly gentleman and delighted in the refining influence of art and literature. Up to the very last moments of his conscious life he was a searcher after knowledge.
He is gone. But the memory of his works and words will remain to instill new faith in the hearts of those who loved and trusted him and urge them to broader views, to inspire them with confidence in the religion of which the deceased was a true minister. "Blessed are the dead who die in the lord; for henceforth, saith the spirit, they do rest from their labors and their works do follow them."
(Wednesday's Daily Free Press)
In song and in words befitting the solemn occasion, a vast throng of this city and vicinity met at the First Presbyterian church yesterday evening and paid a loyal, loving tribute to the memory of Bedford's lamented minister, citizen and friend. They were not idle words or songs, for every heart throbbed in sympathy while listening to those who recounted the virtues of the dead and all lines of creed were lost beneath the voiceful garlands hung on memory's wall.
The church had been appropriately arranged for the funeral services. In front of the pulpit a solid bank of flowers and ferns formed a background for the casket, which was covered with a profusion of rare exotics. Upon the crape covered pulpit were vases from which sprang great bunches of many-colored flowers. The seats occupied by the ministers, both from home and abroad, were arranged around the altar and were covered with appropriate emblems.
Amid the most perfect quiet the services were opened with a song by the choir, "Resting at home." Rev. Dr. James McGill, president of the Fairfield college, read the scripture lesson and was led in prayer by Rev. Frank Grossman of Yorktown. Rev. Dill of Shenandoah, who, several years ago, installed Rev. Wylie as pastor of the church, pronounced an eulogy over the bier of the dead. In opening he said he did not wish to eulogize the dead, but he believed God required us to gather a lesson from this bereavement, and he wanted to say something of the dear departed brother who had passed away in the noontime of life. It had been his good fortune to be well acquainted with Rev. Wylie. He recognized the graces of his power in life. he had been strong in faith, strong in the pulpit, and strong in his social relations. He had been first, a friend of God, then a friend of man. He was loving and affectionate in his home life and these characteristics followed him into his relations with his church and the community. His influence for good will last with his memory. . .. [Further remarks not transcribed.]
At the close of the services, the audience was permitted to view the remains, after which a funeral cortege conveyed the body to Fairview cemetery where, amid tears and prayers, the last sad rites were performed.
With devoted tenderness the body of Rev. Wylie has been laid to rest, but his face and memory remains engraved on the hearts of all who knew him.
T. A. H. Wylie was born in Ohio and at the time of his death was 41 years, 8 months and 6 days old.
[WYLIE, THOMAS A. H.]
Clarinda Journal (Clarinda, Iowa), Friday, July 17, 1896
Rev. T. [homas] A. H. Wylie, pastor of the Presbyterian church of Bedford, died in that city last Saturday evening, age 41 years, 8 months and 6 days. He leaves a widow and three young children. The late Mr. Wylie had been pastor of the Bedford Presbyterian church since 1892 and was a very popular man in that place. Consumption was the cause of his demise. Dr. McGill of Fairfield conducted the funeral services.
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