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

[CARR, MARTHA HULL FERGUSON]

Blockton News, Thursday, February 18, 1915, [p. 1]

Death of Mrs. A. Carr

The announcement Saturday evening that Mrs. A. Carr had passed away came as a shock to this community. She has not been in the best of health for years but was not considered as being near death’s door. The immediate cause of her death was heart trouble. She passed away quite suddenly and without a moment’s warning. Obituary in another column.

[CARR, MARTHA HULL FERGUSON]

Blockton News, Thursday, February 18, 1915, p. 5

Obituary – Martha Hull was born in Marion County, Ohio, August 26th, 1837, and departed this life at her home in Blockton on February 13th, 1915, at the ripe age of 77 years, 5 months and 13 days.

She was married to Wm. Ferguson on January 25th, 1857, and to this union was born four children---Samuel H. [ull], of Visalia, California; W. E. Ferguson and Harriet E. Anderson, of Grant City; and Elmer H., who died in infancy. Her husband, Wm. Ferguson, died in June 1896. She was again united in marriage with Aquila Carr October 11th, 1899, and has since resided in Blockton. She united with the Baptist church in childhood at the little town of Norton, Ohio, and until the time of her death remained a faithful follower of her Savior. Besides her husband and three sorrowing children she leaves three aged sisters---Mrs. Lydia Ann Miller, of Eureka, Kansas; Mrs. Mary Hoff, of Cardington, Ohio, and Mrs. Harriet Carpenter, of Indianapolis, Indiana---and four brothers---S. E. Hull, of California; G. R. Hull, of Gentry, Missouri; J. M. Hull, of Shattuck, Oklahoma, and D. D. Hull, of Sheridan, Missouri---and also several grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Brief services were held at the home Monday morning conducted by Rev. S. M. Zike, of the United Brethren church, and Rev. William Mercer, of the Methodist church, after which the remains were taken to Grant City where services were held in the Baptist church, conducted by the pastor, Rev. J. B. Cash. Interment was made in the Grant City cemetery.

[CARR, MARTHA HULL FERGUSON]
Blockton News (Blockton, Iowa), Thursday, February 18, 1915
D. D. Hull and wife, of Sheridan, were in town Sunday and Monday, called here by the sudden death of Mr. Hull's sister, Mrs. A. [quilla] Carr.
Neut Anderson and wife were called here by the sudden death of Mrs. Anderson's mother, Mrs. A.[quilla] Carr, Saturday evening.
W. E. Ferguson and son, of Grant City, were called here by the death of the former's mother, Mrs. A. [quilla] Carr, Saturday evening.
Mrs. H. C. Carr and children, of Creston, came Monday, called here by the death of Mrs. A. [quilla] Carr.

[CARR, MARTHA HULL FERGUSON]
Bedford Times-Republican (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, February 18, 1915
BLOCKTON – Mrs. Aquilla Carr died at her home in Blockton Saturday after an illness of three weeks. The funeral services were held at the Baptist church in Grant City, conducted by J. B. Cash. Interment was made in the Grant City cemetery. Martha Hull was born in Ohio September 29, 1837. Her first husband died twenty years ago. In 1899 she was united in marriage to Aquilla Carr and had made Blockton her home since.

[CARR, MARTHA HULL FERGUSON]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Tuesday, February 23, 1915
BLOCKTON – The funeral services of Mrs. A. Carr were held at Grant City on Monday, Feb. 15. A short service was held at the home here in town before starting. Mrs. Carr was an estimable old lady and her demise, though at a ripe old age, comes a sorrow to her many friends. The bereaved relatives have the sympathy of all.

[CRAWFORD, ARVILLA BELLE COLE]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, April 29, 1954, p. 2

Gravity

Mrs. Crawford Rites

Funeral services for Mrs. Elmer Crawford were held at the Methodist church here Friday, conducted by Rev. R. W. Weber. Interment in Gravity cemetery.

[CRAWFORD, ELMER ELSWORTH]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, December 9, 1943, p. 8

Obituary – Elmer Crawford

Elmer Elsworth Crawford, son of Nancy Rebecca and Francis Marian Crawford was born in Galesburg, Illinois, May 11, 1864.

When eleven years of age his father died, and with his mother, sister and two brothers he came to Bedford, in which place resided relatives of his mother.

He was married to Miss Arvilla Cole September 13, 1893, to them two daughters were born, Mrs. Ralph Kennon of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Mrs. S. E. Neville of Kremmling, Colorado.

Mr. Crawford was a member of the Methodist church of Gravity and always supported those interests which he believed were for the good of the community. He had made his home on the same farm near Gravity for more than forty years.

Besides his father he was also preceded in death by his mother and by two brothers, H. W. Crawford, who died at Ontario, Calif. and W. H. Crawford at Elk City, Oklahoma.

He continued active until about two months when he suffered a stroke, and died Dec. 6, 1943, aged 79 years, 6 months, and 5 days.

He is survived by his wife and two daughters, eight grandchildren and one sister, Mrs. M. G. Burrell of Bedford.

Funeral services were conducted in the Methodist church at Gravity Wednesday afternoon by Rev. C. W. Proctor of Sharpsburg. Burial was in the Gravity cemetery.

 

 

[CAREY, JOHN J.]

Blockton News, Thursday, April 16, 1914, [p. 1]

J. [ohn] J. Carey, one of the pioneer citizens of Lenox, died Thursday and the funeral took place Saturday. He came from Vernon County, Wisconsin to Lenox upwards of thirty years ago. Having been previously admitted to the bar he practiced law and taught school in the vicinity of Lenox. During the fall of 1884 he ran a campaign sheet in Creston in connection with John J. Clark and a little later edited the Taylor County Democrat. He was a useful citizen having served as justice several terms; also as mayor [of] the town for a number of years. His family consists of his wife and several grown up children.

[CARROLL, MARY JANE GLOEKLER]

Bedford Times-Press, Wednesday, February 13, 1991

MARY JANE CARROLL

Mary Jane Carroll, 88, St. Joseph, Mo., died Monday, Jan. 28, 1991 in a local convalescent center in St. Joseph.

She was born in Worth County, Mo. and lived in St. Joseph since 1960.

She had worked at St. Joseph's Hospital as a dietary aide. She also did volunteer work at various nursing homes, orphanages, senior citizen center

She was preceded in death by her husband, Addison Volley Carroll in August of 1949; three brothers and two sisters.

Survivors include a son, A. V. Carroll, Smithville, Mo.; two step-sons, Dan Carroll, Bedford, Iowa, Robert Simpson, Forsythe, Mo.; four daughters, Jean Mutert, Kansas City, Kan., Ava Dean Shum, Clarinda, Luzenia Charles, St. Joseph, Mo., Angie McCallum, St. Joseph, Mo., and one step-daughter, Flo Roberts, Minneapolis, Minn.; one sister Nevada Dunlap, California; 13 grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Graveside services were held January 31 at Rose Hill Cemetery in Blockton, Iowa.

[CARTER, IDA]

Blockton News, Thursday, November 13, 1913, p. 5

Death of Ida Carter

Miss Ida Carter, of Red Oak, died yesterday at the home of her aunt, Mrs. Robert Campbell, aged about 17 years.

The disease which terminated her young life was kidney trouble with which she had been afflicted several months. She had been visiting at the Campbell home some time and was not more ailing than usual until Sunday evening when she was taken alarming ill and grew rapidly worse until death.

"Death loves a shining mark." She was a bright, amiable girl, loved by all who knew her, and her presence brought sunshine wherever she went.

The funeral was held at the Campbell home this afternoon at 1 o'clock and interment was made in the family burial place in Platteville cemetery. Rev. Wm. Mercer conducted the funeral obsequies.

The father, who is here, along with brothers and sisters and other relatives, have the sympathy of all.

[CARTER, IDA]
Bedford Times-Republican (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, November 20, 1913
BLOCKTON – Miss Ida Carter died at the home of Mrs. Robert Campbell Wednesday after an illness of three days. The funeral services were held at the Campbell home conducted by Rev. William Mercer. Interment was made in the Platteville cemetery. Miss Carter was a niece of Mrs. Campbell and died while visiting there. She was 17 years old.

[CLARK, GEORGE ALFRED]

Blockton News, Thursday, October 31, 1918, [p. 1]

Death of Geo. A. Clark

This community was severely shocked Friday evening when it was learned that Geo. A. [lfred] Clark had passed away at his home in northeast Blockton.

Mr. Clark had been living alone at his home since he returned from Wray, Colorado, the latter part of August, and had not been enjoying the best of health, having received injuries to his back and side in an accident while working at Wray. On Wednesday he complained to several that he was not feeling the best, his back being quite painful and giving him considerable trouble. The last he was seen alive was Wednesday evening about 7 or 8 o'clock when he went to the B. F. Garrard home after milk, as had been his custom each evening. The evening being warm he sat down on the porch and visited with Mr. Garrard for possibly a half hour.

On Friday evening, his sister, Mrs. S. L. Warden, becoming uneasy about him, not having seen him since Wednesday, and fearing that he had become ill, went to his home but was unable to get any response. As the doors were all locked she returned to her home to get a bunch of keys to the house, which George Clark, Jr., had left at the Warden home when he left to enlist in the army. It had become quite dark by the time she arrived at her brother's home the second time so she went across the street to the Clarence Bevans home where she secured a lantern, Mr. Bevans accompanying her across to her brother�s home. Going to an upstairs bedroom she found her brother in bed and apparently asleep, but cold in death.

Coroner Dr. Jay S. Terrill, of Bedford, was called and after a careful examination gave it as his opinion that he had been dead about forty-eight hours and that death came from natural causes and possibly a heart block. Everything indicated that he had retired and that death came to him while he slept.

Mr. Clark spent practically all his life in this section of the country and was well known throughout the community. He was scrupulously honest in all his dealings and in his work, and the writer always found his word as good as a government bond.

During the last few days of his life he was anxiously awaiting the receipt of the card that would announce that his youngest son, George, had arrived safely overseas. The expected card came on Saturday morning after his death. His two youngest sons are now with the American Expeditionary Forces, Edward with the 211 Aero Squadron and George with the 32 Bakery Company.

[CLARK, GEORGE ALFRED]

Blockton News, Thursday, October 31, 1918, [p. 1]

Obituary – George Alfred Clark was born in Worth County, Missouri, September 25, 1863, and passed away at his home in Blockton, Wednesday, October 23, 1918, aged 55 years and 28 days.

He was united in marriage to Lucy Bunker and to this union were born five children: Mrs. Elsie Severns of Wray, Colorado; Elmer W. Clark, of Morrill, Nebraska; W. R. Clark, of Blockton and Edward and George Clark, who are with the American Expeditionary Forces in overseas service.

Besides the children he leaves two sisters and three brothers: Mary Clark, of Evanston, Illinois; Mrs. S. L. Warden, of Blockton; S. N. Clark, of Beatrice, Nebraska; Scott Clark, of Slickpoo, Idaho; W. H. Clark of Blockton, and a host of friends to mourn his departure.

On account of the quarantine no public funeral could be held. Short services were held at the home of his sister, Mrs S. L. Warden, Monday afternoon at 3 o'clock, conducted by Rev. E. J. Laird and interment was made in Rose Hill cemetery.

[CLARK, GEORGE ALFRED]
Blockton News (Blockton, Iowa), Thursday, October 31, 1918
Arthur Severns and wife of Wray, Colorado, came Sunday afternoon, called here by the death of Mrs. Severns' father, Geo. A. Clark.

[CLARK, GOLDIE MARIE]

Blockton News, Thursday, November 4, 1920, [p. 1]

Goldie Clark Dead

Goldie Clark, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Clark, passed away at her home west of Platteville Thursday night at 11 o'clock, aged between 10 and 11 years. Funeral services were held at the home at 2 o�clock Saturday afternoon conducted by Rev. Potter, pastor at East Mission church and interment was made in Rose Hill cemetery, Blockton.

Besides her parents she leaves to mourn her untimely death a brother, Kenneth, and many other relatives and friends. The relatives have the sympathy of all in their bereavement.

[COBB, CLETA GENEVA MAUDLIN]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, August 26, 1976

Cleta Cobb, 94, Last Rites Held In Blockton

Funeral services for Mrs. Charles (Cleta) Cobb, 54, of Blockton were held at Tent Chapel Church, Blockton, conducted by David Dvorak. Mrs. Cobb died August 18, 1976, at Ringgold County Hospital, Mount Ayr. Interment was at Rose Hill Cemetery, Blockton.

Cleta Geneva Cobb, sixth of eight children, was born to Edgar Leroy Maudlin and Sarah Pearl Daniel Maudlin at Burkburnett, Texas, April 8, 1922.

At the age of three her mother passed away and she spent her childhood until age 16 in the Tipton Orphan Home, Tipton, Okla. Mr. and Mrs. B. J. McHam, Wichita Falls, Texas, took her into their home until age 20.

On June 23, 1943, she was united in marriage to Charles Morton Cobb in Oklahoma City, Okla. During his service tenure she was employed in Wichita Falls. In 1946, they made their home on a farm south of Blockton, and reared their Christian family among loved ones and friends. To this union were born one son and three daughters.

She was preceded in death by her father at age 79 and by three brothers, one in infancy, Junior Lee, J. C. at age 22, and Wayne at age 43.

To cherish her memory she leaves her husband, Charles; one son, Galen Lee, and his wife, Kathy of Fort Worth, Texas; three daughters, Roberta Ann Milinsky and her husband, Robert, of Peoria, Illinois, Anita Arlene Patterson and her husband, Kenneth, of Fort Dodge, Ia., and Maria Louise, a student at Oklahoma Christian College, Okla. City, Okla., at home; and one grandson, Ryan John Patterson; two brothers. Coy Maudlin, Ponca City, Okla., and Homer Maudlin, Fresno, Calif.; two sisters, Viola Spear, El Centro, Calif., and Mabel Givens, Oceanside, Calif.; and brother-in-law, Dean Austin Cobb, and his wife, Evelyn, Blockton.

She obeyed the gospel in her early years and was a faithful member at Tent Chapel Church of Christ. Her plants and garden gave her much happiness throughout her life. She dearly loved her family and friends.

 

[CARROLL, PEARL WILMENIA LA MASTER]

Blockton News, Thursday, December 19, 1918, p. 8

Obituary – Pearl Willmina [Wilmenia] Lamaster [La Master] was born at Lewiston, Illinois, September 4, 1889,and passed away at her home north of Blockton December 11, 1918, aged 29 years, 3 months and 7 days.

She came with her parents to Gravity, Iowa, when about three years of age. Seven years later she went with her parents to a farm near Parnell, Missouri, where she resided until her marriage to Addison V. [olley] Carroll on December 25, 1907.

To this union were born three children, Flossie Fern, Averal [Avril] Don and Robert Elver Dean.

She was always faithful in attending church when she lived near a church. Her faith was in her God and she tried to lead her children as a faithful shepherdess.

Besides her husband and children she is survived by her parents, Robert and Eliza Lamaster [La Master]; three brothers, Clarence, Frank, and Carl who is in France, and four sisters, Daisy May Stimson, of Sheridan, Mo.; Myrtla Baccus, of Miami, Fla.; Florence Fay [Fey], of Flemming, Colo.; Ella Simpson, of Sheridan, Mo. and many relatives and a host of friends.

The sympathy of the entire community goes out to the husband and three little motherless children in this their sad hour of bereavement.

The funeral was held at the home north of Blockton on Saturday morning, December 14 at 11 o'clock, conducted by Rev. Edwin James Laird, and interment was made in Rose Hill cemetery, Blockton.

[CLINE, LOUISA JOBE]

Blockton News, Thursday, February 27, 1919, p. 6

Mrs. Seth B. Cline, formerly a resident of Blockton but later residing in St. Joseph and Kansas City, passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Ada Dennis, at 1330 Washington Street, Kansas City, Missouri, at 6 o'clock Friday morning, February 14th. Mrs. Cline's maiden name was Louisa Jobe. Interment was made in a Kansas City cemetery.

[CLOUSE, EARL EDWARD]

Blockton News, Thursday, February 9, 1922, [p. 1]

Earl Clouse Dead

Earl Clouse, whose illness with smallpox was mentioned last week, passed away Sunday evening after an illness of almost two weeks. The body was taken to his old home at New Hampton, Missouri, Monday for interment.

Mr. Clouse and family came to Blockton in October, 1920, from Grant City or Bethany, Mo., he having purchased the blacksmith shop at this place. About a month ago he contracted for the Mrs. S. B. Hickenlooper residence and acreage on North Street which he took possession of at that time and where he passed away.

He leaves, besides his wife, six small children, the youngest being twin boys born on January 10th of this year.

The sympathy of the entire community goes out to the sorrowing wife and fatherless children in their bereavement.

[CLOUSE, EARL EDWARD]

Blockton News, Thursday, February 16, 1922, p. 5

Obituary – Earl Edward Clouse was born near New Hampton, Mo., March 5, 1889, and died at his home at Blockton Feb. 5, 1922, aged 32 years, 11 months.

He was married to Miss Lala Himes Nov. 1, 1908. To this union was born eight children, the two oldest dying in infancy, Eva, 2 years old, and Mildred, 5 months old. The living children are: Elaine, Daphane, Perry Wilbur, Fred Wayne, George Edward and Gerald Leonard.

He loved the church and Sunday school, having become a member of the Methodist church at the age of 18 years.

He followed his trade, that of a blacksmith, in New Hampton for a number of years, later moving to a farm 8 miles northwest of New Hampton where he lived two years, then moved to Grant City for two years and then to Blockton where he lived at the time of his death.

About two weeks before his death he took sick with the dreaded smallpox and while he was reported to be getting along alright, he became worse on Saturday and passed away Sunday evening at 9 o'clock.

He made many friends wherever he lived. He was highly respected in every community. He was fair and honorable in all his dealing with his fellow men.

To his sorrowing companion and children, parents, brothers, sisters, grandparents and other relatives the sympathy of all is extended.

The body was taken to the Foster cemetery south of New Hampton on Monday night after permission had been secured from the health authorities at Jefferson City and Des Moines and was there laid to rest near his old home.

[CLOUSE, GERALD LEONARD]

Blockton News, Thursday, March 2, 1922, [p. 1]

Baby Dies

Gerald Leonard, one of the twin sons of Earl and Lala Clouse, passed away Sunday evening at the age of one month and sixteen days. The body was taken to New Hampton, Mo., Tuesday for interment. The father died on Feb. 5th, last. The wife and five little fatherless children in this stricken home certainly have the sympathy of the community in their double bereavement.

[COLLOW, ELLEN WATSON]

Blockton News, Thursday, March 2, 1922, [p. 1]

Mrs. Collow Dead

Miles E. [lbert] Watson received a telegram yesterday stating that his sister, Mrs. Ellen Collow, of Union Star, Missouri, had passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Deamie Hill, at Baldwin, Kansas, where she had gone following a surgical operation at a St. Joseph hospital about two months ago. She passed away Tuesday evening. She was about 68 years of age and leaves beside the daughter named above one brother and two sisters, Miles E. [lbert] Watson of this place, Mrs. R. R. Chapman of Union Star, Mo., and Mrs. J. B. Hatch of Grand Junction, Colorado. Her husband died a number of years ago. The funeral services will be held at Union Star tomorrow (Friday) afternoon at 1:30 and interment will be made at that place. Mr. Watson left yesterday afternoon for Union Star to attend the funeral.

 

[CORTNER, RILEY]

Blockton News, Thursday, May 22, 1919, p. 8

Riley Cortner, an elder brother of Benson Cortner of this place, recently passed away at the old Cortner home near Jeffersonville, Indiana, across the river from Louisville, Kentucky, at the advanced age of almost 93 years. The Cortner family is one of the oldest Clark County families and the deceased passed away at the old home farm where he was born, having inherited the farm from his father. There were fourteen children in the Cortner family, Riley Cortner being the second child while our townsman, Benson Cortner, was the thirteenth child. The deceased leaves three children, two daughters and a son. Ellis Amick, a brother of E. F. Amick of this place, who recently returned from overseas service, was visiting in that part of Indiana and attended the funeral which was held on May 8th.

[CURLEY, ANNA KELLEY]

Blockton News, Thursday, February 20, 1919, [p. 1]

Anna Kelley was born in Connaught, County Ros Common, Ireland and departed from this world of sorrow and trouble to the home of heavenly delight on February 15, 1919, at the ripe old age of 77 years and 6 months.

She came to this country when a girl of 14 years. Her faith was in God and she held a membership in the Catholic Church.

She was united in marriage to John Curley on August 1, 1863, in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. To this union eight children were born. Thomas and an infant preceded the mother to the better world. Four daughters---Ms. Lizzie Link, of Blockton; Mrs. Mary Maylon, of St. Joseph; Mrs. Kate Drummins, of Osklaloosa, Kansas, and Mrs. Della DeVoe, of Chicago---and two sons---James B. and John H. Curley, of Grant City----are left to mourn her departure. All the children were present at the funeral except Mrs. Drummins and Mrs. DeVoe, the latter arriving Sunday evening, too late for the funeral. Mr. Curley, the husband, passed away at Grant City, Missouri, September 9, 1890.

Mother Curley had made her home during the past six years of her life in the home of her daughter, Mrs. W. D. Link, at Blockton.

The funeral services were conducted Rev. Grover C. Flannery from the home of W. D. Link on Sunday, Feb. 16, and the remains were laid to rest beside the husband in the Honey Grove cemetery near Grant City.
[Note: Their headstone gives his death year as 1891.]

 

[CARTER, JOHN DAVIS]

Blockton News, Thursday, January 15, 1920, [p. 1]

Obituary - John D. [avis] Carter was born in Ohio Dec. 21, 1824, and died at Maloy, Iowa, Dec. 29, 1919, at the age of 95 years and 8 days.

He emigrated to Indiana in early life and later to Jefferson County, Iowa. He was married June 4, 1845, to Priscilla Clinton and to this union there were born ten children, but three of whom survive—Eliza T. [urner] Ogle, of Blockton, J. [ohn] T. [homas] Carter, of California, and Day Carter, of Tingley.

Mr. Carter crossed the plains in 1849 and spent two years in California. Later he served 3 years in the Union army.

 Having lost his first wife in April, 1883, he was married Jan. 1, 1884, to Mrs. Phoebe Martin, the widowed sister of the former wife, and she too passed on June 21, 1898. His last marriage occurred Jan. 14, 1906, to Durinda [Dorinda] Turner, who still survives.

Mr. Carter united with the Methodist church in early life and has lived an active and helpful life.

Funeral services were held in the Maloy Christian church Jan. 1, conducted by E. E. Stringfellow of Des Moines.

[CARTER, JOHN DAVIS]
Blockton News (Blockton, Iowa), Thursday, January 1, 1920
[First half of article unreadable] settled on land known as the Black hawk purchase. In 1843 Mr. Carter assisted on the government farm at Des Moines and helped to break the land and raise corn on the land where East Des Moines now stands. He later returned to Wapello county and took a claim.
He was united in marriage with Miss Priscilla Clinton June 3, 1845 and the home was established in Wapello county. In 1849 when the news of the discovery of gold in California was received, Mr. Carter joined the first party which left for the Golden State. He met with good success in mining and a year later returned home. In 1855 he moved to Ringgold county, entered a portion of land in June and settled upon it in the fall of the same year. His first dwelling was a log cabin 16x18 feet in size. In 1859 he was elected sheriff and served creditably for two years.
At the breaking out of the Civil war Mr. Carter volunteered in defense of the union and liberty. He enlisted August 9, 1862 in Company G., Twenty-ninth Iowa infantry and participated in many of the major engagements of the war. At the battle of Saline his horse was shot from under him. His regiment was in twenty-nine hard fought battles. In August 1865 he received his honorable discharge and returned to his home to resume his duties on the farm.
Until recent years Mr. Carter always took a keen interest in politics and was ever a staunch republican. By reason of his sterling character and ability he wielded a great influence. He served as member of the board of supervisors for four years and for many years was justice of the peace.
Mr. Carter was the father of seven children, four of whom have preceded him in death. The living children are Thomas Carter of California, Day Carter of Tingley and Mrs. E. T. Ogle of Maloy.
Mr. Carter was 95 years and 8 days of age at time of death.
Funeral services were held at the Maloy Christian church Thursday morning at 11 o'clock, conducted by Rev. Stringfellow and interment was made in the Platte River cemetery.

[CHICK, LENORA ANN WEST]

Blockton News, Thursday, January 4, 1934, [p. 1]

Funeral of Mrs. C. H. Chick

Funeral services for Mrs. Lenora A. Chick, 51, wife of Sergt. C. [harles] H. [omer] Chick of the Flora Avenue police station, who died Wednesday, Dec, 27, at her home, 3001 Forest Avenue, Kansas City, Mo., was held at the Mayberry chapel, Kansas City, Thursday at 2:30. Other services were held at Sheridan Friday afternoon at 2 o’clock. Burial was made in Rose Hill cemetery, Blockton. Mrs. Chick was a daughter of Mrs. C. [assius] M. West, formerly of this place, but now residing at Sheridan.

[CHICK, LENORA ANN WEST]

Blockton News, Thursday, January 4, 1934, p. 5

Obituary – Miss Lenora Ann West, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. [assius] M. West, was born July 20, 1883, and passed away at her home in Kansas City, Mo., Dec. 27, 1933, at the age of 50 years, 6 months and 7 days.

She was united in marriage to H. [omer] C. [harles] Chick Dec. 23, 1922. Her father and two brothers preceded her in death. She leaves to mourn her departure her companion, H. C. Chick; her mother, Mrs. C. M. West, of Sheridan, Mo., and five brothers and three sisters---Fred West, Sheridan, Mo.; Carl West, Marshalltown; Dick and Dale West, Des Moines; O. C. West, Englewood, Cal.; Mrs. Clyde Cortner, Sheridan, Mo.; Mrs. Gene Hawkins, Lincoln, Neb., and Mrs. Ike Carnes, Grant city, Mo.; besides many other relatives and friends.

She confessed her faith in Christ when a young girl and united with the Christian church at Blockton. Her sudden departure was a shock to the family and many friends.

Funeral services were held in the home of her mother, Mrs. C. M. West, at Sheridan Dec. 29, conducted by Challie E. Graham, and the remains laid to rest in Rose Hill cemetery, Blockton.
[Note: Her Missouri state death certificate gives her husband’s name as C. H. Chick.]

[CLAYTON, RONALD DEAN]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, February 5, 1948, p. 3

Clayton Infant Dies

Roland [Ronald] Dean Clayton, son of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Clayton, was born at Maryville, Mo., Nov. 5, 1947 and died Jan. 25, 1948 at the home of his parents near Blockton, only 2 months and 18 days old

The body was brought to the Crew Funeral Home in Clearfield. Services were held at the Clayton home Sunday.

Surviving are the parents; also the grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Aldred Clayton, Mr. and Mrs. E. Floyde Grimm.

Burial was in the Rose Hill cemetery at Blockton.

[COVERDELL, ALSON MEREDITH]

Blockton News, Thursday, March 4, 1920, [p. 1]

Obituary – Alson Meredith, infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Bert Coverdell, was born Feb. 20, 1920, and departed this life, Feb. 24, 1920.

The funeral services were conducted at the grave by Challie E. Graham and the remains laid to rest in the Isadora cemetery.

The bereaved have the sympathy of the many friends in this time of grief. The Psalmist says, “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” To help them realize the truth of this, let them think of their dear one as “taken away from the evil to come,” and as at home with God. The shepherd, seeing the storm approaching, gets his lambs into the barn, where they are safe from its fury. And thus the divine Shepherd has taken your child into the field above, where the storms of life as experienced by all here, can never touch it, and where sin cannot mar that sweet innocence which gives to life its truest beauty.

[CRECELIUS, BURL HOBART]

Blockton News, Thursday, September 6, 1923, [p. 1]

Burl Hobart Crecelius Dead

Burl Hobart Crecelius, son of Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Crecelius, passed away Tuesday afternoon after a several days illness. The child was born on Sept. 28, 1921, and passed away Sept. 4, 1923, aged 1 year, 11 months and 6 days. At the time we go to press complete arrangements for the funeral had not been made. Interment will be made in Rose Hill cemetery. The sympathy of the entire community goes out to the bereaved family.

[CRECELIUS, BURL HOBART]

Blockton News, Thursday, September 13, 1923, [p. 1]

Obituary – Burl Hobart Crecelius, son of John Cecil and Alta May Crecelius, was born in Blockton September 28, 1921, and died at the home in Blockton September 4, 1923, aged 1 year, 11 months and 7 days.

His parents, two brothers, Loyd Gilbert and Harrold; one sister, Velda; three grandparents and other dear ones will miss his smiling face. Heaven will be brighter because of his presence there. “God’s finger touched him and he slept.”

Funeral services were held at the Methodist church Thursday afternoon at 2:30, conducted by J. A. Brownlee, pastor of the church. Interment was made in Rose Hill cemetery.

 

 

 

 

 

[CARR, CECIL CLAUDE]

Bedford Free Press, Thursday, April 24, 1902, [p. 1]

Died of Measles

Friday night of last week the infant child of Mr. and Mrs. E. [dward] Carr died at Conway of measles.

[CHURCHILL, ARTIE PEARL ADAMS]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, December 22, 1955, [p. 1]

Mrs. Artie Churchill Died Here Monday

Mrs. Artie Churchill, 85, a long-time resident of the Bedford and Gravity community, died in Bedford Monday, December 19, after having been in failing health for several years.

Funeral services were held at the Wetmore Funeral Home Wednesday afternoon, conducted by Wilbur G. Travis of the Christian church. Burial in the Gravity cemetery.

Mrs. Churchill is survived by three sons, Roy Churchill of Ottawa, Kans., Wayne Churchill of St. Joseph, Mo., Gail Churchill of Tennessee. Mr. Churchill and a son Lloyd preceded her in death.

[CHURCHILL, ORA EARL “ORIE”]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, October 15, 1959, p. 4

Ora Churchill Died At Gravity, Oct. 5

Ora Earl Churchill, son of Eugene and Georgia Anna Churchill, was born February 4, 1892 in Taylor County and passed away at his home in Gravity on October 5, 1959.

He farmed in this community for 22 years. In 1938 he was forced to leave the farm because of poor health and moved to Gravity where he resided until his death.

On October 1, 1913 he married Rachel Levi and to this union eleven children were born, two of whom preceded him in death.

He leaves his wife, Mrs. Ora Churchill; four sons, Francis Eugene of Nebraska City, Nebr., Harold Dean of Gravity, Orval Earl of Council Bluffs and Dwayne Edward of Storm Lake; five daughters, Mrs. Chester Dyer of Sparks, Kans., Mrs. Rex Wyckoff of Bedford, Mrs. Ronald Kingery of Corning, Mrs. Arnold Wills of Hollywood, Calif.; one brother, Clarence Churchill of Gravity; one sister, Mrs. Howard Besco of Albert Lee, Minn.; 29 grandchildren and five step-grandchildren.

The funeral service was at the Gravity Methodist church on Wednesday, October 7 at 2 p. m.

[CHURCHILL, ORA EARL, INFANT SON OF]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, April 30, 1936, p. 7

GRAVITY

Infant Son Dies

The infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Ora Churchill passed away Monday, April 20. A short service was held at the home conducted by Rev. Mr. Nixon. Burial was in the Gravity cemetery.

[CHURCHILL, RACHEL LEVI]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, April 17, 1980

Rachel Churchill, 85 Final Rites Were Held April 1   

Funeral services for Mrs. Ora (Rachel) Churchill, 85, of Gravity, were held April 1 in Shum-Novinger Funeral Home in Bedford with Rev. Marcia Smith and Rev. Carl Cummings officiating. Mrs. Churchill died March 29 in Clarinda Municipal Hospital. Interment was at Washington Cemetery, Gravity, Ia.

Rachel Levi Churchill, daughter of David and Margaret Levi was born December 19, 1894 at Dedham, Iowa. During her childhood her family moved to a farm east of Gravity, where she grew to maturity.

She met Ora Churchill and they married in January 1912. To this union was blessed 11 children, Francis, Harold, Edna, Dorothy, Orville, Eva, Merle, Duane, Margaret, Mildred and Darrell.

She lived most of her life in the Gravity community where she was a member of the Methodist Church. Because of ill health she has lived the last four years in the Bedford Manor Nursing Home and passed away at Municipal Hospital in Clarinda at the age of 85 years, three months and 10 days on March 29, 1980.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ora and two children, Merle Eldon and Darrell Dean, her parents and two brothers and six sisters.

Left to cherish her memory are her sons, Francis Churchill, Nebraska City, Nebraska; Harold Churchill, Bedford; Duane Churchill, Wall Lake, Iowa; Orville Churchill, Council Bluffs, Iowa; daughters, Eva Wyckoff, Bedford; Margaret Kingery, Corning, Iowa; Dorothy Wills, Los Angeles, California; Mildred Starrett, Des Moines, Iowa; Edna Dyer, Wilson, Oklahoma; 48 grandchildren; many great grandchildren    and    numerous friends and relatives.

She was a kind and loving mother and grandmother and will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.
[Note: Correct marriage date is October 1, 1913 at Bedford, Taylor County, Iowa. Source: His obituary and Iowa, County Marriages, 1838-1934 and Iowa, Marriages, 1809-1992.]

[CLABAUGH, FLORA MAY MORLEY]

Clarinda Herald Journal, Monday, January 15, 1962, [p. 1], 2

Former area woman died in Virginia

A 99-year-old, long-time resident of this area, Mrs Sylvester Louis Clabaugh, died in her sleep Jan 3 at Arlington, Va, where she had been living with her daughter, Mrs A E (Dessamond) Nelson, during recent years.

Her husband was a practicing physician in Southwest Iowa, serving at Shambaugh, Northboro, Yorktown, Bedford, Kamrar and Gravity until his retirement in 1930 after 42 years of practice. He had been the teacher of Flora May Morley whom he married in 1887 before he studied for the medical profession.

The couple moved to Gravity in 1917 and lived there until he retired from his medical practice in 1930. At one time Dr. Clabaugh was mayor of Gravity, and was buried there upon his death in 1931.

Upon Dr Clabaugh’s retirement, they made their home at Essex with Dr and Mrs Nelson. After Dr Nelson’s death, Mrs Clabaugh and her daughter moved to Arlington, Va.

The pioneer Iowa woman was born in Illinois to parents whose family had come from England in the 17th century. She was always interested in community activities, continued residence in Iowa and cast her vote for president when she was 97 years of age. She would have been 100 on Nov 12.

At the age of 8, her family had moved to Page County. The railroad ended at Eddyville, so they completed the journey by stagecoach. The father, Joseph Morley, established one of the first general stores in southwestern Iowa, at Yorktown, and was a wholesale supplier for peddlers’ wagons.

Funeral services were held Jan 6 at Gravity Methodist Church with the Rev James W Sheckler officiating. Burial was in Washington Cemetery at Gravity where her husband was buried.

Mrs Clabaugh is survived by a brother, Frank Morley, Bedford, a sister, Mrs Arta Loy, Hitchcock, Oklahoma, a daughter, Mrs Dessamond Nelson, Arlington, Va, three grandchildren, Ealton L Nelson and Joan and Jean Nelson, Falls Church, Va.

[CLABAUGH, FLORA MAY MORLEY]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, January 11, 1962, p. 4

Mrs. Clabaugh Dies In Virginia

Mrs. S. L. Clabaugh, a former resident of Bedford and Taylor County, died in her sleep on Jan. 3 at her home in Arlington, Va. She was one of the last of Iowa’s pioneers and would have observed her 100th birthday this year, on Nov. 12.

Funeral services were held at the Methodist church in Gravity, Saturday afternoon, Jan. 6. Rev. James Sheckler officiated. Burial was in Washington cemetery at Gravity by the side of her husband of 43 years.

Born near Ipava, Ill., in 1862, she was the fourth of the 13 children of Joseph and Sarah Morley, whose family came from England in the 17th century.

She frequently recalled how at the age of 8, more than 90 years ago, she and her family moved to Page County in Iowa. The trip was made by train to the end of the railroad at Eddyville, and from there by stage coach. The father, Joseph Morley, established one of the first general stores in southwestern Iowa, at Yorktown, and was a wholesale supplier for peddlers’ wagons.

She was married in 1887 to Sylvester Louis Clabaugh, who had been her schoolteacher before attending the medical college of Louisville university. Dr. Clabaugh was a general practicing physician in Iowa for 42 years, at Shambaugh, Northboro, Yorktown, Bedford, Kamrar and Gravity. Dr. and Mrs. Clabaugh moved to Gravity in 1917 and lived until he retired from his medical practice in 1930. At one time he was mayor of Gravity, and was buried there upon his death in 1931.

Mrs. Clabaugh lived an exemplary life as the wife of this country doctor. Active in all types of community affairs, she was a longtime member of the Methodist church, and an officer in the Order of the Eastern Star.

Upon Dr. Clabaugh’s retirement, they made their home at Essex with their daughter, Dessamond, who was married to Dr. A. E. Nelson. After Dr. Nelson’s death, Mrs. Clabaugh and her daughter moved to Arlington, Virginia. However, they continued to keep their legal residence in Iowa, and Mrs. Clabaugh retained her active interest in local and state affairs. She never failed to vote in Iowa at election time and cast her last ballot for president at the age of 97.

She is survived by a brother, Frank Morley of Bedford, and a sister, Mrs. Arta Loy of Hitchcock, Okla.; also her daughter, Mrs. Dessamond Nelson of Arlington; a grandson, Ealton L. Nelson of Falls Church, Virginia; two great granddaughters, Joan and Jean Nelson of Falls Church, Va.

[CLARK, MELISSA FRANCES DUNN]

Clarinda Herald, Thursday, December 12, 1912, p. 6

Mrs. W. W. Clark

Mrs. W. [illiam] W. [right] Clark died Monday evening at the home of her daughter, Mrs. J. A. Custer, where she had made her home for the past three months, having been constantly ill during that time. Mrs. Clark was born in Indiana in 1841 but for several years past had made her home in Gravity, until her final illness. The body was taken to Gravity for interment and funeral services were held there yesterday.

Two sons, George, from Denver, and Fred, from Des Moines, were present.

[Clark, Melissa Frances Dunn]

Bedford Times-Republican

 December 19, 1912     p. 8

gravity

Mrs. W. [illiam] W. [Wright] Clark [Melissa Frances Dunn] who had been at the home of her daughter, Mrs. J. [oseph] A. Custer [Rosa], in Clarinda, the past several weeks, died Monday evening after a long illness. The remains were brought here on the noon train Wednesday, and funeral services were held at the Methodist church at 2 o’clock, conducted by her friend and former pastor, Rev. Ed Menoher of Clearfield. He was assisted by Elder W. L. Dunlavy, also an old friend of the family. Interment was in the Gravity cemetery.

George [Thomas] Clark of Denver, Col., was called here on account of the illness and death of his mother, Mrs. W. [illiam] W. [right] Clark.

 

 

[CAMPBELL, ELSIE ARLENE MORLEY]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, May 22, 1969, p. 7

Mrs. Guy Campbell Rites Held Here

Funeral services for Mrs. Guy (Elsie) Campbell, 80, formerly of Bedford, were held May 15 at the Bedford United Methodist Church conducted by Rev. Richard G. Viney. Mrs. Campbell died May 12 in a nursing home in Davenport, Iowa. Interment was at Washington Cemetery, Gravity.

Elsie Arlene Morley, daughter of Jennie and Lewis Morley, was born September 17, 1888, at Yorktown, Iowa.

At the age of four they moved to Gravity, where she resided until her marriage to Guy E. Campbell, February 20, 1907. They lived on a farm until their retirement in 1956.

Her husband preceded her in death in 1956.

Born to this marriage was Maude Wiebrecht, Davenport, Iowa, Claude, Fort Collins, Colorado, and Rex, of St. Louis, Missouri. There are four grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Mrs. Campbell was a member of the United Methodist Church, Eastern Star, and several clubs. She was an active member until her health failed.

The last two years of her life were spent in Davenport, Iowa, with her daughter.

[CAMPBELL, GUY ELLSWORTH]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, March 29, 1956, p. 9

Obituary – Guy E. Campbell

Guy E. [llsworth] Campbell, son of Thomas and Sarah Campbell, was born on a farm near Clarinda, Iowa, on May 6, 1882 and died at his home in Gravity March 20 at the age of 73 years, 10 months, 14 days.

He was a graduate of Clarinda High school. At the age of 21, he, with his parents, moved to a farm southeast of Gravity. On Feb. 20, 1907, he was married to Elsie Morley and they moved to a farm in the same neighborhood where they resided for 49 years.

To this union were born three children: Maude Wiebrecht of Davenport, Iowa, Claude of Sidney, Nebr., and Rex of St. Louis, Mo.

At the age of 22, Guy united with the Methodist church in Gravity where he continued to be a faithful member and was a member of the church board at the time of his death. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge No. 459, having served as worshipful master, also a member of the Eastern Star, No. 474, having served several offices in this order.

Guy was preceded in death by his father, mother, two sisters, one brother, and one grandson, Philip Campbell.

He leaves to mourn his passing, his wife, his daughter, Maude, two sons, Claude and Rex, two daughters-in-law, one son-in-law, four grandchildren.

Funeral services were held last Thursday in the Gravity Methodist church with Rev. Howard DeVore in charge. Burial in Gravity cemetery.

Attend Campbell Rites

Relatives and friends from a distance attending the Guy Campbell funeral were Mr. and Mrs. Gene Wiebrecht of Davenport; Mr. and Mrs. Claude Campbell and children, Sidney, Nebr.; Mr. and Mrs. Rex Campbell of St. Louis; Mr. and Mrs. S. E. Thompson, Mr. and Mrs. A. B. McCoun, Des Moines; Mr. and Mrs. Verne Valentine, Kansas City; Frank Morley, Blanchard; Mr. and Mrs. George Mathis, Mr. and Mrs. Hal Wamsley, Mrs. Virginia Rope, Clarinda; Mrs. Stuart Jamison, Villisca.

[CLARK, ALLIE ESTHER]

Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, May 27, 1976

Hold Rites for Allie Clark, 74

Funeral services for Allie Esther Clark, 74, of Sharpsburg, held May 20 at Hamilton Memorial Missionary Church in Bedford, were conducted by Rev. Larry Secor. Miss Clark died May 16, 1976 in Rosary Hospital in Corning. Interment was at Washington Cemetery, Gravity.

Allie Esther Clark, daughter of Lela G. [ertrude Keith] and James Henry Clark, was born near Creston, Iowa June 9, 1901.

She lived in this surrounding community where she grew to maturity. She joined the Methodist Church in 1914.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, William Everett Clark.

Left to cherish her memory are one sister, Eva Clark, and a host of friends.

She was kind and considerate and will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

 

[CLARK, THELMA GRACE PETERSON]

Bedford Times-Press, Wednesday, March 13, 1996

THELMA GRACE (PETERSON) CLARK

Thelma G. Clark, age 88 yr., 7 months, originally from Iowa and later South Dakota passed away on Tuesday, February 27, 1996 at Wesley Rehabilitation and Care Center, of natural causes. Thelma was born in Mt. Etna, Iowa on July 30, 1907. Her parents were W. D. (Del) Peterson of Mt. Etna, Iowa and Flora Myrtle (Brown) Peterson of Corning, Iowa.

Thelma and her parents moved to Opal, South Dakota in 1910 to homestead south of Fox Ridge. When Thelma was in the 7th grade, her family moved east to Fedora, South Dakota near Mitchell. She graduated from Fedora High School in 1926. During the next three years, Thelma worked and studied to prepare for teaching elementary school. In 1930, with the strong encouragement of Edith Cade, Thelma tested for and obtained an Iowa Teachers Certificate. This launched her on a long and successful career in elementary school teaching. From 1930 through 1937, she taught in Adams and Taylor Counties, Iowa.

On March 6, 1937 Thelma and William Everett Clark were married in Bedford, Iowa. The groom, a lifetime native of Sharpsburg, Iowa was the son of Lela Gertrude (Keith) Clark and James Henry Clark. In the fall of 1937, the newly married couple moved to Opal, South Dakota where Thelma resumed teaching and Everett continued a family tradition of farming. On October 7, 1938 Sidney Everett Clark was born at Faith, South Dakota. In 1941, Thelma and family moved to northern Idaho and later central south Washington. Following a series of farm related jobs, Everett spent time at the Hanford site of the Manhattan Project. While it was a good paying job in a "vital" defense industry project that supported the United States war efforts, it ultimately proved fatal through death of massive cancer in February 1949.  Thelma was now faced with the obligations of chief and only breadwinner. She went back to college and upgraded her teaching credentials.

In 1951, she returned to South Dakota to teach in the Cooper School District. Over the years, a number of schools, including Fox Ridge, Red Elm, Squaw Butte, Lakeside, Pleasant Valley, Hope, Mud Butte, Cottonwood, Soliday, and Dupree, were added to her list of schools and the beloved children. All were prairie schools.

Thelma always considered the prairie around Fox Ridge to be home. She was particularly proud that she had the opportunity to teach all of the Dan Wood, Willard Haines, and Walter Grueb family children.  

One of Thelma's greatest goals was to receive a college degree. Unfortunately, she could not afford to go back to college full time. As the years went by many of her earned credits no longer counted toward a full four-year college degree. On the seventeenth day of August 1962, she did receive an associate degree from her beloved Black Hills Teachers College at Spearfish, South Dakota.

Thelma retired from full time teaching in 1973, but continued to do substitute teaching until 1979. In 1979 she moved to Anchorage, Alaska to live near her son Sidney's family. She became active in the Foster Grandparent Program in Anchorage. She continued to share love with children in a day care center until May 1985, when an unfortunate fall severely broke her right arm. Trauma coupled with the onset of dementia required that she live her remaining years in a nursing home in Seward, Alaska.

Thelma would want to be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother and person who loved children and animals. Many of her elementary students went on to become educators, engineers, and scientists. She seemed to always have one or more rescued wild animals that turned into beloved pets.    

Thelma is survived by her only son, Sidney Everett Clark currently living in Madison, Wisconsin with his wife of 35 years, Susan Ellen (Trapp) Clark. There are three grandchildren: Scott E. Clark, a civil engineer in the Phoenix, Arizona area; Suzanne E. Clark, a chemical engineer graduating from the University of Wisconsin - Madison in May, 1996; and James K. Clark, a sophomore high honors student at James A. Madison Memorial High School.

Private family memorial services will be held in Madison with Reverend Davis McRoberts, Asbury United Methodist Church, on Saturday, March 16, 1996. Thelma is to be interred at Gravity, Iowa along side her deceased husband. The Reverend Paul Evans, Gravity United Methodist Church will officiate at simple graveside services at 2:00 P.M., Sunday, March 17, 1996. Local arrangements by Novinger-Taylor Funeral Home.