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

[David Barnes Greeley]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    February 11, 1982    p. 4

Last Rites Were Held Feb. 3 For David Greeley, 84

Funeral services for David B. [arnes] Greeley, 84, native of Gravity, were held February 3 in the United Methodist Church at Burlington Junction, Mo.  Mr. Greeley died February 1 in St. Francis Hospital in Maryville, Mo.  Masonic services were held at the Barr-Merrick Funeral Home in Burlington Junction Tuesday and interment Wednesday at the Prairie Rose Cemetery in Corning.

Born at Gravity, Iowa, he was a retired farmer and had lived at a nursing home in Maryville for three years.

Mr. Greeley was a graduate of Gravity High School and attended Iowa State University.  He was a member of the United Methodist Church at Burlington Junction, Masonic Lodge No. 442 at Burlington Junction and the Mounted Moila Patrol.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Grace Louvada Brown, in 1935, two brothers and five sisters.

Survivors include his wife, Reba, California; two sons:  Robert Greeley and Richard Greeley, both of Burlington Junction; three daughters:  Geraldine Bears and Jane Murphy, both of Burlington Junction and Louvada McAlpin, New Market, Iowa; 15 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

[Lydia Cox Meehan]

Times-Republican

Thursday    January 30, 1908    p. 4

Old Settler Gone.

Mrs. Lydia Mehan [Meehan], wife of John [Campbell] Mehan [Meehan], died at their home in Clayton township, on Tuesday, January 28, age 73 years, six months and four days.  Pneumonia was the cause of her death, and her illness was of short duration.

Mrs. Mehan [Meehan], with her husband, were among the oldest settlers of the county.  She was the daughter of F. [rederick] Cox, who was also one of the early settlers, and she was married to Mr. Mehan [Meehan] fifty-five years ago next fall.  Mrs. Mehan [Meehan] was a lady that all who knew her honored and respected.  As a neighbor she was hospitable, generous and accommodating, always striving to do something that would make others happy and never thinking of herself.  As a wife and mother she was loving, kind and affectionate, and in every way she was a woman with a heart of gold, and one who will be sadly missed.

The funeral will be held at the home at 1:30 this afternoon, conducted by Rev. Jones.  Interment at Bedford cemetery.

[Hannah Probst Evans]

Times-Republican

Thursday    June 13, 1918    p. 8

Hanna Evans

Miss Hanna [h] M. Propst [Probst] was born in Virginia, July 17, 1832, went home to the saint's reward from her home in Bedford, Sunday morning, June 9, 1918, at 1:30 o'clock.

During young womanhood she came to Scott County, Iowa, and later to Platteville, Iowa.  Here she was married to Rev. John Evans of Bedford, Feb. 5, 1865, and came with him to make her home in Bedford.

She became the faithful stepmother to his children, who have been as devoted and faithful to her in her later years of affliction as any could be to those who love them.

They are Mr. W. [illiam] F. Evans, Mrs. John Turner [Margaret Jane] and Mr. "Eck" Evans [James Alexander], all of Bedford and Mrs. Orr Campbell [Ellen] of Humeston, Iowa.

Being one of eight children, she is survived by a brother, Mr. Daniel Propst [Probst], and a sister, Mrs. [James] Marsh [all] Dennis [Barbara], both of Blockton.

To this list we add the following: Miss Mary Probst, a cousin, Mrs. Will Stephenson, Pleasantville, Iowa, Mrs. Jason Putnam, Mrs. Will Rice, Mrs. Sam Harley of Bedford, 2nd cousins, a nephew, Mr. Grant Propst [Probst] of Des Moines.

Deceased was converted in Scott County and became a member of the Baptist church.  She moved her membership to the First Baptist Church of Bedford upon her marriage and removal to this place.

After active ministerial life her husband preceded her to the beyond May 1, 1902, since which time she has made her home circle here in Bedford.

Aunt Hanna is gone!  Faithful, Devout!  True to her Lord.  Faithful to her calling, devout in her living, lovely in her companionships, doing what she could.  Only eternity can reveal the worth of her life and the good she hath done.

Gone, gone, but not forgotten!  So long as lives a pastor whom she hath succored, a neighbor she hath befriended, or a needy one helped, so long shall the fragrance of her life still live.  Peace to her ashes.  May her tribe increase.

[EVANS, HANNAH M. PROPST]
Blockton News (Blockton, Iowa), Thursday, June 13, 1918
Mrs. Hannah M. Evans, sister of our townspeople Uncle Daniel Propst and Mrs. J. M. Dennis, passed away at her home at Bedford at 1:30 Monday morning at the age of 84 years. The funeral services were held from the Baptist church at Bedford Monday afternoon at 3 o'clock, conducted by the pastor, Rev. Hatcher and interment was made in the Bedford cemetery. Uncle Dan Propst and wife and Mrs. Dennis and son, Glen, attended the funeral services.

[EVANS, HANNAH PROBST]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Wednesday, June 12, 1918
To Home in Parsons, Kansas – O. T. Evans, who was called to Bedford by the death of Mrs. Hannah Evans, returned to his home in Parsons, Kansas, Tuesday afternoon.

[Bessie May Taylor]

Times-Republican

Thursday    June 20, 1918    p. 8

Bessie Taylor

Bessie May Taylor, daughter of Mrs. J. E. Willoughby of Rochester, Mo., first saw the light of day in Bedford, Ia., March 5, 1899.

After a stay of 19 years, 3 mo., and 13 days she took her departure for the world beyond from Albia, Iowa, on Sunday morning June 16, 1918, at 12:30 o'clock, and her new Sunday was spent in the Better land.

Deceased had joined the ranks of the nurse's Training Corps, preparatory to the Red Cross Service in France, only two weeks ago, and was doing nicely in her new role, when malignant throat trouble called her away to the ranks of higher service. 

Bessie had spent most of her young and beautiful life in Bedford with her Grandmother, Mrs. McMillan, and Grandmother Taylor.  It was from the latter home she went away to her new work at Albia.

Deceased was a niece of Mr. John McMillan of Bedford and Mr. Wm. McMillan of Texas.  One half brother with relatives and friends survive her.

She was converted and baptized into the fellowship of the First Baptist church of Bedford in 1912 and was in the various services of the church from time to time.

Friendly to all, fondly disposed to the children, industrially attentive to those whom she might serve, Bessie May will be greatly missed.

But she has gone to the land of the unsetting sun where her splendid young life shall blossom and bear fruitage when the cycles of eternity shall roll.

Some day thru the mists of falling tears we shall see and know that "He doeth all things well."

Let me commend your sorrowing hearts to Christ, our comforter, and who is our hope of the Resurrection and the life.

[TAYLOR, BESSIE MAY]
Bedford Times-Republican (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, June 20, 1918
Miss Maymie Lee came up from Hopkins Monday night to attend the funeral of Miss Bessie Taylor.

[Frank P. Greeley]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    February 6, 1936    p. 4

Frank Greeley, 83, Dies Tuesday, Feb. 4

Frank Greeley, 83, died at his home in Bedford, Tuesday, Feb. 4, after having been in failing health for some time.

The funeral services were held at the Walker and Shum Funeral Home this afternoon at 1:30 o'clock, conducted by Rev. J. Stanley Decker.  Burial was in the Gravity cemetery.

Frank P. Greeley, son of Daniel [Pattee] and Ethelinda [Durham] Greeley, was born near Berlin, Bureau County, Ill., Dec. 29, 1852.

He was one of six children, all of whom have preceded him in death except one brother, D. [aniel] P. [attee] Greeley, of Red Oak, Iowa.

When about 11 years of age he, with his parents, moved to Cedar County, Iowa.  Later, he moved to Iowa County.

He was married to Rachel [Jane] Barnes on Dec. 22, 1875 at Marengo, Iowa.  To them nine children were born, two of whom preceded their father in death.  They are Anna L. [ucy] Hamilton, who died Dec. 14, 1915, and Harry, who died in infancy.

The living children are Millard Greeley of Topeka, Kans.; Mrs. Ida M. [ay] Preston and John [Albert] Greeley of San Bernardino, Calif.; Mrs. Fannie [Belle] Weller of Conway; Mrs. Ethelinda Hadley of Bedford; Mrs. Jennie Newkirk of Conway and David [Barnes] Greeley of Burlington Junction, Mo.  These seven children, the wife, thirty-one grandchildren and seventeen great grandchildren survive.

In 1882 the family moved to Taylor County and settled on a farm two and a half miles northwest of Gravity, where they made their home for twenty-six years.

In the spring of 1908 he left the farm and came to Bedford, where he took up the Farmers Mutual Insurance work.  About 1919 he disposed of the old homestead and invested in farms near Burlington Junction, Mo.  He had made his home there and in Bedford since that time.

 [Ora Elmer McMullin]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    July 24, 1980    p. 7

Last Rites Held July 21 For Ora Elmer McMullin

Funeral services for Ora Elmer McMullin, 73, of Bedford, were held July 21 in Shum-Novinger Funeral Home in Bedford with Rev. Carl Cummings officiating.  Mr. McMullin died July 18, 1980, in Clarinda Municipal Hospital.  Interment was at Memory Cemetery, New Market, Iowa.

Ora Elmer McMullin, son of James McMullin and Hulda Gifford McMullin, was born near Siam in Taylor County, Iowa December 4, 1906.He grew to maturity in the area where he was born where he attended the public school and the Christian Church. He worked for the Lisle Corporation and lived in Clarinda for 30 years prior to moving to Bedford.

He was united in marriage to Bertha Daphne Dunning on November 15, 1963, and they lived in Bedford, Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Bertha, and three brothers, Robert, Wilbur and Raymond.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of the home; one sister, Ruby Avey, and her husband, Elbert, of Bedford; two step-sons, Gene Arthur Dunning of Bedford and Larry Edward Dunning of Creston, Iowa; two step-grandsons, Charles and Terry; nieces; nephews; other relatives and friends.

Ora will be remembered as a kind and considerate loved one and friend, and he will be missed by those that knew and loved him.

[Ruth Leighton Hamilton Nicholson]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    February 11, 1982    p. 4

Ruth Nicholson, 66, Dies In Colorado

Funeral services for Mrs. Ruth J. Nicholson, 66, of Merino, Colo., were conducted February 1 from Chaney-Walters Funeral Home in Sterling, Colo., the Rev. Scott Hood officiating.  Mrs. Nicholson died January 28, 1982, in a Sterling nursing home.  Interment was at Riverside Cemetery, Sterling.

She was born November 6, 1915, in Bedford, Iowa, the daughter of Roy and Grace Sherbeck Leighton.  She spent her early years in Bedford where she received her schooling and married Howard Hamilton.

The couple moved to Johnstown, Colo., where Mr. Hamilton operated a tank wagon service for Conoco and later studied to be an engineer and later worked for the Union Pacific Railroad out of Laramie, Wyo.

In 1944 she moved to Sterling where she married Cecil Nicholson, August 30, 1944, in Sterling, and the couple farmed in the Merino area.

Mr. Nicholson died September 10, 1974.

Mrs. Nicholson was a member of the Ivy Rebekah Lodge of Merino.

She is survived by three sons, Howard Hamilton of Crook, Harlon Hamilton of Walnut Shade, Mo., Don Hamilton of Cheyenne, Wyo., and Jerry Nicholson of Sterling; a daughter, Mrs. Sharon McCracken of Goodland, Kans.; two brothers:  Ellsworth Leighton of Hardy, Ark., and Paul Leighton of Cedar Bluffs, Nebr.; a sister, Mrs. Laurel Sahlie of Arcadia, Nebr., and 13 grandchildren.

[Fred J. Barrans]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    January 30, 1969    p. 7

Hold Final Rites Jan. 23 For Fred J. Barrans

Funeral services for Fred J. Barrans, 68, of Lenox, held Jan. 23 at Bender Funeral Home in Lenox [were] conducted by Rev. Robert Odishaw of United Presbyterian Church.  Mr. Barrans died at his home in Lenox Jan. 21, 1969.  Interment was at the Lenox cemetery.

Fred J., son of John and Eva Mae [Shaw] Barrans, was born on February 1, 1900, on a farm near Lenox, Iowa.

He attended the rural schools after which he engaged in farming with his father.  In 1947 he moved to Lenox where he and his mother made a home together.

January 1, 1956, he was united in marriage to Vesta Clark of Bedford by Rev. Willard Morris, after which they made their home in Lenox.

At an early age he became a member of the Presbyterian Church.  During the pastorate of Rev. Mortenson he was a member of a quartette, which gave him much pleasure.  Later, he transferred his membership to the United Presbyterian Church.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Vesta, a sister, Edith Notz, a nephew, Richard and wife Linda, a grand niece, Annette, a sister-in-law, Pearl Thompson, of Bedford.

He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends.

[Myrtle Christine Alexander Smalley, Jr.]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    August 31, 1972    p. 4

Myrtle Smalley Rites Aug. 24

Funeral services for Mrs. Ralph (Myrtle) Smalley, Jr., 52, of Gravity, were held Aug. 24 at Shum-Novinger Funeral Home in Bedford with Pastor Perry Cozadd officiating.  Mrs. Smalley died August 21, 1972, at Clarinda Municipal Hospital.  Interment was at Fairview Cemetery, Bedford.

Her survivors include here husband, Ralph [Theodore] Smalley, Jr., of Leon, Iowa.

[Mary Ann Skinner Opdylke]

Times-Republican

Thursday    February 10, 1916    p. 3

Mrs. Levi Opdylke

Mary Ann Skinner was born near Fort Wayne, Allen County, Indiana, October 18, 1835, where she resided until near her twelfth year, when she removed with her parents to Illinois.  Here she met and was united in marriage to Levi Opdylke on December 4, 1856, near Havana, where she resided with her husband until the year of 1868, in the month of September, when they removed to Bedford, Taylor County, Iowa.  Here they resided until the year of 1901, when they came to Oklahoma, arriving on February 7, and settling in Billings.

 She departed this life Saturday morning, January 29, 1916, about the hour of 1 o'clock, at the age of 80 years, 3 months and 11 days.

To this union were born three children, one boy and two girls, one of the girls preceding her to the glory world in the year 1862.  The two surviving children are Mr. J. [ames] P. Opdylke and Mrs. W. [illiam] F. [rank] Strode [Icephena], both residents of Billings, Oklahoma.

Mrs. Opdylke was converted at her home in Indiana at the age of twelve years, some time after which she was united with the Free Will Baptist church, which church she remained a member [of] for several years.

After her marriage to Mr. Opdylke they both united with the Methodist church.  She was a very active and useful worker in the Sunday school, spending the most of her life as a teacher in the same.  At her home in Iowa she taught her class year after year until she saw three generations pass under her care and instruction.

She was also a worker in the W. C. T. U., and took quite an active part in the OrphanÕs Home work in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

She was taken with her last sickness about ten weeks ago, from which time she seemed to be conscious of the fact that she would not recover and, like the Patriarch of old, she set her house in order and gave directions for the last duties to be performed.  During her last illness she suffered much, but bore it all patiently.  She talked freely with those that were with her until the evening of the 24th of January, when she asked to see the baby, and while caressing the little one her last stroke seized her frame.  It was like the flash of an electric light that flashed over her at the time.  Her countenance lighted up with a smile and she never spoke again.  That smile remained until the last.

She leaves a husband, one son, and one daughter, and many relatives and friends to survive her.

The funeral service was held at the Methodist church Monday, January 31st, at 2 p. m., conducted by Rev. G. A. Strouse, assisted by Rev. J. M. Rutherford.

In spite of the inclemency of the weather the service was well attended, and after the service the body was laid to rest in the Union cemetery.----Billings, (Okla.) News.


[OPDYLKE, MARY ANN SKINNER]
Bedford Times-Republican (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, February 3, 1916
Mrs. J. P. Opdyke [Opdylke] of Billings, Okla., who was visiting her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Titus, and other relatives, received word Friday of the death of her mother-in-law, Mrs. Levi Opdyke [Opdylke]. Mrs. Opdyke [Opdylke] departed Saturday noon.

[Fred Lee McCormick]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    April 25, 1968    p. 3

Rites Held Here April 21 For Fred McCormick

Funeral services for Fred Lee McCormick, 86, long time Bedford resident were held April 21 at the Bedford Methodist Church with Rev. J. Milton Kinney officiating.  Mr. McCormick died April 18, 1968, at Pearl Terrace Manor here.  Interment was at Bedford Cemetery, Bedford.

Fred Lee McCormick was born on a farm south of Bedford, Iowa, June 25, 1881.

He was the son of Elisha and Susan Jane Cummings McCormick.  This family numbered ten children, five brothers and five sisters.  Fred was the last of the children to survive.

On September 19, 1906, Fred and Ethel L. [eola] Ellis were married. To this union three children were born.  All of them died in infancy.

Fred and Ethel lived on a farm southeast of Bedford until January 1946.  At that time the farm was sold and they moved to Bedford.  They lived in their home in Bedford until Ethel passed away, July 23, 1958, and Fred sold the house in 1959.  Following this he spent the remainder of his days living in various homes in Bedford.  He lived four years with the Gilreath family, four years in the Thogmartin Care and Keep Home and the last few months in the Pearl Terrace Manor.

Fred and Ethel were both members of the Bedford Methodist Church.  They joined the church on January 17, 1926.

Both lived to celebrate their Golden Wedding Anniversary, September 19, 1956.

Mr. McCormick is survived by nephews, nieces, and friends.

All of his life was lived in and around Bedford, except for one year in Nebraska.

[Alexander "Alex" Duncan]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday   October 16, 1924    [p. 3]

Alex Duncan Called.

Sunday morning between the hours of ten and eleven o'clock, the grim reaper snuffed out the life of Alexander Duncan at his home northwest of town, the home where for seventy-five years he had lived.  Here it was he brought his bride and together they traveled life's journey, knowing no other place for home than this.  When they settled here it was almost a trackless forest, but with indomitable pluck they cleared the land and lived to enjoy its fruits for many years.  Here their children were born, grew to manhood and womanhood, and went forth to do for themselves.  But the old folks were content to remain in the old home until gathered to their home eternal.

It is something unusual for a family to occupy one home all their lives, and few attain this distinction.  This home also has another distinction.  Mr. Duncan entered the land from the government, and it has never been transferred or been encumbered by a mortgage.

Funeral services were held at his late home Tuesday afternoon, conducted by Revs. Douglass and Dezell and interment was in Memory cemetery beside the wife who preceded him some fifteen months ago.

Those from a distance who attended the funeral services were V. A. Brewer of Lookeba, Okla., Harley Brewer of Arkansas City, Ark., Mrs. Ada Smith of Arkansas City, Ark., grandchildren, W. C. Duncan of Casey, Okla., and J. H. Beveridge and family of Woodward, Iowa.

Alexander Duncan was born in Callaway County, Mo., July 5th, 1826, and continued to live there until the spring of 1845 when he moved with his parents, John and Elizabeth Wayne Duncan to Iowa and settled on a farm near Siam.  He was married March 15, 1849 to Mary Jane Dillon, another of Iowa's early pioneers.  To this union eleven children were born.  He was a true soldier during the Civil War, serving three years under General Prentice, ten months of the time in prison.  He was honorably discharged the 23rd of May 1865, at Davenport, Iowa.

In the passing of Alexander Duncan, Taylor County lost her oldest pioneer, the citizen who was well known and highly respected as a citizen.  The family lost a father who for 75 consecutive years had lived on the same farm.  The old, old house on the hill is still, and the house's stillness is accentuated by having had there something to remind us of one of the most precious things on earth---Father.  Since the passing of his aged wife, fifteen months ago, he has been fast failing.  Although surrounded by his family and friends, he seemed to have just one wish---"To go home."   The giver of all good gifts granted his wish, and when the sun was almost kissing the noonday his spirit took its flight.  Let us hope that their spirits were united in the beautiful home of the soul.  He was converted in the late sixties under the preaching of Rev. Smith and Farlow at a camp meeting, which was then called the Wamsley Grove.  While he was not eminently a religious man, he had traits of character that but few men could boast.

Like Abu-Ben Adhem, he loved his fellow men.  He was of Scotch-Irish descent and a true westerner in style.  He was Scotch enough to make him noble, and Irish enough to see the sunny side of life.  Cause, his long stay on earth.

Placing a high estimate upon honesty he was pained when those whom he trusted, fell beneath his standard.

[John Warren Dorr]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    January 12, 1950    [p. 1]

Held J. W. Dorr Rites Wednesday

John W. [arren] Dorr, 77, a resident of the Bedford community for many years, died at his home near New Market, Sunday, January 8, following a heart attack.  He had been in ill health several months but was about his usual duties at the home when death came.

The funeral services were held at the Wetmore Funeral Home Wednesday afternoon, conducted by Rev. George W. Swan of Blockton.  Burial was in the Fairview Cemetery at Bedford.

[Lottie Miller Jameson]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    January 12, 1950    [p. 1]

Lottie Jameson Died Here Thursday

Mrs. Lottie Jameson, 72, the former Miss Lottie Miller, died Thursday, January 5, at the home of her brother, Abe Miller, in Bedford, following a heart attack.

The funeral services were held at the Wetmore Funeral Home Saturday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Ben W. Sinderson.  Burial was in the Graceland Cemetery, west of Bedford.

[Charles M. Winder]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    January 12, 1950    [p. 1]

Charles Winder Dies In St. Joseph, Mo.

Charles M. Winder, carpenter and contractor in St. Joseph, Missouri, for many years, and a former resident of Bedford, died Saturday at his home in St. Joseph.

The funeral services were held Monday afternoon and burial was in the Ashland cemetery there.

[Jay J. Nolan]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    January 12, 1950    [p. 1]

Jay J. Nolan Dies In Des Moines

Jay J. Nolan of Des Moines passed away Wednesday at his home at 936 Payton Avenue, according to word received in Bedford by his cousin, Mrs. Addie Besco.  The last rites will be held in Des Moines Saturday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock at the Hamilton Funeral Home and burial will be made there.  He had been ill several months.

Mr. Nolan has visited in Bedford many times during past years.  He is survived by his wife, a married son and a married daughter.  Also by a sister, Mrs. Harry Koger, who will be remembered in Bedford as Miss May Nolan; and by two cousins, Mrs. Addie Besco of Bedford and Arthur K. Stowell of Kellerton.

[Ida Irwin Posten]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    January 12, 1950    [p. 1]

Mrs. Posten Dies At Gravity Monday

Mrs. Ida A. [Irwin] Posten, 80, died at her home in Gravity Monday, January 9, following an illness of several months.

The funeral services were held at the Christian church in Gravity Thursday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Fred H. Cowles of Bedford and Rev. D. C. Callison of Gravity.  Burial was in the Gravity cemetery.

Mrs. Posten was born in Taylor County and had always made her home in the Gravity community.

[Ida Irwin Posten]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    January 19, 1950    p. 5

Obituary - Mrs. Ida Posten

Ida A. Irwin, daughter of Thomas and Margaret Irwin, was born at Old Holt Township, Taylor County, Iowa, September 9, 1869, and died at her home in Gravity, Iowa, January 9, 1950, at the age of 80 years and 4 months.

On December 6, 1891, she was married to [Eugene] Joseph Posten, and to them four children were born.

Mrs. Posten was preceded in death by her husband, who died June 25, 1947; two daughters, Inez and Icea; by her parents, 2 sisters and 3 brothers.

She is survived by two daughters, Gertrude at home, and Mrs. Helen Chandler, of Arlington, Virginia; two grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.  Also two brothers, George Irwin of Bedford and Will Irwin of Clarinda.

She was a member of the Christian Church of Gravity for forty-six years, and was faithful to its services until the past few weeks.  She was also a member of the O. E. S. and served as Recorder of the R. N. A. for forty years.

Mr. and Mrs. Posten celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary on December 6, 1941, and their fifty-fifth anniversary on December 6, 1946.

Mrs. Posten's life was one of much usefulness.  She was loyal to Christ through her church and her life stands as a memorial to her faith in God.

The funeral services were held Thursday afternoon at the Christian Church in Gravity and burial was in the Gravity cemetery.  Rev. F. H. Cowles officiated and was assisted by Rev. D. C. Callison of the Gravity Methodist Church.

[Ida Irwin Posten]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    January 19, 1950    p. 5

Attend Posten Funeral

Relatives and friends attending the funeral services for Mrs. Ida Posten Thursday were Mr. and Mrs. Will Chandler of Arlington, Va.; Mrs. Jean Mohrman of Chicago; Mrs. Emma Posten, Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Posten of Villisca; Mrs. Jerry Irwin; Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Bush, Mr. and Mrs. Lyle Posten and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Carrol Posten, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Sickler of Corning; Mrs. Mayme Gold and son of Seymour; Mrs. Geraldine Balleu of Corydon; Mr. and Mrs. Frank Hargin, John and Bruce, Mr. and Mrs. L. A. Bush of Clearfield; Mr. and Mrs. Al Bender, Mrs. Nellie Walker, Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Johnson, Mrs. Blanche Kimpton of Clarinda; Mr. and Mrs. Will Irwin of Clarinda; Willis Kimpton of New Market; Mr. and Mrs. Cheral Roberts of Van Meter, Iowa; Mrs. Irma Henneman of Tennville; Mr. and Mrs. George Irwin, Mr. and Mrs. Glen Irwin, Mr. and Mrs. Delmar Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Tom Roberts, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Hunt, Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Taylor, Mr. and Mrs. Dean Fleming, Dick Rainforth, Mrs. Fannie Irwin and Howard, Jim Richardson and family; Mr. and Mrs. R. E. Bradley, Miss Nellie Maxwell, Mr. and Mrs. Irwin Wilson, Mrs. Ilo Wilson, Mrs. Geraldine Hencsh, Miss Ethel Chambers, Mrs. Berniece Goudie, Mr. and Mrs. Brooks Nash of Bedford; Mrs. Katherine McNabb of Creston; Mrs. Neally Mossey of Conception, Mo.; Mrs. Engels, Ed Hargin, Mrs. Mary Cooper, Blanche Lawler of Conway.

[Cassius M. King]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    January 19, 1950    p. 9

Obituary - Cassius M. King

Cassius M. King, second son of David and Melinda King, was born February 12, 1866 in Platteville, and died at his home in Athelstan, Iowa, January 8, 1950, at the age of 83 years, 10 months and 27 days.

On April 22, 1886 he was married to Ida E. Sharp.  To them was born one son and two daughters:  Roy C. King of Blockton, Mrs. C. A. Stickelman of Peru, Iowa, and Mrs. A. E. Williams of Cherokee.

He leaves to mourn his departure, his wife, to whom he had been married 64 years; three children; eight grandchildren, Mrs. John Moeck of Omaha, Mrs. Gordon Griffith of Scottsbluff, Nebr., Eldon and Donna King of Blockton, Dale, Roy, Haldene and Harry Scott of Cherokee; 17 great grandchildren; one brother, Art C. King of Palm Springs, Calif.; and a sister, Mrs. Mary D. Hartt of Palmetto, Florida.

When a small boy his parents moved from Platteville to Mormontown, Iowa (now Blockton), where he received his early education.  As a young man he aspired to become a doctor, entering Keokuk Medical College, completing one term.  In the early days finances were not plentiful so he was unable to complete this medical course.  After he was married he engaged in farm work for a short time, later moving to Chicago where he entered Railroad Express work, continuing in that for seventeen years.  In 1904 the family moved back to Taylor County and engaged in farm work again for a few years.  He later entered the mercantile business, being located in Blockton and Athelstan for more than twenty years.  After retiring from business he again became connected with railroad work, being caretaker for the Chicago Great Western at Athelstan for several years.

The funeral services were held at the Christian Church in Blockton, Tuesday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Geo. W. Swan.  Burial was in the Blockton cemetery.

[Cassius M. King]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    January 19, 1950    p. 9

Attend King Funeral

Those from a distance attending funeral services for Cassius M. King, were Mr. and Mrs. Carl Stickelman of Peru, Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. Everett Williams, Dale, Roy C. , Haldene and Harry Scott of Cherokee, Iowa; Miss Allene Pumphrey, Mrs. Albert King and son of St. Joseph; Mrs. Anna King of Barnard; Mr. and Mrs. Lucien Boyd and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Loy Kemery of Sheridan; Mr. and Mrs. John Moeck of Omaha; Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Cavin and family of Shenandoah; Mr. and Mrs. Vearon John, Mrs. Frank McCall of Bedford.