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

[Payton, Frederic E. "Fred"]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    December 12, 1935   [p. 1]

Fred Payton Fatally Shot

Dies At Home Early Wednesday Morning

Fred Payton, long time resident of Bedford, and veteran of the Spanish American war, died at his home early Wednesday morning, of a gunshot wound.

Arising about six o'clock, his usual practice, he went to the basement of his home to look after the furnace fire.  Failing to return upstairs in due time his wife went to the basement to investigate, where she found him unconscious and severely wounded from a gunshot.

She summoned help but nothing could be done to save his life.  He died in about an hour.

The funeral services have not been made, pending the arrival of relatives.

[Payton, Frederic E. "Fred"]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    December 19, 1935    p. 5

Hold Funeral Service For Fred E. Payton

Funeral services for F. [rederic] E. Payton, 66, who died at his home in Bedford Thursday, Dec. 12, were held at the Wetmore Funeral Home Saturday morning, conducted by Rev. J. Stanley Decker.  Burial was in the Fairview cemetery, with military honors given by members of the local Legion post.

Fred E. Payton, son of Melchor and Mary Shafer Payton, was born near Rantoul, Ill., Jan. 6, 1869.  When he was six years old he moved with his parents to Bedford, which place had since been his home.  He spent a year and a half in the Philippine Islands, where he saw service in the Spanish American war.

Jan. 1, 1900 he was married to Miss Nellie Cole at Bedford.  They had no children, but for more than ten years Arthur Dinwiddie made his home with them, and found in it all that a home provided by real parents could have furnished, and they accepted him as though he were their own.  And he is now proving himself a real son to Mrs. Payton in her bereavement.

In early life Mr. Payton united with the Methodist Episcopal church and ever proved a faithful worker and consistent attendant at church.  He was also a member of the Masonic lodge and of the O. E. S. chapter.

Surviving relatives are the wife; one sister, Mrs. Carrie Wright of Fort Morgan, Colo.; and two brothers, [William] Howard Payton of Fort Morgan and C.[harles] B. [ert] Payton of Denver.

[Payton, Sarah J. "Jennie" Ferris]

Times-Republican

Thursday    January 29, 1920    [p. 1]

Attends Funeral of Mother

Fletcher Payton, who left Bedford 21 years ago with Co. I for the Philippine Islands, stopped off at Bedford on his return home to Sioux City, Iowa, after attending the funeral of his mother [Sarah J. "Jennie" Ferris Payton], who died at the home of her son, Irtle, at Shenandoah.  She passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 20th, and was buried at Yorktown on Thursday, Jan. 22.  She was 74 years old at the time of her death.  The father, Jacob Payton, died about 8 years ago.  Fletcher is engaged in the shoe business at Sioux City and this is his second trip to Bedford in twenty-one years.  We acknowledge a pleasant call from him.  He left Friday by way of Gravity for his home.

[Payton, Jacob W.]

Times-Republican

Thursday    March 9, 1911    [p. 1]

Jacob Payton

News was received Sunday by Melchor and John Payton of the death of their brother, Jacob Payton, at Davenport.  Mr. Payton's home was at Yorktown, Ia.  For some time he had been troubled with cancer of the left eye and in June he went to Davenport for treatment.  He showed decided improvement until he took a severe cold and gradually grew worse until death resulted Sunday morning from a complication of diseases.  Funeral services were held Tuesday at his home.  He leaves to mourn his death, a wife, and two children, Ertle [Irtle] and Fletcher, besides many other relatives and friends.  Melchor Payton, John Payton, and Howard Payton attended the funeral.

 [Payton, Jacob W.]

Times-Republican

Thursday     March 16, 1911    p. 4

Obituary of J. W. Payton

Jacob W. Payton was born in the state of Indiana March 23, 1843.  He was a member of Company D, One hundred Twelve Illinois volunteers and served two and a half years in the civil war.  He was married in Henry County, Ill., to Miss Jennie Ferris [Sarah J.] and came to Page County, Iowa, in 1870, locating on a farm in Tarkio Township.  For a good many years past he has been a traveling salesman, having lived in Shenandoah for several years, going to Davenport a few months ago to be treated for a cancerous affection of one eye.  He died at 819 Brady Street in that city early last Sunday morning, aged sixty-seven years, eleven months and twelve days, the cause of his death being congestion of the lungs.  The body was brought to Yorktown Tuesday, accompanied by his wife, his son, Fletcher, and wife and his brother, John, of Bedford.  Funeral services were conducted in Davenport Monday evening by the G. A. R. post of that city and the funeral sermon was preached in the M. E. church at Yorktown Tuesday at 2:30 by his pastor, Rev. B. F. Crissman, of Shenandoah, assisted by Rev. J. B. Bartley and Rev. Nichols.  Several old veterans were present and acted as pallbearers and the body was laid to rest in the Summit cemetery.

He is survived by his wife and two sons, Fletcher of Omaha, and Irtle of Blackwell, Okla., three sisters, Mrs. Lois Ridenour of Beardstown, Ill., Mrs. Nancy Stitt and Miss Orpha Payton of Yorktown, and two brothers, Melchor and John Payton of Bedford, all of whom were present at the funeral, except Mrs. Ridenour and her son, Irtle.  He was for 50 years a member of the M. E. church and a regular attendant upon the services.  He was an upright man, esteemed by all who knew him.  He was ready for the summons that came quite suddenly at the last and has entered into rest.---Shenandoah Sentinel Post.

[PAYTON, JACOB W.]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, March 9, 1911
John and Melchor Payton received a message Sunday announcing the death of their brother, Jacob, of Shenandoah and they left Monday evening for Yorktown to attend the funeral. Last June he was taken to Davenport to be treated for cancer of the right eye. He was reported as being better until some time ago he took a cold. He was able to be up however when he was taken with a worse cold and at once began to grow weaker. He died at Davenport Sunday morning, March 5th, at one o'clock. He leaves to mourn his death his wife and two children, Ertle and Fletcher, besides many relatives and friends. Funeral services were held at Yorktown.

[Wineinger, Samuel Lafayette]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday   December 19, 1935    p. 5

Hold Funeral Service For S. L. Wineinger

Funeral services for S. L. Wineinger, 79, who died at his home four miles south of New Market, Sunday, Dec. 8, were held at the Church of Christ in Siam, Tuesday, Dec. 10, conducted by Rev. B. F. Hall.  Burial was in the Siam cemetery.

Samuel Lafayette Wineinger, son of Samuel and Elizabeth [Jane Hankins] Wineinger, was born on the old Wineinger homestead near Siam, Taylor county, Iowa, Aug. 17, 1856.

With the exception of a few years spent in Kansas he had made his home in the community in which he was born, [in] later years making his home with his daughter, Mrs. Walter Farrell, on the home farm.

He was married to Anna E. Branson of Siam, June 10, 1880, who departed this life Aug. 16, 1900, a the age of 36 years.

To them were born four children, L. [afayette] F. [rank] Wineinger, Mrs. Ethel Wise of Enod, Mo., Mrs. Jessie Neely and Mrs. Nellie Farrell of New Market.

There are five grandchildren:  Keith Neely, Kenneth, Wyleen, and Max Farrell of New Market and Wyman W. Wise of Shanghai, China.

He was of a family of eight children, four girls and four boys, all of whom preceded him in death with the exception of one sister and two brothers:  Mary Blagrave of Lemon Grove, Calif., Jerome Wineinger of Newton, Iowa, and John Wineinger of Carter, South Dakota.

He united with the Church of Christ at Siam in early life, in later years transferring his membership to the Church of Christ at New Market.

He was a man who was very devoted to his home and family, taking the place of both father and mother from the time the children were small.  As a pioneer, he did much for the community development.

[Childs, J. F.]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    December 19, 1935    p. 5

J. F. Childs Dies

J. F. Childs, for many years a resident of Taylor County, died at his home in San Diego, Calif., Monday, Dec. 9.  He was a brother of the late Mrs. R. [obert] M. Powell [Elizabeth Jane] of Bedford.   Surviving relatives are his wife and one daughter, and also a sister, Mrs. Sadie Long, formerly of Hopkins but now of San Diego for a number of years.

[Orton, Miranda Jane Greenlee Blackwell]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday    March 16, 1911    p. 4

Obituary

Miranda Jane Greenlee was born in Washington Township, Erie County, Pa., February 14, 1841, and departed this life at her late home in Crescent, Okla., March 11, 1911.

She came with her parents to Taylor County, Iowa, in 1868, and July 18, 1872, she was united in marriage with J. [ames] M. Blackwell.  She was left a widow August 29, 1890, when Mr. Blackwell died.

On January 16, 1896, she became the wife of S. [ylvester] S. Orton and in the fall of 1901 moved to Stillwater, Okla., going from there to Marshall and five years ago moving to Crescent.  She was converted at an early age and united with the Baptist church of which she remained a faithful member until she was called to her place in the Church triumphant.

She is survived by two sisters, one brother, her husband and three stepchildren.

The funeral services were held at her late home in Crescent, conducted by her pastor, Rev. Page, of the Baptist church, and the remains were brought to Bedford for interment.  A brief service was conducted at the home of A. [ustin] S. Houck, in northeast Bedford, Tuesday at 10 o'clock a. m., by Rev. Fred N. Willis, and the body laid to rest in Graceland cemetery.

[Campbell, Catherine McLain]

Southwest Democrat

Friday    September 14, 1888    p. 4

Died, at the residence of her son, about five miles west of Bedford, at three o'clock Tuesday morning, Mrs. Catherine [McLain] Campbell, widow of Isaiah Campbell, in the seventy-third year of her age.  Funeral services were held at the residence, conducted by Rev. W. P. Bishop.  Isaiah Campbell was among the early settlers in this county, having moved here in the year 1854 and settled where the family has since resided.

[Sinclair, John]

Times-Republican

Thursday    January 29, 1920    [p. 1]

Accidently Killed

John Sinclair, fifty-nine years old, who has been working for Frank Houchin, five miles northwest of Gravity, was almost instantly killed on last Thursday about four o'clock.  It seems that he had driven a team up to the barn on the Houchin farm for the purpose of unhitching them, and had unhitched the team with the exception of leaving one unhooked.  He started up the team so that they could go into the barn, and the one horse, finding that he was still hitched to the wagon, started to run.  Sinclair attempted to stop the horses and in doing so he was knocked down and run over by the wagon, one wheel passing over his back, breaking the spinal column.  He did not live beyond thirty minutes after the accident.  Doctor Reed of Gravity was called, but life was extinct when he arrived.  The accident occurred in the presence of Frank Houchin, owner of the farm, and Joseph Shields and Art Herring were also present.

The deceased was a widower and his home was at Jefferson City, Mo.  He has no relatives here so far as known.  A sister and nephew live at Jefferson City, and they were notified of his death.  Funeral services for the dead man were held at the Methodist church in Gravity on Sunday.

[SINCLAIR, JOHN]
Democrat-Tribune (Jefferson City, Missouri), Friday, January 23, 1920
John Sinclair Dead
Former Resident Said to Have Been Killed at Gravity, Ia.
The police department received a telegram this morning from Dr. L. T. Eid of Gravity, Ia., stating that John Sinclair had been accidentally killed at the place and that it was thought that he had relatives here. As described by Dr. Eid he is a man of about sixty-five years of age, weighing 170 pounds being 5 feet 9 inches in height, smooth shaven, red faced and almost bald. Dr. Eid also stated that the dead man was worth quite a large sum of money.
From the description and place of residence it has been determined here by relatives and people who knew him that the dead man is an uncle of Jas. T. Rickey, the well known prison guard, and a cousin of John and Ed G. Sinclair of this city. He was a former resident here and left this city about 25 years ago.
Jim Rickey will depart tomorrow for Gravity to identify the dead man.

[SINCLAIR, JOHN]
Daily Capital News (Jefferson City, Missouri), Saturday, January 24, 1920
John Sinclair Thought Accidentally Killed
Former Callaway Citizen Disappeared After Farm Sale Twenty Years Ago.
A man believed to be John Sinclair, who suddenly left Callaway County 20 years ago, after disposing of a large farm, was accidently killed Thursday at Gravity, Iowa, according to a message received yesterday by Chief of Police Frank Gretlein.
Sinclair, who was 65 years old, was a brother of the late Mrs. Isabelle Rickey and an uncle of James Rickey, superintendent of the State prison farm at Algoa.
Rickey last night sent a telegram to Gravity to learn more particulars about the death. When he receives a reply he will leave for Iowa to bring back the body. The telegram from a physician at Gravity said Sinclair has considerable money on his person.
Rickey said yesterday that his uncle had not been heard from in 20 years. After he sold his farm near Cedar City, it was thought that he had gone to Chicago.
Sinclair has a brother living in Boone County and a sister in Kentucky.

[Bradley, Orpha Dell]

Times-Republican

Thursday    January 29, 1920    [p. 1]

Orpha Bradley

Miss Orpha [Dell] Bradley, who has been dangerously ill for several weeks, died at her home in Bedford Sunday evening, aged 40 years.  The funeral services were held at the Christian church Tuesday morning at 11 o'clock, conducted by Rev. Lowe, after which the remains were followed to the cemetery by many friends.  The family have the sympathy of the entire community in their loss.

[BRADLEY, ORPHA DELL]

Bedford Times-Republican, Thursday, January 29, 1920, p. 5

Orpha Dell Bradley

Orpha Dell Bradley was born in Nodaway County, Mo., Sept. 23, 1878 and passed away at her home in Bedford Sunday evening, Jan. 25, 1920. Most of her girlhood days were spent in and around Page County, Iowa. She used every available opportunity given her in the common schools to excellent advantages, later completing her training in Quincy, Ill., and Drake University.

She possessed such powers that she became a great force as a teacher, both in high schools and colleges. She taught in Deer Lodge, Montana; Beatrice, Nebr.; North Bend, Oregon, and her last days in the teaching profession were worthily spent in Bethel Academy, St. Paul. In the ministry of teaching she will long be remembered, especially by those who came to know the beautiful combination of her teaching powers and queenly grace of character.

Wherever her life was shared with friends and loved ones she gave herself unstintedly and ungrudgingly, making everyone to feel that her life was too big for the confines of her own self. Her life was woven with the homespun of common things, not thinking herself above the lowliest, taking in the whole world into the democracy of her affections. Hers was an uncomplaining spirit and tho she must have borne unspeakable suffering for many days, yet she did not want to intrude her trials upon others. In July 1918 she underwent an operation at the Mayo's for a cancerous growth of the most malignant nature. From this disease she never recovered until death claimed her body, but through it all her spirit was unconquerable, rejoicing in everlasting hope

She leaves to mourn her loss an affectionate mother, five brothers, three sisters---Era [Eura], Orton, Ira, Rebecca, Glen, Nina, Loy, and Fae---besides a host of relatives and friends.

Her glorious hope so beautifully evidenced throughout her life, was strong and buoyant in the last hours.

Her faith, her eternal longing could not be better expressed than the lines from Tennyson, she wrote in her own Bible.

Crossing the Bar [poem not transcribed].

[BRADLEY, ORPHA DELL]

New Market Herald, Thursday, January 29, 1920, p. 3

Miss Bradley Called

Miss Orpha Bradley who will be remembered as the teacher who supplied for Mrs. Inman the first two weeks of school died at her home in Bedford, Sunday evening at 6 o'clock, of cancer of the stomach. Funeral services were held Tuesday morning at 11 o'clock.

[BRADLEY, ORPHA DELL]

New Market Herald, Thursday, January 29, 1920, p. 2

SIAM NEWS

The many friends, schoolmates and pupils of Miss Orpha Bradley learned with deep regret of her death Sunday Jan. 25 at the home of her mother Mrs. Lewis Bradley, in north Bedford. For many years Siam community was the home of the Bradley family; we extend sincere sympathy.

[BRADLEY, ORPHA DELL]
Bedford Times-Republican (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, February 5, 1920
Col. Glen Bradley and wife were called to Bedford last week by the serious illness of Mr. Bradley's sister, Orpha Bradley. The lady passed away Sunday at the age of 40 years and the funeral was held at Bedford Tuesday. The lady was a well known teacher of the state, having taught in the Bedford schools and also taught in some of the colleges of Nebraska and Iowa. Miss Bradley submitted to a serious operation about a year ago and never fully regained her health. --- Corning Free Press.

[BRADLEY, ORPHA DELL]
Bedford Times-Republican (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, February 5, 1920
Mrs. Glen Bradley, who had been here to attend the funeral of Orpha Bradley, returned to her home at Corning Saturday.

[Bradley, Orpha Dell]

Times-Republican

Thursday    January 29, 1920

Orpha Dell Bradley

Orpha Dell Bradley was born in Nodaway County, Mo., Sept. 23, 1878, and passed away at her home in Bedford Sunday evening, Jan. 25, 1920.  Most of her girlhood days were spent in and around Page County, Iowa.  She used every available opportunity given her in the common schools to excellent advantages, later completing her training in Quincy, Ill., and Drake University.

She possessed such powers that she became a great force as a teacher, both in high schools and colleges.  She taught in Deer Lodge, Montana; Beatrice, Nebr.; North Bend, Oregon, and her last days in the teaching profession were worthily spent in Bethel Academy, St. Paul.  In the ministry of teaching she will long be remembered, especially by those who came to know the beautiful combination of her teaching powers and queenly grace of character.

Wherever her life was shared with friends and loved ones she gave herself unstintedly and ungrudgingly, making everyone to feel that her life was too big for the confines of her own self.  Her life was woven with the homespun of common things, not thinking herself above the lowliest, taking in the whole world into the democracy of her affections.  Hers was an uncomplaining spirit and tho’ she must have borne unspeakable suffering for many days, yet she did not want to intrude her trials upon others.  In July 1918, she underwent an operation at the Mayo’s for a cancerous growth of the most malignant nature.  From this disease she never recovered until death claimed her body, but through it all her spirit was unconquerable, rejoicing in everlasting hope.

She leaves to mourn her loss, an affectionate mother, five brothers, three sisters---Era, Orton, Ira, Rebecca, Glen, Nina, Loy, and Fae---besides a host of relatives and friends.

Her glorious hope so beautifully evidenced throughout her life, was strong and buoyant in the last hours.

Her faith, her eternal longing could not be better expressed than the lines from Tennyson she wrote in her own Bible.

Crossing the Bar

Sunset and evening Star,

     And one clear call for me,

And may there be no moaning of

the bar

When I put out to sea.

But such a tide as moving seems

asleep

Too full for sound and foam,

When that which drew from out

the boundless deep

Turns again home.

Twilight and evening bell,

And after that the dark,

And may there be no sadness or

farewell

When I embark.

[Nickle, Johanna Belle Clark]

Times-Republican

Thursday    January 29, 1920    [p. 1]

Mrs. Joe Anna Belle Nickle

Died at her home in the north part of Bedford Sunday, aged 69 years, 10 months and 17 days.  Funeral was held at the residence yesterday at 10 o'clock, A. M., conducted by Rev. Lowe.  The remains were taken to Clearfield for interment.  The family have the sympathy of all who know them.

[Nickle, Johanna Belle Clark]

Times-Republican

Thursday    February 5, 1920    p. 2

Obituary

Mrs. Belle Nickle was born in Clinton County, Indiana, March 8, 1850, and fell asleep in her home at Bedford, Iowa, January 25, 1920, lacking a few weeks of being 70 years old at her going.

She was converted when just a girl and united with the Methodist church, where she remained until about 26 years ago, when she and her husband became members of the Christian church at Clearfield, Iowa, near which place they made their home for a number of years.

They moved to Bedford 17 years ago and at once united with the Christian church, but owing to ill health, Mrs. Nickle was not permitted to enjoy an active life in the service as was her desire, but she always encouraged others who were able to do so.  She was of a quiet, self-sacrificing, home-loving disposition and was ever ready with a good word for everyone.

Those who remain of the family are her husband, D. [avid] E. Nickle, with one son and two daughters, one daughter having fallen asleep a number of years ago.  The son, E. [lmer] R. Nickle, and daughter, Mrs. Mamie Cunning reside near Clearfield and Miss Cecile at home in Bedford.

Mrs. C. [harles] F. [remont "Free"] Allen [Mary E. Clark], a sister and F. R. Clark, a brother, both reside at Bedford.  There are also eleven grandchildren and three great grandchildren, who with the others will miss the kindly face and pleasant words of grandmother.

Mrs. Nickle peacefully fell asleep, and her last words were "I am all right."

Funeral services were conducted by her minister, E. E. Lowe, from her home on the morning of Jan. 28, and her body was laid to rest in the Clearfield cemetery, after another service in the church of her old hometown.

[Wysong, Charles Benjamin]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    January 13, 1944    p. 1

Chas. B. Wysong, 93, Dies In Oklahoma

C. [harles] B. [enjamin] Wysong, prominent Taylor County resident and landowner, died at the home of his son and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Frank E. [dgar] Wysong [Elizabeth Rhinehart], in Oklahoma City, Okla., Sunday, January 9.

The body was brought to Bedford Tuesday, accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. Frank Wysong and son, Clark B. Wysong, Mr. and Mrs. Elza Wysong [Mary Neal].  Funeral services were held at the Wetmore Funeral Home Wednesday afternoon, conducted by Rev. P. H. Peterson.  The I. O. O. F. burial service was given at the funeral home.  Burial was in the Fairview cemetery.

Charles Benjamin Wysong was born in Coles County, Illinois, January 4, 1851, being aged 93 years and 5 days at the time of his death.

In 1853 he moved to Monroe County, Iowa, with his parents and to Taylor County in 1855, making him the oldest Taylor county citizen at the time of his death.  He had spent most of his time as a farmer in this community.

Mr. Wysong was married to Miss Amy J. Marshall on Jan. 1, 1873.  To them two sons were born, Frank Edgar and Harry Elmer.  Mrs. Wysong and son Harry preceded him in death.

Surviving relatives are Frank Edgar, son; Beulah Gail Bouse, granddaughter; Clark B. Wysong, Jr., and Charles E. Wysong, great grandsons; E. [lza] G. Wysong, a brother; all of Oklahoma City; Air Cadet Robert E. Bouse of San Antonio, Texas, great grandson, and Charles Glenn Wysong, grandson, of Bedford.

He joined the Dunkard church in his youth and was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

[McAlpin, Martha Glassgow]

Times-Republican

Thursday    February 5, 1920    p. 2

Obituary --- Martha McAlpin

Martha Glassgow, daughter of William and Jane Glassgow, was born in Harrison County, state of Ohio, March 2nd, 1841, and passed away at the home of her daughter in Bedford, Iowa, Sunday evening, Feb. 1st, 1920.

Most of her girlhood days were spent around Hawleyville, Iowa, and [she] later lived in Clarinda, until the death of her husband, Jan. 18, 1919, and has since that time made her home with her only child, Mrs. George Clark.

On the 14th of February 1861, she was united in marriage to Lyman B. [lack] McAlpin.  To this union were born two sons and one daughter, one son, Ira, having died at the age of 5 years, and the other son, Albert, at the age of 41 years.

She leaves to mourn her loss the only daughter, Cora Clark; one brother, Charles Glassgow, of New Market, Ia., and three grandchildren, Vesta Clark, Pearl Thompson, and Glenn Clark, Marion, Iowa, and a host of relatives and friends.

In early life she accepted Jesus Christ as her personal savior and for more than 40 years lived a consistent Christian life.

Funeral services were held at the George Clark home in Bedford, Ia., Feb. 3, 1920, at 9:30 A. M.  Rev. Lowe conducted the services.  Interment in Dallas cemetery.

[Sawyer, Nathan Smith]

Times-Republican

Thursday    March 9, 1911    p. 1

Nathan S. Sawyer

Nathan S. [mith] Sawyer, after a lingering illness of several weeks, died at his home in this city at 2 o'clock Friday morning at the age of 63 years.  Funeral services were held at the residence at 2:30 o'clock Sunday afternoon, conducted by George A. Hendrickson.  There was an unusually large gathering of Knights of Pythian and Pythian Sisters, who attended in a body.  The knights conducted the ceremony in Fairview cemetery.  Beautiful floral offerings covered the casket at the time of the funeral sermon.  Appropriate music was given by Messrs. Wilkins and Bradley, Miss Bebout, Mrs. Fitch and Mrs. Hall.

Mr. Sawyer, who had followed the occupation of a blacksmith in this city many years, was forced to retire from active work last August, his health having begun to fail at that time.  He took a trip to Kansas and while there was a slight improvement in his condition for a time, the gradual decline soon began, and continued until death.

Nathan Smith Sawyer was born in Genoa, DeKalb County, Illinois, April 18, 1847.  When about 20 years of age he came to Iowa, locating first at Manchester, where he was married to Sarah E. Kenyon July 7, 1869.   Mr. and Mrs. Sawyer were the parents of three sons, M. [elvin] A. Sawyer of Bedford, John [Gordon] Sawyer of Oxford, Neb., and Clesson Sawyer, who is traveling, with headquarters in Kansas City.  From Manchester, the family came to Creston, thence to Bedford, which had since been his home.

When he was about 30 years of age Mr. Sawyer united with the Christian church, and for more than twenty years he had been a member of the Knights of Pythias lodge, and was a charter member of the local organization of Pythian Sisters.  He was active in and devoted to the work of the organizations in which he held membership, and the long line of lodge men who followed the remains to their last resting place was an indication of the esteem with which he was regarded by them.

[SAWYER, NATHAN SMITH]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, March 9, 1911
Prominent Bedford Citizen Expires
The fatal malady from which Mr. Nathan S. [mith] Sawyer has so long been suffering, terminated Friday morning in his death. While the result was not unexpected it was nevertheless a severe blow to all, for there was probably no one living in Bedford who was not well acquainted with "Nate" Sawyer, as he was familiarly known. Coming here in an early day, he has ever since been an active and loyal citizen, a man with a genial disposition and esteemed by all. About a year ago, or perhaps longer, his health began failing and while there seemed to be nothing particularly the matter, he realized, as did his family and friends, that something was nevertheless radically wrong with his health. He wasted away from his former rugged appearance until his weight was materially reduced and the disagreeable fact was forced upon the family that Bright's disease had him firmly engulfed in its terrible poison. He was of an uncomplaining disposition and went to the end unflinching, strengthened in his firm belief in the future and the power of God to save.
The funeral was held at the home Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock, conducted by Elder G. A. Hendrickson. The home was crowded with friends anxious to pay their last tribute of respect to the dead and extend their condolence to the living. Interment was in Fairview cemetery and the services there were in charge of the Knights of Pythias, of which order he had been an active member for many years.
Nathan S. [mith] Sawyer was born in DeKalb county, Illinois, April 18, 1847. He later moved to Delaware county, Iowa, and at Manchester, Iowa, in 1869, he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Kenyon. The following year they came to Taylor county, first locating on a farm near Bedford. After farming for a year, Mr. Sawyer secured a position on this branch of the "Q" railroad, until he lost a finger in an accident, having been employed at this work for only a year. He then came to Bedford and commenced work as a blacksmith, which occupation he has continuously followed until his health failed him and he was compelled to give up active work. He united with the Christian church when a young man and has been a faithful and consistent member since.

[Donlin, Mary Harsh]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    December 29, 1938    p. 3

Hopkins

Centenarian Dies

Mrs. Mary Donlin Was Resident of Hopkins Vicinity 70 Years

Mrs. Mary [Harsh] Donlin, who was 100 years old June 12, died at 6 o'clock Saturday morning at the home of her daughter, Mrs. D. [ana] A. [mos] Sargent [Mary] in Hopkins.

Mrs. Donlin had been a resident of the Hopkins vicinity for more than seventy years.  She was born at Sabina, Clinton County, Ohio.

Two children besides Mrs. Sargent survive.  They are Will [liam J.] Donlin of Creston, Iowa, and Mrs. R. [obert] L. [incoln] Hubbard [Cora Virginia] of Los Angeles, Calif.

Funeral services were held Monday afternoon at the Swanson funeral home in Hopkins with Rev. Paul Barton of the M. E. church officiating.  Burial was in the Hopkins cemetery.

At the age of 5, Mrs. Donlin moved with her parents to the vicinity of Princeton, Ill.  At Princeton on February 15, 1858, she was married to Edward [Philip] Donlin.  He died March 27, 1888.

In 1860, Mr. and Mrs. Donlin moved to Afton, Iowa.  Eight years later, when they left Afton, the C. B. & Q railroad was being built.  They came to Old Xenia, a village which was located five miles south of what is now Hopkins.  In 1870 they moved to the site of Hopkins and built the first dwelling and the first store building on that site.

Mrs. Donlin was the first Worthy Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star at Hopkins and a charter member of the Presbyterian Church there.

Mrs. Donlin's mother lived to be 102 years old.  Her grandmother was 92 when she died.

[Luton, Elsie Hill]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    December 29, 1938    p. 3

Mrs. Elsie Luton

Elsie E. Hill, daughter of Lydia and Jacob N. Hill, was born near Lee Center, Lee County, Illinois, Oct. 15, 1857, and passed away at the home of her daughter in Clarinda Wednesday, Dec. 14, at the age of 81 years, 1 month and 29 days.

She was united in marriage to Edward Luton, Dec. 7, 1874.  To this union were born two children, Edward Albert Luton of Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada, and Mrs. Fred Wheeler [Effie "Dolly" Luton] of Clarinda.

In early womanhood she was converted and united with the Baptist church.  Later, she transferred her membership to Blue Grove Christian church near Lenox but at the time of her death was a member of the Methodist church at Conway.

Soon after her marriage she came to Taylor County, where she resided more than forty years on a farm west of Lenox, but for the past 15 years has had her home at Conway.

She is survived by her two children, nine grandchildren, three sisters and two brothers.

Funeral services were held at the home of her daughter, Friday afternoon, conducted by Rev. C. M. Eppard.  Burial in Fairview cemetery at Lenox.

Out of town relatives attending the funeral were Mr. and Mrs. Matt Western of Creston, Mr. and Mrs. Edd Smith and Mr. and Mrs. Bert Hill of Amboy, Ill., Albert Luton of Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada, and Ray Lambley of Conway.

[Gartside, Oren Miles]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    December 29, 1938    p. 3

O. M. Gartside

Oren Miles Gartside, son of Orelva [Thomas] and Maria [Kemery] Gartside, was born in Taylor County, Iowa, Nov. 9, 1874, and died Nov. 30, 1938, at St. Francis Hospital in Maryville, Mo., at the age of 64 years and 21 days.

In 1905 he moved to a farm across the state line in Missouri, northwest of Sheridan, Mo., where he had since resided.

He was united in marriage to Sarilda [Jane] Farrell, Nov. 29, 1905, and to this union five children were born.   He was preceded in death by his son, Ronald Oren, on Sept. 29, 1912 and by his grandson, Oren Blase, Sept. 26, 1938.  His aged mother preceded him by only 20 days.

He leaves to mourn his departure, his wife; two daughters, Mrs. Opal Larison and Mrs. Clara Lyle of Sheridan; two sons, Oakley Gartside of Parnell, Mo., and Gailand Gartside of Sheridan; five grandchildren, Dona and Donald Lyle, Oren and Gary Larison and Bobby Gartside; and one sister, Mrs. Clara Ford, of Blockton.

Funeral services were conducted at the Christian church in Sheridan Friday afternoon Dec. 2, the Rev. C. C. Pritchard being in charge.  Burial was in the Luteston cemetery.

[Wheelen, Florence Lee Herbert]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    December 29, 1938    p. 3

Mrs. Emeral J. Wheelen

Florence Lee, daughter of Walter R. and Isabell Herbert, was born near Bedford, Iowa, August 9, 1917, and departed this life at her home northeast of Mount Ayr, Wednesday, Dec. 7, 1938, at the age of 21 years, three months and 28 days.

When but nine years of age she moved with her parents to Ringgold County, locating northeast of Mount Ayr, in which locality she spent the remaining years of her life.

She attended high school at Mount Ayr, Iowa, graduating with the class of 1934, after which she taught one year in a rural school.

She was united in marriage with Emeral J. Wheelen on April 17, 1937.  To this union was born one infant daughter.

Besides her husband and little daughter, Isabell Jane, just nine days old, she leaves her parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. [alter] R. Herbert of Mount Ayr; one sister, Mrs. Gladys Marsh of Bedford; three nieces, two nephews and a host of relatives and friends.

She united with the Baptist church at Mount Ayr, Iowa, early in life and has lived a consistent Christian life, always attending church and Sunday school when it was possible for her to go.

All was done that could be done, yet a devoted wife, a loving mother, a cherished daughter and sister, a good neighbor, a loyal friend, answered the summons and the spirit winged its way back to God who had given it.

A private funeral was held from the home Friday at 1:30 p.m., conducted by Rev. Stark of Tingley.  Burial was made in the Rose Hill cemetery.