-3 Sep 1925 Bedford Free Press

-LOCALS- Fred Kerns whose home was north of Gravity passed away last Monday at a hospital in northern Iowa where he had been taken for an operation for obstruction of the bowels.

-Mr. and Mrs. W.H. Parker of Kansas City, who were here last week to attend the funeral of Mrs. Steve Parker, left Saturday for Albany, Mo., to visit relatives and friends continuing on to their home last Tues.

-Attorney O.J. Kirketeg arrived home last Monday after an absence of several days spent at Eagle Grove. He was called there by the death of his father which occurred a week ago last Monday, at the Mayo Bros. hospital in Rochester. His father had submitted to an operation there several days before and was apparently recovering when complications set in that caused his death. He was 69 years of age.

-GRAVITY-Word was received here Sunday evening of the death of Fred Kerns at Nevada, where he had been taken for an operation. He lived on a farm two miles northeast of Gravity.

-27 Aug 1925 Bedford Free Press

-OBITUARY MRS. B. DAILEY-

Mrs. B. Dailey, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jonas Eyer, was born in Pennsylvania in 1854 and passed away at the Zinn home in Bedford, Wednesday August 19th. Burial was made Friday, August 21st, from the Zinn home, Rev. Fletcher of the Baptist church in charge of the services.

She was married to Albert Dailey in 1889 in Peoria county, Illinois, moving to Iowa -shortly after. Her husband passed away in 1920 at Siam, Iowa. In 1886 she accepted Christ as her savior and united with the Methodist church. With her passing the life record of her father's family and also that of her companion's is closed,there being no other members.

-HAZELDELL NEWS- Mr. Eli Barnes, father of Fletcher Barnes of this vicinity, passed away at his son's home Tuesday night, August 18. Funeral services were conducted Thursday afternoon, Aug 20, at the home of F.A. Barnes, with Rev. W.C. Harper in charge.

-CONWAY- Mr. and Mrs. F.M. Humphrey drove to Skidmore, Mo., Friday afternoon to attend the funeral of their neice Delia Argoe, Will Argoe's daughter, who passed away while undergoing an operation for the removal of tonsils. She was about 20 years of age.

-MRS. STEVE PARKER DIED SUDDENLY MON.-Mrs. Steve Parker of this city died very suddenly at her home last Monday evening, while her health had been very poorly for some time, her sudden going was a great shock to her family and friends. Her daughter, Miss Mary Parker, returned home Monday evening about 11:00 o'clock from a social function and going to her mother's room, discovered that she could not rouse her and then that she was dead.

Mrs. Parker was at church last Sunday getting up out of bed and insisting that her family take her to the services at the Christian church. She was very weak then but insistent to her wish to attend Devine worship. Her death was attributed to a stroke.

Mrs. Parker is an aunt of Sam Park of Beritz, France and the recent recipient of a car, and other things, from her wealthy nephew when he visited here. This car as well as the other comforts made possible by the generosity of Mr. Park, was much enjoyed by Mrs. Parker and her family the past few months.

The funeral service is to be held this afternoon, August 27th, at 2:30 pm, conducted by Rev. Edgar Price and interment made in the Bedford cemetery. Rev. J.P. Lucas, a former pastor and old friend of the family, assisted with the service.

Obituary- Ruth E. Bird was born in New Boston, Illinois March 4, 1858 and died August 4, 1925 aged 67 years, 5 months and 20 days.

She was married to Stephen H. Parker December 18th ,1879, in Bedford, Iowa where they lived ever since. To this union were born eight children, five of whom are now living namely: Mrs. Stella Byers of Sheridan, Wyo., Frank I. and Charles S. of Denver, Colo., Mrs. Anna E. Buell of Omaha, Nebr., and Mary H. Parker of Bedford, all of whom are present excepting Mrs. Byers.

She confessed her faith in Christ as a personal Savior at the age of sixteen at Osceola, Iowa, and on coming to Bedford, deposited her letter in the church here where she has ever been a loyal and faithful worker, therin, whenever her health would permit. She has been an invalid for several months, and bore her suffering patiently and with Christian fortitude, and now "Rest in the arms of Jesus" safe on His gentle breast.

-Mrs. A.W.ROBINSON BURIED HERE SUNDAY- Mrs. A.W. Robinson, 64 years of age, died at her home here last Friday August 21, 1925, after an illness from paralysis of several months. The funeral services were held at the home last Sunday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Fletcher of the Baptist church. Burial was made in the Bedford cemetery.

Mrs. Melvina Robinson was born in Clay county, Missouri, March 5th, 1861, and when but two years of age moved with her parents to DeKalb county.

In 1878 she was married to John Carpenter and four daughters were born to them. After his death, she was married to A.W. Robinson in 1905, and moved to Bedford, Iowa, where she had resided until her death.

Mrs. Robinson became a Christian some years ago, uniting with the Baptist church and some five years ago, the Second Baptist church of this city having no services she united with the First Baptist church where she attended Devine service, often when she could hardly reach the church because of her lameness. She had been a great sufferer for years and passed away last Friday.

She leaves to mourn her going her husband, four children, Mrs. O.T. Duncan of St. Joseph, Mo., Mrs. E.D. Keene of Red Oak, Mrs. S. Letcher of Nebraska City, and Mrs. L.C. Finley of Minneapolis, Minn., a sister, Mrs. Susie Washington of St. Joseph, and many other relatives and a host of friends. -poem-

-20 Aug 1925 Bedford Free Press

-MRS. W.R. KEMPER DIED HERE SATURDAY-

Mrs. W.R. Kemper of this city, past 80 years of age, died at her home last Saturday, August 15th, after a lingering illness of several months. The funeral services were held from the residence last Monday forenoon, Aug 17th, and burial made in the Bedford cemetery.

Following is the obituary as given us for publication by the minister in charge of the services, Rev. J.P. Lucas, an old friend of the family:

Sarah Jane Vermillion was born Oct 20th, 1844, in Putnam county, Indiana, of Joel and Martha Vermillion.

Her father was a Baptist minister. She was married Dec 6, 1868 to William R. Kemper at Greencastle, Indiana from which place she later moved, with her husband, to Monroe county, Iowa, and from thence to Taylorcounty, which has since been her home.

To this union were born three children: Cora Alice, Grace Caroline, and Edgar Vermillion.

Early in her married life Mrs. Kemper united with the Christian church of Bedford, of which she was still a member at the time of her death. She died Aug 15, 1925 at the age of eighty years, nine months, and 26 days. She is survived by her husband and two children, Cora and Edgar, seven grand children and one brother, R.R. Vermillion of Wichita, Kansas. The funeral services took place from the residence Monday at 10 am Aug 17th, and were conducted by Rev. J.P. Lucas, a former pastor and old friend of the family. Interment was in Bedford cemetery beside the daughter Grace, who passed away in May 1890.

Among those present at the funeral from out of town was the son, E.V. Kemper and wife and a nephew, Judge C.W. Vermillion and wife of Centerville, Iowa; Dr. and Mrs. Dey Ermand, of Lenox, Iowa; and Gerald and Edgar Kemper of St. Joseph, Mo.

-13 Aug 1925 Bedford Free Press

- JOHN S. MAHAN DEAD-

John S. Mahan, son of William and Rachel Mahan, was born in Taylor county, Iowa, August 4th, I864 and died at the home of his son H.S. Mahan near Adrian, Mo., Aug 2nd, 1925 aged 60 years, 11 months and 29 days. He was a member of a family of 8 children, four boys and four girls, all of whom, except himself and one sister, died in early life.

Mr. Mahan united with the Christian church at Conway, Iowa, in October 1883, and continued a member of that faith the remainder of his life. His membership at the time of his passing being with the Adrian church. He has served on the Board of Deacons of his church and was always active in the work. Mr. Mahan was united in marriage with Miss Myra Goffie, March 13th, 1885 at Bedford, Iowa. To this union five children were born, viz: Claude W., Harris S., Glen C, and Guy E. Mahan, all of Adrian; and Mrs. Lila Black of Denver, Colorado., The widow survives.

In 1903 Mr. Mahan and family moved from Iowa to Shelby county, Missouri, where they resided until 1910, when they moved to Bates county, locating on a farm near Adrian. In the spring of 1922 Mr. Mahan was stricken with paralysis since which time he had been an invalid, and which grew worse until his passing. Mr. Mahan had devoted his life to farming and had succeeded in accomulating a comfortable estate for his declining years. He was a good citizen and an obliging neighbor and his demiss will be mourned by a wide circle of friends. Besides the widow and children, Mr. Mahan is survived by one sister, Mrs. Flora Mechan who lives in South Dakota. Most of his surviving relatives live In Iowa.

Funeral services for Mr. Mahan were held from the Adrian Christian church, Wednesday afternoon conducted by Elder Chas. West, assisted by Elders W.S. Hood and Leslie Lucas.

Burial was made in the Crescent Hill cemetery.-Adrain Journal

-LOCAL NEWS- Mrs. R.C. Griffith of this community was called to Adrain, Mo. last week by the death of her brother-in-law John Mahan.

-W.W. MORREY DIED AT GRAVITY- W.W. Morrey of Gravity died at his home last Sunday August 9th, aged 85 years, 4 months, and 29 days. The funeral was held at the church of Christ at Gravity Tuesday afternoon, August 11th, conducted by Rev. Burkhart and burial made in the Ladoga cemetery. A.L. Stithem of this city had charge of the burial. Mr. Morrey was a member of the local G.A.R. post, and members of the Gravity post, assisted by uniformed members of the local Legion post had charge of the ceremonies of the grave.

-JOHN GRABILL DIED AT HOPKINS- John Grabill of Hopkins, aged 91 years, 3 months, 5 days died at his home Saturday August 8th, at 12:40 am. The funeral was held Sunday, August 9th at the Church of Christ at Hopkins, by Rev. Garten and burial was in the Hopkins cemetery. A.L. Stithem of this city was the undertaker in charge of the burial.

-GRAVITY- Mr. and Mrs. L.A. Walkup attended the funeral of their friend Mrs. Mary Ellen Nickes at Gravity Sunday afternoon.

-A message came for J.O. Steen Sunday morning telling of the death of his sister, Mrs. Bert Harris at the hospital in Des Moines where she had gone for a goitre operation. The Steen family were located at Clear Lake where they had gone last week. They will go to Grinnell to attend the funeral before returning home. The Harris family are well known here, they having lived with Mr. Steen some three years ago.

-GRAVITY-Mann McKune passed away at his home here last Thursday morning after a lingering illness of many weeks. Funeral services were held Saturday afternoon at the Christian Adventist church here, conducted by Rev. Coleman, of Villisca a life long friend of Mr. McKune. Interment was made in Gravity cemetery.

-Funeral services of Mrs. M.E. Nickell, who passed away at her home north of Gravity were held Sunday afternoon at 2:30 at Gravity Christian church conducted by her pastor, Rev. Chas. Burkhart. Interment in Ladoga cemetery, beside her husband who preceded her in death several years ago. She leaves two daughters, Mrs. Riley Lee of Gravity and Mrs. Elizabeth Melton of Adel, Iowaj one son, Harley Nickell of Gravity, and many relatives and friends to mourn her loss.

- Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Hadley and family of Bedford attended the funeral of Mrs. M.E. Nickell Sunday, and also visited at the M.J. Greeley home west of town.

-C.G. Jones and family were called to Cantril, Iowa, last week on account of the death of Mr. Jones' father at that place. Mr. Jones and family returned home Saturday night.

-W.W. Morey passed away at his home here Sunday morning after a lingering illness of many months. Funeral services were held Tuesday and interment was in the Gravity cemtery.

-LOCALS- Mr. and Mrs. Walter Evans were called to Kansas City Tuesday morning by the death of an aunt, Mrs. Lydia Golding.

-6 Aug 1925 Bedford Free Press

-SNYDER INFANT PASSED AWAY-Robert, infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Merle Snyder, was born July 24th 1925 and was called home July 24th, 1925. His infant sister preceded him November 11th, 1924.

Short services were held at Fairview cemetery, conducted by Rev. G.T. Roberts.

-Editor Weisell of Corning Died Friday- Editor Robert G. Weisell of the Corning Free Press, died at his home in Corning last Friday, July 31st, after an illness of a few days. He had been in the publishing business for about 40 years and had been connected with the Free Press of Corning for nearly 25 years. Of late years he had been editor of the paper only, the management being in other hands, as his health had failed him and he was crippled to the extent that he could not work excepting at his desk. Under his guidance the Free Press developed into one of the strongest county seat papers in this section of the state. His writings under the heading "Wise and Otherwise" were read by hundreds from week to week in the Free Press and the thoughts, carried therein were usually sound and often-times witty. Always interpreting. The newspaper fraternity has lost a valuable member.

-MRS. LYDIA GOLDING BURIED HERE- Mrs. Lydia Golding of Kansas City sister of Mrs. J.A. Evans of this city, died at her home last Saturday. Mr. and Mrs. Walter Evans were called to Kansas City the first of the week and made arrangements for the funeral. The body came here today on the noon train and burial is to be made this afternoon in the Bedford cemetery.

-GRAVITY-Mrs. J.R. Gartrell passed away at her home here Sunday morning at 2:00 am, after a lingering illness of many months. Funeral services were held on Monday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock conducted by Rev. Burkhart pastor of the Christian church at this place. Interment in Gravity cemetery, beside her husband who preceded her in death some few years ago.

-SHARPSBURG- D.M. McArthur and family attended the funeral of Raymon Dunbar's three week old baby last Sunday.

-OBITUARY -MRS. J.E. FORSYTH- After several weeks illness, Mrs. J.E. Forsyth passed to her reward Tuesday, at her home at Yorktown. Her trouble had been leakage of the heart, from which she has been a patient sufferer for many weeks. The funeral services in Yorktown were conducted Thursday morning at 11 o'clock at the home by the Methodist minister, Rev. W.G. Gray, the funeral cortege motoring across country to Peru, Nebr., where interment was made.

Adaline Totton was born in Mahaska county, Iowa, April 29th, 1861. She was married to James E. Forsyth at Prairie City, Iowa, July 25th, 1881. Their four children are all living, H.A. Forsyth of Mitchell, S.Dak., H.E. Forsyth of Council Bluffs, L.R. Forsyth of St. Paul, Minn., and Mrs. O.F. Neal of Peru, Nebr. All of the children have been very attentive to the mother in her last illness, and so has the husband, who is left to mourn the loss of a life companion. In her girlhood Mrs. Forsyth united with the Christian church in Prairie City, later going into the Presbyterian church at Griswold with her husband. She was a faithful mother, ever thinking of others. Three sisters and one brother are living.

The funeral in Yorktown was largely attended, those present from a distance, besides the immediate family, being Mrs. J.E. Jones from Plattsmouth, Nebr., Mrs. Lilly McCune from Ottumwa, A.E. Childs from Des Moines and Mrs. Myra Mason of Van Meter, Iowa.

-OBITUARY-Archle Leroy Skinner was born March 5th, 1893, at Coin, Iowa and departed this life July 26, 1925, at Memorial hospital, Cheyenne, Wyo. at 1:20 pm aged 32 years 4 months and 21 days. His death resulted from injuries received in an unavoidable accident at Pine Bluffs, Nebraska, a few days earlier. He was the only son of Elmer and Lillie Skinner and grew to manhood in Page and Taylor counties. He united with the ME church in Sharpsburg, Iowa, at the age of 15. He was converted a year previous at New Market, Iowa. He was united in marriage at Sharpsburg March 6, 1912 to Maude A. Rider. This union was blessed with one son Frances Elmer.

He moved to western Nebraska a few years later making his home near Ogalalla, Nebr. until departing this life. He had occupied the position as city marshall in Ogalla for a length of time, and was one of the best loved and respected citizens of his home town as well proved by the wonderful care and attention paid him and his loved one in these last days of his departure.

A short funeral was held in his home in Ogalalla Monday afternoon at the Methodist-church. The funeral was largely attended by the people of the vicinity, all business houses were closed, and the floral offering showed a part of the appreciations of the love and esteem at which he was held.

He leaves a wife and son 12 years old, a father and mother, one sister, Mrs. Orville Cooper of Torrence, California, who does not know of his departure. We shall miss him, but we know that God does everything for the best, and we have the assurance of meeting again where sorrow or pain is unknown.

The body was brought back to Coin, Iowa Tuesday evening and funeral held Wednesday at 10:30 am. Interment at the Coin cemetery.

-30 July 1925 Bedford Free Press

- JUDGE WINTER DEAD

Judge P.C. Winter died last Saturday at his home in Creston, Iowa and the funeral services were held Monday afternoon from the Me church. Judge Winter served as a judge in this district for a good many years resigning a few years ago on account of deafness. Judge A.R. Maxwell succeeding him.

-LOSES LIFE IN WELL-

Uriah Howes was killed almost instantly Wednesday evening about 6 o'clock in the bottom of a well when a bundle of curbing fell and struck him on the head. A bundle of two foot curbing boards were being lowered into the well and in some manner the bundle slipped off the hook on the hoist rope, letting the bundle fall. It struck Mr. Howes on the top of the head, cutting a gash some three inches long, and killing him almost instantly. Ike Penland, who was working on top, summoned help as soon as he discovered what had happened.

Among the first arrivals were Tom Easter, a brother-in-law of deceased, and Oren Neely.

These two men were lowered into the well and they tied him to the hoisting rope and he was drawn to the top. He breathed his last just as he was taken out. The bundle of curbing was found securely tied with the rope, clearly indicating that the bundle had slipped off the hook on the rope with which it was being lowered. For the past ten days Mr. Howes had been engaged in digging a four foot well for the school district located on the north west corner of the school grounds. The contract called for a well sixty feet deep unless a good supply of water was found sooner. When the well reached a depth of fifty feet Mr. Howes wanted to quit, believing he had a sufficient water supply. He consulted with Mr. M.E. Pace, the board member who had supervision of the well and he consented to a depth of 55 feet.

This depth had almost been reached when the accident occurred. The body was taken to the Eno undertaking parlor, and Coroner Gasson was called. After viewing the body and hearing the story told by the rescuers he decided no inquest was necessary.

-New Market Herald -LIFE OF MRS. T.D. YOUNG- The life of Mrs. Young was one of self sacrifice love and usefulness, as all who knew her will bear witness. Mrs. Young was born June 26,1851 near Washington C.H., Ohio. Her parents Isaac Merchant and Nancy Merchant then engaged in farming, later removing to northern Ohio settling on a then frontier, sparcely settled territory known as Palding county. At the age of 14 years she with her parents moved to Kingston, Mo., where at the age of 18 years she was united in marriage with Geo. W. Young. Together they struggled along through the many years of financial depression when good cheer and a hopeful disposition with which she was blessed aided in combating the many obsticles.

In her childhood she united with the ME church leading a christian life, devoting much of her time to missionary work. She also took an active part in the Eastern Star and Rebecca Lodges and took much interest in working with the womens club. The poor and needy by word, act and contribution were never turned away. As it was often said, she was liberal to a fault, never turning away empty handed any that made known their wants.

In the year 1873 she and her husband moved from Missouri to Bedford, Iowa, where they lived until the death of her husband in 1917. Since this time she has lived with relatives to whom she was always devoted as she put forth her energy, beyond her strenght to advance their interest, education, and moral training. She will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to be near her. On March 4, 1880 she became the mother of a son Frank who now resides in Chicago, and on the 8th of December 1881 another son, William blessed her home. He is now a resident of Lincoln, Nebr.,where her spirit passed to the near beyond to rest, leaving her many good deeds of this life to be recognized throught the ages, living in historic pages ever growing brighter to gleam immortal. -Contributed

-OBITUARY- JOHN DAVIS FANNING-John Davis Fanning, son of Hezekiah and Malinda Fanning was born in Virginia on March 24, I846 and passed away at 11:30 am Friday morning, July 16, 1925 aged 79 years, 3 months and 22 days. The deceased moved with his parents when but a child to Nodaway county, Mo., where he spent all his life excepting the last 2 years which were spent in Conway.

On the 2nd of February I869 he was united in marriage to Martha Ellen Stonerocker [sic, Stonehocker] and eleven children were born to them, six girls and five boys, namely, Edward E. of Grand Forks, N.D., Francis S. of Ravenwood, Mo., twins, Malisa M. Rasco of Lemon, S.B. and Mary M. Robey of Bedford, Adison D. of Conway; Tilly L. McDermant of Maryville, Mo., Luther A. of Wolfpoint, Mont., Gerte E. Decker of Yakama, Wash., Charlotte 0. Griffith of Fairlight, Canada; Gracis J. Fogan of Fort Collins, Colo., and Bertha L. of St. Joseph, Mo. All remain with two brothers and one sister, 19 grandchildren and three great grandchildren to mourn.

Mr. Fanning was one of great brass buttoned Blue Uniform Brigade that let the pleasures of the present slip by to assure fundamentals for the future. As the oak leaf eventually gives way to the frost air and releases its hold on the place of its birth so these ranks of blue have been thinned down to just a few by the coming of the late autumnal days. Though he was nearly a stranger to our midst in a sense yet in the beauty of fellowship under the old Stars and Stripes, we say may God forgive and bury all lack of patience in that two and one half years trial in the Rebellion. He served willingly when there was no compensations in view. The funeral services were held from the home Sunday afternoon by Rev. Borst. Interment in Lexington cemetery.

-SHARPSBURG ITEMS- Archie Skinner died at the hospital at Cheyenne, Wyo., Sunday. Death was caused by an auto wreck the Tuesday preceeding near Cheyenne. He was riding a motor cycle when a Ford hit him. The body will be brought back to Coin,la.