Obituaries
submitted by: Julia Johnson - julia.johnson63@gmail.com
 
 
[Dutton, Cora Estella Hamblin]

New Market Herald

Thursday    February 26, 1920    p. 4

GRAVITY

Mrs. [John] Elmer Dutton [Cora Estella Hamblin] passed away Saturday night, having taken much worse suddenly Saturday afternoon. She had been very ill of flu pneumonia but was thought to be recovering. Funeral services were held Monday at 1:30 from the home. Interment at Gravity cemetery.

[Dutton, John Elmer]

Gravity Independent

Thursday     February 24, 1949     [p. 1]

Elmer Dutton, Obituary

[John] Elmer Dutton, son of George Henry and Mary Jane [Cole] Dutton, was born September 1, 1879, in Taylor County, Iowa, and passed away at his home at 6:25 a. m., February 19, 1949, at the age of 69 years, 9 months and 18 days. Mr. Dutton spent his whole life, with the exception of four years, in Taylor County.

At the age of 18 he enlisted in the United States Army and served 18 months during the Spanish-American War.

On November 27, 1902, he was united in marriage to Cora [Estella] Hamblin, who passed away in February 1920. To this union three children were born: Mrs. Forrest [Henry] Posten [Letha Doris], of Gravity; Mrs. Lowell Leighton [Ruth Olive], of Cook, Washington; and Merle who passed away at the age of 13, in January 1922.

On September 7, 1925, he was married to Mrs. Maud [Gillmore] Brand of St. Paul, Nebraska.

He is survived by his wife, two daughters and three stepchildren; Mrs George Wyant of Cook, Wash., Mrs John Houston of Hopkins, Mo., and Carl Brand of near Gravity; a granddaughter, Elmerna McCoun, who has made her home with him and 18 other grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter; two sisters, Mrs Frank Marsh [Zula], Bedford, and Mrs Hetty Henry, Hastings, Iowa, one brother, Verte Dutton, Shawnee, Okla.; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

He was a faithful member of the Oak Hill church, a member of Camp Miller Post of the Spanish-American Veterans and a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was associated with the Maintenance Commission for many years.

He was a loving husband, father and stepfather and a faithful friend to all. He was always ready to lend a helping hand.

The funeral service was held Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock in the Methodist church, conducted by the Rev. Gordon MacLean, pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Bedford.

The pallbearers were: J. B. Smith, Robert Blair, Chas. Alvord, Wilbur Blair, Orie Cree, John Alexander.

Burial was in the Gravity cemetery, with military honors conducted by Sharpsburg-Gravity Legion post.

[Dutton, Mary Jane Cole]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday    July 24, 1919    p. 3

Gravity

Mrs. Dutton [Mary Jane Cole] passed away suddenly Friday night at the home of her niece Mrs. Ellen Laws, after a few days illness. Funeral services were held Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock.

[Dutton, Merle]

New Market Herald

Thursday     January 19, 1922     p. 2

Gravity

Merle Dutton, son of Elmer Dutton, passed suddenly away at their home north of town Monday evening at about six p. m. He had been sick with whooping cough, but was not thought to be in a serious condition until Monday he rapidly grew worse until death suddenly claimed the manly little fellow of ten years. Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at Oak Hill church. Interment at Gravity cemetery by the side of his mother, who had preceded him. A few hours before his death he told them all that he would soon be with his mother.

[Irwin, Evert Leo]

Gravity Independent

Thursday     January 17, 1901     p. 9

Obituary.

At 2:30 o'clock a. m. on Thursday, January 10, 1901, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. R. [obert] E. [lmer] Irwin in Holt Township occurred the death of their little sun, Evert Leo Irwin, aged 6 months. The funeral services took place at the Chapple church, on Friday at 11 a. m., conducted by Rev. Smith, of Lenox.

Our little Evert from us has gone,

His sweet face, we loved so well,

Has gone from earth and left us

Here in sorrow, still to dwell.

Farewell dear Evert, thy sufferings o’er.

Sweet rest attend thee, on that

Peaceful shore

Where pain ne’er can enter and partings

are unknown.

Thou art waiting to welcome thy loved

ones home.

Farewell, loving Evert, transferred to the

skies,

Thy now vacant chair often brings tears

to our eyes;

Thy kind loving smiles, which cheered us

on our way,

Will never greet us again, so short was

thy stay.

The last farewells are given,

Death broke the golden chain;

But in yonder starry heaven,

We hope to meet again.

S. E. W.

[Irwin, Robert Elmer “Rob”]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     August 17, 1933     [p. 1]

Former Conway Resident Dies

R. [obert] E. [lmer] Irwin, a resident of the vicinity of Conway a number of years, died at his home in Westminster, Colo., Monday, following a week's illness. He was a brother of J. [ames] H. [oward] Irwin and George Irwin of Bedford and of Mrs. Gene Posten of Gravity, who left Tuesday to attend the funeral services. Mrs. George Irwin also accompanied them. The family moved from Conway to Colorado eighteen years ago.

[Leighton, Alba Jacob “Al”]

Lenox Time Table

Thursday      November 8, 1951       p. 6

GRAVITY

Funeral services were held at the Methodist church Monday afternoon for Al Leighton, who passed away at his home here Saturday.

[Leighton, Alba Jacob “Al”]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday       November 8, 1951       p. 4

Obituary – A. J. Leighton

Alba Jacob Leighton, son of Silas [Washington] and Harriette [Emaline Nichols] Leighton, was born at Groveland, Ill., Aug. 12, 1871 and died Nov. 3, 1951, at his home in Gravity at the age of 80 years, two months, 21 days.

He was the fifth child of a family of eight, of which four survive, three sisters, Elizabeth Leighton and Mrs. Albert Davidson, both of Washburn, Ill., Mrs. Charles Parsons of Eureka, Ill., and one brother, Rob Leighton of Washington, Ill.

Mr. Leighton moved to Page County, Iowa in 1893. In his youth he became a member of the Presbyterian Church, later transferring his membership to the Methodist Church of Gravity.

On December 29, 1896, he was married to Estella B. [lanche] Osborn at Clarinda. A few years later they moved to their farm home northwest of Gravity, where he lived until shortly before the death of his wife in 1932.

To them were born seven children, all of whom survive. They are Lowell [Lewis] of Cook, Wash., Harold [Osborn] and Merrill [Vernon] of Gravity, Mrs. Marion West of Corning, Mrs. Paul McMahon of Des Moines, Mrs. Glenn Harrison of Cromwell, Mrs. Russell Hamer of Omaha. There are ten grandchildren.

Funeral services were held at the Methodist church in Gravity, Nov. 5, conducted by Rev. Ruth Greenwood. Burial was in Gravity cemetery.

[Leighton, Estella Blanche Osborn]

Lenox Time Table

Thursday     April 14, 1932    p. 8

Sharpsburg

Word was received Saturday that Mrs. Leighton [Estella Blanche Osborn] of Gravity had passed away. Funeral services were held Sunday at the church in Gravity with several from here attending.

[Leighton, Grace Celestine Filbert]

Taylor County Herald

Thursday     May 28, 1942      p. 8

Mrs. Harold Leighton

Grace Celestine, daughter of John and Lona Hance Filbert, was born near Conway, Iowa, February 23, 1903, and died May 19, 1942, after a long illness at the age of 39 years, two months and 26 days.

Her childhood and school days were spent in and near Sharpsburg, she having been graduated with the first class of the Sharpsburg High School in 1923. After teaching in Washington Township for two years, she was married to Harold [Osborn] Leighton on May 15, 1926, and to them were born two children, Kathryn and Darrell.

In early life she was baptized in the Catholic Church but later attended the Methodist church.

Surviving are her husband and two children; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Filbert of Sharpsburg; three sisters, Eva Donaldson of Conway, Della Roy of Ft. Wayne, Ind., Mildred Miller of Lenox; a brother, Johnnie Filbert of Sharpsburg.

Funeral services were held at Bedford on Friday, May 22, at two o'clock. Music was furnished by Mrs. Mable Rutledge and Mrs. Bessie Underwood. Pallbearers were Paul Chitty, Oren Price, Gerald Boydston, Frank Campain, Carl Sundell and James Clark. Interment was in the Gravity cemetery.

[Leighton, Grace Celestine Filbert]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     May 28, 1942      p. 7

GRAVITY

Obituary-Mrs. Harold Leighton

Grace Celestine, daughter of John and Lona Hance Filbert, was born near Conway, Iowa, on February 23, 1903. After a long illness she died May 19, 1942 at the age of 39 years, 2 months and 26 days.

Her happy childhood and school days were spent in and near Sharpsburg, having graduated with the first graduating class of the Sharpsburg high school in 1923. After teaching in Washington Township for two years, she was married to Harold Leighton on May 15, 1926. Two children were born to them, Kathryn and Darrell. In early life Grace was baptized in the Catholic Church and later attended the Methodist church.

Besides her husband and two children she is survived by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Filbert of Sharpsburg; three sisters, Eva Donaldson of Conway, Della Roy of Fort Wayne, Ind.; and Mildred Miller of Lenox; one brother, Johnnie Filbert of Sharpsburg.

The funeral services were held at the Walker & Shum Funeral Home in Bedford Friday, May 22 at 2 o'clock, conducted by Rev. Mr. Proctor. Burial was at Gravity.

[Leighton, Grace Celestine Filbert]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     May 28, 1942      p. 7

GRAVITY

Mrs. Marion West and daughter Glenda of Prescott, Mrs. Glen Harrison of Cromwell came Friday to attend the funeral services for their brother's wife, Mrs. Harold Leighton.

[Leighton, Grace Celestine Filbert]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     May 28, 1942     p. 2

CONWAY

Mrs. Eva Donaldson of Marshalltown, and daughter, Mrs. Billy Gillispie of Waukee were called here Thursday by the death of the former's sister, Mrs. Harold Leighton.

[Leighton, Harold Osborn]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday      September 26, 1957     p. 4

Leighton Rites Set For Saturday

Harold [Osborn] Leighton, 56, died in Bedford Tuesday afternoon. He was an employee at Cudahy's and death came unexpectedly after a very short Illness.

He is survived by Mrs. Bernice Leighton of the home in Gravity; a daughter, Miss Catherine Leighton of Clarinda; a son, Darrell [Leonard] Leighton of Washington State; two brothers and four sisters.

Funeral services will be held at the Shum Funeral Home at two o'clock Saturday afternoon. Burial in Gravity cemetery.

[Leighton, Harold Osborn]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday      October 3, 1957      p. 7

GRAVITY NEWS

Relatives from out of town attending the Harold Leighton funeral were Mr. and Mrs. Clark Leighton of Osawatomie, Kans.; Mr. and Mrs. Bill Leighton and Bob Leighton of Omaha; Darrell Leighton of Cook, Wash.; Catherine Leighton of Clarinda; Mrs. Albert Brooks of New Market; Mr. and Mrs. Pat McMahon and son of Des Moines; Mr. and Mrs. Glen Harrison of Cromwell; Mr. and Mrs. Marion West and daughter of Corning; Mr. and Mrs. Russell Hames of Kansas City.

[Leighton, Harold Osborn]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday      October 3, 1957      p. 8

H. Leighton Rites Held Here Sept 28

Harold Ozborn [Osborn] Leighton was born to Alba [Jacob] and Estella Ozborn [Osborn] Leighton February 15, 1901, at Yorktown, Iowa and died Sept. 24, 1957 at Bedford, Iowa, at the age of 56 years, 7 months and 9 days. In 1908 the family moved to Taylor County where he resided until his death.

He was united in marriage to Grace [Celestine] Filbert on May 15, 1926 and to them two children were born.

He was preceded in death by his wife, his mother and father.

Survivors are his two children, Kathryn of Clarinda, and Darrell [Leonard] of Cook, Washington, and five foster children, who were taken into his home in 1933, Wm. Leighton and Robert Leighton both of Omaha, Duane Leighton of Chicago, Ill., Clark Leighton of Osawatomie, Kansas and Martha Freeman of Gravity, Iowa. He is also survived by two brothers and four sisters, Lowell [Lewis] Leighton of Cook, Washington, Merrill [Vernon] Leighton of Gravity, Mrs. [Wilma] Grace West of Corning, Mrs. Ruth [Irene] McMahon of Des Moines, Mrs. Vera [Fern] Harrison of Cromwell and Mrs. Velma Hames of Kansas City, Mo. and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held Saturday, Sept. 28, 1957 from Shum Funeral Home at 2 p.m., conducted by Keith Marsh. Interment in Washington cemetery, Gravity, Iowa.

[Leighton, Lowell Lewis]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday      May 3, 1984      p. 4

Lowell Leighton, 84 Last Rites Were Held in Washington

Funeral services for Lowell Lewis Leighton, 84, of Mill A, Washington, formerly of Gravity, were held April 16 in Evergreen Presbyterian Church in Mill A with Rev. James McGugin and Paul Burgess officiating. Mr. Leighton died April 13 in his home. Interment was at While Salmon Cemetery, White Salmon, Washington.

Mr. Leighton was born September 24, 1899, in Clarinda, Iowa, to Mr. and Mrs. Alba Jacob Leighton. He grew up near Gravity, Ia., moving to Washington from Chambers, Neb., in 1937. He married Ruth Dutton in Creston, Iowa, May 20, 1927. He was a retired wood hauler and owned a Christmas tree farm after retiring. He was a member of the Evergreen Grange 1076 and attended Evergreen Presbyterian Church in Mill A.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Harold [Osborn] Leighton and Merrill [Vernon] Leighton, and one sister, [Wilma] Grace West.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth; his children, Verda Bargabus, White Salmon, Eugene Leighton and Edwin Leighton, Willard, Patricia J hanson, Renton, and Dorisann Anderson, Mt. Vernon, Wash.; 15 grandchildren, five great grandchildren and three sisters: Ruth [Irene] McMahon, Des Moines. Iowa, Velma Hames, Fort Richy, Fla., and Vera [Fern] Harrison, Creston, Iowa; and sister-in-law, Letha [Doris] Posten, Gravity.

[Leighton, Merrill Vernon]

Lenox Time Table

Thursday     April 29, 1965      [p. 1]

Leighton Services Tuesday Afternoon

Merrill Leighton died Saturday night at the Veteran's Hospital in Omaha after a long illness. Services were held at the Bender Funeral Home Tuesday afternoon with burial in the Lenox cemetery.

Mr. [Merrill] Vernon Leighton, the son of A. [lba] J. [acob] and Stella Osborn Leighton, was born in Page County, Iowa on August 30, 1903 and passed away April 24, 1965, after a lingering illness, at the age of 61 years, 7 months and 25 days.

His family moved to a farm north west of Gravity in 1908, and most of his life was spent in that vicinity. He graduated from the Gravity High School in 1923. He farmed until he was called to the service of his country during World War Two and after that he returned to farming, continuing as long as his health permitted.

He was united in marriage with Edna Warner at Lenox on April 2, 1944.

He is survived by his widow and three step children, Donella Kelly of Denver, Colo., Doris Johnston of Council Bluffs and Dale of Lenox, seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren, also one brother, Lowell [Lewis] of Cook, Washington, four sisters, [Wilma] Grace, Mrs. Marion West of Corning, Ruth [Irene], Mrs. Paul McMahon, Velma, Mrs. Russell Hames of Kansas City, and Vera [Fern], Mrs. Glenn Harrison of Creston.

In his youth he joined the Methodist Church at Gravity & later transferred his membership to the Christian Church of Lenox, maintaining an active interest until the time of his death. Merrill Leighton was of a kindly sincere disposition and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Memorial services were held at the Lenox Christian Church on Tuesday, April 27, 1965 with the Rev. David A. Schaeffer officiating. Soloist was Mrs. Nadine Becherer and organist was Mrs. Ruth Boltinghouse.

[Leighton, Merrill Vernon]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     April 29, 1965     p. 4

Merrill Leighton Rites at Lenox

Funeral services for Merrill [Vernon] Leighton, 61, of Lenox were held April 27 at the Lenox Christian Church with military services by Parkinson Post No. 250 of the Lenox American Legion. Mr. Leighton died April 24 at Veterans Hospital in Omaha, Nebr. Interment was at the Lenox Cemetery.

He is survived by his wife, Edna, of Lenox; two daughters, Mrs. Donella Kelley of Denver, Colo, and Mrs. Doris Johnston of Council Bluffs; one stepson, Dale Warner of Lenox; seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

[Leighton, Ruth Olive Dutton]

Bedford Times-Press

Wednesday    July 7, 1999    p. 5

Ruth Leighton

Ruth Olive Leighton, a longtime Cook, WA resident died June 7, 1999 at Hood River Memorial Hospital at the age of 91.

Mrs. Leighton was born September 4, 1907 in Gravity, Iowa to Elmer and Cora E. [stella] (Hamblin) Dutton. She grew up in Iowa and married Lowell L.[ewis] Leighton there on May 20, 1927. The couple lived in Nebraska for three years before moving to the Cook area in 1937, where she has lived since.

Mrs. Leighton was a member of the Evergreen Presbyterian Church in Cook, the Evergreen Grange and the Cook Willard Women's Club. She loved and excelled at tatting, but also enjoyed crocheting, knitting and quilting.

Mrs. Leighton is survived by her daughters, Verda Bargabus, White Salmon; Patricia Jhanson, Ravensdale; and Doris E. Anderson, Mt. Vernon; sons Eugene [Lewis] Leighton and Edwin [Elmer] Leighton, both of Cook; stepsister Irene Wyant, Stevenson; and 14 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Letha [Doris] Posten, brother Merle Dutton, stepbrother Carl Brand, stepsister Beulah Houston, granddaughter Debra Leighton Morgan and husband Lowell, who died April 13, 1984.

A memorial service for Mrs. Leighton was held June 12, 1999 at Evergreen Presbyterian Church in Cook with Rev. Ted Buck and Stephen Riese officiating. Interment was at White Salmon Cemetery.

Arrangements were handled by Gardner Funeral Home in White Salmon.

[Reeve, Charles Edward]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     August 9, 1934     p. 4

Charles E. Reeve Dies Saturday

Charles Edward Reeve, 65, died at his home in the Guss community Saturday, Aug. 4. The funeral services were held at the Methodist church in Guss Monday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Wayne Emory. Burial was in the Guss cemetery.

He was born in St. Lawrence County, N. Y., Oct. 17, 1868. In 1869, with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Reeve, he moved to Savannah, Mo., where he resided until the spring of 1871, when the family moved to Taylor County. At that time they located on a farm seven miles northwest of Gravity, where he had since resided.

Surviving relatives are a sister, Mrs. Walter [John] Lowger [Lawger] of Gravity; two brothers, John Reeve and Milton Reeve of the Guss community.

[Reeve, Charles Edward]

Gravity Independent

Thursday     August 9, 1934     [p. 1]

Obituary, C. E. Reeve

Charles Edward Reeve was born October 17, 1868, in St. Lawrence County, New York, and departed this life August 4, 1934 at the age of 65 years, 9 months and 17 days.

He was the son of Daniel C. and Jennie S. Reeve. In 1869, he, with his parents, moved to Savannah, Mo. where he lived until the spring of 1871 when the family moved to Taylor County locating on a farm seven miles northwest of Gravity, where he has since lived.

Of an unselfish disposition he was ever ready and willing to help where help was needed.

He leaves to mourn his passing one sister, Mrs. Walter Lawger [Agnes] of Gravity, Iowa and two brothers John and Milton Reeve besides other relatives and friends.

"They are gathering home-

ward from every land,

One by one, one by one

Their feet now are pressing

the shining strand,

Yes, one by one.

Their labor stained garments

are all laid down,

Their brows are adorned with

a living crown.

And clothed in bright raiment

they rest on the shore,

Of the River of Life for ever

more."

The funeral sermon was preached at 2:30, Monday at Guss, Iowa by Rev. Wayne Emory of the M. E, church of that place. The text chosen being taken from Gospel of John 68 verse and 6th chapter.

The beautiful and consoling words of the following songs, “Face to Face," "Life's Railway," and “Shall We Gather at the River," were sung by Mrs. Ted McCoy, Mrs. Dale Stroud, Paul Firkins and Miss Glenna May Treuck, with Margaret Burright at the piano.

The pallbearers were John Kimpton, Geo. Weaver, George Garrett, Frank Kimpton, Curt Barton and Don Fidler. Interment in Guss cemetery.

[Reeve, Daniel C.]

Gravity Independent

Thursday      March 9, 1905      p. 4

Obituary

Daniel C. Reeve, died at his late residence 7 miles northwest of Gravity, March 1st, 1905, after several weeks of severe suffering.

He was born in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., Jan. 12th, 1844, and Oct. 1st, 1869 he was married to Jane S. Fitchel who died Oct. 22, 1888. To this happy union were given 6 children, 2 having preceeded him to the better land, 3 boys, Charles [Edward], John and Milton [Herbert] and 1 girl, Mrs. Agnus [Agnes Nina] Langer [Lawger], also 1 brother, Rome and 1 sister Mrs. Singleton Smith [Celesta], with many friends to mourn his departure.

With his family he moved from New York in 1869 to Savannah Missouri, where he remained one year, thence moved to Taylor County, Iowa, where he has resided until his death.

He was a quiet unassuming, intelligent, civil citizen, a kind neighbor, a loving and indulgent father and a pleasant man socially.

The funeral services were conducted by the writer at Guss, the following Thursday at one o’clock after which the remains were laid to rest in the beautiful cemetery at that place.

W. L. DUNLAVY.