Obituaries |
submitted by: Julia Johnson - julia.johnson63@gmail.com |
Bedford Times-Press
Thursday September 22, 1938 p. 5
Miss Ina Steeves
Ina Mary Steeves was born at Page Center, Iowa, on the eighth day of January 1876 and passed from this life at the age of sixty-two years, eight months and eight days at the Missouri Methodist Hospital in St. Joseph, Mo.
She left Page County with her parents in 1900 and has resided in Taylor County since that date, most of this period in Gravity and vicinity.
For many years she was a public school teacher in both Page and Taylor counties and was active in lodge and church work.
During the past four years she made her residence in Bedford.
She leaves to mourn her departure, two sisters and two brothers: Mrs. Nellie Waters of Atkinson, Nebr., Mrs. Elizabeth Talbert of Grinnell, Iowa, William M. Steeves of New Market, Iowa, Charles R. Steeves of Sturgis, S. Dak., eight nieces and twelve nephews. Two brothers and one sister, her father and mother preceded her in death.
The funeral services were held at the Walker and Shum Funeral home in Bedford Sunday afternoon, Sept. 18, conducted by Rev. Stanley Schlick of the Presbyterian Church. Burial was in the Polsley cemetery in Page County.
Bedford Free Press
Thursday December 28, 1911 [p. 1]
Henry Harrison Putnam
Henry Harrison Putnam was born August 20, 1840, in Wardsboro, Vt., where he spent his young manhood and from which place he enlisted as a soldier in the 8th Regiment of Volunteers of that state and served with credit until serious illness compelled his return. He went to Illinois soon after the war and on November 10, 1868, was married to Cornelia A. [nn] Chamberlain, of Amboy, Ill. Four years later they moved to Taylor County, Iowa, and for 38 years resided there.
In 1894 they moved from the farm to Bedford, Iowa, in order that the younger children might have better educational advantages. In April, 1910, the family moved to Boulder, where Mr. Putnam hoped to recover his failing health. This wish was not destined to be realized, and he declined steadily until the final and sudden end of his life on Monday, December 18, 1911.
Deceased was aged 71 years, 3 months and 28 days. Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Putnam---Harry E. and Elmer E. dying in early childhood. The remaining children are Jason P. [rentiss], Flora B. [elle], now Mrs. W. [illiam] E. Fitch, residing on a farms near Bedford, Iowa; Mrs. Etta E. [lvira] Mason, of Wakeeney, Kansas; Irving E. [llsworth], pastor of Albany Park M. E. church, Chicago; Chas. H. [enry], pastor Bethel M. E. Church, Chicago; Clyde C. [hester], superintendent of schools at Armour, S. D.; Leslie R. [ay], pastor of M. E. church, Clancy, Mont.; Stella B. [ertha], who lived at home and is a sophomore in the University of Colorado. A brother, S. [idney] C. [lay] Putnam, lives in Iowa and two sisters in Vermont. All of the children have made recent visits to the parental home and during the past week Jason P. [rentiss], Mrs. Fitch [Flora Belle] and Irving E. [llsworth] have been present to assist in caring for him.
A very beautiful memorial service was held on Tuesday at 3:00 p. m. at the chapel of the Boulder Undertaking company, conducted by Dr. F. P. Palmer, pastor of the First Baptist Church, and Dr. R. H. Forrester, pastor of the First M. E. church, of this city. The male quartette, consisting of Messrs. W. B. Piper, Ray Neptune, Arthur Brushwiler and W. Tippett, sang two most appropriate selections. The service was largely attended by Boulder friends, among whom were 25 former neighbors and acquaintances of Bedford, Iowa. The floral arrangements were artistic and appropriate. The final service and interment will be held at Bedford, Iowa, on Friday afternoon, to which place the relatives will bear their loved one today.---Boulder, Colo., Camera.
The above refers to one of BedfordÕs former best-known citizens. The family arrived with the remains last Friday morning and were met by a large company of relatives and friends. The home of Mr. and Mrs. C. [harles] E. Fitch was generously thrown open for the day and scores of people came there to pay a last tribute of respect to a worthy man and noble life. The services at the M. E. church in the same afternoon were conducted by the Rev. W. B. Thompson, a former beloved pastor of the family. His text was Isa. 35:10 and from it he made a splendid appeal for Christian manhood of which Mr. Putnam was a fitting type. A quartette, consisting of Samuel Marley, Mrs. C. E. Paul, Mrs. C. [harles] E. Fitch and Geo. Reid sang three beautiful selections. The church was filled with old friends and neighbors, most of whom had known him long and well. Burial took place in the family lot in Bedford cemetery.
Mr. Putnam was converted in the Baptist church of Amboy, Ill., and held his membership there until coming to Iowa, when they transferred to Gilead M. E. church, and has maintained a continuous and active membership in that denomination until the final decree of Providence summoned him to his coronation hour on high.
As citizen, businessman, churchman, husband, father, neighbor and friend, Mr. Putnam represented those virtues which abide. Earth is poorer and Heaven is surely richer when such a soul goes out of earthly life.
[Putnam, Cornelia Ann Chamberlain]
Times-Republican
Thursday December 27, 1928 p. 5
In the passing of Mrs. Henry H. [arrison] Putnam on last Saturday, Taylor County has lost one of her pioneer citizens, whose life span in this county covers 60 years of its history, and whose influence was felt throughout its area.
Cornelia Ann [Chamberlain] Putnam was born in Monterey, New York, on November 3, 1848, and passed from the earthly to the celestial life on December 22, 1928, from the home of her daughter, Mrs. William E. Fitch, at the ripe age of 80 years, 1 month and 19 days. Her education was of the rural and village schools common to her day. After completing those courses she taught a number of terms, winning the reputation of a thorough-going pedagogue. Her marriage to Henry H. [arrison Putnam, a soldier of the Civil War, occurred on November 10, 1868, at Amboy, Ill. There they made their home until 1873, and there three of their children were born. In coming to Taylor County in 1873 they settled on a farm 5 ½ miles northwest of Bedford, which was the family residence for over twenty years. Moved by a desire to give their children the benefits of a high school education, they established their home in Bedford in 1894. Three years were spent in Boulder, Colo., where in 1911 Mr. Putnam passed away. Since then Mrs. Putnam has made her home with the children, but has always counted Bedford as her residence, maintaining her church and business relations in this city. Ten children were born to this family, Jason P. [rentiss] Putnam, and Mrs. Flora [Belle] Fitch of Bedford, Etta E. [lvira] Mason of Wakeeney, Kans., Rev. Irving E.[llsworth] Putnam of River Forest, Ill., Rev. Chas. H. [enry] Putnam of Genoa, Ill., Clyde C. [hester] Putnam of Chicago, Prof. Leslie R. [ay] Putnam of Parsons College, Fairfield, Ia., Stella B. [ertha] Irish of Glen Ellyn, Ill. Two sons, Harry and Elmer, died in childhood. There are twenty grandchildren and one great grandchild. One sister, Mrs. Elvira Morgan, living now in Portland, Oregon, is the only remaining one of her immediate family group.
Mrs. Putnam chose the Christian life and became a member of the church in her early girlhood. After their marriage her husband united with her in the Baptist Church of Amboy, Ill. Upon moving to this state, they were near to the Methodist Episcopal [church], feeling they should make that church a success for the sake of their home community and united at that place. The older children were here converted and united with the church. Later their membership was transferred to the Methodist Church in Bedford. Not only did she and her husband become members of the church but they led all of their children to Christ and today both children and grandchildren are members of the church and active in its service. Not only was Mrs. Putnam interested in every phase of church life, but likewise in every movement for the advancement [and] welfare of the community. Her interest in the W. C. T. U. was preeminent. She prized the white ribbon very highly, requesting it to be her only decoration in death. She was uncompromising in her ideals and principles, unalterably opposed to the liquor traffic, to tobacco and to every form of a questionable habit. Life for her was a challenge to live on the highest level.
She encouraged her children to go to college, and sacrificed to make that goal possible. In her home, church was not a debatable question, but a matter of both a duty and privilege. The parents led the way and the children naturally followed. Mrs. Putnam was interested in Missions and in recent years supported a girl in one of the church schools in India, from whom she received much-prized letters. Thus her investment of influence was worldwide.
The funeral services were held Monday at 2:00 p. m. in the First Methodist Episcopal Church, the Rev. M. R. Talley being in charge. His sermon was a fitting tribute to noble motherhood and the influence of Christian homes in the world. A quartet, consisting of Edith Calhoun, Mrs. Chas. Fitch, Messrs. S. J. Harley and A. J. Bridges rendered three hymns as chosen by Mrs. Putnam for the occasion. The floral offerings were beautiful, two lovely pieces being sent from out of town by the churches served by the sons. The pallbearers were Chas. Fitch, Al Mullen, Herbert Lake, Don Livingston, J. S. Severs, and Geo. Daniels. Burial was made in the family plot in Bedford cemetery.
Bedford Times-Press
Thursday May 23, 1935 p. 5
Jason P. Putnam, 65, Dies At Iowa City
Jason P. [rentiss] Putnam, 65, a long-time resident of the Bedford community, died at the hospital in Iowa City Tuesday forenoon, where he went the Friday preceding for an operation.
The funeral services were held at the Methodist Church this afternoon, conducted by Rev. J. Stanley Decker. The body was laid to rest in the mausoleum.
Times-Republican
Thursday June 28, 1928 p. 3
Mrs. W. [illiam] H. Mann [Mary Hiatt] passed away at her home in St. Joseph, Mo., June 12, 1928, aged 64 years. She is survived by her husband and three children: Mrs. Mabel [Marie] Blakslee of Alexandria, S. D., Mrs. Alice Travis of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Ralph H. Campbell of Farmer, S. D. She is also survived by five sisters and one brother, Mrs. Retta [May] Herren of New Market being a sister. The funeral services were held at the M. E. Church at New Market last Thursday, conducted by Rev. C. F. Smith. Interment was made in the Memory cemetery.
Bedford Times-Press
Thursday March 16, 1961 p. 5
Anthony Rites Held In Bedford Tuesday
Last rites for Willard [Lester] Anthony of Gravity were held at the Shum-Novinger Funeral Home on Madison Street in Bedford, Tuesday afternoon, March 7. Rev. Ross Keyt of Gravity officiated. Burial was in Washington cemetery at Gravity.
Willard, son of Willard, Sr., and Emma Anthony, was born in Council Bluffs, Iowa on August 16, 1905, and departed this life March 3, 1961 at the age of 55 years, six months, 15 days.
As a young boy he moved to Elliott, Iowa, where he grew to manhood. On August 30, 1950 he was united in marriage to Grace [Eleanor] Artlip. To this union were born two children, Patrick [Lee], who preceded his father in death, and Ona, at the home in Gravity.
Willard had been in ill health for a number of years because of an accident in Nevada. He was an efficient and respected man in the mechanical field.
Besides his wife, Grace, he leaves to mourn his departure, one daughter, Ona; one brother, Clay Anthony of Spokane, Washington; one sister, Mrs. Cady Boyd of Kansas City, Kansas; several nieces and nephews.
Bedford Times-Press
Thursday March 16, 1961 p. 5
David R. Alley Dies In Colorado
Services for David R. [ufus] Alley, 83, of 3828 Tejon St., Denver, Colo., a retired postal clerk, were held Tuesday at the Olinger Mortuary, 16th and Boulder Sts. there. Burial in Crown Hill.
Alley died Friday at his home after a long illness.
Born in Putnam County, Ind., Nov. 23, 1877, Alley moved to Iowa as a young man, attended school at Mount Ayr, and worked as a grocery clerk in Blockton. He married Bessie May Starke at Blockton in 1904.
Surviving are his wife; a daughter, Mrs. Audrey A. Lyon of Denver; three brothers, Thomas E. Alley of San Clemente, Calif., Lloyd Alley of San Jose, Calif., Burr R. [obins] Alley of Glen Ellyn, Ill.
Bedford Times-Press
Thursday August 8, 1963 p. 2
Funeral services for Mrs. Ida B. Blane, 80, former Bedford resident, were held at OÕKeefe and Towne Funeral Home at Waterloo, Monday, July 29, with graveside services in Bedford, July 30, at Fairview cemetery.
Ida B. Gasser was born at Long Grove, Ill., Dec. 13, 1882 and died July 27, 1963.
She was married Feb. 15, 1902 to Paul Blane at Churdan, Iowa and lived on a farm near Bedford from 1902 to 1951, when she moved to Waterloo following the death of her husband. Mrs. Blane was preceded in death by one son.
She is survived by one son, Harold [Leroy], of Mt. Home, Idaho, and one daughter, Mrs. Evan Sage [Laverne] of Rt. 2, Waterloo, four grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Times-Republican
Thursday April 9, 1925
T. A. Meredith
Thomas Addison Meredith, son of Wm. G. [ray] and Caroline Barrett Meredith, was born in Rush County, Indiana, July 13, 1850. Six years later he came with his parents to Taylor County, Iowa, where the remainder of his life was spent. Mr. Meredith was the eldest of six brothers, three of whom survive him, these being W. [illiam] A. [lvin] Meredith of Los Angeles, Calif., S. [amuel] L. [ucian] Meredith of Humansville, Mo., and A. [lonzo] H. [owrey] Meredith of Jamison, Mo.
The deceased was united in marriage, Oct. 12, 1870, to Miss Luella [May] Parks, and to this union eight children were born, three of whom passed on before him, these being Owen who died in infancy; Fanny May, Oct. 7, 1900, and another son, Wm. Thomas, Feb. 3, 1902; while the following named children and their mother survive: E. J. Meredith, Creston, Ia.; Dr. A. [rchie] O. [tto] Meredith of Kingfisher, Okla.; Jos. M. [ilan] of Bedford, Ia.; Harry G. [lade], of Cedar Rapids, and Miss Hallie G.[lyn] Meredith of St. Joseph, Mo. These with a host of friends are left to mourn the passing of one who was a man of staunch character, earnest in doing the right as he saw it, a good and upright citizen.
Mr. Meredith was converted and united with the Morning Star Presbyterian Church as a charter member; later this membership was transferred to the First Presbyterian Church of Bedford.
Being ill at his home, Mr. Meredith was taken to the Missouri Methodist Hospital at St. Joseph, Mo., where, following an operation for appendicitis, complications set in from which he was not able to rally, the end coming at 3:05 p. m., April 2nd, 1925, he having attained the age of 74 years, 8 months and 20 days.
Bedford Times-Press
Thursday September 23, 1954
Obituary – Mrs. Carrie Aram
Carrie Belle Knott was born July 19, 1870 and died at Rosary Hospital in Corning, Sept. 12, 1954 after a long illness, at the age of 84 years, one month, 24 days.
She was one of eight children born to John and [Rachel] Clarinda [Dickerson] Knott. Born near Peoria, Illinois she came with her parents by covered wagon at the age of nine years to a home north of what is now Sharpsburg, Iowa.
On July 4, 1892 she was married to Arthur Aram and they took up residence on the farm home north and east of Sharpsburg, where she lived until the time of her death, 62 years in all. On April 30, 1895 she became a charter member of the Presbyterian church of Sharpsburg, where she remained a member the rest of her life.
She was preceded in death by her husband, who died March 3, 1947; her mother and father, four brothers and one sister.
She leaves to mourn her passing two sisters: Mrs. Anna Boyden and Mrs. Minnie Shimmer of Sharpsburg.
Funeral services for Mrs. Aram were held Wednesday afternoon, Sept. 15 at the Presbyterian Church in Sharpsburg, with Rev. Donald Watkins officiating. Burial was in Lenox cemetery.
[Knott, Mabel Clare Underwood]
Bedford Times-Press
Thursday April 7, 1966
Mabel Knott Rites April 3
Funeral services for Mrs. Charles (Mabel) Knott, 72, of Sharpsburg, lifetime resident of Taylor County, held April 3, 1966 at the Sharpsburg Methodist Church, were conducted by Rev. James Ferris and Rev. E. S. Tschetter. Mrs. Knott died at Rosary Hospital in Corning, Iowa, March 31, 1966. She had been in bad health for some time. Interment was at Lenox Cemetery, Lenox.
Mabel Clare Underwood was the daughter of Clarence and Carrie [Swanson] Underwood, and was born June 5, 1893 on a farm near Conway, Iowa.
Her entire life has been spent in Taylor County. On Sept. 6, 1912, she was united in marriage to Charles W. [illiam] Knott. To this union were born three children: Carroll W. Knott of Sterling, Colo., Leonard C. Knott of Sharpsburg; Ellen C. Wehrhan of Lincoln, Nebr.
She was a member of the Sharpsburg Methodist Church and belonged to the Happy Hour Club for several years until ill health forced her to drop out.
Last September she and her husband Charles celebrated their fifty-third wedding anniversary.
Preceding her in death were her mother and father, and two brothers, [Charles] Glade, and Lyle Underwood.
She is survived by her husband, Charles; three children; six grandchildren; and seven great grandchildren; two sisters, Mrs. Gladys Elder of Lenox, Mrs. Myrna Bush of Omaha, Nebr., many relatives and friends.
Bedford Times-Press
Thursday September 29, 1966
Final Rites Held Here for T. V. Lacy
Funeral services for Thomas Valentine Lacy, 92, life-time Taylor County resident, held Sept. 24 at the Madison Street Shum-Novinger Funeral Home, were conducted by Rev. John D. Kerr. Mr. Lacy died Sept. 22, 1966 at Clarinda Municipal Hospital. Interment was at Fairview Cemetery, Bedford.
Thomas V. [alentine] Lacy was born on February 14, 1874, to Sarah [Eliza] J.[ohn] and Peter Lacy.
He was the last of four brothers and sisters---Mrs. Ella Wells, Mrs. Louis Perkins [Eva Rozella], Joseph [Lemon] Lacy and James [Warren] Lacy.
Mr. Lacy was a member of the Berea Church of Christ, which he joined early in life.
Times-Republican
Thursday July 29, 1920
One more of the old boys has answered the last roll call. Peter E. Lacy was born near Shelbyville, Indiana, July 24, 1839. Grew to manhood near his birthplace, and enlisted in the 26th Indiana [Infantry] the latter part of the Civil War and served until the close of the war. He was married June 19th, 1862, to Sarah E.[liza] John at Shelbyville. Mrs. Lacy passed away on July 28th, 1904. Came to Iowa in the fall of 1867 and settled on a farm near Bedford. With the exception of two years spent in Nebraska, Mr. Lacy spent the remainder of his earthly life in and near Bedford. He was the father of eight children, three passing away in infancy. The remaining five children are: Joseph L. [emon] of Bedford; Eva R. [ozella] Perkins of Bedford; Ella Wells of Omaha, Neb.; Thomas V. [alentine] of Bedford and James W. [arren] of Bedford. There also remain sixteen grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren. He united with the Baptist church in Bedford December, 1878, and at the age of more than four score years he has fallen asleep.
He was known as an indulgent father and leaves many relatives and friends who will hold him in tender memory.
The funeral services were conducted from the home of his son, Joseph Lacy, Wednesday afternoon at 2:30, conducted by Elder Leslie Cobb, assisted by E. E. Lowe, after which the body was laid to rest in Graceland cemetery west of Bedford. The family have the sympathy of all in the loss of their father.
Times-Republican
Thursday July 29, 1920
Mary Higbee was born in Ohio in 1843; came to Iowa when quite young. At the age of 19 she was married to W. [alter] S. Crow at Des Moines, Iowa. One son, Frank, was born to this union. Mr. Crow passed away when Frank was quite a youth. Some years after she was married to Jacob Markwell. One son was born to this union, who passed away at the age of 5 years.
For the past 30 years she has made her home with her son, Frank Crow, and his wife in Bedford. She leaves two sisters and one brother to mourn her loss. She has been an invalid for about six years. Her spirit left the body at 6:45 oÕclock on the morning of July 24th, 1920, having reached almost four score years.
Funeral services were conducted by E. E. Lowe, from the home Monday at 2 p. m. Interment at Fairview cemetery. The family have the sympathy of all who know them in the loss of a sister and mother.
Times-Republican
Thursday July 29, 1920
On Monday evening of this week, Merle, the 11-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. John [Wesley] Maxwell [Mary B. Kindell], living in southwest Bedford, passed to the great beyond, after a short illness of only four days. Merle was taken violently ill on Friday afternoon of last week, and Dr. Sollis was called. After a thorough examination he pronounced it a violent case of spinal meningitis, one of the most dreaded diseases known to medical science. He was given the serum treatment, and everything possible done to alleviate his suffering, but to no avail and he passed peacefully away at 6:30 Monday evening. Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell took the death of their eldest born deeply to heart, and the heartfelt sympathy of the community is extended to them in their hour of affliction.
Merle Wesley Maxwell was born Feb. 22, 1910, and died July 26, 1920, after four days struggle with spinal meningitis.
He was a member of the Baptist Cradle Roll, and was a faithful student and faithful in attendance up to the time of his death.
Besides a loving father and mother he leaves two brothers and a baby sister to mourn his loss.
Times-Republican
Thursday April 9, 1925
Infant Son Dies
The little son of Ed Carmichael, living three miles northeast of Guss, was buried Tuesday in the Villisca cemetery. The funeral service was held in Hepburn.---New Market Herald.
Times-Republican
Thursday April 9, 1925
Donald Lyle Boone
Donald Lyle Boone, 4-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Morey [Maury Herbert] Boone [Edith Proud], passed away on Tuesday, Mar. 31, following a short attack of tonsillitis. Funeral services will be conducted at the United Presbyterian Church, Rev. A. L. Davidson officiating. The heartfelt sympathy of the entire community goes out to the bereaved parents in this sad hour.----Lenox Time-Table.
Times-Republican
Thursday April 9, 1925
Veryl Neal Case
Little Veryl Neal Case passed away last Tuesday morning after having lived but four days. Short funeral services were held at the home Wednesday morning at 10:30 conducted by Rev. Mills of Lenox. The singers were Mrs. John Wray and Mrs. Dale Harrison. The pallbearers were Norma, Inez and Gladys Bush and Wilma Ambrose. Burial was made in the Corning cemetery.---Lenox Time-Table.
Times-Republican
Thursday April 9, 1925
G. W. Slaight
George William Slaight was the fourth child of Lavina [Statler] and Henry [George] Slaight. He was born at Knoxville, Ohio, Feb. 13, 1856. He came to Iowa in the spring of 1877, where he resided for several years. Then he went to Sherman County, Kan., where he farmed for a number of years. He departed this life at the home of his son [Henry] Wesley, in New Market, Mar. 30, 1925, at the age of 67 years, 1 month and 17 days.----New Market Herald.
Times-Republican
Thursday April 9, 1925
Mrs. R. B. Baker
Charlotte, daughter of Robert and Mary Harris, was born in Yorkshire, England, Dec. 17, 1848. Departed this life Mar. 26, 1925, aged 76 years, 3 months and 9 days. She came with her parents to Montreal, Canada, when two years old. They came to Sand [?], Ill., when she was 16, afterward moving to Taylor County, Iowa, where she met Ransford B. Baker, to whom she was married on Mar. 20, 1872. They settled on a farm in Grant Township. To them were given nine children. All survive their mother except Lew Grant, who died at the age of 3 months and 25 days. They continued to live on the farm until Mr. BakerÕs death, Nov. 25, 1911. Mrs. Baker came to Clearfield with three daughters in the spring of 1912.----Clearfield Enterprise.