Obituaries |
submitted by: Julia Johnson - julia.johnson63@gmail.com |
Times-Republican
Monday September 15, 1924
Mrs. John Graff Died Here Friday
Mrs. John Graff [Anna Mary Yenni], one of the old residents of the city, died at her home in the north part of town last Friday night. Her funeral was held yesterday, and was attended by many of her old friends. All her children were present at the funeral, excepting one son, Ed, who failed to arrive in time. The full obituary will be published later.
Times-Republican
Thursday September 18, 1924
Obituary of Mrs. Anna Mary Yenni Graff
Anna Mary Graff was born March 25, 1847, in Switzerland, and died at her home in Bedford, Iowa, Sept. 11, 1924, aged 77 years, 5 months and 16 days.
She was the daughter of John [Johannes Heinrich] and Anna Barbara [Leichti] Yenni. She had four brothers and seven sisters, all of whom came to America with their parents before the Civil War, except the two youngest. They first settled in Ohio, then moved to Indiana and on to Missouri, near Amazonia, where most of them have lived ever since. She is survived by three brothers and two sisters. They are: John Yenni of Zephyrhills, Fla.; Christian Yenni, of Amazonia, Mo.; Gotlieb Yenni, of Savannah, Mo.; Emma Beverly, of Los Angeles, Calif.; and Caroline Bowman, of Greenfield, Mo., six having preceded her in death.
She was married to John Graff at Savannah, Mo., Feb. 25, 1866, and moved to Bedford, Iowa, in the fall of 1870, before the railroads were built here. Both Mr. and Mrs. Graff were life-long, sincere and devoted members of the Presbyterian Church and in this faith she passed away. Her husband preceded her in death on Feb. 6, 1920. She was the mother of four children, one daughter and three sons. They are: Mrs. Elizabeth G. Moser of Salt Lake City, Utah; Henry A. [ugust] Graff, of Seward, Nebr.; Edward V. [alentine] Graff, of Seattle, Wash., and John Franklin Graff, of Seward, Nebr. Besides these she leaves two grandsons and one great granddaughter. She was a kind, loving and devoted mother, a true Christian and a most excellent neighbor and will be sorely missed.
Taylor County Republican
Thursday December 5, 1878
Mr. John Graff was called to Savannah, Mo., by telegram last Saturday evening, to visit his sister [Elizabeth Graff Schuster] who resides there and is dangerously ill.
Later: Mr. Graff returned home last evening, his sister having died [December 1st] during his visit to her bedside.
Times-Republican
Thursday August 1, 1929
Ed Graff
Mrs. C. [hristian] H. Moser [Barbara Ann Ulrich] received a letter Sunday morning from Mrs. U. [lysses] G. [rant] Moser [Elizabeth Graff] of Salt Lake City, Utah, that her brother, Ed [ward Valentine] Graff of Seattle, Wash., had passed away Saturday. Mrs. U. [lysses] G. [rant] Moser went to Seattle and the funeral services were to be held Tuesday, and the body was to be cremated. Mr. Graff was a former resident of Bedford, being a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Graff [Anna Mary Yenni].
Times-Republican
Thursday February 21, 1929 [p. 1]
Former Resident Dies In Nebraska
Burial Was Made Last Monday At Seward, Nebr.
Henry [August] Graff of Seward, Nebr., a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Graff [Anna Mary Yenni], and a former resident of Bedford, passed away at a hospital in Seward Friday, after a short illness. The funeral services were held in Seward on Monday afternoon, and interment was made at that place. Mrs. Lizzie [Elizabeth] Graff Moser of Salt Lake City, Utah, a sister of Mr. Graff, is expected in Bedford the last of this week for a short visit at the home of Mr. and Mrs. C.[hristian] H. Moser [Barbara Ann Ulrich]. Mr. Moser is a cousin of the Graffs.
Times-Republican
Thursday February 28, 1929
Mrs. U. [lysses] G. [rant] Moser [Elizabeth Graff] of Salt Lake City, Utah, arrived in Bedford Sunday evening and visited several days at the home of her cousin, C. [hristian] H. Moser. Mrs. Moser had been called to Seward, Neb., by the death of her brother, Henry [August] Graff, and visited relatives and old friends in Bedford before returning to her home.
Times-Republican
Thursday March 7, 1929
Death Clamed Harry A. Graff In Seward, Neb.
Was A Former Resident Of Bedford And Vicinity
Died Feb. 15, 1929
Deceased Was Very Active In The Community Life Of Seward, Nebr.
The following concerning the life history and death of H. [enry] A. [ugust] Graff, a former resident of Bedford, was taken from the Seward (Neb.) Independent, under the date of February 21, 1929:---
Death claimed Harry A. [ugust] Graff, pioneer clothing merchant of Seward, shortly before 5 o'clock Friday evening of last week, after an illness that lasted but 45 hours. He suffered intensely during that time, however, and while every effort was made to bring him relief, it was unavailing.
Mr. Graff had attended the firemen's banquet on Wednesday evening of last week, and was on the program for a speech. Just before the conclusion of his remarks about 8:30 he complained of a severe pain in his chest, but said he had a little more to say and finished his remarks. His condition grew so much worse that he was taken to a hospital by his brother, J. [ohn] F. [ranklin] Graff. His condition was reported very serious the next day, but Friday forenoon it was stated that he was resting easy and seemed to be getting along very well, although a very sick man. His death a few hours later came as a shock to the entire community. The body was removed to the Goehner undertaking rooms, and later taken to the home of his brother. Heart failure resulting from flu is given as the cause of death.
Harry August Graff was born on a farm near Savannah, Mo., December 26, 1868, moving to Bedford, Iowa, with his parents in 1870. He came to Nebraska when a very young man, living one year in Aurora and coming to Seward in the spring of 1889, where he spent the last forty years of his life.
His mother and father preceded him in death, leaving one sister, Mrs. U. [lysses] G. [rant] Moser [Elizabeth] of Salt Lake City, a brother, Edward V. [alentine] Graff of Seattle, Washington, who have been closely associated with him for the last thirty years.
The deceased came to Seward as a boy of twenty, in 1889---40 years ago---and engaged in the clothing business. Only one other person has been in business here continuously for a longer period of time than had he, that being Peter Goehner, who located in Seward in 1878. During the years that have passed since Mr. Graff first located here he has taken an active part in every community enterprise. About 30 years ago he was elected secretary of the Seward Equitable Building & Loan Association, and had served continuously ever since. He also served as secretary of the Protective Fire Insurance Co. for several years, but when in 1928 the directors expressed a desire for a full time secretary, he resigned that he might continue with the building and loan association. His work with these institutions was only a part of his community activities, however. He had served as secretary of the fire department for 38 years. He was secretary of the Seward Amusement association, director of the Seward County Red Cross, has served as secretary of the Social Welfare society, and was president of the Y. M. C. A. board. These and many other activities, with which he was engaged, carried no remuneration but they drew heavily upon his time. He served as city treasurer for something like 20 years, and then he was mayor for two terms. During his term as mayor he developed the present source from which Seward secures its water supply on the late Levy Hafer farm four miles west of town. He also served as president of the Chamber of Commerce and was a member of the board of directors at the time of his death.
At the firemenÕs banquet a year ago portraits of Mr. Graff and Jake Goehring, the president, were unveiled, these having been given the place of honor on the walls of the firemenÕs club rooms in recognition of their long years of service to the department. The present firemenÕs quarters in the city hall building were secured largely because of Mr. GraffÕs activities. The two institutions in which he manifested the greatest interest was the fire department and the building and loan association. He belonged to no lodges, although at the time the Knights of Pythias were active in Seward, he affiliated with that order. He was deeply interested in music, and had aided in furnishing music at the Presbyterian Church, now the Federated church, of which he was a member during his entire residence in Seward. He had perhaps sang at more funeral services over the remains of departed friends than any other one person in the community.
In addition to his local activities, Mr. Graff had served as president of the state firemenÕs association, and also as president of the state building and loan association. He had attended every firemenÕs state convention for about forty years past.
In 1902 his brother, J. [ohn] F. [ranklin] Graff, joined him in the clothing business, and this gave him more time for his other activities. Later, he organized the Seward Creamery Co., and financed it largely himself. He was also identified with the Seward Lumber & Fuel Co., and had served as its secretary.
Surviving the deceased are his brother, J. [ohn] F. [ranklin] Graff of Seward, Mrs. Graff and their son, Jack; a sister, Mrs. U. [lysses] G. [rant] Moser [Elizabeth] of Salt Lake City, who came for the funeral, and a brother, Edward V.[alentine] Graff of Seattle, Washington. Harry Graff had never married. His parents died at Bedford, a number of years go, and he visited their graves each Decoration Day to place floral offerings thereon.
The funeral services held at 2 o'clock Monday afternoon, at the Methodist church, were attended by an immense crowd. All available space in the main auditorium, the annex and the gallery was occupied. The services were in charge of Rev. Harry W. Hansen of the Federated church. A wonderful display of beautiful floral offerings surrounded the casket. The two fire trucks were utilized in conveying the flowers from the church to Greenwood cemetery, where the body was laid to its final rest. Members of the fire department attended the services in a body, and the business houses closed during the funeral hour.
Times-Republican
Thursday November 15, 1928
H. [allick] T. Yaw, father of Lee [David Leroy] Yaw of Clearfield, died very suddenly Tuesday evening, Nov. 6, presumably of heart disease. He lived at Diagonal and was a blacksmith. The funeral and burial was held at Diagonal last Thursday.
Times-Republican
Thursday November 15, 1928
Mrs. Chas. Rupert [Sarah Jane Brandon] died last Thursday, Nov. 8, at the home of her son Clyde, south of town. She was 88 years old at the time of her death. Funeral services were held at the Christian church last Sunday afternoon.
Times-Republican
Thursday August 19, 1915 p. 5
C. C. John
C. [hristopher] C. [olumbus] John died at his home on west Main Street Thursday morning, August 12. Funeral services were held at the home at 2 p. m. Saturday, conducted by Elder E. E. Foreman. Interment was in the Bedford cemetery.
Mr. John has been in very poor health for several months, his malady reaching the critical state three weeks ago. His ailment was a complication of diseases, which at his advanced age he could not overcome.
Christopher C. [olumbus] John was born in Shelby County, Indiana, March 12, 1835, and was married in 1855 to Nancy [Catharine] Ensminger. In 1865 he enlisted in an Indiana regiment and served until the close of the war, when the family moved west, settling in Taylor County, where they have since resided.
Thirteen children were born to Mr. and Mrs. John, five of whom are dead. The living are C. [olumbus] G. [rant] John of Ross Township, Walter V. [ictor] John, also of Ross Township, Mrs. Jennie [Mary Jane] Keith, near town, and Mrs. Minnie [Louise] Coon southwest of town, Mrs. America LeFever of Stanford, N. Y., Joseph M. [artin] John, Denver, Colo., and James T. John, Everett, Wash., all of whom but the latter three were present at the funeral.
Mr. John has for many years been a member of the Church of Christ, his membership being in the church at Berea at the time of his death.
[John, Nancy Catharine Ensminger]
Bedford Free Press
Tuesday January 9, 1917 [p. 1]
Mrs. C. [hristopher] C. [olumbus] John died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. I.[saac] B. [enton] Coon, Monday morning at 3:45 oÕclock. The funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at the Berea church, conducted by Floyd Edwards of Kansas City. Interment was made in the Bedford cemetery.
Nancy [Catharine] Ensminger was born in Shelby County, Indiana, in 1837. In 1855 she was united in marriage to C. [hristopher] C. [olumbus] John. To this union were born thirteen children, 8 of whom survive. They are: C. [olumbus] G. [rant] John, Walter V. [ictor] John, Mrs. Minnie [Louise] Coon, and Miss Anna John, of Bedford; Mrs. Silas Keith [Mary Jane] of Blockton; Mrs. America LeFever of Stanford, New York; Joseph M. [artin] John of Denver, Col.; and James T. John of Everett, Wash. Mr. John died August 12, 1915. The family moved to Taylor County at the close of the Civil War and have since resided here.
[JOHN, NANCY CATHERINE ENSMINGER]
Blockton News (Blockton, Iowa), Thursday, January 18, 1917
Death of Mrs. C. C. John
Times-Republican: The ranks of Taylor county pioneers who came here immediately following the close of the Civil war was reduced by one this week when Mrs. C. C. John, a respected resident of the community, passed away early Monday morning following an illness of several days, death being due to cerebral hemorrhage.
The deceased was living with her daughter, Mrs. I. B. Coon, in Ross township at the time of her demise.
Mrs. John coming here in a day when the country was almost a frontier, had led an interesting life and the growth and development of the community had always been watched with pleasure. Her long residence in the county had enabled her to make many friends and her pleasant disposition and generous character caused her to be loved and respected by a wide acquaintance.
Until her husband's death in 1915, Mrs. John had resided in Bedford, but during the last two years had lived with her children.
Nancy Ensminger was born in Shelby county, Indiana, in 1837. She was married to C.[hristopher] C. [olumbus] John in 1855 and immediately following the close of the great rebellion the family came to Taylor county. She was the mother of thirteen children, eight of whom are still living and are C.[olumbus] G. [rant] John, Walter V.[ictor] John, Mrs. Minnie Coon and Miss Anna John, of Bedford, Mrs. Silas Keith of Blockton, Mrs. America LeFever of Stanford, New York, Joseph M. [artin] John of Denver, Colo., and James T. John of Everett, Wash.
The funeral was held Tuesday afternoon at the Berea church, Rev. Floyd Edwards, of Kansas City, officiating. Interment was made in the Bedford cemetery.
Bedford Times-Press
Thursday August 28, 1941 p. 5
J. M. John Dies In Los Angeles
Joseph M. [artin] John, a former resident of the Bedford community, died at his home in Los Angeles, Calif., Wednesday, August 13. The funeral services were held the following Saturday and burial was in the Inglewood cemetery.
Mr. John was born May 7, 1862. He was a son of C. [hristopher] C. [olumbus] and Nancy [Catharine Ensminger] John, old-time residents of Taylor County. He is survived by two daughters, Mabel A. Ball and Beryle Schmoker, both of Los Angeles. His wife died two years ago.
Bedford Times-Press
Thursday July 26, 1934 p. 5
Mrs. Frank John, Fort Collins, Dies
Mrs. Frank [Alexander] John [Zettella Kieffer] is dead at her home in Fort Collins, Colo., according to a telegram received by relatives in Bedford today. No particulars are known except that her death was unexpected. Funeral services will be held in Fort Collins, Sunday.
Mrs. John is a former resident of Bedford, and a sister-in-law of Mrs. E. [llis] C.[layton] Dowlin [Mattie John] and Mrs. Walter A. [ustin] Houck [Susie Esther John].
Times-Republican
Thursday April 21, 1904
Death of Riley John
From SaturdayÕs Daily Republican
Riley John departed this life at 4 o'clock this morning at his home in Ross Township, aged 47 years, 1 month and 8 days, leaving a wife and two children to mourn his departure. He had been sick for some time and his death was not unexpected, still, it was a severe shock to the family and friends who nourished the vain hope that he might recover.
The deceased, G. [eorge] Riley John, was born in Shelby County, Indiana, but came to this country with his parents at a very early age, and has resided in this county for 37 years.
He was well known throughout Ross and adjoining townships, and leaves a host of sorrowing friends, whose warm sympathy goes out to the bereaved widow and children.
The funeral services will be held at the Berea church at 1 o'clock tomorrow (Sunday) afternoon and will be conducted by Rev. Wm. Cobb. Interment at the Bedford cemetery.
Bedford Times-Press
October 16, 1975 p. 6
Last Rites Held Oct. 8 For Evert John
Funeral services for James Evert John, 84, of Bedford, were held October 8 at Shum-Novinger Funeral Home conducted by Carl Cummings. Mr. John died October 5, 1975 at St. Francis Hospital in Maryville, Mo. Interment was at Bedford Cemetery, Bedford.
James Evert John was born September 27, 1891, in Bedford, Iowa. He was the son of [Columbus] Grant and Bertha [Ann Mothershead] John and had two brothers and two sisters, Charlie and Leland John, May Hatfield and Letha Baber.
He served his country with honor in World War I. He was a Wagoneer and hauled ammunition to the front lines, driving his own mules, which were brought from this country.
Evert was united in marriage to Harriet Hazel (Hattie) Thomas on October 16, 1919 in Mohall, North Dakota. They moved to Bedford where their daughter, Harriet, and son, James, were born and reared.
For several years Evert worked for the Highway Commission, then owned and operated service stations for 25 years in the Bedford and Hopkins communities until retirement.
His wife, Hattie, preceded him in death in 1968.
He was a member of the Bedford Christian Church, American Legion Post #164, Barracks #1A 1366 Veterans of World War I of the USA Inc.
He was united in marriage to Louie Mendenhall March 11, 1969, when he enjoyed being stepfather and grandfather to her family.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Louie; one son, James and his wife, Doris, of Clinton, Ia.; one son-in-law, Alex Curles, of Camilla, Ga.; one sister, Letha Baber of Excelsior Springs, Mo.; four grandchildren, Elizabeth Ann (Curles) Palmer of Smyrna, Ga.; Marilyn Marie (Curles) Carden of Camilla, Ga.; Vicki Ann (John) Jamison of Hartland, Wisc.; James Warren John of Ames, Ia.; four great grandchildren; one stepson and wife, Dwight and Charlotte Mendenhall of Hopkins, Mo.; two stepdaughters, Judith Mendenhall Giboney and husband, Ron, and Sandra Mendenhall Johnston and husband, Allen; 10 step grandchildren, Daniel, David and Dale Giboney; Debra, Darla, Darren and Delano Johnston; Douglas, Marcianna and Andrea Mendenhall; a host of nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.
He enjoyed his daily walks and visits with many friends along the way. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. His kindness and cheerfulness was an inspiration to his many friends and to his family.
Bedford Times-Press
Thursday November 6, 1958
Walter John Died Early Wednesday
Walter [Victor] John, 78, died at his home southwest of Bedford early Wednesday morning, November 5. Funeral services will be held at the Wetmore Funeral Home at two oÕclock Friday afternoon. Frank Jacobs of Des Moines will officiate. Burial in Fairview cemetery.
Bedford Times-Press
Thursday November 13, 1958
Walter John Rites Held Friday P. M.
Funeral services for Walter John, who died at his home southwest of Bedford, Wednesday, November 5, were held at the Wetmore Funeral Home Friday afternoon. Frank Jacobs of Des Moines officiated. Burial was in Fairview cemetery.
Walter V. [ictor] John, youngest son of C. [hristopher] C. [olumbus] and Nancy [Catharine Ensminger] John was born March 14, 1880, on a farm in Ross Township and died at the age of 78 years, seven months, 22 days.
He was married to Polly Hatfield on June 5, 1904. To them was born one son, Troy John of Bedford.
He was preceded in death by his parents, twelve brothers and sisters.
He united with the Church of Christ in his youth.
He is survived by his wife, Polly; son, Troy and wife; two grandchildren, Bonnie Mae and Ronald Dean; and by nieces and nephews.
Mr. and Mrs. John resided on their farm for many years where Troy and his family now live.
They celebrated their Golden Wedding anniversary in 1954.
Bedford Times-Press
Wednesday March 5, 1986 p. 6
Services Held For Ruth Viola John
Funeral services for Ruth Viola John were held at the Shum-Novinger Funeral Home in Bedford on February 27. Rev. Carl Cummings officiated. Burial was at Bedford City Cemetery.
Ruth Viola Goforth John, daughter of Arthur and Mary (Molly) Dawson Goforth, was born in Taylor County, Iowa, March 4, 1900 and departed this life February 24, 1986, at the Bethesda Care Center in Clarinda, Iowa at the age of 85 years, 11 months and 20 days.
She grew to maturity in the Taylor County area where she attended the public school and the Christian church.
She was united in marriage to Leland John on March 19, 1919 at Bedford, Iowa. She spent her married life in Bedford with the exception of one year in St. Joseph, Mo.
To this union were born Dean, Dewey, Doyle, Donna, Dorothy, Elaine and Eldon, who died in infancy.
She was a kind and considerate wife, mother and homemaker and her family and grandchildren and great grandchildren were special in her life.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; two sons, Dean and Dewey, a daughter, Donna, and Eldon, who died in infancy; two brothers, Rennie and Glenn, and two sisters, Cecile and Ruby.
Left to cherish her memory are her son, Doyle John and his wife Ellen of St. Joseph, Mo.; two daughters, Dorothy McLeod and her husband Warren of Bedford; and Elaine Carsten of Fremont, California; 20 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; other relatives and friends.
Her family and friends will remember her as a kind and loving mother and grandmother, and she will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Times-Republican
Thursday January 27, 1927
Death came to John Lafever [Lefever] this (Thursday) morning at 5:30. He is well known in this vicinity, having been affiliated with the Christian church and Masonic Lodge for a number of years. His last illness covered a period of a few weeks. Funeral services will be conducted at the Christian church at 1:30 o'clock Friday afternoon, Jan. 28, by Rev. Fred Coley, local pastor. The Masonic services will be given at the church. Interment will be given in the Dallas Center cemetery.
Times-Republican
Thursday February 3, 1927
John Lafever
John Lefever, son of John and Easter [McPeek] Lefever, was born in Knox County, Ohio, Dec. 10, 1855. When 20 years of age, he started west, going to Illinois and on to Kansas, where he was married to Anna Bowers of Bunker Hill, Kans., August 29, 1880. They left there at once, going to Story County, Ia., and on to Atchison County, Mo., where they settled for a number of years, moving to Taylor County, Iowa, in the spring of 1890. Four children were born to this union: Nellie Easter, who departed this life on April 10, 1917; Mabel P. [earl] Harland of Gravity, Ia.; Francis M. Lefever of Corvallis, Oregon, and Mary I. Hess of Bedford, Ia., their mother having departed this life April 24, 1897. Two years later he was married to Nancy E. [lizabeth] Eggers, Oct. 15, 1899. One daughter was born to this union, but passed on to the Heavenly home in infancy. This wife passed away on Sept. 12, 1922. Then on June 26, 1924, he was again married, to Mrs. Sadie [Wallace] Ecklin. In the spring of 1912 he moved from his farm near New Market to Bedford, where he spent his last few years. Besides his family, one brother, Fin [Finnis] Lefever of Moline, Ill., remains to mourn his demise. Also, three stepchildren, Mrs. Claud [Gess] Rush [Beulah Mabel] of Bedford, Mrs. Ross Hamilton [Laura Ethel Wallace] of Clearfield, Ia., and Lloyd Ecklin of Wheaton, Ill. He was a member of the Christian church for 35 years, and also a member of the Masonic Lodge.
Funeral services were held at the Christian church, last Friday, Jan.28, at 1:30 p. m., conducted by Rev. Fred Coley. Interment was made in the Dallas Center cemetery near New Market. The Bedford Masonic order had a part in the service at the church.
[Girling, Mary Evelyn Campbell]
Bedford Times-Press
Thursday January 6, 1966 p. 3
Final Rites For Mrs. Girling
Funeral services for Mrs. Mary [Evelyn] Campbell Girling, 87, of Sheridan, were held last Thursday at the Sheridan Methodist Church with Rev. Cleo Colville officiating. Mrs. Girling died last Tuesday at Ringgold County Hospital in Mount Ayr. Interment was at the Sheridan Cemetery.
She was a member of the Methodist Church.
Mrs. Girling is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Edith [Myretta] Hines; a son-in-law, Earl Hines; a daughter-in-law, Mrs. Gwenetha [Gwyneth Parman] Girling; one grandson and two granddaughters.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward [William]; one son, Eddie, and one granddaughter.