Obituaries |
submitted by: Julia Johnson - julia.johnson63@gmail.com |
Blockton News
Thursday August 5, 1937 [p. 1]
J. S. Wildman Dead
J. [air] S. Wildman, whose health failed him last winter, passed away at the home of his son, J. E. Wildman, in Bedford Saturday morning.
Mr. Wildman was born in Gay Township, this county, and spent his entire life in this community and was well known throughout the county.
He followed the vocation of farming and buying and shipping stock in his early years. Some 26 or 27 years ago he became a citizen of Blockton. He first operated a grocery store and enjoyed a good business. Later he served Blockton as postmaster for about nine years, and still later owned and operated the Blockton Auto Co., being the local representative of the Ford Motor Co. for a number of years.
He served the town as councilman at different times, besides filling other offices.
As Blockton's wartime postmaster he made life-long friendships that lasted until the date of his death. No inquiry of anxious parents or relatives of the boys in camp or overseas, regardless of the unreasonableness of the hour at night, was ever turned down. In some instances parents received letters three or four hours ahead of the regular schedule. The administration at Washington never had a better contact with the people than Mr. Wildman gave them, even though, possibly, he "ditched" a few postal regulations as all small town postmasters do at times.
Mr. Wildman was a life long democrat of the old Cleveland-Wilson type and a leader of his party in this community during the long years when any reference to the party was with derision. Then came the New Deal with New Dealers and "brain busters" heading the district, state and nation.
Very few people who have ever had dealings with Jair Wildman but what received favors and accommodations that few people would grant. In fact, he was too generous in extending favors and putting himself out to accommodate and help people—if that be a fault. But he will be remembered favorably long after those who may have taken advantage of his liberality and goodness of heart, will have been forgotten.
In the thirty-four years the writer has been in Blockton, he never has had a more true friend than big-hearted Jair Wildman. When we say friend, we do not mean a "fair weather" friend as depicted by two famous radio stars, but the friend that voluntarily comes to your relief when you couldn't get anyone else to do so for love or money. There has been several instances of this kind in handling the heavy machinery in this office, or a gas engine balked or the electric current failed. We always knew there was some one we could rely upon.
Mr. Wildman may have had his faults, but we are all more or less afflicted in the same way—some of us without many redeeming traits.
" Jerry " S. Wildman:
Requiescat in pace.
Blockton News
Thursday August 5, 1937 [p. 1]
Obituary
Jair S. Wildman, son of William and Irene [Cowell] Wildman, was born in Gay township, Taylor county, Iowa, March 2, 1871, and passed away July 31, 1937, at the home of his son, James Wildman, in Bedford at the age of 66 years, 4 months and 29 days.
He grew to manhood in Gay Township and was united in marriage to Anna Smith in 1895.
To this union three sons were born—William at home, James E. of Bedford, and Clifford H. of Davenport.
He leaves to mourn his departure his wife, three sons, one grandson, Quentin Wildman; two brothers and two sisters, John H. [emphill] Wildman of Blockton, Mrs. Walter Morris [Myrtle] of Red Bluff, California, W. [illiam] R. [ollin] Wildman of Bedford, and Mrs. Ed Schneider [Pearl] of Blockton; besides other relatives and a host of friends.
Funeral services were held at the Blockton Methodist church Monday afternoon at 2 oÕclock conducted by Rev. W. H. Warrior. Interment in Rose Hill cemetery.
Blockton News
Thursday May 7, 1931 p. 4
Obituary
Lucretia Ruth Norris was born at Garnett, Kansas, October 6, 1859, and passed away at her home in Blockton April 29, 1931, at the age of 71 years, 6 months and 23 days.
She moved to Ringgold County when a small child and spent her entire life in and around Blockton.
On September 4, 1881, she was united in marriage to Thos. [Jefferson] Ridge. To this union was born three children: Mrs. Grace Merriman of Athelstan, F. [red] S. [idney] Ridge of Blockton, and R. [oy] T. [homas] Ridge of Harlan.
She became a member of the Evangelical church early in life, placing her membership with the congregation at Benton church, near Mound City, Mo.
The husband and father passed away August 20, 1927. There is left to mourn her departure her three children, four grandchildren, Lloyd and Edna Ridge of Blockton and Lloyd and Paul Ridge of Harlan; four brothers, L. D. Norris of Redding, Sam Norris of California, and Otis and Gus Norris of Forest City, Mo.; three sisters, Mrs. Fannie Nolan of Forest City, Mo., Mrs. Carrie Carson and Mrs. McGoon of Mound City, Mo.
Mrs. Ridge was a true wife and mother, good neighbor and a splendid woman, and will be greatly missed by her family and many friends.
Funeral services were held at the Isadora Church of Christ Friday afternoon at 2:30, conducted by Rev. Warrior, pastor of the Blockton Methodist church, and interment was made in the Isadora cemetery.
[RIDGE, LUCRETIA RUTH NORRIS]
Blockton News (Blockton, Iowa), Thursday, April 30, 1931
Mrs. Thos. Ridge Dead
Mrs. Ruth Ridge, widow of the late Thomas Ridge, passed away yesterday (Wednesday) forenoon at her home in south Blockton. Mrs. Ridge had been in a critical condition for several months, following a stroke.
Blockton News
Thursday August 25, 1927 [p. 1]
Obituary
Thomas I. [Jefferson] Ridge was born in Marshall County, Kansas, Dec. 18, 1859, and departed this life August 20, 1927, aged 67 years, 8 months and 2 days.
When a small boy he moved with his parents to Ringgold County, this state, where he grew to manhood.
He was united in marriage to [Lucretia] Ruth Norris Sept. 4, 1881. To this union three children were born----Mrs. Gracie E. Merriman, of Athelstan, F. [red] S.[idney] Ridge of Blockton and Roy [Thomas] Ridge, of Clearfield, who with his wife, survive him. He is also survived by five brothers and one sister, Frank, Sherman, Jesse, Wilber and Edward Ridge and Mrs. E. [mory] L. [awrence] Ball [Louisa]. Three sisters and two brothers preceded him in death, Mary and Sarah Ridge, Mrs. Alvina King, and James and John Ridge.
Mr. Ridge united with the Evangelical church in the early years of his married life.
Mr. Ridge moved to a farm, 3 1/2 miles southwest of Blockton, in 1899, where, with the exception of one or two years spent in Blockton, he resided until the time of his death.
Funeral services were held Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock, conducted by Rev. C. Max Buck, pastor of the Blockton Christian church, and interment was made in the Isadora cemetery.
[Hickenlooper, Ann Elizabeth "Eliza" King]
Blockton News
Thursday August 25, 1927 [p. 1]
Mrs. S. B. Hickenlooper Dead
Mrs. S. [imon] B. Hickenlooper [Ann Elizabeth King] passed away in Des Moines Tuesday afternoon and the body was to arrive on the afternoon train yesterday.
[Hickenlooper, Ann Elizabeth "Eliza" King]
Blockton News
Thursday September 1, 1927 p. 8
Obituary
Ann Eliza [Elizabeth King] Hickenlooper was born Sept. 10, 1841, near the small town of Farmington, in Lee county, Iowa. At the age of twelve years she came with her parents to Taylor County and settled near Platteville.
She was united in marriage at her parents' home to Simon B. Hickenlooper Nov. 24, 1859, Captain John Flick officiating.
The deceased passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Geo. A. Chaney [Maude Blanche], 3221 Grand avenue, Des Moines, Iowa, August 23, 1927, at the age of 85 years, 11 months and 13 days. Her husband preceded her to the home beyond by more than thirteen years, having passed away March 12, 1914.
To this union were born nine children, four daughters and five sons, all of which are living except two, Rosalie D. and Thomas Sherman.
In early life she and her husband became members of the Methodist church and for all these years she lived an exemplary life. She was an ardent believer in the Christian principles and her whole life is an example of a life transformed by the magic of the teaching of Christ.
The deceased was nonetheless a devoted wife and mother. No sacrifice was ever too great for her in the interest of her children. She was always patient, considerate and loving.
In her manner she was quiet and unassuming; in her work she was always faithful, affectionate and true; in her life there was no guile, no deceit. She was truly a mother.
Funeral services were held at the Blockton Methodist church Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock conducted by Rev. Malcom Love. Interment was made in Rose Hill cemetery.
[Hickenlooper, Ann Elizabeth "Eliza" King]
Blockton News
Thursday September 1, 1927 p. 4
Among those from out of town attending the funeral of Mrs. S. [imon] B. Hickenlooper [Ann Elizabeth King] Thursday afternoon were B. B. Hickenlooper of Cedar Rapids; E. [rnest] T. [heo] Hickenlooper, of San Antonio, Texas; Geo. A. Chaney and wife, of Des Moines; J. [ames] P.[atton] Flick and wife, Dr. Jay S. Terrill and family and W. H. Blakemore and A. L. Luther and wives, of Bedford; Ed. Chaney and wife, Mrs. Jackson and Mr. and Mrs. Cantner, of Hopkins; Geo. King and J. [ohn] W. Large and wife, of Athelstan, and Dr. C. [arl] B. [laine] Hickenlooper and family, of Winterset.
Blockton News
Thursday September 1, 1927 p. 8
Frances M. Reeves Dead
Mrs. Frances M. Reeves passed away at the home of the Misses Dora and Bessie Siemiller, with whom she had been making her home, early Friday morning, August 26, 1927, at the age of 81 years, 11 months and 22 days. She leaves two grandsons, Floyd Ware of this place and Ernest Moats of near New Market, as her nearest relatives. Funeral services were held at the New Market Methodist church Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock and interment was made in the cemetery at Guss.
Blockton News
Thursday September 8, 1927 p. 5
Obituary
Frances. M. Read was born in Stillwater, Saratoga County, New York, Sept. 4, 1844, and departed this life August 26, 1927, aged 82 years, 11 months and 22 days.
When a child she came with her parents to Illinois, where they settled on a farm near Ottawa, LaSalle County. In her girlhood she attended school at her home school, later going to the University of Chicago. She chose teaching as an occupation and taught until her marriage to John Reeves January 8, 1884. To this union were born three children, Olive Moats, Myra Ware and [James] Harrison, who died at the age of eight years, the others having preceded her in death. She and her husband settled on a farm near Guss, living there for about twenty years, after which they moved to Villisca, where they lived on their farm in the east part of town. Mr. Reeves died Nov. 24, 1922.
Mrs. Reeves left her home at that time and moved to Blockton, where she had a home with her son-in-law, Thomas A. Ware. For the past year or more she has been at the home of the Misses Dora and Bessie Siemiller, where she was very tenderly cared for until the time of her death.
She was a faithful member of the Methodist church most of her life and while in Villisca was a member of the missionary society of the church. She was a woman of splendid principles, always standing for the right and making friends with all who knew her.
Funeral services were held at the Methodist church at New Market August 27 and interment was made in the cemetery at Guss.
New Market Herald
Thursday November 30, 1922 p. 3
John Reeves Dead
John Reeves died suddenly at his home in Villisca Friday evening. He had been in poor health for sometime and his death was not unexpected. He was 82 years of age. He was a brother of Norval Reeves and Mrs. Miles Shores [Anna]. For many years he lived on a farm south of Guss, but moved to Villisca some years ago. At one time he was a member of the board of supervisors of Taylor County. Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon and burial was in Guss cemetery.
[REEVES, JOHN]
Villisca Review (Villisca, Iowa), Friday, December 1, 1922, [p. 1], 5
John Reeves – John Reeves, for fifty-four years a resident of this community and a citizen of Villisca for nearly half that length of time, died suddenly at his home in this city Friday evening at 9:15 o'clock, his death resulting from apoplexy.
He was stricken about 7 o'clock that evening while resting on a couch in the living room and lived only a couple of hours afterward. He had been in poor health for the last few months but was able to be up and around much of the time. He was down town the last time Wednesday afternoon.
Mr. Reeves was born in Green County, Pa., on April 27, 1840 and was married to Frances M. Reed in Ottawa, Ill., on Jan. 8, 1874. To them one son and two daughters were born, all of whom are deceased. Besides his wife he leaves one brother and two sisters. They are Norval Reeves and Mrs. Miles Shore of New Market and Mrs. Jas. Wilson of Trenton, Neb.
Mr. Reeves came with his parents to Iowa in the fall of 1868, settling on a farm three miles north of Clarinda. In 1873 he purchased a farm half a mile south of where the Guss church is now located, breaking up the virgin prairie and establishing his home there where he lived until 1900. At that time he moved to Villisca, purchasing the farm in the east edge of the city now owned by Tyler Brothers.
In his early manhood Mr. Reeves was a school teacher, having taught in Illinois and after coming to Page county he taught the McCowen school three miles north of Clarinda for six years. After coming to Villisca he served as a member of the school board and was a member of the city council from 1908 to 1910. He was a member of the Masonic lodge.
The funeral was held Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Methodist church, with the Masonic order in charge of the services, and the sermon was preached by Rev. J. L. Boyd. The pallbearers were B. E. Hawkins, Ben Osborn, P. D. Minick, Roy Tyler, Guy Robinson and W. F. Brenton and burial was in the Guss cemetery. The singing was by Mr. and Mrs. F. E. Shane, Roy Means and Miss Fannie Seeley, with Miss Florence Phillips at the organ. Those here from a distance to attend the funeral were Norval Reeves and Mrs. Miles Shore, New Market; Mr. and Mrs. Jas. Wilson, Trenton, Neb.; Alva Moats, New Market; T. A. Ware, Blockton, Ia.
[Reeves, Susannah Arvilla Pace]
New Market Herald
Thursday May 2, 1918 p. 2
Mrs. Reeves Dead
Mrs. Norval Reeves [Susannah Arvilla Pace], after months of intense suffering passed away about noon today. No arrangements for the funeral had been made at the time of going to press but it will be held Saturday or Sunday. Extended notice will appear next week.
Since the above was put in type the funeral hour has been set for Saturday afternoon at 1:15.
[Reeves, Susannah Arvilla Pace]
New Market Herald
Thursday May 9, 1918 [p. 1]
Obituary
Brief announcement was made in our last issue of the death of Mrs. Norval Reeves. She had been confined to her home for many months and suffered greatly with a malady that baffled medical skill. While her death was not unexpected, yet it came sooner than anticipated and was rather sudden. In her death the community loses a woman of many virtues and she will be sincerely mourned by all who ever came in contact with her. All her life had been spent in this immediate vicinity and her many deeds of kindness and helpful ministrations will long remain bright spots in the hearts and minds of countless numbers.
Funeral services were held Saturday afternoon in the M. E. church, conducted by Rev. E. O. Douglass. A large attendance testified to the high regard in which she was held. Her grandson, Bruce Mason, who was called to Camp Dodge about two weeks ago, was permitted to come to the funeral. Other out of town attendants were Jas. Wilson and wife of Trenton, Nebr., John Reeves and wife of Villisca, Chas. Kelley and wife of Clarinda. Interment was in Memory cemetery.
Susannah A. [rvilla] Pace, daughter of Chas. W. [esley] and Elizabeth [Jane Farris] Pace, was born in Page Co., Iowa, July 15, 1857, and entered into rest from her home in New Market, Iowa, May 2, 1918, at the age of 60 years, 9 months and 17 days.
January 28, 1875 she was united in marriage to Norval Reeves who lives to mourn her departure. To their home were given two children, Mrs. Arvilla Hartman and Walter [Scott] Reeves. Five grandchildren, Bruce Mason, Mrs. Phyllis Hill, Lois Hartman, Letha Reeves and Marybell Reeves, and one great-grandchild, Mason Hill, all of whom survive her.
Mrs. Reeves was converted in 1874 and united with the Methodist Episcopal church, of which she ever remained a loyal, interested, earnest member. Her years of service have prepared her for the Heavenly rest and reward. May her influence linger as a fragrance in all our lives.
Bedford Times-Republican
Thursday August 13, 1931 p. 5
Life Pioneer Of Taylor County Passed Away
A Wheel Horse In the Republican Party
He Was 79 Yrs. Old
Norval Reeves Passed Away Suddenly At Home of Daughter In New Market
The death of Mr. Norval Reeves on Sunday morning, August 2, came as a surprise to most of the citizens of New Market. He had appeared in his usual health until only a few days before his death and could be seen in his wheel chair most everyday, either in the yard of his daughter's home or at the Rice Oil Co. station, and no one suspected that the end was so near. Death was caused from a combination of disorders.
Mr. Reeves had been one of the prominent characters of New Market all his life. His early life was spent as a schoolteacher and he was considered one of the best in this part of the state. He became interested in politics and from then on he was either county or township committeeman for the Republican Party. He served as county recorder for four years. It was said of him that he knew how every man in his township would vote and the leaders of the party always came to him for accurate information on any political matter. During the latter part of his life, Mr. Reeves conducted an insurance business and always enjoyed a large share of that business. The following obituary was read at the funeral:
Norval Reeves, who has been in failing health for some time, passed away at the home of his daughter in New Market, Iowa, at 4:20 a. m. Sunday, August 2, 1931, at the age of 79 years, 1 month and 25 days.
He was the son of Harrison and Maria [Leonard] Reeves, one of a family of six children. Two brothers and one sister preceded him in death, leaving two sisters, Mrs. Ella Wilson of Trenton, Nebr., and Mrs. Anna Shore of New Market, Iowa.
He was born in Brownville, Pa., June 7, 1852. In 1856 he moved to Illinois and in 1863 he came to Iowa, where he spent the remainder of his life in Page and Taylor counties.
On January 28, 1875, he was united in marriage to Susannah [Arvilla] Pace, who left this life May 2, 1918. To this union two children were born, Arvilla Hartman and Walter [Scott] Reeves, both of New Market. He is also survived by five grandchildren and four great grandchildren. All will miss him greatly.
He was a member of the Masonic and I. O. O. F. orders, a supporter of their departmental work and at all times worked for the best interests of the community where he spent so many years of his life. We shall miss him, but in faith we trust Him who doeth all things well.
Funeral services were held at the M. E. church at New Market, Iowa August 4, 1931, conducted by Rev. E. B. Osborn and assisted by Rev. L. M. Kirby. The body was laid to rest in Memory cemetery.
Blockton News
Thursday June 1, 1916 [p. 1]
Obituary
James Marion Kelley was born in Belfast, Highland county, Ohio, March 22, 1846, and died at St. Joseph, Missouri, May 21, 1916, aged 70 years, 1 month and 20 days.
He was united in marriage on August 2, 1888, to Miss Cynthia Murphin, who, with the two daughters, Mrs. David White, Jr. and Mrs. David Raper, was [at his bedside when he passed away.]
Besides his wife and daughters, above named, he leaves to mourn his departure three grandchildren, James Kelley and Ethel White and William Marion Raper, and three sisters and four brothers. His brothers and sisters, all older in years than himself, were unable to be present at the funeral.
Mr. Kelley had planned to spend one more Decoration with the old soldiers, but his call came too soon. His parents were sturdy pioneers in Ohio and he was one of twelve children, and early learned to hustle for himself. He answered his country's call for volunteers and served over two years in Co. E 12th Ohio Cavalry under Col. Archibald Nelson, after whom his only son, who died a few years ago at the age of 20 years, was named.
After his son's death Mr. Kelley immediately divided his farm and gave it to his children, deeding them the farms they have improved and beautified, and he was proud to live to see his children near him on his home farm on which he had lived since he came to Worth county over 40 years ago.
He had a KentuckianÕs love for fine horses and never was known to own a plug.
The funeral services were conducted from the home on Tuesday, May 23d, by Rev. Moody of Sheridan, and notwithstanding the almost impassible condition of the roads, was largely attended. Interment was made in the cemetery at Isadora.
[KELLEY, JAMES MARION]
Blockton News (Blockton, Iowa), Thursday, May 25, 1916
James M. [arion] Kelly, who was taking treatment in St. Joseph, passed away Sunday evening at 8:30. He was about 70 years of age and is survived by his wife and two daughters—Mrs. David White, Jr., and Mrs. David Raper. The body was brought to Athelstan for interment.
[KELLEY, JAMES MARION]
Blockton News (Blockton, Iowa), Thursday, June 8, 1916
In the James Kelley obituary last week through an oversight one of the grandchildren, Estel Eleanor Raper, was omitted from the list of immediate relatives.
Blockton News
Thursday June 1, 1916 [p. 1]
Death of Mrs. W. M. Wright
This community received a severe shock Monday evening when it was learned, that Mrs. W. [illiam] M. Wright had been suddenly stricken and was dying. The immediate cause of her death was uremia. Mrs. Wright had been going about as usual and was in her usual cheerful spirits during the day. She was sitting on the porch with the other members of the family when she was stricken at about 4:30 in the evening. The first that other members of the family knew that anything was wrong was when she exclaimed: "I cannot stand another of those pains; it flashed through my head like lightning." These were the last words she ever uttered, becoming unconscious, and although everything was done that could be done by medical skill she passed away at 8:45 that evening.
[Wright, Sarah Varvil]
Blockton News
Thursday June 1, 1916 [p. 1]
Obituary
Sarah J. [ane] Varvil, eldest daughter of John H. [arrison] and Eliza A. [nn] [Fuqua] Varvil, was born near Charleston, Illinois, February 6th, 1863, and passed away at her home in Blockton Monday evening, May 20th, 1916.
With her parents she moved to near Maryville, Missouri, in October, 1880, and there on the 15th of December, l881, she was united in marriage to William M. [ordecai] Wright at the home of Elder D. O. Hink. There was born and grew about the parents a family circle of four children: Ira Vane, Goldie Verne, William Vail and Geraldine Balkan, all of whom were present.
In her early girlhood days she united with the United Bretheren church, but in 1890, there being no congregation of that faith and order in her vicinity, she identified herself with the Christian church at Barnard, Missouri, under the preaching of C. M. Chilton, now of St. Joseph.
On the 13th of March 1901, she came with her children and husband to Blockton, where she has since continuously resided.
She leaves to mourn her loss her mother, her husband, four children, two daughters-in-law, three sisters and one brother.
But the threads of history and memory mingle and interweave in the skein of her life. History cannot tell all; our memory, privilege of bearing the most intimate testimony to the soul and spirit that dominated her years.
In her home we knew her as a noble woman, a kind and gracious mother, and a loving wife. But that same kindness, graciousness, and good will went far beyond the boundaries of her home circle and she dispersed sunshine, encouragement, and a greater goodness to many a soul. As a friend she was companionable, wise in counsel, and constant in her memory. Many of us who stand here today realize how far-reaching and how sincerely deep was the strength of her friendship, and how neither time, nor change, nor distance worked against its constancy. Thus did she fulfill her years: girlhood, wifehood, motherhood, friendship, and the church. These are the great, the precious, and the worthwhile relationships of life. Let the Master bless her years, hallow her influence, and give unto her rest, and peace, and glory. And we know that some day, in the light that bathes the battlements of heaven, and falls on its hills and uplands—that there we shall renew all life again; for the Christ has assured all them that have hope in Him—"Because I live ye shall live also." S.
The funeral services were conducted from the home at 2:30 yesterday afternoon by Rev. W. A. ShuIIenberger of Des Moines, formerly pastor of the Christian church here and an intimate friend of the family. The services were largely attended. The floral offerings of friends were many and beautiful. Interment took place in Rose Hill cemetery.
[WRIGHT, SARAH VARVIL]
Blockton News (Blockton News), Thursday, June 1, 1916
Among the relatives from out of town called here by the death of Mrs. W. [illiam] M. Wright were Mrs. Eliza Varvil and Noel Varvil, of St. Joseph; Mr. and Mrs. P. H. Stewart of Hopkins; Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Swearingen, of Omaha; Mr. and Mrs. U. S. Wright, Mr. and Mrs. H. E. Wright and Mrs. Rebecca I. Gray, of Maryville and Mr. and Mrs. H. O. Gray and son, Harold Otis, of Parnell.
[WRIGHT, SARAH VARVIL]
Bedford Times-Republican (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, June 1, 1916
Mrs. W. M. Wright – Mrs. W. M. Wright of Blockton was suddenly stricken with a severe pain in her head about 4:30 last Monday evening and although medical aid was immediately summoned, she became rapidly worse, expiring at 9 o'clock the same evening.
Mrs. Wright was on the porch with her daughter Goldie and was just starting into the house when she suddenly threw her hand to her hand at the same time exclaiming, "Someone has hit me."
Funeral services were held at the Christian church at 2:30 p. m. Wednesday conducted by Rev. Shellenberger of the Central Church of Christ, Des Moines.
[WRIGHT, SARAH VARVIL]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Tuesday, June 13, 1916
HOPKINS – Mr. and Mrs. P. H. Stewart and son Howard attended the funeral of Mrs. Stewart's sister, Mrs. W. [illiam] M. [ordecai] Wright, at Blockton last week.
[Williams, Amanda Rebecca Armstrong]
New Market Herald
Thursday July 28, 1921 p. 3
Death of Mrs. Williams
Just before going to press we learned of the death of Mrs. A. [manda] R. [ebecca Armstrong] Williams, which occurred at 1:00 a. m. this Thursday morning at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Vida Hunter of Nodaway. Obituary next week.
[Williams, Amanda Rebecca Armstrong]
New Market Herald
Thursday August 4, 1921
Obituary
Mrs. A. [manda] R. [ebecca] Williams, who passed away Thursday morning of last week, was one of the old settlers of this community, and was known and respected by all of the older residents. For the past two years she had been in very poor health, and the past year has made her home with a daughter, Mrs. Vida Hunter, of Nodaway. It was at this home she was called to her eternal home above.
The remains were brought here Saturday and services were held in the M. E. Church at two o'clock that afternoon, conducted by Rev. Penn. Interment was in Dallas Center.
Amanda Rebecca Armstrong was born in Des Moines Co., Iowa, Nov. 27, 1844, died July 28, 1921 at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Hunter, near Nodaway, Ia., aged 76 years 8 months and 1 day.
Lived in Des Moines Co. until grown. Was married to Jonas [Wesley] Williams Oct. 14, 1864. Five children came to brighten their home, two dying in infancy; one Mrs. [Mary] Eva Barton passing away six years ago; the other two Mrs. Vida [Almett] Hunter of Nodaway, Ia., and Mrs. Nellie [Myrtle] Glassgow of Shenandoah, Ia., still living; the husband and father passing away five and a half years ago. Mrs. Williams spent the last year of her life with her daughter Vida near Nodaway.
Mr. and Mrs. Williams, after marriage, lived in Des Moines Co. six years, then moved to Taylor Co., living on the home place twenty-four years, then moved to New Market twenty-seven years ago.
Those left to mourn their loss beside her daughters are two brothers and two sisters: Mr. J. [ohn] W. [illiam] Armstrong, Auburn, Nebr., T. [homas] F.[ranklin] Armstrong, Lenox, Ia., Mrs. Lide Rowe and Mrs. Jennie Hughes of New Market, Ia., twenty grandchildren, and five great grandchildren and a host of neighbors and friends.
Mrs. Williams was converted in early life and has ever been an earnest faithful worker for her Lord and Master and never more happy than when doing work for her Master. She was a faithful worker for the Kingdom. Always a teacher in Sunday school until her health failed. Was a charter member of our W. F. M. S. being president a number of years (S. S. supt. and Steward, Class leader many years). After twenty years of faithful service she entered into a closer walk and fellowship experiencing the joy of a soul cleansed from all carnality. She was a great Bible reader having read it through many times and in the last few weeks of her life when her physical strength had so failed it was almost impossible to hold her Bible any length of time. The Blessed Book was all that she would read and when too tired to read for herself it was such joy and comfort to have some one read to her from the Sacred Word.
She was so patient in her afflictions, ever thoughtful of others.
While we seem to have lost a precious jewel it is not lost but where it will shine and guide us on to that country we seek, whose builder and maker is God.
Those in attendance out of town at the funeral were: J. [ohn] W. [illiam] Armstrong of Auburn, Nebr., T. [homas] F. [ranklin] Armstrong and wife of Lenox, Frank Barton, daughter Ruth and sons Earnest and Neal of Parnell, Mo., George Barton and wife of Parnell, Mo., Glenn Barton of Gaynor, Mo., Mr and Mrs. Orville Busby of Maryville, Lee Barton and wife of Hopkins, Mo., Mrs. Jessie Clem of Omaha, Hazel, Wesley and Willis Glassgow of Shenandoah, Mr. and Mrs. E. P. Hunter of Shenandoah, Mr. and Mrs. Abe Holland and Mr. and Mrs. C. C. King of Villisca.