Lenox, Iowa obituaries
transcribed by: Lorelei Rusco - lorerus@iowatelecom.net
 
 
Arthaud, Frances Rutledge –

Mrs. Frances Arthaud, nee Rutledge, died recently at the home of her nephew, Lyman Rutledge in Boston, Massachusetts, according to word received last week by her cousin, A. E. Rutledge, of Sharpsburg.  Mrs. Arthaud was at one time Taylor County Superintendent of Schools.  She had made her home with her nephew the past few years, and had just recently suffered a broken hip in a fall.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa, Thursday March 27, 1947

Barber, Clara Adelaide McDaniel –

Clara Adelaide McDaniel, only child of John R. and Clarice Welch McDaniel, was born on December 23, 1882 in Brown county, Kansas near White Cloud, and died following a brief illness at her home in Lenox, Iowa, March 8, 1947.

Her mother died when she was but three days old and she was raised by her father’s people.  Her early education was at the schools at Hiawatha and Topeka, Kansas.  At the age of 13 she went to Lincoln, Nebraska to live in the home of an aunt and uncle, Marcia and Duff Taylor.  She attended the University of Nebraska Conservatory of Music and later Liberty Ladies College at Liberty, Missouri.

On March 19, 1910, she was united in married to James H. Barber of St. Joseph, Missouri.  To this union, one daughter, Marcia was born.  The family moved to Lenox thirty-two years ago, where Mrs. Barber was closely associated with Mr. Barber in his profession as long as health permitted.  Mr. Barber’s passing was a great loss to her just 12 months ago.

She was reared in the Baptist faith until her marriage, when she united with the Methodist church at Burlington Junction, Missouri.  Later the membership was transferred to Lenox.  She was also a member of the P.E. O. Sisterhood, the Order of Eastern Star and the Lenox Fortnightly Club.

She is survived by her daughter, Marcia and family and one sister-in-law, Mrs. Amy Barber of Maryville, Missouri, a niece, Mrs. Wayne Nicholas of St. Joseph, a nephew, Robert Barber of Salinas, California, and a host of good friends.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday at 2:00 o’clock at the Methodist church in charge of Rev. Clarence Richardson.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa, Thursday, March 13, 1947

Clayton, Carroll –

Carroll Clayton, 29 year old farmer living north of New Market, was killed when his automobile left the road the night of Feb. 12 and plunged into a ditch.

He was the 3rd fatal automobile accident in Taylor County so far this year.  For the two years previous this county had no auto fatalities.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa, Thursday, February 27, 1947

Coffman, Charles –

Charles Coffman, nephew of Ida and Emma Grim, passed away February 26 [1947] at 5:30 p.m. at his tome in Spokane, Washington, according to a telegram received at the Grim home.  Mr. Coffman had been ill for the past year, the past five weeks having been spent in the hospital.  Funeral services were held at his home on March 1, at 2:30 in the afternoon.

Mr. Coffman visited his aunts about every two years, and always kept in touch with the Lenox people with whom he was acquainted through his letters. 

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa, Thursday, March 13, 1947

Crossley, John R. “Jake” –

Relatives at Kent received word Sunday of the death of John R. “Jake” Crossley at Hobart, Okla., early Sunday morning.  Both John R. and Lucy Crossley were formerly residents of near Kent before they moved to Oklahoma 35 years ago.

Mr. Crossley is survived by his widow, several children and a sister, Mrs. C. H. Clem of Creston.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa, Thursday, February 13, 1947

Ecklin, Frank G. –

Frank G. Ecklin, only son of John F. and Emily Ecklin, was born on a farm near Conway, Iowa, October 15, 1887, and passed away at his farm home north and east of Clearfield, Iowa, on the afternoon of Jan. 15, 1947, aged 59 years and 3 months.

He was married on Feb. 19, 1911 to Myrtle Slattery of Diagonal.  To this union was born one daughter, Mrs. Frances Myrtle S. passed [?] away Nov. 10, 1921.  On March 9, 1927, he was married to Miss Verla Hays of Lenox, Iowa and to this union was born one son, J. B. and a daughter Arlene.  His life was spent mostly in Ringgold and Taylor counties, except a few years in Montana.

He leaves to mourn his passing, his family and three grandchildren, his sisters, Mrs. E. H. Chilcote, Mrs. Fred Rush and Miss Minnie Ecklin, all of Bedford, Mrs. Ross Hamilton, Clearfield, Mrs. C. G. Rush, Lincoln, Nebraska, one brother, Lloyd of Wheaton, Illinois.

He was a member of the Church of Christ at Bedford, Ia.  Then he and wife, Verla united with the Church of Christ of Clearfield, at the time of their marriage.

His love for his home and family, friends and the quieter things of life, and he will be greatly missed by us all.  Services were held in Clearfield Christian church on Friday, January 17 [1947], at 2 p.m. conducted by Rev. Chas. R. Hagee, pastor of the Christian church of Lenox, Iowa.  Interment was in Conway cemetery.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa, Thursday, January 23, 1947

Freshour, Chas E. –

Chas. E. Freshour died at the Municipal hospital at Clarinda Sunday Feb. 2 at the age of 81 years and one month.  Services were held from the Brooks church Wednesday.  Until the death of his wife, Mr. and Mrs. Freshour lived in Lenox until some months ago and at that time he left to be with a son in Clarinda.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa, Thursday, February 27, 1947

Freshour, Charles E. –

Charles E. Freshour, son of Alfred and Anna Freshour was born Jan. 24, 1866 in Brooks, Iowa, and passed away February 23, 1947, in the Municipal hospital at Clarinda at the age of 81 years, 1 month. 

He was united in marriage to Emma Hayes Dec. 31, 1890, who preceded him in death Dec. 22, 1946.

He leaves to mourn, one daughter, Mrs. Roy Martin, Lenox, five sons, Ivan and Delmar also of Lenox, Boyd of Brooks, Nate of Minnesota and Warren of Carbon.

He was also preceded in death by two daughters, Mrs. Elva  Means and Mrs. Ada Winstone, and one son Melvin, who died in infancy.    He is also survived by one brother, Jesse of Montana, and one sister Minnie Arthur of Idaho, a number of grandchildren, and great grandchildren.  Many other relatives and a host of friends.


He was a loving and devoted father and will be missed by all who knew him.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday at Brooks church with Rev. Stuart Davis officiating.  Music was furnished by Mrs. Mildred Odell, pianist, Mrs. Estey Hefling and Mrs. Ruth Tucker.

Pallbearers were Arthur Odell, D. T. Odell, Glade Havens, Ernest Stillinger, Artie White and Ivan Heaton.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa, Thursday, March 6, 1947

Hargin, Roy D. –

Roy D., son of Mr. and Mrs. Jessie Hargin was born September 21, 1890 in Holt Township, Taylor , Iowa, and passed away February 11, 1947 at the home of his brother, Ed, south of Lenox, at the age of 56 years, four months and 21 days.  Mr. Hargin and his wife had just completed arrangements to move from Oregon to Lenox when he suffered a stroke while at the home of his brother, Ed, from which death resulted.  Mrs. Hargin, having been notified of his illness, was on a train bound for Lenox when his death occurred.

He was united in marriage with Mary B. Anderson on March 8, 1912.  To this union were born two children, Mrs. Nadine Scofield of Eugene, Oregon and Mrs. Darlene Danckel of Independence, Oregon.

In October 1931, he was united in marriage with Lillian Stephens who preceded him in death in Sept. 1941.  On February 23, 1946, he was united in marriage with Edith Smith of McMinaville, Oregon.

Surviving besides his wife and two daughters are one grandson Matthew Dunckel, one stepson, Carlton Smith, five brothers and one sister, Will of Anita, Iowa, Bruce and Frank of Clearfield, Ed of Conway, John of Lenox, and Mrs. Ed Cooper of Conway, 22 nieces and nephews, many other relatives and a host of friends.

He was united with the Methodist church at Conway, Iowa, at an early age.  The funeral service was held from the Barber Funeral Home at 2 o’clock, Friday, Feb. 14, and was in charge of Rev. C. W. Richardson.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa, Thursday, February 20, 1947

Hodges, Sampson Ely –

Friends and relatives were shocked and grieved over the sudden death of Sampson Hodges at Glad Valley, South Dakota on January 18th [1947].  He had seemingly been in the best of health riding down to the Glad Valley post office on horseback as was his usual custom.  He was visiting with friends when he suddenly collapsed without any warning.

Sampson Ely Hodges, son of Lewis and Laura Hodges, was born at Terra Haute, Illinois on March 28, 1881, and departed this life January 18th, 1947.

He moved with his parents to Lenox, Iowa in 1882, and there grew to manhood.  In 1895 he made his confession of faith in the Christian church in Lenox, Iowa. 

On June 22, 1904, he was married to Edna Woodward of Lenox.  They settled in South Dakota in 1904.  Mr. Hodges was one of the oldest homesteaders at Glad Valley.  To this union 13 children were born.  Dale of National City, California, Vera Hough of Keystone, S. Dak., Louis of Belle Fourche, S. Dak., Wanda and Evelyn of Buckley, Wash., Glen Donald, Ernest, Earl and Lee, all of Glad Valley.

His wife passed away in 1932.  Three children preceded him in death, Vaughn, giving his life for his country in North Africa, Raymond and Pearl, dying in infancy.  He also leaves two sisters, Mrs. Annis Haering, Lenox and Mrs. Mabel Bruington of Buckley, Wash.  A sister, Mrs. Elgin Cochran, preceded in in death.

Funeral services were held on January 23 at the Congregational church in Isabel,  Rev. Lemons in charge of the services.  Interment was made in the family burial ground on the homestead near Glad Valley.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa, Thursday, February 13, 1947

Jackson, George M. –

George M. Jackson, son of Sylvester and Beulah Jackson was born July 10, 1864 in Stark county, Illinois and passed away January 25, 1947 at the home of his daughter in Sharpsburg at the age of 82 years,  6 months and 15 days.

At the age of nine he came with his parents to Ringgold county, Iowa, locating on a farm near Ellston.

On December 21, 1884 he was united in marriage with Lizzie C. Johnston, who preceded him in death January 12, 1931.  To this union were  born five children – Mrs. Mary A. Faurot of Sharpsburg, Mrs. Bernice C. Brown of Chicago, Ill., Horace who died September 11, 1928, Paul of Ellston and Guy of Cedar Rapids.

Surviving besides his children are two brothers, Frank and Walter of Ellston, seven grandchildren, many other relatives and a host of friends. 

He united with the Methodist church at High Point at an early age, later transferring to Ellston, where he retained his membership.

Funeral services were held Monday afternoon, January 27 at two o’clock from the Methodist church in Ellston, conducted by Rev. A. R. Weed.  Burial was made in the Ellston cemetery.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa, Thursday, February 5, 1947

Knapp, Mrs. Leo –

Friends in Lenox received word this week of the sudden passing of Mrs. Leo Knapp, of San Francisco, California, which occurred February 1, 1947.  She passed away at the home of her sister in Phoenix, Arizona, where she was visiting at the time.

Mrs. Leo Knapp was assistant superintendent of the Lenox schools for several years.  She and her husband visited in Lenox last August and attended the 50th anniversary of the class of 1896, held at the Budd Moore home.  They had no children. 

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa, Thursday, February 20, 1947

Martin, Ida Florence Davis Taylor  –

Gravity Independent – Ida Florence Davis was born Jan. 22, 1867 near Holt, Taylor Co. Iowa, and departed this life on Feb. 9, 1947 at Shenandoah, Iowa at the age of 80 years and 16 days.

As a young woman she attended school in Lenox, Iowa; then devoted her education to music.  She taught instrumental music in and around Gravity and acted as church organist in the church for many years.  She has been a life-long member of the Gravity Methodist church.

When 21 years of age she was united in marriage to Frank Taylor, one of Gravity’s first merchants.  To this union was born a daughter, Audrey Bell, who preceded her in death in 1943.  Her marriage was short lived for in 1892 her husband, Frank, passed away after a lingering illness.

She again resumed her musical activities until 1900, on the 31st of August she married her childhood sweetheart, Chas. E. Martin, who survives her.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa, Thursday, February 20, 1947

Martin, Ida Florence Davis Taylor  –

Gravity Independent –Mrs. Charles E. Martin, was fatally burned in her home  here Saturday night about eleven o’clock when fire, probably from a small coal oil heating stove set fire to her clothing.  She died Sunday afternoon at one o’clock in a hospital in Shenandoah.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa, Thursday, February 20, 1947

Morley, Lewis E. –

Gravity Independent – Lewis E. Morley was born in Henry County, Ill., September 24, 1865 and passed away at the Methodist hospital in Des Moines on February 7, 1947, at the age of 81 years, 4 months and 13 days.

He was the sixth child of 13 children born to Sarah and Joseph Morley, six of whom are still living.

He has been an active member of the community, having been sheriff of Taylor county for two terms, a member of the township trustees for several years and a member of the town council of Gravity at the time of his death.

In 1935, he was married to Ida Scott, who survives him.  He was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather and leaves his wife, four children, twelve grandchildren and friends to mourn his loss.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa, Thursday, February 20, 1947

Nolan, Elizabeth Mitchell –

Mrs. Elizabeth Nolan, daughter of Hugh and Catherine Mitchell was born in Terra, Indiana, May 26, 1858.  She moved with her parents to Illinois for a few years, then moving to Taylor county, Iowa in 1883.  In 1887 she was married to James Nolan, moving then to Omaha, later buying a farm southwest of Lenox where they lived for a number of years.  In 1910 they moved to Lenox, where she spent the rest of her life.

In 1916, Mr. Nolan passed away leaving her alone for the remaining years.  Feb. 26, 1947 Mrs. Nolan passed away at her home about 4:30 quite suddenly, she was peacefully sitting in her rocking chair when her heart ceased to function.

Two brothers preceded her in death, Maurice and James.  She leaves to mourn her death a sister, Mary Madden of Lenox, a brother, Hugh Mitchell of Medford, Oregon, several nieces and nephews and a host of friends and neighbors.  She was a devout Christian and took part in all church activities as long as she was able.  At the time of her death she was 88 years, nine months old.

 Funeral services were held at St. Patrick’s church at 10:00 o’clock, conducted by the Rev. Father Walker.

Interment was in St. Patrick’s Lenox cemetery.

Pallbearers were John Haigler, Orval Boltinghouse, Tony Schmitt, Harry Cheese, Leo Ford and Fred House.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa, Thursday, March 13, 1947

Riley, William H. –

Last Friday morning the people of Mercer township and vicinity were surprised and shocked to learn of the death of one of the old and highly respect residents, William H. Riley, who passed away at the Community hospital in Creston, January 29, 1947 at the age of 84 years, 3 months and 11 days.

Mr.  Riley was the third son of Martin and Eva Riley and was one of a family of ten children, eight boys and two girls.

He was born near Wellsville, Ohio and six years later came with his parents to Adams county and located in Mercer Township, where he has lived his entire life.

He was married March 15, 1894 to Emma Margaret Schafroth.  Five children came to bless this union:  Clarence of Diagonal, Lillian Sterling of Corning, Howard of Lenox, Raymond and William Jr. of Corning.  The wife and mother passed away Dec. 3, 1930.

When a young man Mr. Riley united with the Methodist church of Mercer Center where he always been a loyal contributor and at the time of his passing was still serving on the board of trustees.

He was a regular attendant of one of the early Sunday schools organized in the township which met in a school house.

Besides his five children, he leaves to mourn his departure, 9 grandchildren:  Daryl and Colleen Riley, Ivan and Betty Sterling, Berniece Brown, Maxine, Boyd, Beverly, Harlan and Richard Riley , one great grandchild, Gary Sterling and two brothers, Charles and Louis of Corning and a host of relatives and friends.

Mr. Riley was one of Mercer township’s thrifty farmers, very ambitious, honest and successful.  He truly enjoyed tiling the soil.

All who knew him or those who only knew of him, will remember him as a devoted companion, a loving father, a true friend and a perfect neighbor.  His home and loved ones always came first and his devotion to them never failed.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa, Thursday, January 29, 1947

Seibert, Walter C. –

Clearfield Enterprise -  Walter C. Seibert, long time resident of this community, but more recently of Winterset, Iowa, died at about 9 a.m. Saturday in University Hospital where he had been brought from California.  The body was brought here that day by Crew’s ambulance.  Obituary will be given in due time.  He was a prominent farmer and held school and other offices.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa, Thursday, February 20, 1947

Seney, Noel B. –

Noel B. Seney, 56, former editor of the Tingley Vindicator, died at his home in Tingley on Sunday, Mar. 9, 1947 at six o’clock, following a long illness.  He was a graduate of the University of Nebraska, and had taught school for 19 years before. editing newspapers at Massena and Tingley.  Poor health forced Mr. Seney to retire last fall.  He was a veteran of World War I, a member of the American Legion and Masonic Lodge and the Iowa Press Association. 

He is survived by his wife and two sons, Marton S. of New Holland, Pa., and Noel B. Jr. who is attending college at Indianola.

Funeral services were held at the Methodist church in Tingley Tuesday, March 11, and interment was in Tingley cemetery.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa, Thursday, March 13, 1947

Severn, William –

William Severn, son of Francis and Mary Severn was born June 28, 1889, on a farm near Neeley, Nebraska and died at his home in Lenox, March 20, 1947, at the age of 57 years, 8 months and 26 days.  He came to the Lenox community with his parents when he was six months old and has lived here the remainder of his life. 

On April 10, 1913, he was married to Claudia Hatchett who survives him.  He is also survived by a sister, Mrs. Mayme Kilby of Concord, Calif., and a brother, Alpha Severn of Sharpsburg, Iowa, besides a number of other relatives and a host of friends.

Bill, as he was better known has been an engineer at the Lenox Municipal light plant since August 1, 1932.  He was a loving husband, a loyal friend and neighbor.  He will be missed by all who knew him.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa, Thursday March 27, 1947

Shaw, Christopher –

Rev. Christopher Shaw, 79, passed away at his home in Lenox at 12:30 Friday morning after a long illness.  Funeral services were held Sunday at 2:30 p.m., at the Church of Christ in Lenox with Rev. Charles Hagee, officiating.  Interment was in Fairview cemetery.

Surviving are his wife, Mary, one son, George, of Altadena, California and three grandsons.

He was born at South Port, England and came to this community about 35 years ago.  In England he did a great deal of Evangelical work.  During his life time he spent more than 55 years in the ministry.  He attended college in England.  His first pastorate in this country was at Stanhope, Iowa, and later he was pastor at Modale, Tingley, and Blue Grove country church near Lenox and at Albert Lea, Minn.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa, Thursday, February 27, 1947

Sturm, Charles E. –

Charles E. Sturm, son of Andrew and Sarah Sturm, was born  at Dunlap, Ill. April 6, 1866.  He with his family, came to Iowa in 1892 and located on a farm near Lenox, Iowa where he lived for 19 years.

On March 28, 1888 he was united in marriage to Clarica May Hegwood to whom he was a true and faithful husband for 24 years.  God blessed their union with three children, Martin V. Sturm, Flaconer, New York; Lennie M. Preston, Lenox, Iowa; and Mabel L. Potthast of Clarinda, Iowa.  He is also survived by six grandchildren, one great grandchild and a host of relatives and friends. 

His wife, four brothers and three sisters preceded him in death.  He became a member of the Church of Christ in Lenox, Ia., March 15, 1915, during the pastorate of Rev. F. C. McCallan.  Also he was a member of the I.O.O.F. Lodge.

After the death of his wife in 1912, he moved to Lenox, Iowa where he was a car salesman.  In 1922 he moved to Creston where he was in business.  In 1929 he came to Clarinda where he was employed at the Clarinda State Hospital.  For the last eight months he has resided with his daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. LeVerne in the Staubus Apartments.

On February 27th, 1947 at 7:00 o’clock in the evening his weary heart ceased its labors and his soul took its flight to God who gave it.

Funeral services were conducted from the Walker Funeral Home in Clarinda by Rev. Carter, pastor of the Christian church.  Interment was made in the family lot in Fairview cemetery at Lenox, Iowa, March 3, 1947 at 2 o’clock.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa, Thursday, March 6, 1947

Sullivan, John –

Funeral services were held Monday of last week for John Sullivan, 68 at Sacramento, California.  Burial was at Sacramento.  He was a resident of Lenox and Clearfield for many years and was a nephew of Mrs. Roy Nelson and Frank Connor of Lenox.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa, Thursday, March 6, 1947

Turner, Robert –

Robert Turner, 23, of Bedford was instantly killed at 1 a.m. Friday in the second fatal automobile accident in Taylor county in 1947.  He was pinned beneath his wrecked automobile and his head crushed when the car left highway 148 four miles north of Bedford and rolled over.  Turner’s wife, a passenger in the car, said the accident occurred when his hand slipped on the steering wheel and hit the light switch, turning the lights to “parking” position.  The car left the road before he could turn on sufficient lights to see the road.

Mrs. Turner, 22, suffered bruises.  Forrest Doyle Thompson, 32, of Bedford, was taken to a Clarinda hospital.  Cleo Thomas, 30, of Bedford, another passenger in the car, was bruised.

The accident was Taylor county’s second fatal crash this month after two years without a single motor vehicle death.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa, Thursday, January 29, 1947

Wallace, Sarah Ann Scott –

Mrs. Sarah Ann Wallace, 75, passed away at her home in Mt. Ayr on Wednesday at 3 o’clock p.m. from a heart attack.  She had been seriously ill for the past week.  Her husband preceded her in death in 1932.  He was the late Prof. S. T. Wallace who had served as Director of the Conservatory, Muskingham college, at New Concord, Ohio.  He was also widely known as a composer of church songs.

Mrs. Wallace was born in Athens, Ohio and came to Iowa when very young.  She and Mr. Wallace came from Ohio on the same day, a fact they did not discover until after their marriage.  Mrs. Wallace was a member of the Benton Methodist church for many years, transferring her membership to the Methodist church at Mt. Ayr after moving there.

Surviving are three daughters, Mrs. Lena Denhart, Diagonal, Mrs. Madge Dixon, Mount Ayr; Mrs. Esther Dixon, Lenox, one son, Chester Wallace of Benton, five grandchildren, five great grandchildren; one brother, P.G. Scott, Council Bluffs, two sisters, Mrs. Jennie Andrew and Mrs. Minnie Smith, both of Creston.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa, Thursday March 27, 1947

Wheeler, Fred –

Fred Wilson died at his home at Conway Sunday and funeral services were held Tuesday there with burial in the Lenox cemetery.  He was 71 years of age.

Surviving are a wife and two sons [Cleo and Leo], both living in California who were here for the funeral services.

Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler were old residents of this community, their folks living here before them.  Fred was a barber by trade and worked many years at Clearfield and Clarinda.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa, Thursday, February 27, 1947

Wintermute, Ella –

Mrs. Ella Wintermute died at her home near Conway Monday at the age of 87 years.  Funeral services will be held at the Shum funeral home in Bedford.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa, Thursday, March 13, 1947

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