Obituaries |
submitted by: Julia Johnson - julia.johnson63@gmail.com |
[Freeman, Edward “Ed”] Bedford Free Press Thursday August 23, 1906 p. 2 --Edward Freeman passed from time to eternity, Sunday, August 11th, 1906, at the home of his parents, John Jasper Freeman and Mary Freeman, in Blockton, aged 25 years, 11 months and 15 days. The deceased was born in Gay Township, this county, August 26th, 1880, and lived continuously in this vicinity, except a year or more spent in the west since 1902. July 7th, 1901, he was married to Miss Maude Link, of this vicinity, who died in April 1902. To them was born a child that died the following December. ---Blockton News Blockton News Thursday January 3, 1924 [p. 1] Obituary John J. [asper] Freeman was born in Macon County, Illinois, April 7, 1844, and departed this life Dec. 27, 1923, being 79 years, 8 months and 20 days of age. Mr. Freeman came to Iowa in 1863, being a resident of this state for 60 years. He entered the army when 19 years of age, enlisting on the 21st day of July 1863, in Company C, 14th Regiment, Kansas Cavalry volunteers and served almost two years, being discharged on the 25th day of June 1865, at Fort Gibson. On August 24, 1868, he was married to Miss Mary Severns of Taylor County, Iowa. To this union were born 7 children, five of whom are living---Mrs. Anna Roach, of Grant City, Mo.; Mrs. Emma Mead, of Canton, Mo.; Mrs. Icy DeVault, of Visalia, California; Mrs. Mollie Tubaugh, of Ottumwa, Iowa; Walter Freeman, of Worth County, Mo. Mrs. Cora Supinger passed away July 14, 1902, and Edward Freeman on August 11, 1906. All the children were present except Mrs. Mollie Tubaugh. Mr. Freeman retired from the farm southwest of town some 19 years ago and has resided in Blockton during this almost a score of years. Funeral services were held at the Christian church Sunday afternoon at 2:30, conducted by the pastor, F. O. Reisinger, and interment was made in Rose Hill cemetery. [Freeman, John Jasper] Blockton News Thursday January 10, 1924 p. 4 S. R. Severns and wife, of Nebraska, were here last week attending the funeral of Mr. Severns’ brother-in-law, J. [ohn] J. [asper] Freeman. Blockton News Thursday October 29, 1931 [p. 1] Mrs. Mary Freeman Dead Mrs. J. [ohn] J. [asper] Freeman passed away at the home of her son, Walter Freeman, south of town, Monday evening about 6 o’clock. She was about 83 years of age. Funeral services will be held at the Blockton Methodist church this (Thursday) afternoon at 2 o’clock. The services will be conducted by the pastor, Rev. W. H. Warrior. Interment will be made in Rose Hill cemetery, Blockton. [Freeman, Mary Severns] Blockton News Thursday November 12, 1931 [p. 1] Obituary Mary [Severns] Freeman, daughter of Absolym [Absalom] Severns, was born May 17, 1846, in Fulton County, Illinois, and died at the home of her son, Walter, Nov. 2, 1931, at the age of 85 years, 5 months and 15 days. She came to Taylor County, Iowa, when a child and was married to John J.[asper] Freeman in 1868. Seven children were born to this union. Two preceded her in death, namely: Edward Freeman and Cora Supinger. Those living are Walter Freeman, of Blockton; Mrs. Anna Roach, of Grant City, Mo.; Mrs. Jas. Maples, of Canton, Mo.; Mrs. John Tubaugh, of Ottumwa, Iowa, and Mrs. Icia DeVault, of Visalia, California. She was preceded in death by her husband, two children, father and mother and five brothers and sisters. Besides her five children she leaves 15 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. Also two sisters and one brother, Mrs. Louisa DeVault of Blockton, Mrs. Lyle Abarr of York, Nebraska, and Sherman Severns of Gruber, California. Funeral services were held at the Blockton Methodist church Thursday afternoon at 2 o’clock, conducted by the pastor, Rev. W. H. Warrior. Interment in Rose Hill cemetery. [FREEMAN, MARY SEVERNS] [FREEMAN,
MARY SEVERNS] Bedford Times-Press Thursday August 10, 1967 p. 6 Walter Freeman Rites July 26 Funeral services for Walter Freeman, 82, a native of Blockton, were held July 26 at Andrews Funeral Home in Grant City, Mo. Mr. Freeman died July 24 at St. Francis Hospital in Maryville. Interment was at rose Hill Cemetery, Blockton. Walter Freeman, son of [John] Jasper and Mary [Severns] Freeman was born Oct. 25, 1884 at Blockton, Ia. He was united in marriage to Etha Harvey on December 22, 1904. To this union a son, Harland, was born. He farmed in Taylor County until 1915, moving to Worth County, Mo., where he presently lived. He is survived by a son, Harland Freeman, and wife; grandchildren, Barbara McAlister, and family of Red Oak, Ia.; Billie Freeman and family, Buddy Freeman; four great grandchildren; and one sister, Icie Hensley of Visalia, Calif. One brother Ed; and four sisters, Emma, Molly, Anna and Cora and his parents preceded him in death. Walter has always been interested in the betterment of his community and took great pride in his home and family, living by the motto “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” He will be greatly missed by family and friends. The following out of town people attended the rites of Walter Freeman: Mr. and Mrs. Colburn Payne, New Market; Lairene Michall, Lawrence, Kans.; L. M. Hubbard, De Soto, Kans; Mr. and Mrs. O. W. Hubbard, Boonville, Ia; Mr. and Mrs. Les Reaseker, Maryville; Mr. and Mrs. Donald Stephens, Conway; Mr. and Mrs. Donald Bennett, Mr. and Mrs. Alva Jones, Diagonal; Mr. and Mrs. Gary Jeanes, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Jeanes, Lamoni; Mr. and Mrs. L. H. Gray, Mt. Ayr; Mr. and Mrs. Glen L. Benskin, Red Oak; Mr. and Mrs. Paul Basford, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Maul, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Watkins, Maryville; Mr. E. E. Yetter, Worth, Mo., Mr. and Mrs. Duane wall, Albany, MO.; Mrs. Delbert Rupp, Mrs. Dora DeVault, Clarinda; Mrs. Dean Norton, Bedford; Mrs. Fern Sherwood, Hay Fork, Calif. [Freeman, Walter] Clearfield Chronicle Thursday August 10, 1967 p. 10 Walter Freeman Walter Freeman, son of Joseph and Mary Freeman was born October 25, 1884 at Blockton, Iowa and departed this life on July 24, 1967 at the St. Francis Hospital in Maryville, Mo. at the age of 82 years. He was united in marriage to Etha Harvey on Dec. 22, 1904. To this union one son, Harland, was born. He farmed in Taylor County until 1915 moving to Worth County where he presently lived. He leaves to mourn his passing his son, Harland Freeman and daughter-in-law; grandchildren, Barbara McAlister and family of Red Oak, Iowa; Billie Freeman and family; Buddy Freeman and four great grandchildren. He was preceeded in death by his parents; one brother, Ed; four sisters Emma, Molly, Anna, and Cora. Walter has always been interested in the betterment of his community and took great pride in his home and family, living by the motto “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” He will be greatly missed by family and friends. Among those from out of town attending last rites of Walter Freeman were: Mr. and Mrs. Collburn Payne of New Market, Iowa; Lawrence Michell of Lawrence, Kansas; L. M. Hubbard of Bonneville, Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. Les Reaseker of Maryville, Mo., Mr. and Mrs. Don Stephens of Conway, Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. Donald Bennett of Clearfield; Mr. and Mrs. Alva Jones of Diagonal. Also Mr. and Mrs. Gary Jeanes and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Jeans, all of Lamoni, Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. L. H. Gray of Mt. Ayr. Mr. and Mrs. Glen L. Benskin of Red Oak, Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. Paul Basford, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Maul, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Watkins of Maryville, Missouri; Mr. and Mrs. E. E. Yetter of Worth, Mo. Also Mr. and Mrs. Duane Wall of Albany, Mo., Mrs. Dora De Vault of Clarinda, Iowa; Mrs. Dean Norton of Bedford, Iowa, and Mrs. Fern Sherwood of Hay Fork, California. Bedford Free Press Thursday January 14, 1904 [p. 1] Blockton People In Wreck On Tuesday of last week a wreck occurred on the Rock Island railroad in Kansas, in which a number of people were killed and a great many injured. Among the killed was Gale [Gail], the seven-year-old daughter of K. [ramer] L. [avelle] Fuller, Blockton. Mrs. Fuller and her sister-in-law, Mollie Fuller, were badly hurt. The body of little Gale [Gail] was badly mutilated, and was shipped to Blockton for burial. Her mother and aunt were so badly hurt they were unable to return, and are in a hospital at Topeka. Blockton News Thursday June 8, 1916 p. 10 Obituary Andrew Fulwider, eldest son of Henry and Harriet Fulwider, was born in Indiana July 13, 1836, and departed this life June 6, 1916, aged 79 years, 10 months and 23 days. While still a child he emigrated with his parents to Ohio. After two years they again moved to the state of Missouri where they remained for one year. From there they moved to Tipton, Cedar county, Iowa, where the parents are buried. On May 29, 1860, he married Miss Minda Ragen of Tipton, who preceded him to the home beyond October 9, 1915. To this union two daughters were born, Mrs. Addie Burrel [l] and Mrs. Callie Severns, both of Hamilton, Montana, and one son, Marion, of Blockton, who alone of the children was present at his father’s death. In the spring of 1864 the young couple removed to Jamesport, Davis County, Missouri, where they resided for 18 months. From there they moved to Ringgold County, near Blockton, to the homestead where he has since continuously resided except for 11 months spent in Cedar County at the paternal home. On October 1, 1893, he made confession of Christ as his Savior at the spot where Tent Chapel now stands and the next day was buried with his Lord in baptism. On September 19, 1898, he placed his membership with the Blockton Christian church in which fellowship he continued to the end, though for several years prevented from taking part in its worship by his invalid wife and his own failing health. Through the trying years devoted to the care of his invalid wife he was ever patient, gentle and cheerful. Besides the son and two daughters he leaves to mourn his departure two brothers, Neut [Newt] of Denver, Colorado, and Henry M. of California, and one sister, Mrs. Emily Spear of Tip [t] on, who with her husband was present at the services. Also sixteen grandchildren and one great grandchild, Paul Gene King of Blockton. Together with these a large number of friends and neighbors feel his departure as the loss of one who was always kind, conscientious and true. “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from henceforth, for they rest from their labors and their work do follow them” The funeral services were held from the home at 2 o’clock this afternoon, conducted by Chas. D. Priest, assisted by R. C. Yadon, and interment took place in Rose Hill cemetery. [Fulwider, Matilda Wilminda Ragen] Blockton News Thursday October 14, 1915 p. 10 Obituary Matilda Wilminda Ragen-Fulwider, third daughter of Alexander and Sarah Ragen, was born near New Bedford, Pennsylvania, September 20th, 1840, and departed this life at 5:30 Saturday morning, October 9th, aged 75 years and 19 days. In December 1840, her parents moved to Cedar county, Iowa, locating near Tipton. She was left motherless in her seventh year. May 20, 1860, in Cedar County, she was united in marriage to Andrew Fulwider. In the autumn of 1865 the young couple removed to Jamesport, Missouri, where they resided eighteen months. In the spring of 1867 they moved to Ringgold county, Iowa, and located in Clinton township on the farm which has since been the family home, and from which she departed to the other home beyond. To this union three children were born---Mrs. Addie Burrell, of Hamilton, Montana; Marion Fulwider, of Blockton, and Mrs. Callie May Severns, of Hamilton, Montana, all of whom were present, and who with the husband and sixteen grandchildren and one great grandchild are left to mourn her departure. At the age of fifteen she united with the Methodist Episcopal church at Tipton. In 1894 she united with the Christian church at Tent Chapel, and later moved her membership to the Christian church at Blockton. She was faithful in attendance and fellowship until prevented by failing health. She ever lived strong in the faith, and through much suffering came to know her Lord and loved His word as few in this life. Even before her eyes closed on this world she was apparently communing with the departed father, mother and brother. Following are some of her favorite scriptures: Luke 4:18; Luke 18:14; Acts 2:38; 2 Cor. 12:9; Rev. 22:14. The funeral services were held at the home Sunday afternoon at 3 o’clock, conducted by her pastor, Rev. Chas. D. Priest, and were largely attended. Interment took place in Rose Hill cemetery. “Tis true, too true to all she loved; Assents ‘tis well,
the Lord knows Our earthly hopes may bud and bloom She sleeps? Her mortal body only sleeps, Oh husband—son—children dear, Sometime, somewhere we’ll meet again [Fulwider, Matilda Wilminda Ragen] Blockton News Thursday October 14, 1915 p. 6 Ike Hill returned to his home at Jamesport, Missouri, Tuesday evening, having been called here by the death of his aunt, Mrs. Andrew Fulwider. [FULWIDER, MATILDA WILMINDA RAGEN] Bedford Times-Republican (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, October 14, 1915
Bedford Free Press Thursday March 26, 1903 [p. 1] James I. Gray Suicides Sunday, March 15, James I. [ra] Gray shot and killed himself at the Fraker house several miles southeast of Denver, Mo. Domestic trouble is said to be the cause of the awful deed. At the November term of the Ringgold County court Gray had applied for a divorce from his wife. He leaves a family of grown children, two of whom are conducting a barber shop in Bedford. The deceased was a brother of Anderson Gray, who many years ago figured in a noted murder case in Kansas. Anderson Gray lived in Ringgold County before moving to Kansas, and may people will recall the history of the tragedy with which he was connected. A murder had been committed and the man who was arrested for the crime claimed he had been hypnotized by Anderson who induced him to commit the murder while under the hypnotic spell. Anderson was arrested and after a trial lasting several days was convicted of murder in the first degree and was sentenced to the penitentiary for a term of years. Not so many years ago he was released from the penitentiary and is now living in Kansas. The case attracted wide attention throughout the country and at that time was the only case on record where hypnotism had played a part in a murder trial. Blockton News Thursday October 5, 1916 [p. 1] Wallace Newton Harmison, son of Jeremiah Harmison, was born in Schuyler County, Illinois, January 14th, 1865, and died at his home in Blockton October 2d, 1916, aged 51 years, 8 months and 18 days. When a small child his parents moved to Bates County, Missouri. He was left an orphan early in life, his mother dying when he was five and his father when he was eleven years of age. In 1876 he came to Iowa and settled in the vicinity of Redding, and later near Blockton. He resided in Dakota about two years a few years since. He was married Nancy E. [lla] Gray August 29th, 1889. To this union were born two children---Claude S., of Des Moines, and Gladys M., who lives at home. He became a member of the Church of Christ at Tent Chapel in October, 1893, later taking membership with the Christian church at Blockton. Besides the wife and children he leaves to mourn his death, two brothers, George and Jesse, of Pike County, Illinois, and two sisters, Mrs. Lizzie Grott, of Medford, Oklahoma, who was present at the funeral, and Mrs. Addie Benst of Birmingham, Alabama. The most of his life he had been greatly afflicted, his last illness lasting several months. He died in the faith, believing in better things in store for those who lived pure lives while here. The funeral services were held at the Christian church yesterday morning at 10:30, conducted by Rev. Chas. D. Priest, and interment was made in Rose Hill cemetery. [HARMISON, WALLACE NEWTON] [HARMISON, WALLACE NEWTON]
Blockton News Thursday July 29, 1915 p. 4 The infantile spirit of the little daughter, born to Geo. C. [entennial] Hickenlooper and wife yesterday morning, returned to the arms of its Maker at birth. Short services will be held at the home this afternoon at 2 o’clock. The sympathy of the community goes out to the bereaved parents. [Hickenlooper, Joanna] Bedford Times-Republican Thursday August 5, 1915 p. 8 BLOCKTON The infant daughter [Joanna] of Mr. and Mrs. George Hickenlooper died Thursday. Short funeral services were held at the home Friday, a small company of near relatives and friends being present. Interment was made in Rose Hill Cemetery. [Hogg, Clarence Ballou, Infant Daughter of] Blockton News Thursday September 18, 1913 [p. 1] The remains of a young child was laid to rest in Rose Hill cemetery Monday. The parents, Clarence Hogg and wife, have the sympathy of friends in the loss of their little one. This is the second child within two years to come into their home only to be taken away quickly by death. Bedford Times-Republican Monday March 31, 1924 p. 3 Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Hogg left for Blockton today noon, to attend the funeral of Mr. Hogg’s mother. [Hogg, Elnora Cyrene Ballou] Bedford Times-Republican Monday March 31, 1924 p. 4 Death of Mrs. Hogg We were sorry to hear of the death of Mrs. Hogg, (mother of Mrs. Elton Bruner), at the Clarinda Hospital, Saturday morning. The funeral will be held at Blockton, Tuesday at 11:00 a. m. [Hogg, Elnora Cyrene Ballou] Bedford Free Press Thursday April 3, 1924 [p. 1] Mrs. Elnora Hogg Dead Mrs. Elnora Hogg, 62 years old, died last Saturday at the hospital in Clarinda where she had been for about three weeks for treatment for nervous disorders. The funeral was held Tuesday at the Methodist Church in Blockton, Rev. Brownlee in charge, and interment was in the Blockton cemetery. [Hogg, Elnora Cyrene Ballou] Blockton News Thursday April 3, 1924 [p. 1] Obituary Elnora Cyrene Ballou, daughter of George and Phoebe [Anna Perkins] Ballou, was born at Bedford, Iowa, August 22, 1861 and died at Clarinda, Iowa, March 29, 1924, aged 62 years [?] months and 7 days. On April 1, 1883, she was married to W. [illiam] D. [unn] Hogg. To this union four children were born; George, who died in infancy; J. [ames] R. [ichard] and C.[larence] B. [allou] Hogg, of Bedford, and Myrtle Ruth Bruner, of Conway. In 1886 Mrs. Hogg joined the United Presbyterian Church at Page Center, Page County. Ten years later her membership was transferred to the Methodist Episcopal church at Gay Center, Taylor County, and later to the Blockton Methodist Episcopal church, where she always took an active part in church work, serving for a number of years as president of W. F. M. and teaching a class in the Sunday school. She was a great lover of God’s word, and seldom [?] too bad to keep her [?] Sunday school class. She will be missed by her church. [She] resided on the farm near Blockton most of her life, her parents moving there when she was [?] years of age. [Those left] to mourn her departure are three children, four grandchildren and numerous friends and relatives. Funeral services were held at the Blockton Methodist church Tuesday morning at 11 o’clock, conducted by the pastor, J. A. Brownlee and interment was made in Rose Hill cemetery. Bedford Free Press Thursday March 14, 1912 p. 10 Blockton News The little son [Kenneth] of Clarence Hogg and wife [Beulah Mae Drennen] was buried at Rose Hill cemetery here Friday at 2 p. m. Rev. Hulbert made a prayer at the grave. Blockton News Thursday January 6, 1921 [p. 1] Obituary William Dunn Hogg was the second son of William R. [ichey] and Nancy A.[nn McMurray] Hogg of Butler County, Pennsylvania. He was born August 27, 1856. He came with his parents to Jackson County, Iowa, in the month of April, 1861, there he resided until the fall of 1880, when he came to Page County to farm for himself. In April, 1883, he was married to Elnora C. [yrene] Ballou and to that union was born four children: George R., who died at the age of eleven months; James Richard, Clarence B. [allou] and M. [yrtle] Ruth. He leaves to mourn his departure, his wife, two sons, Richard and Clarence; his daughter, Ruth; one brother, Robert of Worthington, Pennsylvania, who was unable to attend the funeral; one sister, Mrs. Campbell Dugan of Clarinda; his aged father-in-law, Mr. Ballou; three grandchildren, and a host of friends. Mr. and Mrs. Hogg united with the United Presbyterian Church at Page Center, Iowa, in 1886. Ten years later they moved to the vicinity of Blockton and placed their membership in the Methodist church [words unreadable] was guided by true Christian parents, and his sincere Christian life can be characterized by acts of kindness toward everyone. In his home he was a patient, kind and loving father, always trying to make the burdens of the home lighter and more pleasant. To his community and acquaintances he was a helpful friend at all times. His death occurred on the morning of December 26, 1920 at 8:35. He was putting away a shotgun, and it is believed that he had a stroke and fell on the gun, which discharged it, causing his instant death. On Christmas day all of the children and grandchildren spent the day with Mr. and Mrs. Hogg and Mr. Hogg expressed his appreciation by telling them it had been the happiest day of his life. Mr. Hogg will be greatly missed by the entire community. Funeral services were held in the Blockton Methodist church Tuesday morning at 11 o’clock, Rev. Aiken, former pastor of the Clearfield United Presbyterian church and now located at Monroe, preaching the sermon. Rev. Conrey assisted in the services. Interment was made in Rose Hill cemetery. [HOGG, WILLIAM DUNN] Bedford Times-Press Thursday September 29, 1955 p. 3 BLOCKTON NEWS Blockton----Harvey Henry Jones, son of George and Mary Ellen, was born Jan. 10,1887 at Neodesha, Kans., and died Sept. 20, 1955 at the age of 68 years. At the age of six, he was brought to Missouri and spent his childhood in Worth County where he was a member of the Christian church at Isadora. In 1911 he was married to Luella Star [r] who died in 1925. To this union was born three children, Mrs. Viola Pratt of Birmingham, Mich., Henry of Athelstan and Paul of Seaside, Calif. He had resided in Blockton since 1912 with the exception of a few years spent in Worth County. In 1947 he was married to Minnie Phillips. He was preceded in death by his parents, three infant brothers, one sister, his twin brother and a grandson, Norman Dean Pratt. Surviving are his wife, three children and 13 grandchildren. Those from out-of-town attending the funeral of Harvey Jones were Mr. and Mrs. Ben Seaton, Hugh Seaton and son of Delphos; Mr. and Mrs. George Jones of St. Joseph; Mr. and Mrs. Herb Bond, Mr. and Mrs. Oakley Ewart of Sheridan; Mr. and Mrs. Carter Hass of Grant City; Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hogue of Tingley; Mrs. Bertha Hibbs of Sheridan; Mr. and Mrs. Roy Hunnel of Fedora, S. D.; Willard Seaton of Clarinda. [Jordan, Franklin Arthur “Frank”] Bedford Free Press Thursday October 6, 1904 p. 7 ---Word reaches Bedford of the death of young Frank [lin Arthur] Jordan at his home in Blockton from consumption. Thus two young men of that town are cut down in the bloom of youth by that awful disease. [Jordan, Franklin Arthur “Frank”] Bedford Times-Republican Thursday October 6, 1904 p. 5 Frank Jordan, son of Mr. and Mrs. W. [illiam] I. [ngles] Jordan, died this morning at Blockton of pulmonary tuberculosis, after an illness extending over several months. Frank was a young who only a few years ago attained his majority. He was never rugged and strong, and his untimely end, though not unexpected, was a sad blow to his sorrowing parents. Bedford Free Press Tuesday December 28, 1915 p. 3 Blockton On Tuesday forenoon of last week occurred the funeral of Uncle Robert Judy, who lived to the advanced age of past eighty-eight years. He was one of the pioneers of this town and vicinity, having been born in the state of Pennsylvania. In young manhood, he came west and was one of that vast number whose labors and interests have contributed to make these middle-western states the civilized and prosperous communities they have come to be. He leaves a goodly heritage of children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, among them being Mrs. O. J. Loutzenhiser and Myers Judy of this place. [JUDY, ROBERT] [JUDY, ROBERT] [JUDY, ROBERT]
Bedford Times-Republican Tuesday January 22, 1924 [p. 1] BLOCKTON MAN KILLS SELF A. Kibby, 77 Years Old, an Old Settler, Shot Self Through the Mouth With a .22 Rifle on Friday Night A. [rsasus] Kibby of Blockton, one of the old settlers around Gay Center Schoolhouse east of Bedford shot and killed himself last Friday evening, in the C. E. Poor office at Blockton, where he was sleeping. A .22 rifle had been placed in his mouth and he pulled the trigger, sending the bullet through his head. Mr. Kibby was seventy-seven years, and during the past summer had made his home with Homer Avey, but during the winter months was sleeping in an office in Blockton. Saturday morning Tom Walker happened to pass the office and saw this man sitting in a chair beside his bed, dead from the wound. It is not known what time of the night Mr. Kibby committed the deed. He was one of the old respected citizens of the community, was a charter member of the K. P. Lodge, having belonged for 31 years. He owned no property and left no relatives, his wife being dead. He had been in poor health for some time, and left two letters stating that he was tired of living. Funeral services were conducted Sunday and burial was made at Blockton. [Kibby, Arsasus] Blockton News Thursday January 24, 1924 p. 8 A. Kibbey Dead Last Saturday morning about 8:30 the lifeless body of A. [rsasus] Kibbey was found in the office rooms of C. E. Poor, where he had been staying since coming to town, taking his meals at the Mrs. Mary Nolan restaurant. The county attorney was at once notified and officers here were advised that if it was a clear case of self destruction no inquest was necessary. The body was first discovered when Mrs. Nolan sent a party to ascertain why he had not come for his breakfast. Seeing him sitting in a chair in the front office room in his customary posture of the past few weeks but being unable to arouse him other parties were called and it was discovered that a rifle was resting between his knees, and other evidence that he was dead. A physician was called and upon entering the building two letters were found, which confirmed the fact that death was intentional. The rifle belonged to Mr. Poor and a box of shells had been purchased by the deceased a few days previous. His death is supposed to have occurred about 11 or 11:30 Friday night. Having no relatives here the Homer Avey family, with whom he had made his home the past few years and to whom a letter was addressed, was notified. The body was taken to the H. O. Mumma undertaking parlors where it was prepared for burial. From remarks made by the deceased from time to time during the past few weeks and the way he arranged his affairs, it is now known that he had contemplated this rash act for some time. Being alone in the world and with no near relatives, he had probably brooded over his loneliness until he lost control of his reasoning powers. In his loneliness he possibly imagined a whole lot that was not true, as many people, even younger in years sometimes do. It was a great shock to those who had known him for over a half century. Arsasus Kibbey was born in Ohio Jan. 5,1847, and passed away in Blockton on Jan. 18, 1924, aged 77 years and 13 days. Mr. Kibbey came to Knox County, Illinois, from Ohio, and in 1871 came to Taylor County, this state, where on November 22, 1871, he was united in marriage to Miss Rhoda J. [ane] Hill, who had come to Gay Township, this county, with her aunt, Mrs. Robert Harvey, and husband in 1870. Mr. Kibbey and wife resided in Gay Township on farms now occupied by Glade Keith, J. H. Wintermute and Mrs. A. Brown until in 1893 when they moved to Blockton where they continued to reside until the death of Mrs. Kibbey on Jan. 1, 1913. The Kibbey home was a childless home. An adopted daughter, Lulu Kibbey, was raised from a baby to young womanhood in the home. For a number of years or until the death of Mrs. Kibbey, a grand niece, Abbie Kibbey, now deceased, made her home with them and was educated. Mrs. Kibbey was stricken with paralysis some six years before her death and became practically helpless and without hope of regaining her health. She was most tenderly cared for by her husband and grand niece, who most devotedly exerted themselves in making her as comfortable as possible during the many long months of helplessness and suffering. After the death of his wife Mr. Kibbey made his home with a nephew, Oren Kibbey, in St. Joseph for a time and in other homes. He made his home most of the time during the past five years with Mr. and Mrs. Homer Avey near Gay Center. A short time ago he decided to make his home in Blockton during the winter months. He untied with the Methodist church a number of years ago and during his residence in Blockton, previous to his wife’s long illness, was a faithful, persistent attendant at all church services. In 1893 he became a member of Blockton Lodge No. 363, Knights of Pythias, of which organization he was a member at the time of his death. Funeral services were held at the Methodist church Sunday afternoon at 2 o’clock, conducted by J. A. Brownlee, pastor. Interment was made in Rose Hill cemetery, the Knights of Pythias order having charge of the services at the grave. |