[Bent, Elizabeth Martha Lowe Miller]

Bedford Free Press

Tuesday    January 16, 1917    [p. 1]

Mrs. Elizabeth Bent Died In North Bedford Thursday Afternoon---Was Pioneer of Taylor County---Funeral Held Saturday Morning

Elizabeth Bent

Mrs. Elizabeth Bent died at her home in northwest Bedford Thursday afternoon.  The funeral services were held at the First Presbyterian Church Saturday at 10:30 o’clock conducted by Rev. John A. Currie.  Interment was made in the Bedford cemetery.

Elizabeth M. [artha] Lowe, daughter of John and Martha [Patsy] Graham Lowe, was born in Kentucky, December 12, 1827.  She had three brothers and five sisters.  Her father was a soldier in the war of 1812 and came to this section in November 1843 to locate a home for his family.  The family left Kentucky May 5, 1844 and reaching their destination June 10, making the trip by boat to Weston, Mo., and then coming overland the rest of the way, as there were no railroads here then.  The farm was near the present site of Siam and at that time was in Andrew County, Missouri.  Later on new surveys were made and the lines were changed.  While living on this farm they had the peculiar privilege of being located in two different states and three different counties, because of changes in state and county lines.  The deceased was married to [John] Henry Miller in 1845.  Her daughter, Martha, now Mrs. Robert [Atkinson] Taylor, was the first white girl born in Taylor County.  For a short time after her marriage, they remained in the neighborhood of Siam and later moved to a farm a few miles west of Bedford.  Her husband went to California with a number of immigrants shortly after the famous gold discoveries there and died upon the homeward trip.  The family then moved to Bedford and in 1852, the deceased was married to Dr. Luther Bent, who died August 1, 1878.  In 1862, the family moved to the place in north Bedford, which has since been the family home.  Three children preceded her.   She is survived by seven children.  They are Mrs. Robert [Atkinson] Taylor [Martha Ann], Mrs. C. [harlotte] M. Cloud and Curtis Bent of Bedford; Mrs. Mary [Elizabeth] Ledgerwood of Blockton; Junius N. [athan] Bent of Red Cloud, Neb., Charles A. [bner] Bent of Des Moines; and Lincoln Bent of Maryville, Mo.   Mrs. Bent united with the Bedford Presbyterian Church about 30 years ago and had lived a faithful and conscientious life.

[BENT, ELIZABETH MARTHA LOWE MILLER]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Tuesday January 16, 1917
Mr. and Mrs.  J. H. Ledgerwood of Des Moines and Mr. and Mrs. P. P. Ledgerwood of Blockton attended the funeral of Mrs. Bent here Saturday, the two men being her grandsons.

[BENT, ELIZABETH MARTHA LOWE MILLER]
Bedford Times-Republican (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, January 18, 1917
Mrs. Luther Bent, whose demise was mentioned in last week's issue, was one of the old residents of Taylor county, the family having come to this community in 1844.
The early life of the deceased was full of stirring events such as only the real pioneer and frontier residents experienced. Indeed her history almost reads like a generous hand of providence was responsible for lengthening her days so that she might live to seek the once wild and unbroken prairie converted in a paradise of civilization.
Not alone could the deceased lay claim to being one of the first settlers in Taylor county, but she was also the mother of the first white girl born in the community, Mrs. Robert Taylor being able to lay claim to this distinction.
When the parents of the deceased first came to Iowa they settled on a farm near Siam and owing to the peculiar boundary lines of the times, their home was located in two different states and three different counties before the government definitely settled all dispute and controversy by establishing the line which placed Siam in Taylor county, Iowa.
Elizabeth M. Lowe was the daughter of John and Martha Graham Lowe and was born in Kentucky, December 12, 1827. She was one of 9 children, having 3 brothers and 5 sisters. Her father was a veteran of the war of 1812. In November 1843, he decided to turn his face to the west and there find a home where he might spend the remainder of his days and which he felt would offer golden opportunities for the future. After traveling extensively he came to Taylor county and settled on a farm near the present site of Siam, but which was then located in Andrew county, Mo. At this time he was far in advance of the first railroads and when he sent for his family to follow, their quickest means of travel was by water and they came as far as Weston, Mo., by boat, the remainder of the journey being made overland.
In 1845 Elizabeth Lowe was united in marriage with Henry Miller and to this union a daughter, Martha, now Mrs. Robert Taylor, was born, being the first white girl baby born in the county. For a short time after this marriage the couple remained near Sim, but later moved to a farm a few miles west of Bedford. Shortly afte this, gold was discovered in California and her husband, like many more of our hardy frontiersmen, heard the call and joined an expedition to the land of golden promise. His hopes were never to be realized, however, and he died on the homeward journey.
The bereaved family moved to Bedford and in 1852 Mrs. Miller was married to Dr. Luther Bent. In 1862 the family moved to the place in north Bedford which has since been her home and where Mrs. Bent departed this life on January 11, 1917. Dr. Bent died on August 1, 1878.
Three children preceded Mrs. Bent in death and those remaining to mourn her demise are Mrs. Martha Taylor, Mrs. Charlotte M. Cloud and Mr. Curtis Bent of Bedford; Mrs. Mary Ledgerwood of Blockton; Julius N. Bent of Red Cloud, Neb.; Chas. A. Bent of Des Moines and Lincoln Bent of Maryville, Mo.
The deceased united with the Presbyterian church of Bedford over thirty years ago and has lived a faithful, conscientious and upright life, her chief ambition having been to rear her family in the paths of righteousness and live to see them comfortably settled and successful.
Her long residence in the county had given her a wide and varied acquaintance and she was beloved and admired by a host of friends. Although she had outlived an allotted time of three score and ten and her demise was to be expected, her absence is sorely felt by the bereaved children and grandchildren who have the condolences of the community.
The funeral was held at the Presbyterian church on Saturday morning, January 13, 1917, at 10:30, the services being conducted by Rev. John A. Currie and interment was made in the Bedford cemetery.

[BENT, ELIZABETH MARTHA LOWE MILLER]
Bedford Times-Republican (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, January 18, 1917
Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln Bent came Friday from Maryville, called here by the death of his mother, Mrs. N. E. Bent.
C. A. Bent returned to his home in Des Moines Monday after attending the funeral of his mother, Mrs. N. E. Bent.

[Cloud, Alvin]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday    February 18, 1909    [p. 1]

Alvan Cloud Dead

On Friday afternoon as Mr. Alvan [Alvin] Cloud was walking from town to his home in the northwest part of Bedford, he fell over dead from heart failure when near the A. E. Lake home.  He was carried into the Lake home and medical attention was at once summoned but it was found to be of no avail, as he was probably dead when he fell.  He has been subject to strokes of this nature for some time, having had a slight stroke one day before, and was prepared for the worst.  Death came about 4 p. m.

Mr. Cloud was born September 14, 1828, in Clinton County, Ohio, near Lynchburg.  He united with the Primitive Baptist church at an early day and was moderator for a number of years.  His father, Lamon Cloud, was born in Ohio and his mother in Tennessee.  He moved to Iowa in 1875, settling near Conway, where he resided until about 12 years ago when he moved to Bedford.

He deceased has been married three times.  To the first union three sons were born, one of whom still lives, his home being in Springfield, Ohio.  The second marriage they raised one adopted daughter, taking her when two years of age.  In 1894 he was married to Lottie Bent, and one daughter was born to them, Mary [Elizabeth] Cloud.

Mr. Cloud was of a quiet and retiring disposition, an excellent citizen and a fond husband and father.  The bereaved relatives have the sympathy of all in their hour of sorrow.

The funeral was held from the Presbyterian Church Sunday afternoon at 2:30, conducted by Rev. S. E. Henry, and interment was in Bedford cemetery.  The relatives from out of town attending were C. [harles] A. [bner] Bent, Bridgewater, Iowa; Mrs. Lincoln Bent and daughter, Mina, Maryville, Mo.

[Wright, Clara Catharine Campbell]

Bedford Free Press

Tuesday    January 16, 1917    [p. 1]

Mrs. John Wright Dies At Savannah

Funeral Services Held Monday Afternoon At Home of Deceased

Mrs. J. [ohn] P. Wright died at the Sanitarium in Savannah, Mo., Friday, January 12, 1917.  The remains were brought to Bedford Saturday and the funeral services were held at the home Monday afternoon at 2 o’clock, conducted by Rev. Levi P. Goodwin, pastor of the First Methodist Episcopal church.  The Eastern Star held their services at the home.  Interment was made in the Lexington cemetery.

Clara Catharine Campbell, daughter of John and Esther [McLain] Campbell, was born near Farmington, Lee County, Iowa, March 6, 1842.  The family came to Taylor County May, 1855, and camped and spent the night near the Parker mill, known now as the Mohler Bridge east of Bedford.  They moved at once to the farm west of Bedford, where they resided until the mother died in 1856.  The next year the family moved to Bedford, where she lived until her marriage to John P. Wright, November 6, 1866.  After taking a wedding trip to Ohio, the following spring they moved to their farm near Conway, where they resided for 34 years, and in the fall of 1899 came to Bedford, where she had since resided.   They were the parents of three children, Emma W. Cole of St. Joseph, Mo, Nettie, who died in infancy, and Alla W. Lewis of near Conway.  Mr. Wright died about three years ago.  Mrs. Wright was converted and united with the Methodist Episcopal church in Bedford in the early 60’s and remained a faithful member and ardent worker until her death.  She became a member of the Order of Eastern Star in early life.  Her life was one of great usefulness.  The early part was spent in caring for her brothers and sisters, who were left motherless, while she was yet a child.  She being the oldest daughter in the family, although with this great responsibility, she did the work well, and began teaching in the public schools at the age of 17.  When the Civil War began she became a member of the Soldiers’ Aid.  She helped to make the flags for Company F, 29^th Iowa, the 4^th Missouri Cavalry and the 4^th Iowa infantry.  She also helped in the aid work of making bandages, scraping lint, and the making and moulding of the bullets.  Besides the two daughters she is survived by a sister, Mrs. Melissa Eaton of Kansas City, Kans., and two brothers, Lock Campbell of Conway and Rev. Orr Campbell of Humeston; also five grandchildren, Mrs. Bernice Karnes of Chicago, Byron Wright Cole of 15^th United States Cavalry in the Philippine Islands, Russell Leland Cole of St. Joseph, [and] John Lewis of Conway.   The grandson, John Lewis of Conway, had been attending school in Bedford and staying with his grandmother.

[WRIGHT, CLARA CATHARINE CAMPBELL]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Tuesday January 16, 1917
Mrs. Mellisa Eaton and son of Kansas City, Kan., returned to their home Monday, having been called here by the death of the former's sisters, Mrs. J. P. Wright.
Rev. and Mrs. Orr Campbell of Humeston came Saturday, called by the death of his sister, Mrs. John Wright.

[WRIGHT, CLARA CATHARINE CAMPBELL]
Bedford Times-Republican (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, January 18, 1917
Mrs. John P. Wright, a resident of Taylor county since May 1855, died at the Sanitorium in Savannah, Mo., on Friday, January 12, 1917, at 1 P. M. The remains were brought to the residence in Bedford and funeral services were held at the home on Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock, Rev. Levi P. Goodwin of the M. E. church officiating. Interment was made in Lexington cemetery.
The deceased was a member of the M. E. church of Bedford, having been converted in the early 60's and through the remainder of her years she remained a staunch and faithful believer and ardent worker in the organization.
Through the hardships of early bereavement, having lost her mother in 1856, which placed the responsibility of rearing the younger brothers and sisters upon her tender shoulders, Mrs. Wright was taught to live a life of usefulness and she took advantage of every opportunity to learn and educate herself. That her endeavors were rewarded is proved by her ability to accept a position in the public schools as an instructor at the early age of seventeen. Her work was exceptionally well performed, and she was considered one of the best teachers in the school during the pioneer days.
At the outbreak of the civil war, her penchant for assuming responsibility caused her to become a valued member of the Soldiers' Aid. With her own hands she helped to make the flags for Company F, 29th Iowa and the 4th Missouri Cavalry and the 4th Iowa Infantry. After aiding in equipping the volunteers for the front, she turned to making bandages for the wounded and even helped in the moulding of bullets.
It is not be wondered at that a young girl whose life was full of hardship and responsibility, and who was forced to discern human nature at a glance should acquire truth and character as her ideals. As she grew older and came in contact with many strange and foreign people, her character commenced to mold according to her chosen ideals and throughout the latter years of her existence we find two principles of character firmly imbedded in her everyday life which are exemplified in her being a faithful wife and a devoted mother, a kind neighbor and a sincere friend.
The deceased became a member of the Eastern Star in early life. The first organization disbanded but in later years was re-organized and she again became a member.
Clara Catharine Campbell, daughter of John and Esther Campbell, was born near Farmington, Lee county, Iowa, March 6, 1842. In 1855 she came to Taylor county with her parents, who spent the first night of their residence in the open near what was then known as the Mohler bridge east of town. They moved at once to the farm west of Bedford. The mother died in 1856 [1857] and the next year the family took up its residence in Bedford.
In 1866 during the month of November and on the 6th day, Clara Campbell was married to John P. Wright and after returning from their wedding trip to Ohio, the newly married couple settled on a farm near Conway, where they resided for 34 years. In the fall of 1899 they came to Bedford, which has since been the family home. Three children were born to bless the union, one of whom died in infancy. Mr. Wright passed away three years ago in July.
The death of Mrs. Wright is mourned by two children, Emma W. Cole, of st. Joseph, Mo., and Alla W. Lewis, of near Conway; one sister, Mrs. Melissa Eaton of Kansas City, Kan., and two brothers, Lock Campbell of Conway, and Rev. Orr Campbell, of Humeston, Iowa and five grandchildren who are Mrs. Bernice Karnes, Chicago, Ill., Byron Wright Cole, Philippine Islands, 15th U. S. Cavalry, Russell Leland Cole, St. Joseph, Mo., John H. Lewis, of Conway, and Helen Lewis of Conway.
The bereaved relatives have the sympathy of a wide circle of friends in their hour of sorrow.

[WRIGHT, CLARA CATHARINE CAMPBELL]
Bedford Times-Republican (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, January 18, 1917
Jack Campbell and daughter, Mrs. Ed Haryn of Conway, attended the funeral of Mrs. John Wright Saturday.
Rev. and Mrs. Orr Campbell of Humeston, Ia., attended the funeral of his sister, Mrs. J. W. Wright Monday, returning to their home Tuesday.

[Besco, Clara Fern]

Bedford Free Press

Tuesday    January 16, 1917    [p. 1]

Clara Besco

Miss Clara Besco died at Ensworth Hospital in St. Joseph, Mo., January 12, 1917, aged 36 years, 11 months and 5 days.  The remains were brought to Bedford Saturday.  The funeral services were held at the home near Platteville Sunday afternoon, conducted by the pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Platteville, Rev. S. W. Main.  Interment was made in the Platteville cemetery.

Clara Fern Besco, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph E. [dward] Besco [Isabelle Elizabeth Steele], was born in Jefferson Township, February 7, 1880.  She was an active member of the Methodist church at Platteville.  Miss Besco had been in poor health for several years, but her condition had not been serious only for a week before her death.  She was taken to the hospital Friday, January 5, where she submitted to an operation.  She is survived by her parents, 6 brothers and 3 sisters.  They are:  J. [ames] E. [dward] Besco of Guthrie, Okla.; C. [harles] Q.[uincy] Besco, J. [ohn] F. [rederick] Besco of Bedford; G.[eorge] H. Besco, H.[enry] E. [rnest] Besco and E. [dna] R. Besco at home; Mrs. Lottie Jewett of Akron, Col.; Mrs. J. [oseph] E. Harvey [Lula] of Gay Township, and Mrs. Harlan Wintermute [Lala Ellen] of Conway.  The six brothers acted as pallbearers.

[BESCO, CLARA FERN]
Blockton News (Blockton, Iowa), Thursday, January 18, 1917
Clara Fern Besco, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Besco, was born in Jefferson township, Taylor county, Iowa, February 7, 1880, and departed this life at Ensworth hospital, St. Joseph, Missouri, January 12, 1917, aged 36 years, 11 months and 5 days.
Born in the vicinity of Platteville she spent her entire life in that vicinity where she will be greatly missed, more especially in the home of her aged parents where for several years she had assumed the household cares. She leaves to mourn her untimely death father and mother, six brothers and three sisters and many other relatives and the entire community. The brothers are James, of Guthrie, Oklahoma; Charles Q. and Fredrick, of Bedford, and George, Henry and Edna at home. The sisters—Mrs. Lottie Jewett of Akron, Colo.; Mrs. Lala Wintermute of near Conway and Mrs Lula Harvey of near Gay Center.
The parents have been married almost fifty-two years and this is the first break in the family circle. All the brothers and sisters were present at the funeral, the six brothers acting as pall bearers.
Miss Besco united with the Methodist Episcopal church under the pastorate of Rev. G. W. Maine and had always taken an active part in the work of the church.
The funeral services were held at the home, one mile north of Platteville, Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock, conducted by Rev. William Mercer and interment took place in the Platteville cemetery.
The bereaved family have the sympathy of the entire community.

[BESCO, CLARA FERN]
Blockton News (Blockton, Iowa), Thursday, January 18, 1917
Death of Miss Clara Besco
The community was severely shocked last Friday to learn of the death of Miss Clara Fern Besco, who passed away at a St. Joseph hospital Friday about noon. Miss Besco was taken suddenly ill on Thursday evening of the week before and was taken to St. Joseph on the early morning train Friday where she submitted to an operation and was considered to be on the road to complete recovery until on the following Thursday when she grew worse and passed away on Friday. Her sister, Mrs. J. E. Harvey and brother, George, accompanied her to St. Joseph, her brother remaining with her until the end. Mrs. Harvey returned to St. Joseph on the early morning train Friday on the receipt of word that she was worse. The remains were brought to Bedford and from there to the family home north of Platteville where the funeral services were held on Sunday afternoon. Interment was made in the Platteville cemetery.

[BESCO, CLARA FERN]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Tuesday, January 16, 1917
Mrs. Alice Moore and daughter, Miss Wilma Moore of Frederick, Iowa, Mrs. Mollie Roberts and Frank and Wells Besco of Eddyville, Iowa, came Saturday to attend the funeral of Miss Clara Besco.
Mrs. Lottie Jewett of Akron, Col., and J. E. Besco of Guthrie, Okla., arrived here Saturday called by the death of their sister, Miss Clara Besco.

[BESCO, CLARA FERN]
Bedford Times-Republican (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, January 18, 1917
The sad demise of Miss Clara Besco of Platteville, Iowa, occurred on Friday of last week at Ensworth hospital in St. Joseph, Mo., following an operation. The remains were brought back to Platteville and funeral services were held on Sunday afternoon with Rev. S. W. Main of the Platteville M. E. church presiding. Interment was made in the Platteville cemetery.
The deceased had spent all of her life in Taylor county, having been born in Jefferson township on February 7, 1880. Despite poor health which burdened the later years, she was an active member of the Methodist church at Platteville and took great interest in community events. She possessed a cheerful and loving disposition and was highly respected by a wide circle of acquaintances who deeply regret her untimely end.
In addition to her parents Mr. and Mrs. Joseph E. Besco, the deceased is mourned by six brothers and three sisters who are: J. E. Besco, of Guthrie, Okla.; C. Q. Besco and J. E. Besco of Bedford; G. H. Besco, He. E. Besco and E. R. Besco of Platteville; Mrs. Lottie Jewitt of Akron, Colo.; Mrs. J. E. Harvey of Gay township, and Mrs. Harlan Wintermute of Conway. The brothers of the deceased acted as pall bearers at the funeral.

[BESCO, CLARA FERN]
Bedford Times-Republican (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, January 18, 1917
Mrs. [Mr.] J. E. Besco, who was called here by the death of his sister, Miss Clara Besco, returned to his home in Guthrie, Okla., Wednesday.

[BESCO, CLARA FERN]
Bedford Times-Republican (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, January 25, 1917
BLOCKTON – Clara Besco, daughter of Joseph Besco and wife, died at Ensworth hospital, St. Joseph, Mo., Jan. 12, aged 36 years, 11 months and 5 days. She was born in the vicinity of Platteville and lived there all her life. Funeral services were held at the home Sunday Jan. 14 at 2 o'clock. Services conducted by Rev. Wm. Mercer. Interment was made in the Platteville cemetery. She leaves to mourn her loss five brothers and three sisters, a fond mother and father.

[Besco, Henry Ernest]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    March 8, 1962    p. 5

Obituary of Henry Besco

Henry Ernest Besco was born November 15, 1875 near Platteville, Iowa in Taylor County, and passed away February 25, 1962, at the Thomas Nursing Home in Lenox, at the age of 86 years, 3 months and 15 days.

He spent all his life on farms in Taylor County.  Early in life he became a member of the Methodist Church of Platteville, and upon marriage, transferred his membership to the Christian church in Bedford, where he served as an elder for many years.

On June 25, 1921, he was united in marriage to Ethel Deaver Johnston, and to this union were born two daughters, Mrs. Orville (Verneil) Stephens of Bedford, and Mrs. Gene (Nadine) Becherer of Lenox.

His wife preceded him in death on August 6, 1936.

Born the twin son of Joseph [Edward] and Isabel [Elizabeth Steele] Besco, Henry was the last surviving member of the family.  Preceding him in death were his twin brother, George, Jim, Charles, Fred, Lottie Jewett, Clara, Edna, and twin sisters Lala Wintermute and Lula Harvey.

Survivors include his two daughters, 2 granddaughters and 3 grandsons.

Henry enjoyed good health until the last few years.  He was a loving husband and father and will be missed by friends and relatives.

[Besco, Ethel Pearl Deaver Johnston]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    August 13, 1936    [p. 1]

Mrs. Henry Besco, 51, Is Buried At Lenox

Funeral services for Mrs. Henry Besco, 51, who died suddenly at her home near Conway, Thursday, August 6, after an illness of but a few minutes, were held at the Christian church in Lenox Saturday afternoon, conducted by Rev. C. Max Buck of Bedford.  Burial was in the Lenox cemetery.

Ethel Pearl Deaver, daughter of John and Ada Belle Deaver, was born August 11, 1884 in Lenox, Iowa.  She resided in Lenox throughout her girlhood years and graduated from the Lenox High School with the class of 1904.  After her graduation she taught in the Taylor County schools for several years.

On April 29, 1913 she was married to Neil Johnston and this union was terminated after a period ten months by the death of the husband.

June 25, 1921 she became the wife of Henry Besco and to this union were born two daughters, Verneil and Nadine.

Mrs. Besco was preceded in death by her father, who died Feb. 10, 1920 and by a sister, Mrs. Flossie Pennebaker, who died April 8, 1923.

She is survived by her husband, daughters, her mother, one brother, Charles Deaver of Lenox, and one sister, Mrs. Fern Pennebaker of Sharpsburg.

She became a member of the Lenox Christian church when young, later placing her membership with her husband in the Bedford church.  She lived to see her daughters make the confession and be baptized as they were received into the church Thursday evening, July 30.

Mrs. Besco was a devoted wife and mother, and her delight was in making a cheerful home for her family.

[Besco, Ethel Cleota]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    September 16, 1954    [p. 1]

Miss Ethel Besco Buried Here Friday

Miss Ethel Besco, a former resident of Bedford, died at her home in Albert Lea, Minn., September 8, after an illness of several years.

Funeral services were held in Albert Lea Friday afternoon, September 10 at Bonnerup Chapel, with Rev. Paul Hayes officiating.  The body was brought to Bedford and services were held at he Wetmore Funeral Home at one p. m., Saturday, conducted by Rev. Wilbur Travis.  Burial in Fairview cemetery.

Ethel Cleota Besco was born March 31, 1891 in Eddyville, Iowa, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Besco, and died at the age of 63 years, five months, eight days.  She moved to Bedford when young and lived in this community until 1923, when she moved to Clarks Grove, Minn.

She attended business college in St. Louis and was a member of the Christian church.  Her parents preceded her in death.

She is survived by three brothers, Robert H. Besco of Eldon, Iowa, George W. Besco and Howard A. Besco, both of Bancroft Township, Minn.; one sister, Mrs. S. E. Alm of Albert Lea, Minn.; nine nephews and four nieces.

[Harvey, Lula Besco]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    January 1, 1953    [p. 1]

Obituary – Mrs. Lula Besco

Lula A. Besco, daughter of Joseph E. [dward] and Isabelle [Elizabeth Steele] Besco, was born in Gay Township, Taylor County, Iowa, June 30, 1883, and died unexpectedly at her home east of Bedford, Dec. 19, 1952, at the age of 69 years, five months, 19 days.

Feb. 18, 1903 she was married to Joseph E. Harvey.  To them were born four children:  Edna of Kansas City, Halard, who passed away in infancy, Edra of Des Moines, Lois Shay of Maloy.  Mr. Harvey died March 28, 1937.

She was a devoted wife and mother, and was confirmed in the Methodist faith at an early age.  Her home was established west of Gay Center immediately following her marriage, where she continued to reside until death came.

In addition to her three daughters, she is survived by three grandsons:  Joseph, Donald and Ronald Shay; two sisters, Mrs. Lala Wintermute, who is her twin sister, and Mrs. Lottie Jewett; four brothers, Fred Besco, George and Henry Besco, twin brothers, and Edna Besco.

Funeral services were conducted from the Wetmore Funeral Home in Bedford De. 22 by Rev. Robt. M. Peters of the Bedford Methodist church.  Interment at Platteville cemetery.

[Spoonemore, Richard]

Bedford Free Press

Tuesday    January 16, 1917    p. 5

Richard, the little two months old son of Mr. and Mrs. Orval Spoonemore, died in St. Joseph December 30.  The remains were brought to Isadora and the funeral services were held at the Isadora Christian church Tuesday, January 2.  The services were conducted by Challie E. Graham.

[Slack, Robert F.]

Bedford Free Press

Tuesday    January 16, 1917    p. 5

Gravity

Robert F. Slack, son of Mr. and Mrs. Caleb Slack, died Wednesday January 3, aged 42 years, at the Ensworth Hospital in St. Joseph.  The funeral services were held at the home 3 miles east of Gravity, conducted by Rev. C. W. Proctor.  Interment was made in the Gravity cemetery.

[Kidder, Sarah Elvira Marble]

Bedford Free Press

Tuesday    January 16, 1917    p. 5

Grandma Kidder Dead

The death of Mrs. Elmer Kidder occurred at the home of her son, W. [illis] E.[lmer] Kidder, near Merricourt, Monday morning, December 11^th, at the age of 81 years and three months.  The funeral took place at the Presbyterian Church on Wednesday afternoon, Rev. Wells officiating.  The choir rendered two selections and Mrs. Walsworth and Mrs. Neibauer sang “Beautiful Isle of Somewhere.”  Interment was made in the Mt. Hope cemetery.

[Sarah] Elvira Marble was born on September 11, 1835, at Dunham, Ontario.  At the age of 5 years she emigrated with her parents to New York State, going down the St. Lawrence by boat.  They lived there until in her sixteenth year, she again emigrated with her parents to the State of Illinois.  At the age of 20 she was united in marriage to Elmer Kidder and to this union was born four children:  Mrs. J. [ames] E. [dwin] Blackburn [Flora], of Quincy, Ill., Mrs. L. [ucien] P.[orter] Ormsby [Edna Rachel] of Edgely, W. [illis] E.[lmer] Kidder of Merricourt and Mrs. R. [alph] S. McKee [Sylvia Elvira] of Vivian, S. D.

In 1875 she removed from Illinois with her husband to Iowa, where she remained until 1907, when she came to North Dakota, where she remained until her death.  In early life she with her husband joined the Congregational church and has lived a Christian life.  She was a kind and loving mother, always devoted to her family and to her home.  Her husband preceded her to the great beyond in May, 1914.

The bereaved ones have the sympathy of the community in their sorrow.---Merricourt, N. D. paper.

[Kidder, Willis Elmer]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    July 27, 1950    [p. 1]

Former Resident Dies In The West

W. [illis]  E. [lmer] Kidder, 86, a former resident of Taylor County, died in Ferndale, Washington, Tuesday, July 11.  The funeral services and burial were there.

Mr. Kidder was born in Illinois in 1864.  He was married December 25, 1886 to Blanche L. [ois] Walston, also of Taylor County.  Mrs. Kidder died two years ago.  He is survived by two nieces and four nephews.

[Kidder, Blanche Lois Walston]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    September 2, 1948    [p. 1]

Former Resident Dies In West

Mrs. Blanche [Lois Walston] Kidder, a former resident of the community east of Bedford, died Thursday, August 26, at her home in Bellingham, Washington.  She had been an invalid the past year, after having suffered a broken hip at that time.

The funeral services were held Tuesday at Ferndale, Washington, where burial was also made.  She is survived by her husband.  Mrs. Kidder was a sister of Tom Walston of Conway, who received the word of her death.