Obituaries |
submitted by: Julia Johnson - julia.johnson63@gmail.com |
[COMBS, JAMES BIRD] Bedford Times-Republican, Thursday, March 19, 1931, p. 4 FORMER BEDFORD MAN PASSED AWAY IN CALIFORNIA Visited Here In Bedford Only A Few Weeks Ago He was 63 yrs. Old J. B. "Bird" Combs Died In California, Enroute to Home in Seattle, Wash. Word has been received in Bedford of the death of J. B. Combs, better known here as "Bird," which occurred at Long Beach, Calif., Wednesday of last week. The body was sent to Seattle, Wash., his home, for burial. Mr. and Mrs. Combs were in Bedford a few weeks ago visiting with relatives and old friends. Mr. Combs was a son of J. W. Combs, who was at one time a businessman in Bedford, being in the furniture and undertaking business, also later operating a planning mill, manufacturing furniture. The following account was sent to this office by W. [illiam] D. [ale] Walker and was taken from last Sunday's Seattle paper: The body of James Bird Combs, 63-year-old retired Seattle capitalist, who died at Long Beach, Calif., Wednesday, was received in Seattle last night by the Bonney-Watson Co. The body was accompanied on the northward trip by members of the family who were with Mr. Combs at the time of his death. Mr. Combs was born Sept. 25, 1867, in Ringgold County, Iowa. He came to Seattle in 1889 and had long been a resident on Queen Anne Hill, latterly at 1532 Seventh Ave. W. He served for a number of years with the City Health Department and made investments in Seattle real estate. He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Persis M. [aola] Combs; two daughters, Mrs. E. R. Willard, 1532 Sixth Ave. W., and Mrs. Van H. Steel, 1623 Taylor Ave.; two brothers, Frank M. Combs, 175 W. 58th St., and Lafe Combs, 406 16th Ave. N., and two grandchildren. He was a member of Occidental Lodge No. 72, Free and Accepted Masons; past high priest of Ballard chapter No. 26, Royal Arch Masons, and Occidental Chapter No. 28, Order of Eastern Star.
Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, December 30, 1954, [p. 1] Mrs. J. B. Combs, 86, Dies In Seattle Funeral services for Mrs. Pearl [Persis] Maola Combs, 86, a Seattle resident since 1889, were held at 1 o'clock Dec. 28 in the Arthur A. Wright & Son chapel. Burial was in Mount Pleasant. Mrs. Combs died Thursday, Dec. 23, in a nursing home. She lived at 660 W. Lee St. Mrs. Combs was born in Bedford, Iowa. She was married there to J. [ames] B.[ird] Combs. They came here on their honeymoon and settled here. Mr. Combs died in 1931. Mrs. Combs was a member of Seattle Chapter No. 95, Order of the Eastern Star, for 43 years. She was also a member of the Queen Anne Methodist Church. Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Dorothy June Monson, Seattle, and Mrs. Ethel C. Willard, Berkeley, Calif., a brother, William Dale Walker, San Bernardino, Calif.; two granddaughters and six great grandchildren. ---The Seattle Times
[JOHNSON, DAVID MARVIN "DAVE"] Bedford Times-Press, Wednesday, August 20, 1997 DAVID MARVIN JOHNSON David Marvin Johnson, son of Genevieve Mott Johnson and Vernon Johnson, was born in Boone County, Iowa on December 18, 1943. He grew up in the Hamilton County area and graduated from Stratford High School in 1962. He was united in marriage to Cheryl Shafer on December 22, 1963 at the South Marion Methodist Church, a small country church south of Stratford. To this loving union two children were born, Krystal and Kenton. Dave and Cheryl purchased a farm in the Blockton-Platteville area and with their children, moved here in 1974. He was a member of the Taylor County Extension Council, was a charter member of the Taylor County Pork Producers and was actively involved in 4-H and the Taylor County Fair. Dave spent countless hours helping the 4-H kids with their livestock. He reorganized the swine show at the fair and was known to many children and families as the "Swine Superintendent". He was also instrumental in starting the 4-H Fair Sale and worked diligently for approximately 15 years as its chairman and co-chairman. Dave loved farming and livestock. He loved being outdoors where he could mow with his homemade contraption, a 30" rider with a 20" push mower attached, thus giving him that 50" cut he felt he needed. He was always willing to lend a hand to his friends and neighbors. He would often put their work and projects ahead of his own, even if it meant working in a torrential downpour or "haze" as he and his family referred to it. Dave's greatest love was his family. He spent many hours driving his grandchildren around the farm on his 4-wheeler. Even as his health failed, he was able to gain enjoyment from their afternoon excursions. Dave never knew a stranger. He could always visit with anyone, at any time and place, whether he was in a hurry or had work waiting. Even on vacation at Branson, Mo. he would visit with other husbands on the benches outside the shops, awaiting the return of their wives. David is survived by his wife Cheryl; daughter, Krystal Norris and husband Kenny with their children Kelly and Kody of rural Bedford; son Kenton of rural Bedford; mother Genevieve Johnson of Stratford; brother Donald Johnson and wife Jane of Stratford; mother-in-law Arlene Shafer of Bedford; father-in-law Wayne Shafer of Stratford; several nieces and nephews; and many, many friends. Dave's father, the late Vernon Johnson, died in 1983. Funeral services were conducted by the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford on Sunday, Aug. 17, 1997. Burial was in the Fairview Cemetery.
Bedford Times-Republican, Thursday, May 10, 1928, [p. 1] O. J. Kirketeg Called By Death of Sister Sister, Miss Anna Kirketeg, Died At Marshalltown, Ia. O. J. Kirketeg was called to Marshalltown last Sunday by the death of his sister, Miss Anna Kirketeg, which occurred at the Deaconess Hospital that day. The funeral services were held Tuesday and interment was made at the old home in Eagle Grove. Miss Kirketeg was an instructor in the Augustana College at Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, March 29, 1945, [p. 1] Hold Last Rites For O. J. Kirketeg Host of Friends Pay Him Tribute Here Monday Funeral services were held at the Presbyterian Church Monday afternoon for Senator O. J. Kirketeg whose death occurred Thursday evening at Mercy Hospital, Des Moines, following a heart attack suffered earlier in the day at his hotel room in Des Moines. Rev. G. L. Hufstader was in charge of the services at the church and Masonic rites were given at the graveside in Fairview cemetery, with taps sounded as a parting tribute tendered a veteran. Among the hundreds of friends present for the last rites were Masonic Grand Lodge officers from over the state, fellow senators and representatives, and state official, judges and fellow members of the bar, Legionnaires and Auxiliary members, members of the Republican County Central Committee, business and professional men and women of Bedford, and scores of friends from the county and state. The great number present as well as the great number of floral pieces sent in for the services indicated the esteem in which "Kirk's" friends hold dear his memory. The minister Rev. G. L. Hufstader, gave a fine address at the service, and the Times-Press asked him for a resume of it for publication, as follows: He liveth long who liveth well, All other life is short and vain; He liveth longest who can tell Of living most for heavenly gain. He liveth long who liveth well, All else is being thrown away; He liveth longest who can tell Of true things truly done each Day. ---- Horatius Bonar O. [le] J. [ohn] Kirketeg was born on a farm near Eagle Grove, Iowa, May 2, 1891. He was one of five children born to Knute K. and Olena [Ostrem] Kirketeg. Here he resided for 17 years, when the family moved to Cedar Falls to educate the children in Iowa State Teachers College. From here he graduated in 1912. For a few years he was a teacher and superintendent in the public schools near Alta at Little Cedar and Columbus City. He then returned to the University of Iowa from he graduated in the College of Law in 1917. While there he was affiliated with the Acacia fraternity. Here his career was interrupted by two years' service in the army in World War I. He served at Camp Joseph E. Johnson, Jacksonville, Florida, from December 2, 1917 until February 20, 1919, having been assigned to Military Police. Twice afterward, in November 1926 and November 1936, he was commissioned in the infantry reserve. Returning from his army service he began the practice of law in Bedford, forming a partnership under the name of Wisdom and Kirketeg, which partnership continued until October 1, 1938, since which time "Kirk" as he was familiarly known, had practiced alone. He was an active member of the American Legion and a charter member of the Bedford Post No. 164. He served as District Commander of the 8th Congressional District in 1921. He was a member and trustee of the Presbyterian Church. He was city attorney of Bedford, in which capacity he had served several years. He was a past president of the Third Judicial Bar Association and a member of the Board of Governors of the Iowa Bar Association. He served as county attorney in 1929-1930, and was serving his third term in the State Senate, having been a member of the Senate in 1938-1940, representing the Adams-Taylor district. February 7, 1937, he was united in marriage to Miss Kathlyn Muriel MacCulloch [McCulloch] of Nashua, Iowa. He received his Masonic degrees in 1914, having been initiated in Columbus City Lodge No. 107 at Columbus Junction, later affiliating with Taylor Lodge No. 156 at Bedford, where he had since held membership. He served as Worshipful Master in 1939. He was also a member of Triangle Chapter No. 164, Royal Arch Masons of Bedford and served the Grand Chapter of that body as Grand High Priest in 1931; a member of Tyre Council, royal and Select Masons at Shenandoah; Bethany Commandry, Knight Templars at Creston; ZaGaZig Shrine at Des Moines; and St. Ignatius Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine at Cedar Rapids. He was also a member of Bedford Chapter, Order of Eastern Star, and in 1937 served as Grand Patron of the Grand Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star. At the time of his death he was a member of the Grand Chapter Charity Board and was serving as Grand Treasurer of the Grand Lodge of Iowa. He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, and a brother who died in infancy. He is survived by his wife and two sisters, Mrs. Orville Evenson of Marshalltown, Iowa, and Mrs. A. O. Stensrud of Seattle, Washington.
Bedford Times-Republican, Thursday, February 11, 1926, p. 5 O. J. Kirketeg received word yesterday of the death of his mother, Mrs. K. [nut] K. Kirketeg, of Eagle Grove, Ia. He left last night for the funeral services. He was in St. Joe looking after some business at the time of receiving the message. The older Mr. Kirketeg died but a short time ago.
C. Horton Lee, age 90, passed away early on the morning of August 21, 2007 at Mercy Alegent Hospital in Corning, Iowa. Horton was born on October 30, 1916 in Hopkins, Missouri to George Calvin and Marthena (Horton) Lee. He grew up in Taylor County and attended Bedford schools, graduating from Bedford High School in 1933. He was married to Edna Murray to which two daughters were born: Dixie and Connie. Horton farmed and managed the County Farm for 18 years and then was a State Farm Agent for 36 years. In later years he was the mayor of Bedford and was the owner of the Bus Barn restaurant. On September 13, 1987 he married Bette Jean Short. With their marriage came two more daughters and their families. Horton was a fun-loving man and those close to him knew him as ÒHortieÓ. He was a member of the Lions Club and the Bedford Masonic Lodge #156. Horton and Bette enjoyed wintering in Arizona. Horton was one-of-a-kind man. He always craved to learn new things and experience new things. He always wanted to go to the College World Series, so in 2006, he did just that. He also wanted to attend the Cheyenne, Wyoming Rodeo again and the Corning car races, which he also go to enjoy. He dearly loved the Annual Kellerton Labor Day Family Get-Together. He was very competitive at the bag toss, pool and marbles. He was preceded in death by his parents; his infant daughter Connie Elaine; his brother Orvis Lee; his son-in-law John Dailey; two great-grandchildren Clinton and Dallas Schrader and nephew Larry Lee. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife Bette; his daughter Dixie and her husband John Dailey of Las Vegas, Nevada; sister-in-law Olive Lee of Bedford, Iowa; step daughters Lana and her husband Gail Christensen and Renee and her husband Shane Schrader, all of Bedford, Iowa; two nephews Gordon and wife Dee Lee of Bloomington, IL; Rick and wife Marcie Lee of Sparks, NV; six grandchildren; five step-grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren. Services will be Saturday, August 25, 2007 at 1:30 p.m. at the Eickemeyer Funeral Chapel of Bedford. Visitation will be Friday, August 24, 2007 from 7 pm to 8 pm. Rev. Bruce Jensen will be officiating with burial at the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford. Memorials are suggested to the Bedford Lions Club. Eickemeyer Funeral Chapel of Bedford are in charge of the arrangements.
Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, March 14, 1985 Martha Lee, 63, of Bedford died Wednesday morning at her home from apparent self-inflicted gunshot wounds. She was the wife of Bedford businessman and city councilman Horton Lee. A native of Bedford and a graduate of Bedford High School, she was the Taylor County Selective Service clerk until that office closed. Mrs. Lee, daughter of Lute B. [ent] and Beulah Laird Taylor, was buried at Fairview Cemetery in Bedford. Services were conducted on Friday. Other relatives of Mrs. Lee included brother-in-law Orvis Lee and his wife, Ollie, and an aunt, Helen Perkins of Bedford. Mrs. Lee had suffered from ill health before her Wednesday death. [LEE, MARTHA TAYLOR] Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, March 14, 1985 Services for Martha Lee held March 8 Last rites for Martha Taylor Lee, 63, were held March 8 at Shum-Novinger Funeral Home, conducted by Rev. Carl Cummings and Rev. Ted DeHass. Interment was at Fairview Cemetery in Bedford. Mrs. Lee died at her home in Bedford March 6, 1985. Martha Jerene Lee, daughter of Lute B. [ent] and Beulah Laird Taylor was born May 23, 1921 at Bedford, Iowa. She grew to maturity in Bedford, where she attended the Bedford Public Schools and the Presbyterian Church. On August 27, 1965 she was united in marriage to C. [alvin] Horton Lee at Maryville, Missouri and they resided in Bedford, where she helped her husband in the State Farm Insurance Agency until their retirement. For several years she was the Taylor County Selective Service clerk and served in that capacity until the local office was phased out. She was preceded in death by her parents. Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Horton, brother-in-law, Orvis Lee and his wife, Ollie. Two aunts, Lillian Taylor of Clarinda and Helen Perkins of Bedford. Many cousins, other relatives and a host of friends and neighbors. She will be remembered as a kind and generous loved one, missed by all who knew and loved her.
Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, January 22, 1970, p. 7 Final Service Held Here For Hortense Meikle Mrs. Hortense G. [ibbens] Meikle passed away December 29, after a long illness in Long Beach, California where she had made her home for the last fifteen years. She was a former resident of Bedford. A Memorial Service beginning with a half-hour organ recital was conducted by her pastor, the Rev. Robert Prentice of the Geneva Presbyterian Church where Mrs. Meikle was a ruling elder and had been a participant in various activities, including chairman of the music committee and leader of Bible studies with women's groups. Attending the Memorial service were Mrs. Meikle's three daughters and their husbands: Thelma and John Roller of Sun City, Arizona; Elaine and Wayne Nickel of Topeka, Kans.; Margaret and Taylor Reedy of Los Angeles. Also present were her only grandson and his wife, Jon and Anne Nickel and Mrs. Meikle's only granddaughter, Mrs. Jane Dymit and two great grandchildren, Debi and John Dymit of Omaha, Nebr. Mrs. Vesper Hagan Maddy, Mrs. Chloe Wisdom and Gladys Collins, former Bedford residents and the three sons of the now deceased Mrs. Agnes Meikle Shaw attended the Memorial Service in Long Beach. Inurnment services were held at Fairview Cemetery in Bedford January 14. The brief service was conducted by Mrs. Meikle's son-in-law, the Rev. A. [lbert] Wayne Nickel. Out of town relatives and friends attending the inurnment were Major General and Mrs. Homer Jensen of Maryville, Dr. James L. Daugherty, Des Moines, Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wintermute, Guilford, Mo. The family has requested that memorial contributions be made to the Presbyterian Church or to the American Cancer Society.
Bedford Times-Press, Wednesday, November 4, 1992 RILDA N. MILLER Graveside services for Rilda N Miller, 88, Bedford, were held October 31, at Fairview Cemetery in Bedford with Rev. Carl Cummings officiating. Rilda Norris Miller, daughter of Clint Norris and Frances Reeves Norris, was born at Bedford Iowa September 24, 1904 and departed this life October 25, 1992 at the Lenox Care Center in Lenox, Iowa at the age of 88 years one month and one day. She grew to maturity in the Bedford area where she attended the public school. She was united in marriage to Rolley F. [ranklin] Miller and to this union one son, Wayne F. [ranklin] Miller, was born. Rilda was employed by the Cudahy Packing Company at Bedford for many years. Later she owned and operated the Hiway Cafe and Grocery on Highway #148, at the Phillips 66 Oil Station, and when in need of a larger place of business she moved the restaurant to Highway #2 east and it is now known as the Skylark Cafe. She operated this cafe until retirement. She was preceded in death by her husband, Rolley who died May 19, 1981, her parents, a sister, Myrtle Norris and a sister Ruth Hamm and a brother Albert Norris. Left to cherish her memory are the son, Wayne F. [ranklin] Miller, and wife Millie of Bedford, four grandchildren, Kelly, Rick, Richard, and Stanley and eight great grandchildren, Matthew, Erick, Christina, Anders, Kerry, Kraig, Kristina, and Kody, and other relatives and friends. Rilda was truly a native of Bedford. For many years a part of the business activities of the community. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, May 28, 1981 Final Rites Held May 22 For Rolley, Miller, 83 Funeral services for Rolley Franklin Miller, 83, of Bedford, held May 22 in Shum-Novinger Funeral Home here, were conducted by Rev. Carl Cummings. Mr. Miller died at his home in Bedford May 19, 1981. Interment was at Fairview Cemetery. Rolley Franklin Miller, son of Benjamin Franklin Miller and Agnes Stewart Miller, was born November 6, 1897 in Taylor County. He grew to maturity in the area where he was born, where he attended the public school and the Presbyterian Church, which he joined at the age of 13. When he was 18 years old he moved with his parents to Bedford where he has since continued to reside. On July 19, 1922 he was united in marriage to Rilda N. Norris at Bedford, Iowa, and one son, Wayne, was born to bless their home. Rolley was self-employed the most of his working years as a plumber until ill health caused him to retire. He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Port, Roy and Arthur. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Rilda of the home; son, Wayne, and his wife of Bedford; grandsons: Rickey, Richard, and Stanley; a step granddaughter, Rachel; six great grandchildren; other relatives and friends. He will be remembered as a kind and considerate loved one and he will be sadly missed by all those who knew and loved him.
Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, May 31, 1956, p. 2 Byron Rhodes Dies In Kansas Byron Rhodes of Topeka, Kans., died Monday, May 21, following an illness and surgery. He is survived by his wife, the former Miss Flossie Bradley of the Bedford community and by one daughter, Marion, who is married and lives in New York. The daughter has been with her parents for several weeks. Last rites were held in Topeka Wednesday afternoon. Miss Beryl Rhoads and Mrs. Vera Paschal went to Shenandoah and accompanied Mr. and Mrs. Claire Bradley to the funeral services.
[RHODES, FLORENCE "FLOSSIE" BRADLEY] Clarinda Herald Journal, Thursday, November 3, 1960, p. 11 Mrs. Flossie Rhodes was born at Siam Siam, Nov 1—Funeral services were held Oct 24 at Benwell Gabel Funeral Home in Topeka, Kan for Florence (Flossie) Rhodes who died Oct 19 at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Stanley Carrington of Islep, N. Y. Mrs. Rhodes, daughter of Sidney and Nettie Bradley, was born Aug 29, 1886, west of Siam. She married Byron Rhodes of Shambaugh and is survived by her daughter, sister, and two brothers.
Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, July 9, 1936, p. 2 SIAM A. B. Snodgrass, 76, Died In Clarinda Fri. A. [lbert] B. [urch] Snodgrass, 76, passed away at his home in Clarinda Friday morning, July 3, after months of declining health. Mr. Snodgrass was born and reared in this community and made his home here after his marriage to Miss Surilda Elkins, who survives him. Their sons, Rev. Roy Snodgrass, pastor of the Church of Christ in Amarillo, Tex., and Rev. Ray Snodgrass, pastor of the Church of Christ in Wichita, Kans. who grew to manhood in this community, also survive their father. Many friends from the old home called on the family before and after the death of Mr. Snodgrass to pay a tribute of love and respect to this splendid family who at one time were all members of the Church of Christ in Siam and were a power for good in the community. The sympathy of a host of friends and relatives is extended to the bereaved family.
[SNODGRASS, CLELLA ALICE BRADLEY] Clarinda Herald Journal, Monday, July 11, 1966, [p. 1] Mrs. Roy Snodgrass burial in Texas Siam—Mrs. Roy Snodgrass, 79, who was teacher in Taylor County schools after being educated in the Siam school, died July 2 at an Amarillo, Tex, hospital after recent surgery. Her illness from a malignancy had been known only a few months. Mr. Snodgrass had died suddenly while in his pulpit about three years ago and the services for Mrs Snodgrass were Wednesday in the Christian Church, which has been dedicated to her husband. A sister-in-law, Mrs. Ray Snodgrass, died three months ago, and Ray is retired from his ministry with home at Wichita, Kans. Mrs. Snodgrass was formerly Clella Bradley, daughter of Sidney and Annette Taylor Bradley. She was born less than a mile west of Siam where Reid Shields now lives. She was one of seven children and two brothers surviving are Glade Bradley of Kansas City and Clare of Shenandoah. She has four children surviving. Her husband was known widely for his evangelistic preaching. Ray and Roy Snodgrass made a tremendous team in their work for the church until their retirement. Roy was minister at New Market when the couple was married.
Clarinda Herald Journal, Monday, May 7, 1962, [p. 1] Roy C Snodgrass stricken while in Oklahoma pulpit Death came swiftly to the Rev. Roy C [leveland] Snodgrass, 77, who was minister in Clarinda Christian Church from 1916 to 1921, when he had a heart attack in the pulpit of the Tulsa, Okla Christian Church where he was conducting the Sunday morning service. Born in the Hardee district of southeast Page County, Roy and his brother Ray have both grown into careers of being ministers, both with decided success. Roy's home has been at Amarillo, Tex, where he retired from a long-time pastorate of the Christian church there and was made minister emeritus. Rev Roy Snodgrass was a guest minister in the Clarinda church in 1954 when the 75th anniversary of the church was observed. He had been pastor when the church building was started. Mrs Snodgrass survives him and they have four children including two daughters and two sons. Mrs. Snodgrass was formerly Clella Bradley of the Siam vicinity. Rev Snodgrass's parents were the late A [lbert] B [urch] and Surilda Elkins Snodgrass. The funeral plans are to be carried out at Amarillo, Tex, at 2 p m on Wednesday. The two preachers, Roy and Ray, were always thrilled to be "back home" with those with whom they were reared. Rev Ray Snodgrass was only a few months younger than Roy. He was in Clarinda just recently to assist with service. Rev Roy Snodgrass and wife had recently been residents in Colorado, but within the last few weeks had returned to Amarillo. The minister had recently taken the temporary pastorate at the Perry, Okla, church, but was in Tulsa where he had the fatal heart attack while holding the usual morning service. He died before he reached the hospital. At one time Rev Roy Snodgrass was named as one of the seven most outstanding men of the Christian Church brotherhood. He was president of the convention held in Washington State several years ago. Word of the death came to Mrs Lola Reid, who has been very close to the family since the days that the boys and Lola were children at Hardee school. The message came from the Rev Ray Snodgrass.
[UNDERWOOD, LUCILLE R. SOUDER] Bedford Times-Press, Wednesday, March 4, 1992 LUCILLE R. UNDERWOOD Funeral services for Lucille R. Underwood were held February 29, 1992 at Novinger-Taylor Funeral Home with Rev. Carl Cummings officiating. Burial was at Fairview Cemetery, Bedford, Iowa. Lucille R. Souder Underwood, daughter of Frank S. Souder and Caroline Hayes Souder was born at Eden, Ill., November 13, 1910 and departed this life February 26, 1992 at the ValHaven Nursing Home in Valley, Neb. at the age of 81 years, three months and seven days. Early in her youth her parents moved to Taylor County and she attended the rural school and was graduated from Conway High School. She continued her education at Clarinda Junior College and Northwest Missouri University. She taught for 45 years in the rural schools and Clarinda Public School until her retirement. On January 21, 1941 she was united in marriage to Lyle W. [ayne] Underwood and they resided in the Bedford area. She moved to Omaha, Neb. in October of 1988 and had resided at the ValHaven Nursing Home the past few years. Two children were born to bless their home and to share their love, Sharon K. and W.[illiam] Wayne. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Lyle who died March 17, 1949; two sisters, Cecil Boyden and Maude Listen; two brothers, Jake and Mike Souder; a grandson, Douglas Annan. Left to cherish her memory are her two children: Sharon K. Annan and her husband Barry of Indianola, Iowa; W. [illiam] Wayne Underwood of Omaha, Neb.; a grandson, Todd Annan of Omaha, Neb.; one brother, Clair Souder and his wife Susie of Bedford, Iowa and a sister Carolyn (Sally) Saylor of Bedford, Iowa; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was a member of the Methodist Church.
Bedford Free Press, Thursday, June 17, 1909, [p. 1] Berkey Walker Dead Succumbs After A Long Illness Bright Prospects Shattered By Grim Reaper---Beautiful Tribute From His Pastor. There was a general feeling of sadness pervading the city Friday when the news reached here of the death of Berkey Walker at the hospital at Creston. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. W. [illiam] D. [ale] Walker, former residents of Bedford but who are now living at New York. Berkey was born in Omaha, Nebr., and was 20 years, 8 months and 5 days old at the time of his death. He has been in the hospital at Creston for more than a year past, and all Bedford friends were acquainted with and interested in his case. At the hospital he was a general favorite and when the funeral was held Saturday Misses Stearns and Autenreith, of the hospital, as well as Dr. Sampson, attended them. The funeral was held Saturday at 4:30 p. m. at the Methodist church and the large number of people and the many beautiful floral emblems testified to the many friends of the family here. The W. R. C. attended in a body and also beautifully decorated the grave. Berkey's grandfather on both his father's and mother's side were soldiers and the recognition of the W. R. C. was quite appropriate. Rev. O'May, of Creston, assisted by Rev. W. M. Dudley, conducted the funeral service, and the interment was in the Bedford [Bedford Fairview] cemetery, which Mr. Walker, sr., helped to plan. The best history of the case was given by Rev. O'May in his sermon, who said in part as follows: The text of this service is the collection of words that may be found in the Holy Writ "Blessed are the dead who died in the Lord for they rest from their labors and their works do follow them." Francis Berkey Walker was born October 8, 1888 in Omaha and died Friday night June 11, 1909 which would make him 20 years, 8 months and 3 days old. He was the son of William D.[ale] and Maude V. [erley] Walker of this city. [WALKER, FRANCIS BERKEY] Bedford Times-Republican, Thursday, June 17, 1909, [p. 1] BERKEY WALKER LAID TO REST Long Suffering of Young Man Ends in Creston Hospital Friday---Funeral Held Here. Case Baffles Physicians. Rev. James O'May of Creston Tells Story of Life and Death of Walker as He Knew it. After more than a year at the Cottage hospital in Creston, where he had been treated for an affliction that baffled the medical men of the country for an equal length of time, Francis Berkey Walker, son of Mr. and Mrs. W. [illiam] D. [ale] Walker, died Friday in the hospital. He was 20 years of age. He was afflicted with throat trouble and his suffering at times was intense. The remains were brought to Bedford Saturday morning and the funeral service was held in the Methodist Episcopal church at 5 o'clock Saturday afternoon, conducted by Rev. James O'May, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal church at Creston, and Rev. W. M. Dudley pastor of the Bedford Methodist church. The music was furnished by the choir of the Presbyterian Church. Rev. James O'May, who was a constant bedside companion of Berkey Walker during the time he was at the hospital, touches upon the many sides of the case, the young man's ability in business, patience in long suffering, cheerfulness in face of death, and gives some details as to the history of his peculiar affliction and the treatment. Most remarkable of the incidents of this case is the letter written to the patient by the attending surgeon, who could not break the news of the developments of the case by word of mouth, and the letter is given here with in the address of Mr. O'May, which was as follows: "Francis Berkey Walker was born October 8, 1888, in Omaha, and died Friday night, June 11, 1909, which would make him 20 years, 8 months and 3 days old. He was the son of William D. [ale] and Maude V. [erley] Walker of this city. To give the story of his life is to give the history of one of the most peculiar cases of pathology that has come to the ken of surgical science and to tell a story of one of the bravest battles for life that has ever been fought. In 1902, in company with his parents, Berkey went to New York City and in 1907 he was taken with a severe cold, which developed into tonsillitis and was later followed by acute laryngitis. He had been taken to one of the most successful and highly eminent surgeons of the city and his tonsils had been removed. This was in the Polyclinic hospital. He stayed some weeks there and was discharged as convalescent. Soon, however, the acute laryngitis needed attention as also did a stricture of the trachea which was developing and he was taken to St. Vincent's hospital. As this stricture became serious it was found necessary to perform tracheotomy, a silver tube being placed in his neck through which he must constantly breathe and his food had to be taken with increasing difficulty. It was decided that perhaps a change of climate would be desirable and he was en route with his mother to California, stopping for a while with his grandparents in Bedford, when he was taken again with an acute attack of stricture of the trachea and taken to the Cottage hospital in Creston. From that time on he has been under the constant observation of the speaker and we have had the privilege of knowing by observation the splendid fight which he has made for life. "It was on the fifteenth day of May 1908 that he was taken to the Cottage hospital, his throat swollen shut, and as he had not been able to drink a drop of water for two days he was suffering untold agony. He was struggling with all his might to get a breath when he arrived in Creston and intubation was performed with difficulty. It was impossible to treat him in any but an emergency manner for the time being in an effort to assuage his misery. Every device known to science was brought to bear and every effort made to not only save this life but to make it comfortable. The entire nurse and surgical force of the hospital so far as circumstances would permit was detailed to save if possible this extraordinary case. EFFORTS TO SAVE LIFE It would not be right in this connection for me to neglect to say a word for the splendid efforts that have been made to save this life. It is a tribute to our civilization that there are men and women who will make such vicarious sacrifices for their fellow men. For the last fourteen months not a day nor a night has passed but some physician or nurse was at Berkey's side trying in some way to either save him from momentary crisis or make easy in his changing condition. The surgeon in charge has not been able to leave the hospital for a moment without leaving such directions that he could be secured at any time. One day he ventured to go across the street for dinner but was hurried back before he had commenced to eat for a hemorrhage had occurred. Another time he was awakened in the middle of the night to rush to the patient's bedside and work all night, time and again finding the only relief from the swollen trachea in holding the body inverted---holding him on his head, while they vainly attempted again to intube him. If the world could only view from time to time these efforts of science and the tireless tenderness of the nurses in their attempts to allay suffering this world would have a better belief in the kindness of humanity. If you could only have seen that struggle from time to time you would have a splendid idea of the heroism of the sufferer and the ceaseless toil of the hospital corps as they worked for weeks and months day and night that death might not have this suffering boy. SCIENTIFIC TREATMENT "Forty-seven different kinds of intubating tubes and trachea appliances were invented and manufactured, no one of which will ever be of use in any other case, no one of which had ever been in existence before. I will relate you a circumstance that came under my observation which will illustrate what his means to patient and physician. One Sunday afternoon the stricture became more violent and Berkey called the surgeon in a hurry. It was found impossible to get him to breathe except by artificial means and by probing the throat and then he could only breathe a few minutes at a time. It was necessary to make a new tube and do it in a hurry. Between these breathing spaces the surgeon would get in a few seconds fixing up a new tube from block tin to fit the new opening until relief could be gotten sufficiently long to make a tube of silver. Berkey would get a few breaths an lie there patiently until he would choke up and then he would tinkle his little bell and the surgeon would hurry back and probe again until a few more breaths could be gotten and then hurry away to the tube manufacturing again. At last, between intervals that were only parts of minutes in which the patient suffered in silence and the surgeon worked fast---after two long hours the changing throat became fixed in shape and the tube fit the new orifice. All the while Berkey lay on the cot and though his face was contorted with agony he never complained and time and again he would look up into the sweaty face that was laboring for his life and answer the efforts with a smile. This has been the mark of gratitude that has been received from this patient sufferer hundreds of times until he has endeared himself to the nurses and surgeons as very few patients do. SURGEON WRITES LETTER Finally it was discovered that a new and more serious operation was necessary and one that required the utmost of life's vigor and the best of skill to accomplish. This operation was so complicated and severe that I will not attempt to describe it here although I was at his side through it all. Here it was discovered that there were evidences of malignancy and although every effort was made to check the malady it was decided to invite more eminent authority. Sections were sent to four of the largest laboratories in the east for a histological examination and the answer was returned that carcinoma was present. This knowledge was kept from the patient in an attempt to make what remaining days there were pleasant and free from dread, but as the illness proceeded it was found proper to tell him of his doom and then the surgeon in charge wrote him the following letter: "This expression of regard is to my friend, Berkey: "The wreath, if I may call it such, is doubtless, rudely woven, but the flowers are real, and Berkey himself, has planted many of them in the garden of my heart; changed they may be, by the soil in which they have grown but are none the less flowers of his planting, and they have bloomed there, fragrant and beautiful. "It shall be my care that the fruit of his planting survive, and be passed along to clothe in beauty, what otherwise might be barren ledges in gardens other than my own. "My Dear Berkey: I believe the time has come for me to say some things, that perhaps should have been said at an earlier date, but have been deferred for the reason—if reason, it may be called---that counts it a kindness to leave undisturbed by rugged fact, the hope to which we all cling, and by which we defer the moment, when to ourselves, we admit that our race has been run, and calmly sit down to wait. "I need not dwell upon painful details of the situation, having felt sure that you understood weeks ago that your trouble has assumed malignant form, and that your discernment had not failed to note and understand the change of program. I do trust that the infrequency of our visits has not been interpreted as wandering interest, or any unwillingness to do for you anything within our power. "Since you became a member of our hospital family, there has on the part of all who came in close contact with you, a steadily increasing interest and regard, that has ripened into affection---the inevitable consequence of association with a character that by nature unselfish finds in the exercise of that quality, its greatest happiness. "Well do we remember the times---many times, when though suffering pain that we might have at least alleviated, you have deferred calling us, until impending suffocation left no place for fear born fancy. This thoughtfulness and consideration for others so marked a feature that we may well term it characteristic of Berkey. Nor have we failed to note the never failing politeness and expressions of appreciation that followed our efforts, far short though they often fell of attaining their purpose. "Long indeed would be the story that recounted in detail the instances wherein the expression of this unselfish life has proven an inspiration to those within the sphere of its radiance---such is the life that is worth while. He sees most—does most---and reaps most---in wages worth what they cost, who looks upon life as a field of labor—a field to be cultivated---and cultivated with a view to producing that which offers most in returns of advantage to the most people. The question of practical interest to the vineyard owner is, not how many hours has this man spent in my vineyard but what has this man done in my vineyard? The greatest teacher (from whose parable this figure must have sprung) was not a prodigy of longevity. That laborer who came into the vineyard and saw much to do, and did what was at hand who "plucked a weed of discord and in its stead planted a flower of harmony"---who trimmed and trained into lines of beauty, the ragged vines that were next to him---who cared for the thousands of trifles, that most laborers count beneath the dignity of their notice, but none the less are essential to their very existence. He who does these things, asking not the time of day, asking not of the Master, "What shall be my recompense?" but smiling---not for the wages in the advantage that a smile may bring, but smiling with no more conscious motive of radiating beneficence than has a light, that, by its radiance illumines the darkness. He, who has done these things, has earned the gratitude and affection of every sincere laborer with whom he comes in touch---has earned a right to a sense of satisfaction---at the close of his day, has earned, not only the wages (that fail utterly in expressing compensation in its fullness) but has earned the commendation of his Master, and may well exemplify the ideal that our poet must have had in mind, scourged to his dungeon, but sustained and soothed by an unfaltering trust. . . . . Wraps the drapery of his couch about him, and lies down to pleasant dreams." F. E. Sampson "About this time I made a call on him and desired to talk with him spiritually. Months before I had been called to his room and he had been converted and joined the Methodist church and was baptised in his hospital room. He had developed into the sweetest of Christian natures and now I though it wise to talk to him of the Beyond. I began by telling him the story of "The man in the shadow "by Paul Lawrence Dunbar, in which the man who has "put up a good fight" has failed and although he is a failure in his own sight the fact that he has fought a good fight has won him renown in the sight of those who knew him. After I had finished the story, during the telling of which he lay with his eyes closed and listened without a quiver, he opened his eyes and without a tear began to ask me of the welfare of his friends. I saw that he was trying to shake it off and said: "Berkey, we are not talking about them, we are talking about you," and then he swallowed hard and said with tears in his eyes: " I am not afraid to die. I do not dread to die, but, oh, I do hate to give up my plans and to be compelled to give up the future that I had in store." The he cried a moment or so and as we talked he said, "I know what I want to do. After I have my heavenly home all fixed up for our family---after I get things arranged over there in heaven ready to receive my folks, I am going down to that river we read about, that river of life, and I am going to pitch some tents and then you folks who have been so good to me here, you and I, we will camp out there forever and ever. Won't that be fine?" this was the nature of the Christian experience that this boy held and I think it was beautiful. I was with him the day that he died. He was lying in a comatose condition and it seemed that he was unconscious as he did not seem to know we were present, and as I whispered to the nurse, "I will withdraw and come again" he opened his eyes and smiling reached out his hand for he had been awake all the time and taking both of my hands in his he patted my hand and pointed up as much as to say "I will meet you up there." When he came to die it was peacefully as a child goes to sleep. He had been studying his trouble and he knew that death would likely come with a hemorrhage and as the blood came to his throat he felt it on his finger and looked up and smiled and whispered, "It has come at last" and smiling went over the river to meet the Christ he had learned to love. HIS CHARACTER "May I say a word about his character. He was always pleasant and kind and ever thoughtful of some one else. The little incident in which when he was a lad he gave his mittens to another boy who was shivering and said, "You take them, Bob, you need them worse than I do" was ever exemplified in his life. To his mother whose tender devotion through the long months of weary vigil has been a mark of supreme motherliness to all who knew her, Berkey has been a Chesterfield of courtesy and kindness. The nurses loved him for he was thoughtful ever even to the point of suffering intense agony rather than discommode his attendants. After he had come out from one of his most severe operation which we hardly expected him to survive and was congratulated that he was alive and had a chance to get well, he said and repeated it with emphasis "I am not so glad that I am alive as I am that I belong to Jesus Christ and am a member of the church." When he went to the operating table and had bade goodbye to those he loved which included all the hospital corps, when he pointed to heaven and said, "I will meet you there if not again here," it was a touching tribute to one who had learned to trust God and believe in immortality. IN COMMERCIAL LIFE As a boy Berkey had been an exceptional youth. When only in knee trousers he had been taken into the firm of Campbell Metzger and Jacobson, wholesale importers and exporters of dry goods, and as he was chosen as the assistant to one of the firm with the understanding that if he made good he would take his employer's place. All through his illness this concern has been close to the case with the hope that this protege of theirs might be well enough some day to fulfill their plans. Out of 200 employees he was selected as the most likely candidate for the highest honors of this large firm, which has wholesale houses in Ireland, on the continent, in Japan and in the many large cities of this country. "I want in closing to pay a tribute in person to this noble sufferer. He had so large a vision of life that he has enlarged my horizon. He had such a grip on the goodness of God that he has enlarged my faith. He had such a cheerfulness of disposition that he has made me ashamed to be a discontent. He had such a spirit of helpfulness that he has prohibited me from living to myself. He had such a surety of the eternal world that I dare not give up the faith for he is there with his tent waiting to make me his guest. To the mother who lived and loved through the months of agony by the bedside of the only son who suffered so much I want to bespeak the blessings of God who suffered for His only Son. To the parents and kinfolks, whose hearts are broken this day, I want to solicit the peace of God which passeth the knowledge of men and which lulls the broken heart to sleep. To the book which says, "Blessed are they who mourn" I want to point you and pray that the comforts with which he has comforted others may keep you through this ordeal. There is no death, the stars go down To rise upon some fair shore. And bright in heavens jeweled crown, They shine forevermore. There is no death. The dust we tread Shall change beneath the summer showers To golden grain or mellow fruit Or rainbow tinted flowers. There is no death; the leaves may fall The flowers may fade and pass away--- They only wait through wintry hours, The coming of the May. There is no death, an angel form, Walks o'er the earth with silent tread. He bears our best loved things away. And then we call them "dead." He leaves our hearts all desolate, He plucks our fairest, sweetest flowers, Transplanted into bliss they now Adorn immortal bowers. And where he sees a smile so bright, Of hearts too pure for taint and vice, He bears it to that world of light To dwell in Paradise. And ever near us though unseen, The dear immortal spirits tread, For all the boundless universe Is life---there are no dead.
Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, May 20, 1943, p. 4 Mrs. W. D. Walker Former Resident, Dies Mrs. W. D. Walker, a former resident of Bedford, died at Hermosa Beach, California, Tuesday May 18. The body will arrive in Bedford Saturday evening and a short service will be held at the Wetmore Funeral Home at 2 o'clock Sunday afternoon May 23 conducted by Rev. G. L. Hufstader. Burial will be in the Fairview cemetery. Maude Verley Berkey, daughter of Albert G. and Melissa Berkey, was born May 25, 1869 at Oskaloosa, Iowa. The family resided in Bedford until Jan. 12, 1888, at which time she was married to William Dale Walker. One child, a son, Francis Berkey Walker, was born to them on October 8, 1888. He died at Creston in 1907 and was buried in the Fairview cemetery. She is survived by her husband, William D. Walker of Hermosa Beach, California; and by a sister, Mrs. Jessie E. Bacon of Indianapolis, Indiana.
Bedford Times-Press, July 30, 1959, p. 10 William Walker Dies In California William Walker, 93, a former resident of Bedford, died in Los Angeles, Calif., July 24. The body was flown to Bedford by jet, accompanied by a niece, Isabel Asbury and funeral services will be held at the Shum-Novinger Funeral Service at 708 State Street at 10:30 a. m. Thursday, July 30. Burial in the family plot, Fairview cemetery. William Walker was born at Allerton, Iowa, July 24, 1866 and came to Bedford with his parents at an early age. His father, the late F. [rancis] E. [ells] Walker helped to establish the Bedford National Bank. [WALKER, WILLIAM DALE] Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, August 6, 1959, p. 4 Held Last Rites for Wm. Walker, July 30 Last rites for William Walker, a former resident of Bedford, were held at the Shum-Novinger Funeral Service at 708 State Street, Thursday forenoon. Burial in the family plot in Fairview cemetery. William Dale Walker was born at Allerton, Wayne County, Iowa, July 24, 1866 and died at the age of 93 years. He was the son of Francis Eells and Jennie Dale Walker and moved with his parents to Bedford when only an infant. He spent his boyhood here and was married on January 12, 1888 at Bedford to Maude Berkey. They were the parents of one son, Berkey Walker, who died in 1909. Mrs. Walker passed away in May 1942. Will Walker attended elementary school in Bedford and later became a traveling salesman for the S. S. Pierce Company of Boston, making his home in Boston and New York for many years. In 1928 he retired and moved to Glendora and later to Hermosa Beach, California. For the past seven years he had been a patient in the San Marino, Calif., sanitarium. On June 10, 1959 he fell and broke his leg, from which he never recovered. He is survived by three nieces, Mrs. Isabel Fitts Asbury of Holtville, Calif. who accompanied the body to Bedford; Mrs. Ethel Combs Willard of Berkeley, Calif.; Mrs. Dorothy Combs Monson of Seattle, Wash. there are also four great nieces, 10 great great nieces and a sister-in-law, Mrs. Jessie Berkey Bacon of St. Petersburg, Florida. Mr. Walker was a cousin of the Nelson Sisters of Bedford.
[WICK, KATHLYN MURIEL MCCULLOCH KIRKETEG] Bedford Times-Press, Wednesday, June 20, 1990 KATHLYN KIRKETEG WICK Funeral service for Kathlyn Kirketeg Wick will be Wednesday, June 20 in Nashua, Iowa with burial Thursday, June 21 in Bedford Fairview Cemetery. [WICK, KATHLYN MURIEL MCCULLOCH KIRKETEG] Bedford Times-Press, Wednesday, June 27, 1990 KATHLYN M. WICK Graveside services for Kathlyn M. Wick, 87, were held at Fairview Cemetery, Bedford. Mrs. Wick died June 14. Kathlyn M. Wick was born on July 18, 1902 to Duncan and Lillie (MacCallum) McCulloch on a farm southeast of Nashua, Iowa. The farm is still in the family after 125 years. She graduated from Nashua High School, attended Grinnell College and received her B.A. from the University of Iowa, then she did graduate work at the University of Northern Iowa University of Wisconsin and Boulder Teacher's College in Colorado. She coached basketball and taught high school at Lenox, Iowa Rochelle, Ill., and Bedford, Iowa where she married Attorney O. [le] J. [ohn] Kirketeg. While serving as Iowa State senator he passed away and Kathlyn finished his term and was then elected as the first woman senator in the state of Iowa After her retirement from teaching in 1968, she and Dr. James H. Wick were married and they moved to Nashua where they were both born. Kathlyn, besides her busy schedule, did much volunteer work. She was Grand Esther of the Order of Eastern Star, a 50-year member of P.E.O., State Auditor of Republican Women's Club, on the Board of Curators of the State Historical Society, to name only a few. She will be sadly missed by her family and friends. She is survived by her husband Dr. James Wick of Nashua; her sister Allegra (Dotty) Combes, nieces, Kay Carnie and Nancy Gates, all from California.
Bedford Times-Republican, Tuesday, February 12, 1923, [p. 1] WELL KNOWN MAN TAKES OWN LIFE Carey T. Wickersham, Aged 52, Temporarily Deranged, Shoots Himself With Rifle and Dies A Few Minutes Later. Dread of an Operation Assigned as Cause Last Saturday morning news was telephoned to the city that Carey T. [homas] Wickersham, who lives about 5 miles northeast of Bedford, had taken his own life, by shooting himself through the head with a 22-caliber rifle. This startling news fairly staggered all who heard and many were loathe to believe it, until later when more authentic reports were received. From all reports available and summed up, it was learned that Mr. Wickersham had been ailing for some time, with an affliction commonly called "gravel in the kidneys" and that the attending physician had recommended an operation as the only sure relief. This was some two weeks ago, and as no better results seemed to come, he had at last resigned himself to undergo an operation, although he had repeatedly made the remark that he dreaded an operation worse than poison, but supposed it was the last chance for relief, so had definitely settled on going to the hospital at Omaha on the morning of the ill-fated happening, all arrangements being about completed for him to start. His brother had arrived from Villisca to look after the chores at the farm during his absence, and his wife was busy packing his suitcase with the necessary clothing he would need at the hospital. A neighbor had agreed to drive him to Corning where he was to meet another brother who was to accompany him to Omaha, and it was while awaiting this man's arrival that evidently the unfortunate man's mind because deranged and he committed the rash act. The day before his death Mr. Wickersham had been transacting business in Bedford and in talking over the contemplated operation with several of his intimate friends admitted that he had "lost his nerve" and dreaded the operation. His actions at home betrayed no symptoms of the terrible tragedy enacted, and only that morning appeared cheerful and hopeful at the outcome. It can only be surmised by those best acquainted with him, that he had evidently brooded over the proposed operation all night, and that it had preyed heavily on his mind, and in the morning when left along and while waiting for the neighbor to arrive who was to accompany him, he left the house and walked out into a summer kitchen, used as a wash house in winter and becoming despondent, his mind gave way and he committed the rash act that ended further tribulations. The folks in the house hearing the report of the gun started to look around and soon found that the deceased had gone out in the wash house and taken the rifle and sat down in the chair, and putting the muzzle of the gun in his mouth, pulled the trigger, dying a few minutes later, apparently without any struggle, and still sitting in the chair. Carey Wickersham was perhaps one of the best-known men in the county and counted his friends without number. His was an amicable disposition at all times, with a cheerful word for everybody. He took great interest in the affairs of the locality in which he lived, being clerk of the school board in his township and holding at various times important honors of trust. At the primary election last summer, he was urged to be candidate for office, but declined, claiming his farm duties were more important and imperative than political honors. In the home Mr. Wickersham was a model man, always kind, and subservient to the every want of his family. If financial troubles had been worrying him, people could have assigned that as a cause, but this was not the case, as Carey was considered as on "easy street," with a life in the future of affluence and happiness, and his untimely end can only be laid to a sudden spell of despondency that shattered his mind, thus casting a gloom over the entire section where he was best known. Mr. Wickersham was a man about 52 years of age---in the prime of life, so to speak, and in his demise he leaves to mourn his loss, his wife and one daughter, now a teacher in the public schools of Conway; an aged father who lives at Villisca, four brothers and three sisters, all of whom were notified and were present at the last sad rites. The Wickersham family was one of the oldest families in Taylor County having arrived here from Ohio about 55 years ago, the father later moving to Villisca, and the rest of the family going to different parts of the county, as large families are likely to do—scatter when grown up and married. In the passing of Mr. Wickersham, the bereaved wife and daughter lose a loving husband and father, and the community a well beloved citizen, and all will join with us in extending condolence and sympathy in this dark hour of sorrow, for we realize that only a kind Providence and Father Time can erase or blot from memory the scenes lately enacted. The funeral services will be held today (Tuesday) at 1:00 p. m., from the home place and interment will be made in Fairview cemetery in Bedford. Rev. Harlan of the Christian church of Bedford and Rev. Brown of Conway will conduct the services. [WICKERSHAM, CARY THOMAS] Clearfield Enterprise, Thursday, February 15, 1923, [p. 1] Suicide Near Bedford Carey [Cary] T. [homas] Wickersham, a farmer living 5 miles northeast of Bedford, killed himself last Saturday forenoon by shooting himself in the head with a rifle. Mr. Wickersham was in prosperous circumstance, and the apparent cause of his deed lies in ill health. He was that day to go to Omaha to have operation performed. He evidently lost his nerve and took the short route out of all physical weaknesses. While his wife was packing his clothing for the trip, and he was in waiting for a neighbor who should take him to Conway, Mr. W. went out into a summer kitchen, put the muzzle of the gun into his mouth and fired. He was found soon after but dead. He was the father of Miss Ruth Wickersham, who taught in our schools and who is the only child. [WICKERSHAM, CARY THOMAS] Bedford Times-Republican, Thursday, February 15, 1923, p. 5 Obituary The news of the death of Carey Wickersham came over the wire Saturday as a shock barbed with pain and sorrow. When the paper last week came to you our brother was upon our streets greeting his friends with a happy "Good Morning!" Today all that is mortal of him is at peaceful rest in our Silent city. The silver cord is loosed. The golden bowl is broken, the dust returned to the earth as it was, while the spirit has returned to God who gave it. Cary Thomas Wickersham, son of I. [saac] M. and Jennie Wickersham, was born in Highland County, Ohio, near Rainsboro, April 10, 1870, and died at his home near Bedford, Ia., Feb. 10, 1923 in his 53rd year. He came with his parents to Mahaska County, Iowa, in 1873, and in 1875 moved to Jackson Township, Taylor County, Iowa, where he received most of his education. In 1895 he was married to Mary F. [rances] Taylor and to this union one daughter, Ruth, was born. All his married life has been spent in Clayton Township, where he has held almost every public office in the township. He was a great promoter of education and at the present time was a member of the Education Board of the County. During the World War he assisted in every drive made in the township. Never a more public-spirited man lived in Clayton Township. Mr. Wickersham was a member of the M. E. church of Conway, Ia., also a member of the Masonic, Odd Fellow, Woodman, Eastern Star and Rebekah lodges and has held offices in all of these orders. Cary was the oldest of a family of nine children and with the exception of his mother, who died July 5th, 1908, this is the first break in the family circle. He leaves to sorrow his wife, daughter, the aged father and step-mother, Villisca, Ia., five brothers and three sisters, as follows: Mrs. Emma Osborn, McAllen, Texas; John, Roy, Lester Wickersham, Mrs. Edith Shields and Mrs. Irma Morris, Omaha, Nebr.; Leighton Wickersham, Cheyenne, Wyo., and Russell C. Wickersham, Oklahoma City, Okla. All of these with the exception of Mrs. Osborn, who was unable to come on account of sickness, were present at the funeral. Short funeral services were held at the farm home Tuesday Feb. 13, at 1:00 o'clock in charge of Elder S. D. Harlan, assisted by Rev. Carl Brown, pastor of the M. E. church at Conway, Ia. The body was laid to rest in the Fairview cemetery, Bedford, Ia., in charge of the Masons. The funeral of the deceased was one of the largest ever held in this section. Before the hour for the services arrived the throng of friends from all parts of the county had gathered to pay their last homage to their departed friend. The vast crowd filled the yard about the home, the house being not able to shelter them, and when the sad procession filed away on their trip to Fairview cemetery in Bedford, a large concourse of sorrowing friends motored to the Silent city to see their beloved citizen laid to his long last rest.
[WICKERSHAM, MARY FRANCES TAYLOR] Bedford Times-Press, Thursday, December 6, 1956, p. 5 Mary Wickersham Rites Here Monday Mrs. Mary Wickersham, a long-time resident of Taylor County, but in recent years of Sterling, Colo., died in Sterling, Thursday, November 29. Funeral services were held there Saturday afternoon and the body was brought to Bedford, where the last rites were held at the Shum Funeral Home, Monday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Clement D. Loehr of the Presbyterian church. The Eastern Star burial service was given at the funeral home by Conway chapter. Burial in Fairview cemetery. Mary Frances Taylor was born to Robt. A. [tkinson] Taylor, sr., and Martha Miller Taylor near Lexington, Taylor County, Iowa, on Feb. 15, 1869 and died at the age of 87 years and 10 months. She was the oldest of eight children that grew to maturity. On March 5, 1895 she was married to Cary Thomas Wickersham. One child was born to them, [Frances] Ruth Wickersham, now Mrs. Wray J. Rominger of Sterling, Colo. She resided on farms near Conway for many years until Mr. Wickersham's death on Feb. 10, 1923. She then moved to Bedford to be with her mother and stayed with her until 1935, at which time she went to live with her daughter in Colorado. She remained there until her death. One pupil of the first school she taught has corresponded with her for 65 years. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star for over 50 years and had been active in the work. She was a Past Worthy Matron of the O. E. S. chapter at Conway, her membership being there at the time of her death. She was a member of Golden Rule Rebekah Lodge of Bedford for over 64 years. She and Mr. Wickersham were married in the I. O. O. F. hall in Bedford by Rev. William Cobb. She is survived by her daughter, Ruth and her husband, Wray J. Rominger; by three brothers, Alfred A. [delbert] Taylor, Luther B. [ent] Taylor, Chas. S. Taylor, all of Bedford; by three sisters, Mrs. Chas. G. [ray] Martin and Mrs. Lottie Gooding of Bedford and Mrs. Tressie Hart of Fort Collins, Colorado. In early life she joined the Christian church in Bedford, and later to the Presbyterian Church in Sterling, Colorado. |