Obituaries
submitted by: Julia Johnson - julia.johnson63@gmail.com
 
 

[Lasswell, Jesse]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday     February 26, 1914     p. 3

OBITUARY.

Jesse Lasswell was born January 20, 1824, and died at his home in Polk township, Taylor county, Iowa, on the 14th day of February, 1914, being ninety years, and twenty six days of age at time of death.

Funeral services were held in the family home on Monday February 15, conducted by Elder William Cobb of Bedford.

Deceased was born in Harding [Hardin] County, Kentucky. When he was 4 years old his parents moved to Perry County, Indiana, where they remained for five years when they again removed to Sullivan county same state, where deceased grew to manhood.  He was married November 20, 1848, to Miss Sarah Parker, who died one month after their marriage. In September 1853, he was again married to Lee Ann McKee. To this union were born five children, three sons and two daughters. Benjamin and Mary E. [lizabeth] are still living and were present at his funeral. The other three, John, Jesse and Hannah, all died in the early age of life. His second wife, Lee Ann, died June 2, 1893. 

He emigrated to Taylor county in 1857 settling on a tract of wild land in Polk township, which has ever since been his home, and on which he died.

He was a man of prominence in the community in which he lived, serving for a time as Justice of the peace, and a member of the board of supervisors from his township. 

He was converted and united with the Church of Christ at Siam in 1860. He was an ardent worker in and a pillar in the church during the active sphere of his life.
[Note:  Correct marriage date for the second marriage is April 28, 1858. Source:  Taylor County, Iowa marriages. The same obituary was printed in the Bedford Free Press, March 3, 1914, page 7.]

[Lasswell, Jesse]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday      February 24, 1914     p. 5

SIAM.

The remains of Jesse Laswell [Lasswell], who lived in the east part of the township was brought here for burial Monday. He had lived in this township for a great many years and was among the oldest settlers of the township. 

[LASSWELL, JESSE]
Bedford Times-Republican (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, February 19, 1914
HOPKINS - The funeral services of uncle Jessie [Jesse] Laswell were held at the home north of Hopkins Monday afternoon. Interment was made at Siam. Mr. Laswell was an aged resident, being over 90 years old and having lived in this community for years.

[Mackey, Erie Casander]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     January 17, 1957    [p. 1]

Erie C. Mackey Died At Clarinda

Erie C. [asander] Markey [Mackey], 82, who had lived for several years with his daughter, Mrs. Carl Prather and her family at Clarinda, died Tuesday at the Clarinda Municipal hospital. His illness had been severe for many months and he was in the hospital six weeks prior to his death.

Mr. Mackey was a long-time farmer in the Siam vicinity, and was buried in the cemetery at Siam. The funeral was Thursday at the Siam Methodist Church with Rev. Lester Greenwood in charge.

His wife preceded him in death. Seven children survive: Mrs. John (Clara) Melvin, Des Moines; Mrs. Carl (Elva) Prather, Clarinda; Elmer Mackey, Maryville; Harold Mackey, Clearmont; Mrs. Fern Wimsett, Parris, Ill.; Mrs. Velma Myrtan, Des Moines; Mrs. Lucille Beltrame, Des Moines.

[Mackey, Nettie Sultaine Stephens]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     May 24, 1951     p. 4

Mrs. E. G. Mackey Dies In New Market

NEW MARKETMrs. E. [rie] G.  [Casander] Mackey died unexpectedly at her home in New Market Wednesday evening.at 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the Methodist church in Slam Saturday after, noon, with, burial in Siam. Rev. Clarence Moore will officiate.

Survivors include her husband; two sons, Harold of Hopkins, Elmer of Maryville; five daughters, Mrs. Carl Prather of Clarinda, Mrs. Nelson Wimsett of Paris, Ill., Mrs. John Melvin, Mrs. Lucille Beltrame and Miss Velma Mackey all of Des Moines.

Mrs. Mackey was a lifetime resident of Polk township until moving to New Market five years ago.

[Mackey, Nettie Sultaine Stephens]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     May 31, 1951    p. 4

Nettie Mackey

Nettie Sultaine (Stephens) Mackey, daughter of Daniel and Emaline [Gordon] Stephens, was born on a farm a few miles southwest of Bedford, Dec. 11, 1882, and died suddenly at her home in New Market, May 23, 1951, at the age of 68 years, five months and 12 days.

Her entire life, except the last five years, was spent on the parental farm near Bedford. Feb. 21, 1900 she was united in marriage to Erie C. [asander] Mackey who survives.  To them were born seven children, Elmer of Maryville, Harold, of Hopkins, Velma, Mrs. John Melvin [Clara] and Mrs. Lucille Beltrame, all of Des Moines, Mrs. Carl Prather  [Elva Pearl] of Clarinda, Mrs. Nelson Wimsett of Paris, Ill. Also surviving are two brothers, Vinnie and George Stephens of Bedford, a sister, Mrs. Ed Patch of Clarinda.

Mrs. Mackey united with the Methodist church at High Prairie, a rural church near her farm home. After services were discontinued at High Prairie, the family transferred their membership to the Siam Methodist church.

Because of failing health, the family moved from the farm to New Market five years ago.

[Manley, Anna Catherine Marshall]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     December 21, 1933     p. 7

SIAM

Former Resident Dies

Mrs. Anna Marshall Manley died Saturday night at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Dora Roush of New Market. Mrs. Manley spent most of her life near Siam and was buried Monday afternoon in the Siam cemetery beside her husband, Jasper [Alexander] Manley who preceeded her in death a few years ago.

[Manley, Anna Catherine Marshall]

Taylor County Herald

Thursday    December 21, 1933    p. 3

MRS. JASPER MARSHALL DIED HERE SATURDAY

Mrs. Jasper Marshall died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Dora Rausch [Roush], Saturday. She is survived by five children and one sister.

Funeral services were held at New Market at the Methodist church and interment was made in the Siam cemetery.

A complete obituary will be found elsewhere in this paper.

[Manley, Arch “Archie”]

Bedford Free Press

Tuesday     September 26, 1916     [p. 1]

ARCH MANLEY TAKES LIFE ENROUTE WEST

PROMINENT SIAM FARMER FOUND DEAD ON TRAIN NEAR DENVER, COL.

Death Caused by Strychnine—Mental Aberration Caused by Brooding, Believed by Friends to have Been Reason for Rash Act.

Mental aberration, caused perhaps by brooding, is the solution offered by many friends, as the cause of the death of Arch Manley last week, a farmer residing near Siam, who was found dead or died shortly after on a train bound for Denver shortly before reaching that city.

Arch Manley was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Jap [Jasper Alexander] Manley and lived practically all his life in the community near Siam. Several days ago he started from his home, riding horseback and went to Hopkins, and then Pickering, where he left his horse and took the train for St. Joseph, unknown to any of his relatives or friends.  After arriving at St. Joseph he evidently tried to cash a check. H. E. Tomlinson of New Market Savings Bank received a wire inquiry whether Manley would be good for a forty-dollar check. Tomlinson wired that he would be good for the amount.

Securing the cash, Manley bought a ticket for Loveland, Col., and arrived at a point near Denver, when found dead. The railroad officials found his New Market Savings bank book and his name on the cover and wired the bank who phoned his father. A telegram was sent to Denver asking the officials the cause of his death and his companions. Back came a telegram stating “strychnine; self destruction; no companions.” Monday evening the father met the body of his son at Clarinda.

Funeral services were held at the church Wednesday and interment was made in the Siam cemetery. A young man leaves to mourn his death, a 12 year old daughter; a father and mother, two brothers and four sisters, E. [verett] E. Manley, Sheridan, W. [ilfred] L. [eroy] Manley, Hopkins, Mo.; Mrs. Dora [Alice] Roush and Mrs. Jessie Andrews of Siam; Mrs. Carrie Border of New Market, and Mrs. Emma Stipe of Berkeley, Cal.

 

[MANLEY, ARCH "ARCHIE"]
Bedford Times-Republican (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, September 21, 1916
Siam Farmer Takes Own Life
Archie Manley Commits Act On Way to Denver
Motive for Deed a Mystery—In Good Financial Straits—Leaves 12 year old Daughter
The Siam community received a distinct shock last week when word was flashed from Denver, Col., that Archie E. Manley had taken arsenic while nearing that city, which caused his death before the train could reach its destination where help was available. The remains were carried to Denver when it was found that life was extinct and relatives at Siam were notified.
There is no known reason for Manly having committed the rash act as he was not in financial trouble, having been farming his father's place near Siam with a good crop prospect and relatives and friends are at a loss to explain the tragedy.
The deceased left the farm without notifying his relatives and drove to Pickering, Mo., where he boarded the train for Denver. The fact that he did not go to Hopkins to catch the same train seems to indicate that he was either mentally unbalanced or was endeavoring to keep from meeting chance acquaintances.
Upon receiving word of the tragedy, the coroner was notified to send the remains back to Siam and they arrived on Saturday by way of Clarinda, death having occurred on Wednesday.
Archie E. Manley was born near Siam in Taylor county on March 12, 1882 and spent practically his entire life in that community. He had a friendly personality which made him very popular among his associates and was beloved by all who came to know him.
Besides a large coterie of friends his untimely demise is mourned by one child, a daughter 12 years of age, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jap Manley, and six brothers and sisters who are E. [verett] E. Manley of Sheridan, W.[ilfred] L.[eroy] Manley of Hopkins, Mrs. Bora [Dora] Roush of Siam, Mrs. Jesse Crosson of Siam, Mrs. Carrie Borden of New Market and Mrs. Emma Stite [Stipe] of Seeley, Cal. The wife of the deceased had preceded him in death.
The funeral was held yesterday morning at 11 o'clock from the Siam Methodist church, Rev. Griffin of Hopkins officiating and interment was made in the Siam cemetery.
The sorrowing relatives wish to take this opportunity of thanking the many neighbors and friends who aided them so kindly during the bereavement.

[Manley, Jasper Alexander]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday     July 7, 1927     p. 2

SIAM

Jasper Alexander Manley passed away Tuesday, June 28th, at the age of 78 years. Mr. Manley was one of the oldest residents of this vicinity. Funeral services were held Thursday afternoon at the Methodist church, conducted by Rev. J. H. Bennett.

[Manley, Jasper Alexander]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday     July 7, 1927     p. 9

Jasper Alexander Manley

Jasper Alexander Manley was born April 5th, 1849, in Marion county, Ind., and departed this life at his home near Siam, Ia., June 28, 1927. When a small child his parents moved to Monroe county, Iowa. When 18 years of age they moved to Taylor County, and located near Siam, and there resided until the day of his death. On October 16th, 1870, he was united in marriage to Miss Anna [Catherine] Marshall. To this union eight children were born, four boys and four girls. Two of the boys, Archie and Dee [Delaney] preceeded him to their reward. Mr. Manley has never enjoyed the best of health, and the last fifteen years he has suffered more or less continuously with heart trouble, which was the cause of his death. For 56 years he was a faithful husband, kind Father, a good neighbor. Just a few days before his departure he made his peace with God and testified to His Saving Grace, and that he was ready to go. He leaves to mourn, his wife, and six children, Mrs. Dora [Alice] Roush of New Market, Mrs. Jessie Andrews of Portland, Ore., Mrs. Carry [Elizabeth] Borden of New Market, Mrs. Emma Stype [Stipe] of Siam, Fred of Bedford, and Everett of Clarinda. Also three brothers, Marion of Siam, Charles of Barnard, Elijah of Clea, Okla., and a host of friends.

Funeral services were held on June 30, at the M. E. church at Siam, conducted by Rev. J. H. Bennett, M. E. minister at Shambaugh, Ia. Interment was made in the Siam cemetery.

[Manley, Wilfred Leroy, 1906-1957]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     January 10, 1957     p. 4

Held Manley Rites Here Sunday Jan. 6

Wilfred Leroy Manley was born August 24, 1906 in Buchanan township, Page county, Clarinda, Iowa and died Jan. 3, 1957 at Bedford, Iowa following a short illness of double pneumonia at the age of 50 years, 4 months and 9 days. His father, Wilfred Leroy Manley, preceded him in death 27 years ago.

Wilfred is survived by his mother, [Anna] Belle [Stewart] Manley and three brothers, Oren of Bedford, Cecil of Sterling, Colo., Ora of Clarinda; two sisters, Mrs. Alice Wilson of Tucumcari, New Mexico and Mrs. Thelma Duncan of Bedford; also several nieces and nephews and other relatives

Wilfred spent the early years of his life on his parents' farm east of Hopkins, Mo., where he attended the Maple Grove and Lone Star schools. After spending one year in Fort Morgan. Colo., he lived in Bedford with his parents and worked on farms for local farmers as a helper, which he enjoyed doing very much.

Services were held Saturday, Jan. 5 at 2 o'clock at the Wetmore Funeral Home. Rev. Stiefel officiating. Interment at Siam cemetery.

[Marr, Ellen]

Bedford Times-Press

March 4, 1937     [p. 1]

Miss Ellen Marr Dies Here Monday

Miss Ellen Marr, a resident of Bedford and community for many years, died at the home of Mr. and Mrs. John Hamilton, where she made her home, Monday.

The funeral services will be held at the Wetmore Funeral Home Friday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock, conducted by Rev. W. F. Overhulser. Burial will be in the Siam cemetery, when the roads are passable.

[Marr, Ellen]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     March 11, 1937    [p. 1]

Miss Marr Funeral Held Here Fri. PM

Funeral services for Miss Ellen Marr, who died at her home in Bedford Monday, March 1, were held at the Wetmore Funeral Home Friday afternoon, conducted by Rev. W. F. Overhulser. The body was placed in the Bedford mausoleum until the roads are passable to the Siam cemetery, where burial will be made.

Miss Ellen Marr, daughter of John and Jane [Jackson] Marr, was born in Dane county, Wisc., August 17, 1857. She died at the age of 79 years, 6 months and 12 days. She was preceded in death by her father, mother and three brothers, Francis Marr, William J. Marr and Thomas Marr, and by one sister, Agnes Meikle.

She is survived by one brother, Robert Marr of Bedford; one nephew, John M. Meikle of Colorado Springs, Colo., and three nieces, Mrs. Agnes Shaw of Beardstown, Ill., Miss Jane Meikle of Pasadena, Calif., and Mrs. Margaret Fletcher of Pueblo, Colo.

In her youth Miss Marr united with the High Prairie Methodist church in Taylor County. She attended Amity College in College Springs and later taught school in and around Siam for several years.

[Marr, Jane Jackson]

Bedford Times-Republican

Thursday    February 28, 1907     p. 9

Obituary.

Jane Jackson Marr was born August 9, 1822, in [Strathaven], Scotland, and died February 19, 1907, aged 84 years, 6 months and 10 days.

She was married to John Marr May 30, 1849. Soon after their marriage they sailed for America, settling in Dane county, Wisconsin, on a farm where they made their home. Selling out in 1865, they moved to Spring Vale, Columbia county, Wisconsin, living there till the fall of 1870, when they moved with their family to Iowa, settling in Polk township, Taylor county, which was her home till death. She united with the Established Church of Scotland when quite young, and when the Presbyterian Church at Morning Star was organized she united with it and has been a devoted member up to the time of her death. He husband, John Marr, died August 24, 1881.

To this union was born six children, four sons and two daughters, Francis their oldest son died in infancy, and Agnes their daughter, (Mrs. Robert Meikle) died August 10, 1906 [1896]. Those who survive her are W. [illiam] J. Marr, Thomas Marr, Ellen Marr and Robert Marr.

The large company of people in attendance upon the funeral but faintly attest the high esteem in which she was held.

The sermon was preached at Morning Star church by Rev. W. B. Thompson. Interment was at Siam.

[Marr, Jane Jackson]

Bedford Free Press

Thursday     February 21, 1907    [p. 1]

Obituary.

Jane Jackson Marr was born August 9, 1822, in Sterethaven [Strathaven], Scotland, and died Tuesday, February 19, 1907. She was married to John Marr, May 30th, 1849, by the Rev. Wm. Patton, of Sterethaven [Strathaven].

Soon after marriage they sailed for America, settling first on a farm in Dance [Dane] County, Wis., and still later in Springvale, Columbia County, the same state. In 1870 the family moved to Iowa, taking up their residence in Polk Township, Taylor County, where they have continued to live until the time of her death.

She united with the established church of Scotland when quite young and when the Presbyterian Church at Morning Star was organized she united with it, remaining a devoted member up to the time of her death.

Her husband, John Marr, died August 24, 1881. Six children blessed the home of Mr. and Mrs. Marr, four sons and two daughters; Francis, their oldest son, died in infancy, and Agnes, who in womanhood married Robt. Meikle, died in 1896. The children who survive are Wm. J., Thomas, Robert, and Ellen.

Mrs. Marr was a forceful yet most gracious woman. "In her tongue was the law of kindness," and many today "rise up and call her blessed."

The funeral was attended by a large company of people. The sermon was preached by Rev. Wm. B. Thompson, of Bedford, at Morning Star church Wednesday. Interment was at Siam cemetery.  X.

[Marr, John]

Taylor County Republican

Thursday     February 2, 1882     p. 3

Polk Township

Account of Its Early History and Present Prospects

[John] Marr was born in Scotland in [1823]. Came to Wisconsin in 1849 and married the same year. In 1869 he came to this county. Mr. Marr acquired quite a farm, numbering 520 acres. He was an upright man and staunch Republican. He died last year [1881] and was buried at Siam, but although he has drifted off the stage of action his work still goes on. He has three sons who will never let his light grow dim. There are two daughters who are of the first grade.

[Marr, Robert]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    January 15, 1953    [p. 1]

Robert Marr Funeral Thursday

Robert Marr, 89, a long time resident of Taylor County, died at the Terrill Nursing Home Jan. 11. He is survived by a nephew and nieces.

Funeral services will be held at the Wetmore Funeral Home at o'clock Thursday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Robt. M. Peters Burial in Siam cemetery.

[Marr, Robert]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday    January 22, 1953    p. 5

OBITUARY

Obituary - Robert Marr

Robert Marr, son of John and Jane Jackson Marr, and the youngest of five children, was born at Rio, Wisc., Dec. 7, 1863 and died at his home in Bedford, Jan. 11, 1953.

He came with his parents from Wisconsin to Taylor County, Iowa in 1869. The family located on a farm in Polk township, which continued to be the family home until 1930, when Robert and his sister Ellen took up residence In Bedford and when he continued to reside until his death. Thus for over 80 years Robert Marr resided continuously in Taylor county.

In early manhood, he united with the High Prairie Methodist church, always taking an active part in the Sunday school and other activities of that church. After coming to Bedford, he transferred his membership to the Bedford Methodist church, where he was a regular attendant until incapacitated by the informalities of old age.

Robert Marr was preceded in death by two brothers, William and Thomas Marr; and by two sisters Ellen Marr and Agnes Meikle.

He is survived by a nephew, Judge John M. Meikle of Colorado Springs. Colo.; three nieces, Mrs. R. R. Alexander of Pasadena, Calif., Mrs. Roy W. Shaw of San Gabriel, Calif., and Mrs. C. K. Fletcher of Pueblo, Colo.: two grand nieces and three grand nephews.

Funeral services were held Thursday afternoon at the Wetmore Funeral home, conducted by Rev. Robt. M. Peters. Burial in Siam cemetery.

[Pierce, Lillie Pearl Clayton Henderson]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday     January 11, 1968      p. 5

Lillie Pierce Rites Held Here

Funeral services for Mrs. Ralph (Lillie) Pierce, 70, of Anaheim, California, formerly of Taylor and Page counties, were held January 10 at the east Shum-Novinger Funeral Home here conducted by Pastor Glen Mitchell. Mrs. Pierce died January 6, 1968 at her home in Anaheim. Interment was at the Siam Cemetery, Taylor County, Iowa.

Lillie Pearl Clayton, daughter of Henry and [Mary] Crystal Smith Clayton, was born near Siam March 19, 1897. She attended the Siam school.

She was married in 1915 to Clarence I. [saac] Henderson of Siam. They established their home south of Siam where their children were born. Mr. Henderson died Jan. 12, 1933.

In July 1945 she was married to Ralph [Mortimer] Pierce of Clarinda. They made their home in Clarinda for a time, later moving to their present home in California.

Her parents, two brothers, Omer and Ralph, and one son, Harold, who died in 1936 and twin sons preceded her in death.

She is survived by three daughters, Mrs. Frank (Ruby) Harvey of Elmo; Mrs. Mahlon (Marie) Oxley of Greenfield and Mrs. Dwight (Clarice) Diedrich of Clawson, Michigan, one son, Luther of Lafayette, Colo.; 12 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

Mrs. Pierce joined the Methodist church and after her marriage transferred her membership to the Christian Church where she was a very faithful worker. She was always ready to give of her vocal and instrumental talents wherever she was called. She had been an active music teacher in California.