Obituaries |
submitted by: Julia Johnson - julia.johnson63@gmail.com |
[Melvin, Mary Marilla Lindley]
Bedford Free Press
September 2, 1897
Obituary
Died---At her home 10 miles southwest of Bedford, August 25, 1897, Mrs. Mary M. [arilla Lindley] Melvin, wife of Mr. James E. [dwin] Melvin. The fond wife and mother passed gently down into the valley of the shadow of death, leaving behind her the sweet fragrance of a devoted Christian life.
Mrs. Melvin was born in Des Moines County, Iowa, January 8th, 1867, married to Mr. Melvin February 2nd, 1888.
At the early age of eleven years she was converted and united with the Baptist church. Mrs. MelvinÕs life has been that of an exemplary Christian and a multitude of friends join with the bereaved husband and children in mourning her loss.
Among the stricken hearts was the mother of the deceased, Mrs. M. [ary] A. [nn Scherick] Lindley of our city, also three brothers and four sisters. The funeral was one of the largest that has been witnessed for some time in the neighborhood where she lived. Rev. J. G. Lewis conducted the services assisted by the Odd Fellow and Rebekah lodges. Today the remains of wife and mother gently rest in the city of the dead near the village of Siam.
[MELVIN, MARY MARILLA LINDLEY]
Clarinda Journal (Clarinda, Iowa), Friday, September 3, 1897
SIAM – Mrs. Mary M. [arilla] Melvin died at her home one mile east and one mile north of Siam, Ia., Aug. 25, 1897, at 8:30 a. m. She was born in Des Moines county, Ia., Jan. 8, 1867, making her age 30 years, 7 months and 17 days. . . .
The following persons attended the funeral of Mrs. Mary Melvin last Friday: Ed Godby of Yorktown, Mrs. F. A. Damewood and Mrs. S. A. Rhoades of Clarinda, Mrs. Dr. West, Mrs. Annie Wright, Miss Alice De Haven, Miss Bessie Lattimer of Conway, Mrs. Charles Steel, Mrs. George Young, Mrs. John Clark, Mrs. P. Hadley, Miss Jennie Rogers, Miss Mandy Magers, Isaac Curzy, Silas Wolverton, Joseph Brown, George Young, Mr. Smith and Frank Crosen and wife of Bedford. . . .
Bedford Times-Press
Thursday January 21, 1982 p. 4
Last Rites For James W. Melvin Were Held Jan. 13
Funeral services for James W. [oodford] Melvin, 73, of Hopkins, held January 13 in the Swanson-Price Chapel in Hopkins, were officiated by Rev. Neal Turnbaugh. Mr. Melvin died January 11. Interment was at the Hopkins Cemetery.
Born Dec. 2, 1908 in the Siam community, he was the son of James E. [dwin] and Sarah [Elizabeth] Martin Melvin. He was a member of the Clearmont Baptist church.
Surviving are his wife, Inez [Ruth Booze], of the home; two sons, Orville, Blockton, Iowa, and Bill, Hopkins; four daughters: Phyllis Ulmer, Hopkins, Evelyn Watts, Boise, Idaho, Helen Marriott, Clearmont, and Norma Wuester, Victoria, British Columbia; two brothers: Vern, Hopkins, and John, Des Moines, Iowa; two sisters: Susie Dillon, Blockton, Iowa, and Mary Johnson, Gravity, Iowa; 23 grandchildren; and 18 great grandchildren.
[Melvin, Sarah Zerelda Lindley]
Bedford Times-Press
Thursday December 29, 1938 [p. 1]
Mrs. John Melvin Succumbs Dec. 22
Mrs. John Melvin [Sarah Zerelda Lindley] died at her home in Coin on Thursday, Dec. 22, following an illness of several years. She suffered a stroke about four years ago and remained practically helpless until her death. She is survived by her husband, four daughters and a son.
The funeral services were held at the Wetmore Funeral Home in Bedford Saturday afternoon, conducted by a Coin minister. Burial was in the Bedford cemetery. Mr. Melvin was unable to be present for the last rites on account of illness.
[Melvin, Sarah Zerelda Lindley]
Bedford Times-Press
Thursday January 5, 1939 p. 5
Mrs. John Melvin
Sarah Z. [erelda] Lindley was born July 5, 1859 at Prosperity, Penn. She passed away at Coin, Iowa, Dec. 22, 1938, aged 79 years, 5 months, 17 days.
When seven years old she came with her family from Pennsylvania to Iowa. They lived for a number of years near Danville in Des Moines County. In 1876 they moved to Bedford in Taylor County.
On Feb. 5, 1880 she was united in marriage to John A. [lan] Melvin at Bedford. To this union were born nine children, three passing away in infancy, and Lulu preceding her mother in death in 1918.
In 1922 Mr. and Mrs. Melvin moved to Coin, where they resided the remainder of their lives.
Surviving relatives are her husband, John A. [lan] Melvin of Coin; one sister, Mrs. [Phebe] Florence Hutson of Chicago, five children and several grandchildren. The children are Mrs. Nona [Florence Winona] Bellew of Linwood, Calif., Mrs. Osa [Margaret] McConkey of Los Angeles, Mrs. Rachel [Era] Laster of Chicago, Mrs. Audrey [Ruth] Johnson of St. Joseph, and T. [imothy] G.[len] Melvin of Oklahoma.
When Mrs. Melvin was fifteen years old she united with the Missionary Baptist church at New London, Iowa. She remained in this faith throughout her life.
The funeral services were held at the Wetmore Funeral Home on Saturday afternoon, Dec. 24 and burial was in the Bedford cemetery.
[Melvin, Grace Stonebraker Horton]
Taylor County Herald
Thursday October 30, 1941
Mrs. Tim Melvin Dies Wednesday
Mrs. Tim Melvin [Grace Melvin], 63, of Bedford, died Wednesday shortly before noon at the home of her daughter, Mrs. John [Crittenden] Broyles [Adela Horton] at Arley, Mo.
The body was returned to Bedford. Rites will be Friday afternoon at two oÕclock from the Walker and Shum Funeral Home. Interment will be in the Hopkins cemetery.
Surviving are her husband, and two daughters, Mrs. Broyles [Adela] and Mrs. Calvin Lee [Nora Marthena] of Bedford.
[Melvin, Grace Stonebraker Horton]
Taylor County Herald
Thursday November 6, 1941 p. 8
Mrs. Timothy Melvin
Grace Stonebraker, daughter of Samuel and Ida May [Love] Stonebraker, was born September 8, 1878 at Hawleyville, Ia., and died October 29, 1941 at the home of her daughter at Kearney, Missouri.
She was married to William Horton in 1895, who preceded her in death in 1901. To this union were born two daughters, Mrs. Calvin Lee [Nora Marthena Horton] of Bedford, Ia. and Mrs. John [Crittenden] Broyles [Adela Horton] of Kearney.
On July 25, 1907 she was united in marriage to Timothy G. [len] Melvin who, with the two daughters, survive her. She also leaves two sisters, Mrs. Dana Elam [Eva May] of Braddyville, Ia., and Mrs. Grover Young [Hazel] of New Market. There are three grandchildren and a great grandchild.
She was a kind and loving mother and will be greatly missed by her family, relatives and friends.
Funeral services were Friday October 31.
Times-Republican
Thursday August 16, 1906 [p. 3]
Obituary
Evelina [Evaline] Melvin, daughter of Joseph and Sarah Delaney Melvin, was born in Washington County, Tenn., Dec. 30, 1834. In the fall of 1858, she moved with her parents to Ill. where she resided till 1889, when she, her brother and two sisters, moved to Taylor County, Iowa. She united with the M. E. church in Tennessee and has since remained a devoted and consistent Christian. She died Aug. 11, 1906, aged 71 years, 7 mos., and 11 days. She leaves to mourn her loss three brothers and two sisters.
The funeral was held at the residence and was conducted by Rev. W. B. Thompson of Bedford. Interment was at Siam cemetery.
[Melvin, Evaline]
Bedford Free Press
Thursday August 16, 1906 [p. 1]
Obituary
Evaline, daughter of Joseph and Sarah D. [elaney] Melvin, was born in Washington County, Tennessee, Dec. 30, 1834. In the fall of 1858 she moved with her parents to Illinois, where she resided until 1889, when she, her brother and two sisters, moved to Taylor Co., Iowa. She united with the Methodist church while yet living in Tennessee, and has remained a devoted and consistent Christian until the time of her death, which occurred at her home in Polk Township, Aug. 11, 1906. Her funeral was held at the residence and was conducted by Rev. Wm. B. Thompson of Bedford. Interment was at Siam cemetery.
Taylor County Herald
Thursday September 22, 1932
ÒEbÓ Melvin Died At Home In Hopkins
Word was received here last Friday morning of the death of ÒEbÓ Melvin, of Hopkins, Mo. He is a brother of Wm. F. [ay] Melvin, living west of Bedford, and was a former resident of Taylor County.
Following is the account of his death taken from the Hopkins Journal:
E. [lbert] C. [layton] Melvin, one of our old and highly respected citizens, was found dead in bed last Friday morning. He had been in his usual health, having worked in the timber the day preceding his death. He complained of being tired when he retired that night and evidently passed away without a struggle, his wife, who occupied the bed with him, not knowing he was dead until other members of the family came to the room to announce breakfast.
Funeral services were held at the family residence Sunday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Ray A. Dick, pastor of the Baptist church, who was assisted by Rev. B. H. Harmon, of the Christian church, and interment was made in the Hopkins cemetery.
Taylor County Herald
Thursday October 6, 1932
Obituary - ÒEbÓ Melvin
Elbert Clayton Melvin, son of James and Margaret Ann [Miller] Melvin, was born in Washington County, Tenn., near Johnston City, Oct. 28, 1855, and departed this life, Sept. 16, 1932, at his home in Hopkins, Mo., lacking but 1 month and 12 days of reaching his 77th birthday.
When but two years of age, he came with his parents in a moving wagon from their home in eastern Tennessee to Logan County, Ill., residing there one year and then moving to McDonough County, Ill., where he grew to manhood. In 1877 he came to Taylor County, Iowa, locating three miles west of Bedford. He lived in Taylor County until the spring of 1902 when he moved to Nodaway County, Mo., 4 miles south of Hopkins. He retired from farming in 1917 and moved to Hopkins, Mo., where he resided until his death.
On August 7, 1881, he was united in marriage to Mattie Ann Brock, of Taylor County, Iowa, and to this union two children were born, Clyde R. [olla] Melvin and Mrs. Floy Pistole, both of Hopkins, Mo. On April 30, 1922, he suffered the loss of his wife, who preceded him in death 10 years and 5 months. On May 19, 1923, he was united in marriage to Mary McKee, who lives to mourn his demise. Besides, he leaves his two children, two grandchildren, Howard and Clyde Olin Pistole; five brothers, and a host of other relatives and friends. His brothers are: Abraham M. Melvin, of Enid, Oklahoma; Wm. F. [ay] Melvin, of Bedford, Iowa; John A. [lan] Melvin, of Coin, Ia.; and Peter R. [eeves] and James E.[dwin] Melvin, of Hopkins.
E. C. or ÒEbÓ as he was familiarly called, went through life greatly handicapped from defective hearing, his hearing having been impaired from the time he was a very small boy.
He was of a very generous disposition, always ready to lend a helping hand to those less fortunate than himself. We can very well say he was an optimist, always looking on the brightest side of every sorrow, always looking for the sunshine behind the darkest cloud.
He united with the Baptist Church at Hopkins, Mo., June 15, 1902, and has lived a consistent Christian life. He was a firm believer in his Savior, very much enjoying the services of the church when he was able to attend. During the last four years he had been kept very close at home to care for his invalid wife who will greatly miss his constant and loving care.
Funeral services were held at the family residence Sunday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Ray A. Dick, pastor of the Baptist Church, who was assisted by Rev. B. H. Harmon, of the Christian Church, and interment was made in the Hopkins cemetery.
Taylor County Herald
Thursday December 31, 1942 [p. 1]
Last Rites Held For W. F. Melvin
Last rites were held Tuesday afternoon for W. [illiam] F. [ay] Melvin, 91, of Bedford, who died Sunday Dec. 27, at the Armstrong Nursing Home following a short illness.
Services were at the Walker-Shum Funeral Home at 2:00 p. m., in charge of the Rev. O. H. Hallgrimson of the Baptist church.
Survivors are three sons, Ira E.[dmond] of Indianapolis, Ind., Curtis and Fred of Bedford, and a daughter, Chloe. His wife and one son preceded him in death.
Bedford Times-Press
Thursday December 31, 1942 p. 3
Obituary - W. F. Melvin
William Fay Melvin, son of James E. and Margaret Ann [Miller] Melvin, was born Nov 28, 1851 in Johnson City, East Tennessee, and died Dec. 27, 1942 at the Armstrong Nursing Home in Bedford at the age of 91 years and 29 days.
At an early age he moved with the family from Tennessee to Illinois, where he resided until he was 27 years of age, coming at that time to Iowa where he spent the remaining years of his life.
He was married to Lucinda Ellen Dougherty, Jan. 1, 1880. She preceded him in death Jan. 1, 1929. To them were born five children: Roy G. [rover] deceased; Ira E.[dmond] of Indianapolis, Ind., Fred, Chloe and Curtis O. [ra] of this vicinity.
He is also survived by two brothers, James Melvin of Hopkins and John Melvin of Coin; six grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
The funeral services were held at the Walker & Shum Funeral Home Tuesday afternoon, conducted by Rev. O. H. Hallgrimson. Burial was in the Fairview cemetery.
Bedford Times-Press
Thursday January 16, 1936 p. 8
Former Resident Dies In Oklahoma
Abram M. Melvin, a former resident of Taylor County, died at his home in Enid, Okla., Monday morning, Jan. 6.
The Melvin family moved to Oklahoma from Taylor County thirty years ago. Mrs. Melvin died five years ago.
He is survived by a daughter, Mrs. W. [illiam] L. [ester] Stewart [Leta Ann] of the Valley community southwest of Bedford; five sons, John Melvin, Abram Melvin, Peter G. Melvin, Harry Melvin, and Leon Melvin, all of Enid; and several grandchildren. There are also four brothers, W. [illiam] F. [ay] Melvin of Bedford; P. [eter] R. [eeves] Melvin of Barnard, Mo.; J. [ohn] A. [lan] Melvin of Coin; and J. [ames] E. [dwin] Melvin of Hopkins.
[Melvin, Margaret Eunice Query]
Bedford Times-Press
Thursday April 8, 1982 p. 10
Final Rites Held In Bedford For Margaret Melvin
Funeral services for Mrs. W. [illis] Fred (Margaret Eunice) Melvin, 91, formerly of Siam and New Market, were held April 3 in Shum-Novinger Funeral Home in Bedford conducted by Rev. Carl Cummings. Mrs. Melvin died March 31, 1982 in El Camino Nursing Home in Carmichael, Calif., which she entered in 1980. Interment was at Fairview Cemetery, Bedford, Ia.
Margaret Eunice Query Melvin, the youngest of a family of six children, was born November 9, 1890 to Richard and Amy Pierson Query at the farm home four miles north of Guss in Nodaway Township, Taylor County, Iowa. Here she grew to maturity. She attended the McMillan District No. 1 rural school in Nodaway Township; the Villisca High School and graduated in June 1909 from Iowa Teachers Training School at Cedar Falls, Iowa.
She taught rural schools in Adams and Taylor County for six years prior to her marriage to W. [illis] Fred Melvin of Siam, Iowa, on October 26, 1910. They were married at the home of the brideÕs parents by Rev. J. W. Harwood of the M. E. Church of the Nodaway and Guss Circuit. They made their home on the Melvin farm near Siam in Polk Township, Taylor County, Iowa.
To this union two children were born, Rex W. [oodrow], on July 4, 1916 and Garnet Elizabeth on February 21, 1919.
When her sister Elizabeth [Mary] Gray died, her niece, Viona, came to make her home with Aunt Eunice and Uncle Fred, and she was reared as a sister to Garnet. Viona Sleep died in May of 1981.
Mrs. Melvin became a member of the Christian Church at Siam in 1928 and was a faithful worker as long as her health permitted.
In October 1943 they left the farm and operated the telephone switchboard in Hepburn, Iowa, until April 1951. They moved to Sacramento, California, to assist their daughter and family until September 1952 they returned to Iowa and operated the telephone switchboard in Guss until March 1958, when they moved to New Market, Iowa and cared for elderly people in their home. Those receiving their daily care were Mrs. Viola Branan; Mr. and Mrs. John Fuller and Mr. and Mrs. Ruben Anderson.
They were blessed with over 50 years of married life, having celebrated their golden wedding anniversary at their home in New Market, Iowa, in October 1960.
In 1970 she went to make her home with her daughter and husband, Garnet and George Pendergraft, of Sacramento, California, and received their loving and daily care until ill health in 1980 made it necessary for her to enter the El Camino Nursing Home in Carmichael, California.
Eunice was a charter member of Highland Chapter No. 523 Order of Eastern Star at Siam and she had received her 50-year pin in 1973. Garnet and George held an open house in Sacramento to honor the occasion. The pin was presented to Eunice by a P. G. M. of California, Sister Florence Dunn.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband W. [illis] Fred Melvin, who died September 16, 1962; her son Rex W. [oodrow], who died September 16, 1918 at the age of two years; three sisters: Elizabeth Gray of Bozeman, Montana;; Kathryn Melvin of Mount Carmel, Illinois and Amy Smith of Corning, Iowa; two brothers, Charles Lyon Query, who died at the age of four years and James Wallace Query of Slayton, Minn.
Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Garnet and her husband, George Pendergraft of Sacramento, California; a grandson, Jerry Pendergraft of Cashton, Wisconsin and VionaÕs husband Troy Sleep and family of Shenandoah, Iowa; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
She was a kind and considerate sister, wife, mother, friend and neighbor, and she will be sadly missed by all those that knew and loved her.
Bedford Times-Press
Thursday September 27, 1962 p. 8
W. Fred Melvin Rites Sept. 19
Funeral services for Willis Fred Melvin, long time Taylor County resident, were held Sept. 19 in Bedford at the Madison St. Shum-Novinger Funeral Home with Clarence M. Potter, preacher for the New Market Church of Christ, in charge. Ed Beard of the Taylor lodge in Bedford gave the Masonic service at the grave, assisted by fellow lodge members.
Included in the service was the following obituary:
Willis Fred Melvin, son of William F. [ay] and Lucinda Ellen Dougherty Melvin, was born near Siam, Iowa, on August 15, 1890 and departed this life Sunday, Sept. 16, 1962 at 9:00 a. m. at his home in New Market, Iowa. At the time of his death, he was 72 years, 1 month and 1 day of age.
Fred was united in marriage to Margaret Eunice Query on Oct. 26, 1910. To this union, two children were born: Rex Woodrow, who passed away at the age of 26 months, and Garnet Elizabeth, now Mrs. G. [eorge] L. [yall] Pendergraft; and a niece, Viona Gray, now Mrs. Troy Sleep, who was reared in the Melvin home as if she were their own daughter.
Mr. Melvin had been ill for the past six years, spending some time in the hospital in Maryville, Mo., and the remaining time at home under the care of his faithful wife and daughters, Garnet and Viona.
In early life, he was a schoolteacher, a farmer and later a carpenter before retiring in New Market.
He was a member of Taylor Lodge, A. F. and A. M. and Chapter 68, Triangle Royal Arch Masons of Bedford, Iowa and a charter member of Highland Chapter, 523, O. E. S., Siam.
Fred became a District Lecturer, No. 290, Masonic Lodge, in which capacity he served for many years. He was ever a willing helper in all good community affairs.
He was preceded in death by his son, Rex; his father and mother, one sister and two brothers; and a grandson, Floyd N. Sleep.
He leaves to mourn his passing: his wife Margaret Eunice, and daughters, Garnet and Viona; two sons-in-law, G. [eorge] L. Pendergraft of Sacramento, Calif., and Troy Sleep of Bedford, Iowa; one grandson, Jerry Pendergraft of Sacramento, Calif.; the Sleep children, Mrs. Jeanne Farrell of Shenandoah, Ia., James of Waterloo, Ia., Richard of Manitowoc, Wisc., Joan Perkins of Los Angeles, Calif., and Edwin T. of Cedar Rapids, Ia.; one brother, Curtis O. [ra] Melvin and his wife, Mary, of New Market, Ia.; and eleven great grandchildren and many friends who will all miss Fred greatly.
Out-of-town relatives and friends attending the service were Mr. and Mrs. Geo. L. Pendergraft and Jerry, Sacramento, Calif.; J. W. Query, Menahga, Minn.; Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Smith, Mrs. LaVern Williams, Prescott, Ia.; J. Q. Adams, Cheyenne, Wyo.; Robert Garrett, Kansas City, Mo.; Mr. and Mrs. W. W. McCreary, Des Moines, Ia.; James M. Sleep, Waterloo; Edwin Sleep, Cedar Rapids.
Bedford Times-Press
Thursday November 23, 1961 p. 4
Chloe Melvin Dies
Miss Chloe Edna Melvin, 75, a resident of the Taylor County home for a number of years, died there Friday, Nov. 17, after having been in failing health for some time. She is survived by two brothers, Fred Melvin and Curtis Melvin of New Market.
Bedford Times-Press
Thursday July 4, 1963 p. 6
Brice Melvin, 66, Taken In Death
Funeral services for Brice Melvin, life long Taylor County resident, were held June 30 at the Bedford Christian Church, with Rev. Ivo Randels officiating. Interment was in Fairview Mausoleum, Bedford.
Included in the services was the following obituary:
Brice Melvin, second son of James E. [dwin] and Mary M. [arilla] Lindley Melvin, was born August 17, 1896 in Polk Township, Taylor County, Ia., near Siam. He died at the Armstrong Nursing Home June 28, 1963, aged 66 years, 10 months and 11 days.
He received his schooling in the Siam grade school, graduating in 1915. He was a veteran of World War I, serving the latter part of 1918.
On Feb. 6, 1923 he was united in marriage to Carrie C. Dorr who survives him. Other survivors are three brothers and two sisters.
They are: [Henry] Vern of Hopkins, Mo., John [Martin] of Des Moines, Ia., James [Woodford] of Clearmont, Mo., Mrs. Leroy Johnson [Mary May] of Gravity, Ia., Mrs. Roy Dillon [Susie Elizabeth] of Blockton, Ia., several nieces and nephews and other relatives.
He was a member of the First Christian church of Bedford for 27 years and a trustee and deacon for over 20 years. He was a member of Plumb Lodge No. 285 A.F. & A.M. at Siam for 46 years.
Brice and Carrie spent 40 years together in Ross and Clayton townships farming except the last 5 years, which were spent in Bedford due to his affliction. He was cared for in the home by his wife until a few short days ago.
By a life of honesty, integrity and industry he earned the respect of his neighbors and friends. His utter devotion and loyalty to his church made him highly regarded and trusted by his fellow churchmen. The world could do with a few more like him. Stricken by a fatal disease that slowly sapped his strength and gradually immobilized his body, no word of complaint ever issued from his lips.
Bedford Times-Press
Thursday July 18, 1963 p. 3
Attend Melvin Services Here
Those from a distance attending services for Brice Melvin here included: Mrs. George Lindley and Mr. and Mrs. Merle Lindley, Iowa City; Mr. and Mrs. Charles Neibling, Highland, Kans.; Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Dorr and Mr. and Mrs. Russell D. Johnson, Omaha; Mr. and Mrs. Troy Spencer, Loveland, Colo.; Mr. and Mrs. Carl Dorr, Brighton, Colo.; Mrs. Wesley A. Brown and Mr. and Mrs. Donovan Gray, Kansas City, Mo.; Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Lawrence, St. Joseph; John M. Melvin and Mr. and Mrs. Edwin E. Melvin, Des Moines; Mr. and Mrs. Leroy Johnson, Red Oak; Mr. and Mrs. LeRoy Sar, Essex; James Anderson, Denison; Mr. and Mrs. T. A. McConkey, Shenandoah; Mr. and Mrs. Donald Crabtree, Burlington Junction, Mo.; Mr. and Mrs. Jim Melvin, Clearmont, Mo.; Glen Eglehoff and Mr. and Mrs. Emmett Vardaman, Clarinda; Mr. and Mrs. A. L. Klopp and Madelyn, Corning; Mrs. Franklin Russell, Pickering; Mr. and Mrs. Leslie Johnson and Mrs. Bernice J. Holder, Nodaway; Mr. and Mrs. Donald Davis and Donna, Fontanelle.
Bedford Times-Press
Thursday September 5, 1940 [p. 1]
Pete Melvin, 86, Of Hopkins, Dies
Pete Melvin, 86, of Hopkins, died Sunday night at the home of his niece and husband, Mr. and Mrs. Leroy Johnson, northwest of Gravity. He had been ill for several months and was taken to the Johnson home last week to be cared for.
The funeral services were held at the Christian church in Barnard Wednesday afternoon and burial was in the Barnard cemetery.
He is survived by three brothers, W. [illiam] F. [ay] Melvin of Bedford, J. [ohn] A. [lan] Melvin of Coin and J. [ames] E. [dwin] Melvin of Hopkins. His wife died several years ago.
Bedford Times-Press
Thursday September 12, 1940 p. 2
P. R. Melvin
Peter Reeves Melvin, son of James and Margaret A. [nn Miller] Melvin, was born Nov. 1, 1853 in Greene County, east Tennessee. When about three years of age the family moved to Illinois. In 1876 he moved to Taylor County, Iowa where he resided about five years, after which he moved to Kansas for about five years.
On Jan. 20, 1886 he was married to Rebecca Jane Moore at Maryville, Mo. They spent the first three years after their marriage in Kansas, after which they moved to Nodaway County, Mo., where they spent the remainder of their lives. Mrs. Melvin died Dec. 29, 1932. He died Sunday, Sept. 1, 1940 at the age of 86 years, 9 months and 14 days.
He was one of a family of six boys, two having preceded him in death, Abram M. Melvin and Elbert C. [layton] Melvin.
Those surviving are Wm. F. [ay] Melvin of Bedford, John A. [lan] Melvin of Coin, and James E. [dwin] Melvin of Hopkins. The last named brother cared for him after the death of his wife.
He was a member of the Christian Church and of the Masonic Lodge at Barnard, Mo.
The funeral services were held at the Christian Church in Barnard Wednesday afternoon, Sept. 4, conducted by Rev. R. C. Lockwood of Hopkins. Burial was in the Barnard cemetery, the Masonic burial service being given.
Bedford Times-Press
Thursday November 6, 1952 [p. 1]
John Melvin To Be Buried Here
John A. [lan] Melvin, 93, former Bedford resident, died Nov. 3 at Horton Rest Home in Glenwood, Iowa.
Funeral services will be held at Hackett Funeral Home in Shenandoah, Thursday, Nov. 6 at 1:30 p. m., conducted by Rev. Roy Cyr, pastor of the Shenandoah Baptist Church. Graveside services will be held later in the afternoon at Bedford cemetery, where burial will be made.
He is survived by four daughters and one son: Mrs. Osa McConkey, Montebello, Calif.; Mrs. Nona Bellew, Kansas City; Mrs. Audrey Johnson, St. Joseph, Mo.; Mrs. Rachael Laster, Chicago; T. [imothy] G. [len] Melvin, Kansas City. There are also grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.
The Melvin family moved from Bedford to Hopkins about 35 years ago and in 1925 moved to Coin. They were members of the Bedford Baptist Church. Mrs. Melvin [Sarah Zerelda Lindley] died in 1938 and the oldest daughter, Mrs. Lulu Crabtree in 1918.