Obituaries |
submitted by: Julia Johnson - julia.johnson63@gmail.com |
Southwest Democrat
Friday August 24, 1888
Gone To Rest
On last Tuesday the mortal remains of Uncle Jesse Dale were borne to their last resting place near the town of Maloy, Ringgold County, Iowa, followed by a large number of persons who hold him in high esteem as a friend and good man while living. He died at the residence of his son-in-law, Bazwell Turner, at 1 oÕclock Monday morning in the eighty-sixth year of his life. Funeral services were conducted from the residence by Rev. John Evans, of the Baptist church.
Jesse Dale was born in Madison County, Kentucky, Apr. 14, 1803, and was married to Elizabeth Dowden in Feb., 1823. He moved to Woodford County, Ill., in 1829, and, it being about the time of the Black Hawk War, he enlisted as a private and served until peace was restored. He then engaged in the business of entering land and selling it to persons seeking homesteads in the west and was quite wealthy when he came to Bedford in the summer of 1854. He entered the quarter section on the west of Bedford and fitted it up for a home in his old age. This he sold to his son, John, nearly twenty years ago and purchased property in the town where he has since resided. He was the father of eleven children, only one of whom, Mrs. Bazwell Turner, survives. His aged wife still occupies their home property but is quite enfeebled by age.
In 1864 he joined the 26th Iowa Infantry, known as the Gray Beard Regiment, and served till the close of the war.
We wish to say of Uncle Jesse, with whom we have been on friendly and intimate terms for more than thirty years, that he was a good man. He entertained none but kindly feelings toward everybody and leaves not an enemy behind. He was not a religious man, in the common acceptation of that term, but he was a faithful husband, a kind and indulgent father and his heart beat true to the welfare of his race. He never joined a church but believed in practical religion and the goodness of an all wise Providence. On his deathbed his religion failed him not and he approached the grave with an unfaltering trust, like one who fears not to meet the consequences of a life well spent.
[DALE, JESSE]
South West Democrat (Bedford, Iowa), Friday, August 24, 1888
Wm. D. Walker arrived in the city Monday to attend the funeral of his grandfather, Jesse Dale.
Bedford Times-Press
Thursday August 15, 1946 [p. 1]
Mrs. J. M. Dale, 79, Dies Friday, Aug. 9
Mrs. J. [ere] M. Dale, a resident of Bedford for many years, died unexpectedly at her home in west Bedford Friday, August 9.
The funeral services were held at the Wetmore Funeral Home Monday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Gordon F. McLean. Burial was in the Fairview cemetery.
Bessie Bundy, daughter of Edwin and Celinda [Lamar Wilber] Bundy, was born May 18, 1867 at Alpha, Illinois, being aged 79 years, two months and 22 days at the time of her death.
While still a young girl she moved with her family to Bedford, where she spent her remaining years.
On January 26, 1887 she was married to J. [ere] M. Dale of Bedford. To them were born three children: Stewart B. Dale of Omaha, Frances E. Mayo of Des Moines, and John Edwin Dale of Kansas City. She also leaves one grandson, Stewart B. Dale, Jr., of Omaha.
In life she was a quiet but energetic person whose spirit and influence permeated the whole circle of her acquaintances. She was ever ready to offer the helping hand to all in need at many a sacrifice to herself.
Her church connections with the local Presbyterian church manifested itself in interested and active participation in all its work, but most particularly in the work of the Missionary Society.
Her passing will be a distinct loss to her friends, community and her church.
Attend Dale Rites
Among those from out of town who attended the last rites for Mrs. J. [ere] M. Dale in Bedford Monday were Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Ogden, Mr. and Mrs. Homer Ogden, Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Goodspeed, Miss Helen Goodspeed, Mr. and Mrs. Loren Parmon of Maryville; Mr. and Mrs. S. B. Dale, Jr., Mrs. C. J. Anderson, of Omaha; Cecil Merckling, Grant City, Mo.; C. [harles] I. [ra] Evans of Parsons, Kansas; Mr. and Mrs. H. T. Fordyce of Kansas City, Mo.; Mr. and Mrs. David Markham, Mrs. Cleo Wall, Mr. and Mrs. Harry May, Mr. and Mrs. Bud May and family, Mr. and Mrs. Sam Souder of Des Moines; Mrs. M. E. Kivett of Creston; Mr. and Mrs. William Weir of Hopkins.
Bedford Times-Press
Thursday February 18, 1960 p. 3
Obituary – Lenora Maude Dale
Lenora Maude Dale, daughter of Riley and Rose Loan Smith was born in Burlington Junction, Mo. Dec. 29, 1888, and passed away at the hospital in her hometown of Tampa, Florida, Tuesday, Feb. 9, 1960, aged 71 years, 2 months and 10 days.
She received her elementary [education] in the schools of Burlington Junction and Dawson, Mo.
At the age of 15, she was baptized in the Nodaway River and united with the Christian church at Dawson, Mo.
About 1908, she moved with her family to Iowa.
On Sept. 7, 1912, she was united in marriage to Ernest Dale of Ridgeway, Mo. at Burlington Junction, Mo.
They made their home in and around Burlington Junction until they moved to a home east of Siam about 1919, moving to Sutherland, Nebr., in 1928. They returned to the Siam community in 1950. They moved to Florida in 1953 where they have since made their home.
Her father, mother, an infant brother Miles and sisters Mildred and Geraldine preceded her in death.
She leaves to mourn her passing, her husband of the home, a daughter, Mrs. Maxine Smith, a son-in-law, Joe Smith of Omaha; one sister, Mrs. Blanch Jeffers; one brother, Byron Smith of Red Oak, Iowa; one niece and three nephews; and Mrs. Gene Laudel of Eureka Springs, Calif., who made her home with the Dales 4 years.
Funeral services were held for Mrs. Dale at the Christian Church in Siam Monday, Feb. 15, Clarence Potter conducting the services.
[Longfellow, Mary Talena Streebin]
Bedford Times-Press
Thursday November 27, 1958 p. 7
Relatives Here For Longfellow Funeral
Out-of-town folks here for the funeral services on Saturday for Mrs. C. [harles] E.[lder] Longfellow [Mary Talena Streebin], included the following: Mrs. Roy Longfellow, Miss Janet Longfellow, Denver, Colo.; Rev. Roy C. Longfellow, Fort Leavenworth, Kans.; Rev. and Mrs. Earl Longfellow, Stephen, Roy, Paul, Mary Jane, Des Moines; Mr. and Mrs. Donald Longfellow and family, Wichita, Kansas; Olen A. Streebin, G. L. Streebin, Ralph W. Robertson, Ottawa, Kans.; Mrs. Dean Gillette, Davenport; Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Longfellow, Norwalk; Mr. and Mrs. Harlen V. Greenlee, St. Joseph; Clarence Weir, Cedar Falls; Clinton Brown, Nichols, Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Longfellow, Mrs. Vern Utterback, Perry, Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. Byron C. Gould and Mrs. David Johnson (representing Rev. Earl LongfellowÕs church), Des Moines.
Relatives and friends were also present from Sheridan, Lenox, Clearfield, Gravity, Blockton and Conway.
Times-Republican
Thursday December 27, 1928 p. 5
Mrs. Caroline Weingarth
Mrs. Caroline [Mapes] Weingarth, aged about 70 years, passed away at her home in Bedford at 3:30 Wednesday morning after a weekÕs illness. She is survived by four children: Mrs. Mattie [Martha Jane] Sleep of Chicago, Ill.; Mrs. Mary [Margaret] Laninger of Conception, Mo.; Mrs. Mary Sleep and Fred [John] Weingarth of Bedford. The funeral services will be held at the Christian church tomorrow afternoon and interment will be made in the Bedford cemetery.
Times-Republican
Thursday December 27, 1928 p. 5
Jackie Lavone West
On December the 21st the angel Death visited the home of Mr. and Mrs. Carroll West in Sheridan, Mo., and called away their infant son Jackie Lavone West, who was born December 3, 1928. The funeral services were held the same day, in the home, conducted by Challie E. Graham, after which the remains were laid to rest in the Sheridan cemetery. He leaves his father and mother and a host of other relatives and friends to mourn his departure. He who said, ÒSuffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for such is the kingdom of heaven,Ó has taken him unto himself where he shall be forever blessed. He has been taken from the evil to come and safely garnered in Heavenly Mansions. And like David of old, you may go to be with him when his fleeting life is over. Jackie Lavone fell a victim to the flu, living only a few hours after being smitten with it.
Times-Republican
Thursday December 27, 1928 p. 5
Minerva Risser
Minerva Risser, daughter of Eldridge [Smith] and Mary Ann [Dowis] Rowe, was born February 12, 1866 and departed this life at the home seven miles southeast of Bedford, Iowa, on December 20, at 6:45 p. m. after an illness of only a few hours. She was 62 years, ten months and eight days old.
She was married to [Ulysses] Senator Risser, February 24, 1891. To this union five children were born: Mrs. Hattie Kemery, Mrs. Annie Cubbage, [Willis] Abbot and Leland, all of Bedford. One son passed away in infancy.
In her girlhood days she was united with the Methodist Episcopal Church to which she remained faithful until her death.
Besides her husband and children, she leaves an aged mother, Mrs. Mary Ann Rowe, two brothers, Isaac and E. [ldridge] S. Rowe, one sister, Annie May Rowe of Sheridan, Mo., and four grandchildren all of Bedford.
The funeral services were held from the Risser home on Sunday, December 23rd. Music was furnished by friends of the Forest Grove community and was conducted by Rev. M. R. Talley of the Methodist church. The burial was in Luteson [Luteston] cemetery about 7 miles south of the family home.
Taylor County Republican
Thursday, August 16, 1883
Death of Mr. Jesse Burr
It is our sad duty this week to chronicle the death of another former resident of Taylor County, Mr. Jesse Burr, who died at Eagleville, Mo., Aug. 3d.
He was born in Penna. Sept, 27, 1800, and was, at the time of his death, almost 83 years of age, by reason of strength having lived more than the allotted four score years. He moved with his parents to Ohio when quite young, and was there, in 1823, united in marriage to Miss Marta Sipsey [Martha Lipsey] according to the forms of the Quaker church, of which they were members. He moved to Illinois in 1840, where he resided until 1868. In the latter year he came to Taylor County where he resided for 10 years. During these years he was engaged in farming and stock raising, and was known only to be universally respected.
In 1878 he moved back to Illinois, and until last year was a partner with Mr. F. B. Webb in the grain business, when failing health compelled him to settle up his business and retire from all activity of this kind.
In 1880 he removed to Eagleville, Mo., where he resided until his death of the 3d of the present month.
His death was the result of a complication of diseases combined with feebleness of old age. His aged wife still survives him. His married life was blessed with nine children. Three of these died in infancy, two died after they had come to maturity and had families. Four daughters are still living, viz: Mrs. Rachel Nichols, a widow residing at Monmouth, Illinois; Mrs. Amanda Marshall, a widow, residing in Taylor County; Mrs. Rebecca Hoffman, residing at Eagleville, Missouri, and Mrs. Jane Parmer [Palmer], residing at Jacksonville, Illinois. These are all well settled in life.
About 40 years ago the deceased joined the Methodist Protestant church and remained an active and consistent member of that church until his death.
Old citizens who knew him speak of him as being a man whose religious life was uncommonly mature and consistent. He died happy and in full faith in the religion he had professed and tested through a long life.
Bedford Times-Press
Thursday March 12, 1953 [p. 1]
Former Resident Dies In Creston
Mrs. Ida Rayborn, a resident of Bedford and community for many years, died March 6 at the home of her daughter in Creston.
The body was brought to Bedford and funeral services were held at the Wetmore Funeral Home Monday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Ben R. Hollis of the Christian church. Burial was in Bedford cemetery .
Ida Alice Rubart, daughter of William [A.] and Minerva Sewell Rubart, was born Dec. 14, 1860, near Roseville, Warren County, Ill., and died at the age of 92 years, two months, 22 days. She was next to the youngest child in the family of nine children: six girls and three boys. The brothers and sisters preceded her in death. In 1882 she came with her parents to Iowa and settled near Bedford.
On June 20, 1889, she was married to Charles I. [saiah] Rayborn of Maryville, Mo. To them were born four children: Edna May, now Mrs. J. [ames] W. [arren] Vanatta of Creston; Clifton Webster Rayborn, who died in 1923; Harry E.[verard] Rayborn, who passed away in 1902; and Rubart W. [ilbert] Rayborn of Kansas City, Mo.
Her husband, Charles I. [saiah] Rayborn, passed away in 1937. One grandson, Ralph Vanatta, also preceded her in death.
Survived with the daughter [and] one son, are nine grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren.
[Ida Rayborn was buried in Graceland Cemetery west of Bedford, not in the Bedford cemetery as stated in her obituary. Source: Tombstone record of Taylor County, Iowa.]
Times-Republican
Thursday June 21, 1923
Obituary
Clifton Webster Rayborn, son of Charles and Ida [Alice Rubart] Rayborn, was born at Casey, Iowa, January 21, 1893, and died at his home near Shambaugh, Iowa, at 5:00 oÕclock Thursday morning, June 7th.
At the age of 9 years he came with his parents to Bedford in which vicinity he has since resided. When Clifton was examined for a soldier for the World War he was pronounced a perfect specimen of young manhood. About a year ago he became attacked with diabetes, which made rapid progress on his once robust constitution and on May 31 he took to his bed, passing away a week later. His family, also father, mother, sister and brother were all with him to the last.
He was married to Miss Minnie Pace of New Market, Sept. 4, 1913, and to this union were born 4 children, Marian, age 7, Leland age 5 and little Bobbie Dean, 3 months old, one child having died in infancy.
Funeral services were held in the Christian church at Siam, conducted by the Rev. Ivo Randall, the pastor, after which the remains were laid to rest in the Graceland cemetery.
Besides his wife and children he leaves to mourn his death, a father, mother, one sister and one brother.
[Rayborn, Clifton Webster]
great granddaughters; other relatives and friends.
[Note: The same obituary was printed in the Bedford Free Press, June 14, 1923, p. 8.]
[RAYBORN, CLIFTON WEBSTER]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, June 14, 1923
Obituary – Clifton W. Rayburn
Clifton Webster Rayburn, son of Charles and Ida Rayburn, weas born January 21st, 1893, at Casey, Iowa and died at his home near Shambaugh, Iowa, June 7, 1923, age 30 years, 4 months and 16 days. He was married to Minnie Pace September 4, 1913, and to this union four children were born, Marian, aged 7 years, Leland aged 5 and little Bobby aged 3 months. One child died in infancy. Besides his wife and children, he leaves to mourn his death, his father and mother, one sister, and one brother, other relatives and a host of friends. One brother preceded him in death 20 years ago.
The deceased was a man of exceptional character. He lived a clean, pure life and as a father tried to instill the same principles in his young children.
[Note: The last name is spelled Rayborn on his headstone.]
Times-Republican
Thursday October 30, 1902 p. 8
Obituary
Harry Everd [Everard] Rayborn, son of Charles I. [saiah] and Ida A. [lice Rubart] Rayborn, was born at Casey, Guthrie County, Iowa, on July 5th, 1895, and died at the home of his aunt, Mrs. J. [ulia] P. [aracinda] Atkins, six miles west of Bedford, on Sunday evening, October 19th, 1902, aged seven years, three months, and fourteen days.
HarryÕs sickness, which was of only four daysÕ duration, was caused by a fall while playing at school. By the death of this child the family circle is broken, and sorrow and grief has come to this home; besides the parents, one sister, Edna, and two brothers, Clifton and Ruby [Rubart], now mourn the loss of a son and brother.
Little Harry was a bright, winsome child, beloved by all. The love and esteem in which he was held was attested by his schoolmates and teacher who were in attendance at the funeral which was held on Monday afternoon, Oct. 20th, conducted by the Rev. Hays of High Prairie church, the interment taking place at the Titus [Graceland] cemetery four miles west of town.
Harry came with his parents from Omaha, Nebraska, last spring and this had been an exceptionally happy summer to him, for boy like, he had enjoyed to the fullest extent of all of the pleasures of a summer spent in the country.
Our Boy
Today we cut the fragrant sod,
With trembling hands asunder,
And lay this well beloved of God,
Our dear, dead boy in under.
O hearts that ache, and ache afresh,
O tears too blindly raining,
Our hearts are weak, yet being flesh,
Too strong for our restraining.
Sleep, darling, sleep! Cold rains shall steep
Thy little turf-made dwelling.
Thou wilt not know, so far below,
What winds or storms are swelling.
The birds shall sing in the warm spring,
And flowers bloom above thee.
Thou wilt not heed them Harry dear.
But, oh, the loneliness without thee.
Father, we will be comforted.
Thou wasÕt the gracious giver,
We yield him up, asleep, not dead,
To dwell with thee forever.
Take Thou our child, ours for a day,
Thine while the ages blossom.
His little shining head we lay
On the RedeemerÕs bosom.
ÒC.Ó
[RAYBORN, HARRY EVERARD]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, October 30, 1902
Gone Home
Harry Everard, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Rayborn, was born July 5, 1895, died October [1]9, 1902. Aged 7 years, 3 mo., 14 days. He was sick only five days with pneumonia. Harry was a bright manly boy and will be sadly missed by all who knew him. He was a pupil of Morning Star school and the appended appropriate verse was written by his teacher.
Funeral services were held at the home of his parents October 20, at 2 p. m., conducted by H. A. Hayes. Interment in Titus cemetery.
[Timmons, Sarah Baughman Rayborn]
Times-Republican
Thursday March 11, 1915 p. 3
Obituary
Mrs. Sarah Timmons
Miss Sarah Baughman was born in Summit County, Ohio, December 3, 1837, and died March 1, 1915, aged 77 years, and 3 months. She was married to Mr. John [Neal] Rayborn in 1857. To this union three sons were born, Henry H. of Dawson City, Yukon Valley; Francis M. [arion] of Everett, Washington; and Charles I. [saiah] of Bedford, Iowa. The latter was here at her bedside. Her husband, John Rayborn, lost his life in the army in the year 1862. She was married to D. [aniel] W. [esley] Timmons in 1865. To this union three children were born, Ida E., deceased, William S. and Walter, both of Casey.
The deceased was a faithful wife and mother and consistent Christian, having joined the Christian Church at the age of seventeen years. The sympathy of the people generally goes out to Mr. Timmons and the children mourning her loss. The funeral was held at her late home at 1 p. m., Wednesday, March 3, Rev. F. T. Stevenson officiating. Interment in the Friends cemetery.---Casey Record.
[Atkins, Julia Paracinda Rubart]
Bedford Times-Press
Thursday January 9, 1936 [p. 1]
Mrs. J. P. Atkins Buried Here Friday
Funeral services for Mrs. J. [ulia] P. [aracinda] Atkins, 86, who died at her home in Bedford, Tuesday, Dec. 31, were held at the Wetmore Funeral Home Friday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Robert Boshen. Burial was in the Graceland cemetery.
Julia Paracinda Rubart, daughter of William and Minerva [Sewell] Rubart, was born in Champaign County, Ohio, Nov. 17, 1849.
In 1852 her parents moved to Warren County, Ill., where the family resided until 1881, when they moved to Taylor County, Iowa, which place had since been her home.
March 25, 1885 she was married to George F. [ranklin] Atkins. He died in November 1899.
Mrs. Atkins suffered a number of strokes during the past two years, the last one occurring Oct. [3?], since which time she had been helpless.
She is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Laura Wall of Davenport, Nebr., and Mrs. Ida Rayborn of Prescott, Iowa; also a sister-in-law, Mrs. Bell Rubart of Bedford.
Bedford Times-Press
Thursday March 1, 1984 p. 8
Henry G. Atkins, 71, Last Rites Were Held In Kansas
Funeral services for Henry G. Atkins, 71, of Newton, Ks., February 17, were held in St. JohnÕs Lutheran Church in Ellinwood, Kansas. Mr. Atkins died February 14, 1984 in Newton. Interment was at Greenwood Cemetery in Newton.
Henry G. Atkins, son of Charles H. [enry] and Jennie Blanche Goff Atkins, was born in Polk Township February 4, 1913. He spent his first 22 years in Mason Township in Taylor County.
In 1935 he moved to Newton, Kansas, where he worked in the oil fields. He had been with the Aladdin Oil Company for 34 years and had been retired just two weeks when he died.
He was married in 1938 and his wife, Elizabeth, survives him.
Others left to cherish his memory are two married daughters: Kay Buck, Franklin, Louisiana, and Shirley Sturd, Wichita, Kansas; six grandchildren; one great grandchild; four sisters: Berniece Bordner Bayless, Clarinda, Mrs. Elmo (Dorothy) Johnson, Clarinda, Mrs. Max (Lucille) Talbot, Council Bluffs, Ia. And Betty Simon, Charleston, Ill.; nieces, nephews; cousins, including Mrs. Elvin Beemer [Margaret], a first cousin; and a host of friends.
Henry will be missed by all who knew him and loved him.
Bedford Times-Press
Thursday December 14, 1950 [p. 1]
Services Tomorrow For Mrs. Atkins
Mrs. Helen [Clary] Atkins, 53, died at the Municipal Hospital, Clarinda, Tuesday after a long illness.
The funeral services will be held at the Wetmore Funeral Home at 2 p. m. Friday, Dec. 15, conducted by Rev. Ben W. Sinderson. Burial will be in the Fairview cemetery.
Mrs. Atkins is survived by three daughters, Mrs. Elmo (Dorothy) Johnson of Clarinda, Mrs. Max (Lucille) Talbot of Council Bluffs, Miss Betty [Jean] Atkins, a student at Simpson College, Indianola; a step-son, Henry Atkins of Kansas; three sisters, Mrs. Ed Scott of Bedford, Mrs. Ina Hagan of Shellsburg, Iowa, Mrs. Roy Bailey of Riverton, Wyo.
Mrs. Atkins had been with her daughter Betty in Indianola and was brought to the Clarinda hospital a week and a half ago.
Times-Republican
Thursday July 3, 1913 [p. 1]
Tires of Ill Health Takes Her Own Life
______________
All Night Search For Body of Mrs. C. H. Atkins Ends In Finding It In Apple Tree
______________
Note Is Left For Husband
_______________
Coroner Is Summoned But No Inquest Is Considered Necessary---Funeral Monday
Despondent on account of ill health, her friends believe, Mrs. C. [harles] H.[enry] Atkins [Jennie Blanche Goff] committed suicide Saturday evening by hanging from a tree at her home in Polk Township. Coroner L. T. Reed of Gravity was notified and went to the scene accompanied by County Attorney R. T. Burrell and Sheriff L. E. Morley. The coroner decided that no inquest was necessary. She was 36 years of age.
Mr. Atkins went to Hopkins about 5 oÕclock Saturday evening to do some trading. He returned before dark and found a note in her handwriting, which left no doubt that when found the body would be without life. The note was a bidding of farewell and expression of a preference for death rather than suffer her ills during a natural life.
Search was made until darkness and failure made further activity seem futile until daylight. At an early hour the hunt was renewed, and between 4 and 5 oÕclock the body was found. A rope taken from a bundle of binder twine was used for a noose. Apparently she had stood on one branch, adjusted the rope on a higher branch and jumped. The drop was not far, but was sufficient to break her neck.
Mrs. Atkins was the only daughter of T. [urner] G. [ardner] Goff, who formerly resided about five miles west of Bedford. She grew to womanhood in that neighborhood and in 1897 was united in marriage with C. [harles] H. [enry] Atkins. They were the parents of five children, only two of whom are living, one 5 years and the other four months old. She is survived also by a brother, A.[rcher] G. Goff of Albany, Mo., who arrived at the Atkins home that evening for a visit.
Funeral services were held at 10 oÕclock Monday forenoon at the Morning Star church, conducted by Elder William Cobb. Interment was in Graceland cemetery.
[ATKINS, JENNIE BLANCHE GOFF]
Blockton News (Blockton, Iowa), Thursday, July 3, 1913
Mrs. C. H. Adkins [Atkins], of Polk township, committed suicide by hanging herself in the orchard near her home Saturday evening while her husband was at Hopkins. She had carefully prepared for the occasion by talking a bath, dressing herself with care, putting her little ones to sleep and writing a note, inferring her intentions and stating her wishes in regard to her funeral. It is said she was an ideal wife and mother, loved and loving. She was the daughter of Turner Goff and was 37 years old. She leaves her husband and three children, the eldest 5 years old and the youngest 4 months old. She had not been strong for about four months and her condition preyed upon her mind until reason was lost and self-destruction the end.
[ATKINS, JENNIE BLANCHE GOFF]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Tuesday, July 1, 1913
Commits Suicide By Hanging Herself
Mrs. C. H. Adkins Takes Her Own Life—Ill Health Supposed To Be Cause
Leaves Note Bidding All Goodbye—Funeral Held Monday—Interment at Graceland Cemetery—Leaves Husband and Two Children.
Sunday morning news was phoned to County Attorney Burrell and Sheriff Morley that Mrs. C. H. Atkins had committed suicide by hanging herself sometime Saturday evening during the absence of her husband and the body had just been found between 4 and 5 o'clock after all night search of the premises. The coroner, Dr. Reed of Gravity, was notified and with the county attorney and the sheriff went to the home in Polk township in the Bordner neighborhood near Hopkins but no inquest was held, as the facts connected with the tragedy were self evident.
The deed was committed evidently after careful deliberation, as was evidenced by a note left in her own handwriting which was found by her husband on his return from Hopkins where he had gone to do some trading, not starting until five o'clock and returning before dark. While the note did not state that she intended taking her own life, the inference was clear. She bade her husband, children and other relatives farewell, stating that she could never be well and would rather die than endure her condition longer.
She had taken a bath, changed her clothing and taking a rope that had been taken from a bale of binding twine and gone out to the orchard where from her position when found, she had stood upon a low branch of an apple tree and had adjusted the rope around a higher branch and leaped off. Examination by the coroner revealed the fact that her neck was broken by the drop which was but a few inches.
Mrs. Adkins was the only daughter of Turner Goff, who for many years lived five miles west of town where the deceased grew to womanhood. She was a gentle and lovable woman who attracted many friends and these qualities she retained which made her an ideal wife and mother. her rash deed can only be accounted for as the result of ill health which had been intensified by grief at the loss of the three children that have preceded her. Deceased was born in 1876 and was married to C. [harles] H. [enry] Adkins [Atkins] in 1897. To this union five children were born, three of whom have died. the oldest of the surviving is 5 years and the youngest but about four months old. Of her immediate relatives she is survived only by her brother, A. G. Goff, who lives at Albany, Mo., and who by a strange coincidence drove across the country Saturday night in his car to visit his sister and was called upon to assist the husband and neighbors in the sorrowful search.
Funeral services were held Monday at 10 a. m. at the Morning Star church, conducted by Elder William Cobb. Interment was in Graceland cemetery.