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Nicholas Baer
22 Feb 1848—22 May 1916 |
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Nicholas Baer died, at his home in Monticello, last Sunday. His death was caused by tuberculosis. Mr. Baer had been in ill health for over a year, and during the past six months was confined to his bed. He had always been a hard working man and followed farming pursuits until he retired from his farm and removed to Monticello.
The deceased was born at Davos, Switzerland, February 22, 1848. He remained in the land of his birth until 1867 when he removed to the United States. At the time of his removal he was accompanied by Martin Thoeni, of this city. They settled in the state of Wisconsin, were they remained for a few months and then continued their journey to Monticello. Mr. Baer was married to Catherine Ambuehl, in Monticello, November 10, 1874. To this union were born two sons, Andrew and Martin, the former dying at the age of ten years, and the latter at the age of eighteen years. Mr. and Mrs. Baer remained upon their farm on Bowen's Prairie until about fifteen years ago when the farm was sold, and they removed to Monticello. Mr. Baer is survived by his wife, of the city, and one adopted daughter, Rosa Baer, of Clinton.
Mr. Baer was in all respects a fine man. No one ever questioned his honestly; he was fair and always courteous. He had a tender heart, and the loss of his sons--his only children--weighted heavily upon him. He
was a faithful member of the German Reformed church.
Funeral services were held at the German Reformed church, yesterday afternoon, at two o'clock. They were conducted by Rev. Roland P. Kuentze, the pastor of the church. In interment was had at Oakwood cemetery.
Those who attended the funeral from a distance were: Mrs. Andrew Loetcher, Mrs. Katherine Bardill, Casper Buol and Paul Arduser, of Dubuque; Mrs. Della Blair, of Kansas City; Mr. and Mrs. Edward Kiburz and daughter, of Cedar Rapids, and Mrs. Jacob Lang of Sand Spring.
Submitted by: Lloyd Raeg
Source: The Monticello (Iowa) Express, 25 May 1916, pg. 5, col. 5. |
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Thelma Bailey
28 July 1907—12 January 1915 |
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Thelma Bailey, born July 28, 1907, the eight year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Bailey of the Morley neighborhood, died January 12, 1915, Wednesday of last week of typhoid fever and was buried in the White Oak cemetery on Friday. The child is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lou Kohl, whose son died recently of the same disease. Mr. Bailey, the father of this child, is dangerously ill of typhoid fever and grave doubts are entertained as to his recovery. Up to the present time all efforts to
trace the source of the disease have been unavailing. We understand that another investigation is being made this week by physicians from the state board of health. The many friends of the Kohl family will sympathize with them in the multiplied sorrows that have come into their homes.
Submitted by: Charles R. Stivers |
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Buford Baker
Died February 21, 1986 |
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ONSLOW, Iowa—Buford Baker, 70, of Onslow died Friday at Anamosa Community Hospital.
Services will be 2 p.m. Monday at Hayden Funeral Home, Wyoming. Burial will be in Clay Cemetery, Onslow. Visitation is 2 to 8 p.m. Sunday.
He retired from Clinton Engine Co., Maquoketa. Mr. Baker married Dwila Bickford in 1949 in Anamosa. She died in 1978. He was a member of Wyoming American Legion Post 259 and the Onslow Presbyterian Church.
Survivors include daughters, Mrs. Carl (Verna) McNamee, Delmar; Mrs. John (Gaye) Riches Jr., Onslow; Mrs. Charles (Diane) Carr, DeWitt; nine grandchildren, a great-grandchild, a sister Mrs. Alfred (Beulah) Rittenhouse, Muscatine; and a brother, Richard Baker, Ceres, Calif.
Submitted by: Janet A. Brandt
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John Christopher Balster
02 December 1869 - 23 April 1914 |
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The funeral of J. C. Balster, who was killed in the automobile accident referred to in The Express, last Thursday, was held at St. John's Lutheran church, Monday forenoon. The services were conducted by Rev. William H. L. Schuetz. The funeral was very largely attended, it being one of the largest that has been held in that church for a long time. John Christopher Balster, the son of Arend Balster, was born in Scotch Grove township, December 2, 1859. He was married in 1893 to Gesina H. Heyen, who survives with seven children, the eldest, Arend Balster, Jr., having been engaged with his father in business at Scotch Grove. Mr. Balster was an active and industrious business man and farmer. He was not satisfied to confine his energies to the farm, but was also engaged in the hardware and implement business at Scotch Grove, and was widely known throughout the country as the operator of a thrashing machine in the fall. He was killed by the overturning of his automobile between the residence of Gerd Hanken and the F. Sutherland place, last Thursday afternoon. The automobile turned once and a half times over and threw Mr. Balster into the road with such force as to fracture his skull, and he survived but a short time. No one was with him at the time of the accident, and it is not known how or why it happened. The automobile left a straight track along the level highway until the point was reached where the accident occurred. Much regret was expressed over the accident, and there has been universal sympathy for the widow and her children.
Submitted by: Sharon Oltmanns
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Walter Balster
Three Monticello Men Killed in Crash of New Car |
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Three Monticello men were killed early Sunday when the new Chrysler in which they were riding crashed on highway 151 about 3½ miles south of here.
Killed were: John Buol, 21, son of Mrs. John Buol; Lawrence E. Stuhlken, 40, son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Stuhlken of near Monticello; Walter Balster, 30, son of Mrs. A. H. Balster of Scotch Grove.
According to Jones County Sheriff Lewis Dreibelbis, the three men were seen leaving the Maid Rite sandwich shop in Anamosa early Sunday.
The wreckage, with two men dead and Buol dying, was discovered by a passing motorist about 2 a. m.
Some time between 1:45 and 2 a. m., the new car left the pavement on a curve just north of Langworthy at a high rate of speed. It sheared off a telephone pole and rolled several times before coming to a stop some 390 feet from the point where it left the pavement.
Balster and Stuhlken were killed instantly. Buol was taken to Monticello hospital, where he died about 6 a. m. Driver of the car at the time was not known, Sheriff Dreiblebis said.
The car was registered to Buol on Aug. 16, his twenty-first birthday, but was not a birthday present, as at first reported. It had less than 3,000 miles on it.
Buol was working on a farm owned by his mother between Monticello and Cascade. Services await the arrival of a brother, Edward, stationed at Oceanside, Calif. Also surviving are two other brothers, Robert and Laverne, at home, and two sisters, Lorraine and Elaine, both at home. The body is at the Goettsch funeral home. Buol's father was killed in 1938 when he was run over by a stock truck in his farm yard.
Stuhlken was employed by the Energy Manufacturing Company in Monticello. In addition to his parents, he is survived by three brothers, George and Clarence, of Monticello and Vincent, of Cedar Rapids; a sister, Mrs. Lester Holub, Praireburg, and a grandmother, Mrs. Mary Connley, LaCrosse, Wis. Funeral services will be Tuesday at 10 a. m. in the Devaney funeral home. Burial will be in Sacred Heart cemetery.
Balster was employed by the Burch Construction Company of Cedar Rapids. Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 10 a.m. in St. John's Lutheran cemetery. Burial will be the church cemetery. The Goettsch funeral home is in charge of arrangements.
Submitted by: Sharon Oltmanns
Source: The Cedar Rapids Gazette, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Sunday, January 8, 1961.
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John Barney
Born 27 October 1883 |
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John Barney, a retired farmer living in Monticello, passed away at the McDonald hospital Friday morning at 2:45. He has been a patient in the hospital for eleven weeks. Funeral services were held at the Goettsch funeral home Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock. Rev. Andrew Mast, Evangelical and Reformed minister, officiated. Burial was made in Oakwood cemetery.
The birth of Barney occurred in Norway Oct. 27, 1883. He came to the United States in 1900 and settled at Monticello. He was married to Elizabeth Ambuehl and to this union were born seven children, all of whom, together with their mother, survived, as follows: Andrew Barney, machinist's mate first class, and Harry G. Barney, United States navy; Mrs. Harry Nagel and Mrs. Margaret Redford, St. Louis, MO.; Mrs. Paul Dietiker, Bernard; Mrs. Elmer Larson, Rockford, Ill.; Mrs. Viola Kobler, Peoria, Ill.
Barney was married a second time to Mrs. Louisa Saugie, who survives him. They lived on a farm in the Temple Hill region until five years ago, when they moved to Monticello and built a brick home on West First street. The pallbearers at the funeral included Paul Petersen, John Husmann, Fred Bartels, Mike Evers, Ray and Herbert Koppess.
Submitted by: Lloyd Raeg |
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Sarah Jane Barton
Mrs. Aretus Francis Loomis
February 16 1857 - April 16, 1942 |
Sara Jane with her son Barton A. Loomis Sr. |
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Sarah Jane Loomis died at her home in Cedar Rapids Thursday. The daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Barton, she was born in Norwichville, Canada, February 16, 1857. She came to Anamosa with her husband, A.F. Loomis, in 1896. He was employed as guard at the men's reformatory here until his death in 1924, after which Mrs. Loomis made her home in Cedar Rapids with a daughter, Mrs. J.B. Niles. In addition to her daughter, she is survived by a son, Barton A., of Columbus, Ohio, and six grandchildren, Lieut. Barton A. Loomis of Fort Knox, Ky., Roland Niles of Los Angeles, Keith Niles of Carthage, Mo., Dorthea Haskins of Cedar Rapids, Sidney Niles of Cedar Rapids, and Dora Dayhoff of Los Angeles. Funeral services will be conducted at Beam and Miller's chapel in Anamosa Sunday at 2 p.m. Burial will be in Riverside cemetery.
Submitted by: Bart Loomis |
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Margaret E. Beardsley Varvel
3 November 1818—15 March 1908 |
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Margaret E. Beardsley, daughter of Benajah and Elspethe Grant Beardsley, was born November 3, 1818, and died March 15, 1908, in her 90th year. She was married to Daniel Varvel, December 13, 1840. To this union were born five children, one son and four daughters. One daughter died in infancy, and one daughter, the eldest of the family, Mrs. Louisa J. Vanwinkle, was laid to rest at the age of 29 years. One son and two daughters survive this aged couple. The surviving children are A. J. Varvel, Correctionville, Iowa, Mrs. J. M. Sleeper of Monticello, Iowa, and Mrs. J. D. Stauffer of Gordon, Nebraska, with whom she has made her home for the last five years. Her husband preceded her to the land of rest 18 years ago, February 2.
Mrs. Varvel's mother was a second cousin to General Grant. Mrs. Varvel came from a race of long lived people. Her father was 86 at the time of his death while a sister recently died in her 93rd year.
The life of the deceased was one of goodness. Someone has said "the truly good are the really great". We doubt not she has gone to her coronation. She loved and studied her Bible, and its promises were her consolation and comfort during her last painful illness.
Funeral services were held at the M. E. church Tuesday at two p.m.. The sermon was preached by Rev. W. S. York. The W.C.T.U. attended in a body and the remains were laid to rest in the Gordon cemetery.
Submitted by: Nancy Troxel Schatz |
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Rebecca Beardsley
OLDEST MONTICELLO SETTLER GONE
Grandma Peak Dies at the Advanced Age of 92.
The First Person Married in the County. |
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Grandma Peak, the oldest resident of Monticello, and for 69 years a resident of Jones county, died at her home last Tuesday morning, the 24th, at the advanced age of 92 years, 6 months, 27 days. She went peacefully to sleep within a day of the 69th anniversary of her marriage. Let us trust that it was celebrated in a happy reunion beyond the darkness of the tomb.
Rebecca Beardsley Peak was born in Delaware county, New York, May 27, 1815. She was the daughter of Benajah and Espeth Grant Beardsley, the latter being of one branch of General Grant’s ancestry. Her girlhood days were spent at the place of her birth, but when still young she came with her father’s family to Illinois. They traveled by team in company with ten other families. In October, 1837, her father, in company with Thomas J. Peak, to whom she was afterwords married, came from Buffalo Grove, Illinois, on a prospecting tour. They were attracted to Castle Grove by Simeon Forman and Issac Every, who had been old time acquaintances of Mr. Beardsley. They took up claims in Castle Grove, and during the fall of 1837 erected a log cabin. They then returned to Buffalo Grove, Illinois. Mr. Peak, in speaking one time during his lifetime about that journey, said “when we reached what is now Monticello we found only two settlers, Daniel Varvel and William Clark, who had a little cabin under the brow of the hill on the east side of Kitty Creek near Skelley’s ford, where they were ‘baching’ it. Clark had entered the land that now lies north of First street in Monticello, and Varvel the land that lies south of the same street.”
In the spring of 1838, Mr. Beardsley returned with his family and Mr. Peak, and then commenced the residence of almost seventy years spent in this locality by the deceased. On Christmas day, 1839, Rebecca M. Beardsley and Thomas J. Peak were married. It was before any marriage licenses had been issued in Jones county, and Mr. Peak walked to a point in Cedar county, to which Jones county was at that time attached for judicial purposes, and secured his license. Theirs was the first marriage solemnized in Jones county. The words which united them as husband and wife were spoken by Thomas Denson, a justice of the peace, who lived on Bowen’s Prairie, who was not only the first justice of the peace in the county, but the only person authorized to perform a marriage service. The witnesses present at this ceremony, which occurred 68 years ago, comprised all of the population of the township, and still the wedding was not a large one. Of those present on that ocassion there is still one living witness, Mrs. Peak’s sister, Margaret, who afterwards became the wife of the first settler of Monticello and mother of Mrs. J M Sleeper, and who is still living at the home of her son-in-law at Gordon, Nebraska.
Mrs. Peak became the mother of five children, all of who survive except one son, who died of injuries and disabilities incurred in the Civil War. The servivors are Mrs. Frances Hogg, of Los Angeles, California, Mrs. W. L. Ross, of Monticello, who is now on the Pacific slope, Andrew Peak, of Arizona, and Mrs. Eppie Price, who has so tenderly and lovingly cared for her mother for several years.
Mrs. Peak was one of those remarkable characters who united the determination and bravery of the pioneer with the quiet, dignified and placid temperament of the home body. She was optimistic, even tempered, and of the good cheer that never stings with detracting speech. Monticello will always honor her memory as a pioneer and let it be set down and remembered that she has a character strong and gentle enough to justify that honor.
Submitted by: Joanne Wilken
Source: Anamosa Eureka, December 1908. |
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Elizabeth Bechtol Moyer
11 September 1820—16 May 1899 |
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Died Tuesday, May 16, 1899, Elizabeth Bechtol Moyer, wife of Daniel Moyer, aged 69 years, 8 months and 5 days, at her home near Lisbon, Linn county, Iowa, from paralysis. The remains were interred at Forest Chapel cemetery, Thursday afternoon, May 18. Services were conducted by Rev. Tanner, Presbyterian minister from Cascade, and Rev.Hubbard, Presbyterian minister from Mt. Vernon.
Elizabeth Bechtol Moyer was born in Indiana county, Pa, September 11th, 1820. A few years later she moved with her parents to Center county, Pa. At the age of 16 years, accompanied by her parents, she moved to Marion county, Ohio, and resided in that vicinity until the fall of 1853. During her stay in Marion county she united with the Presbyterian church, uniting at the age of 17 years, and from the first was found a faithful and regular attendant at church services, and was always found doing her share for the good of the cause.
September 18, 1853, she was united in marriage to Daniel Moyer and on the 23d day of the
same month and year, left with her husband overland by team for Iowa. For almost four weeks the young couple enjoyed their trip across mountains and over plains, planning their future, and looking for a new field in which to make a home, for at that time they had but little of this world's goods. October 17, 1853, they reached the spot where they decided to locate and in a few days bought a farm in Fairview township, Jones county, Iowa, just four miles south of Anamosa, on which place they lived for twelve years.
In the fall of 1865, they sold this place and bought a farm about three miles southeast of Fairview, in the same township, and moved onto it in December of the same year. Ten years later they disposed of this farm and bought another four miles north of Lisbon, in Linn county, near Military road, and moved onto it in March, 1876, where they remained until the time of Mrs. Moyer's death.
Soon after locating on the first farm in Jones county, she found there was no Presbyterian church within reasonable distance and being anxious to lend her assistance and influence for Christ's cause, she joined the United Betheren church and attended services at what was then known as the "White School House" about three miles south of Anamosa where Forest Chapel is now located. About two years later Rev. J.G. Schafer, a Lutheran minister, from Lisbon, commenced preaching and organized a Lutheran church at the log school house then known as "Mt. Zion School House," within a half mile of the Moyer farm, and that society being nearer the creed to the church of her first choice, she united with it and did faithful work in that church for many years.
About twelve years ago she took up the study of Christian Science and united with that society and was firm in the belief until the time of her death. Mrs. Moyer was a thorough Christian woman and while she was not blessed with children of her own, she was a dear mother to many who were left without homes and parents, all of whom deeply feel her departure. She was a kind and affectionate wife and good neighbor. None knew her but to love her and those who knew her best were most earnest in their affection for her and feel that she has gone to reap her reward.
Card of Thanks
I wish to take this method of expressing my most earnest and heartfelt
thanks to the many friends and neighbors who lent their assistance
and extended their sympathy during the illness and death of my
beloved wife. May God bless you all is my prayer.
Daniel Moyer
Submitted by: Laura Comley |
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Mary Bechtol Moyer
17 March 1826—5 April 1900 |
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Mrs. Mary Bechtol Moyer was born in Indiana county, Pa., March 17, 1826, and died April 5, 1900, aged 74 years and 19 days. She was one of a family of 14 children, seven boys and seven girls. They have all passed to the other shore except four, and four passing in less than a year. She leaves many friends, one daughter, and three granddaughters to mourn her loss, having enjoyed her new home for the short space of less than four months. For the last ten years she was a firm believer in Christian Science and remained so till the last. She passed away very peacefully and quietly. If our loss is her gain, we will not mourn. If in this world only we have hope in Christ we are of all men most miserable. A very impressive sermon was preached by Elder Potter, of Olin, to a well-filled hour at Forest Chapel, where interment was made.
Card of Thanks
We wish to return our sincere thanks to our friends and neighbors who so kindly assisted us in this hour of need.
Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Moyer and Family
Submitted by: Laura Comley |
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Rhoda Jane Benadom Carter
Died 5 May 1935 |
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Mrs. Rhoda Jane Carter, age 95 highly esteemed resident of Jackson township, passed away Saturday, May 5, 1935 as the results of gas from a coal stove. Mrs. Ella Mallicoat who was care taking and living with Mrs. Carter also passed away.
Mrs Carter was one of the most beloved of the early pioneers of this community. Her husband, James Carter to whom she married in 1857, died in 1925 at the age of 96. Her brother Dr. J. W. Benadom of Monticello, died recently, being over 90 years, at the time of his death.
Mrs. Carter whose maiden name was Rhoda Jane Benadom came with her parents to Jackson township in 1846 with the first group of settlers in Newport. Her residence in that community covered a period of 88 years making her
undoubtedly the longest residence and probably also the record for this county.
The surviving children are Nathan E. Carter, living on the home farm; William T. Carter of California, Mrs. Ida Stivers, Mrs. Melissa Ballou and Mrs. Rosa F. Starry of Olin, Mrs. Barbra Gordon of Marion, and a daughter Mrs. C. E. Blayney, preceded the parents in death.
Funeral services will be held Friday afternoon at the home. Rev Beggs in charge. Burial in Olin Cemetery.
Submitted by: Charles R. Stivers |
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Elizabeth Bender Crawford
February 23, 1827—April 22, l907 |
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Elizabeth (Bender) Crawford was born in Columbus, Lucerne County, Pennsylvania, February 23, 1827, and died at her home in Wyoming, Iowa April 22, l907.
With her parents she removed to Ohio in 1845. In 1848 she was united in marriage with Joshua Crawford and in the same year she and her husband removed to Rockford, Illinois where they resided until 1854 when they came to Jones County, Iowa where she resided until her death.
In early life Mrs. Crawford united with the Methodist Episcopal Church and continued in its communion as long as she lived. For several years her physical condition was such that she was quite closely confined to her home. Mrs. Crawford is survived by seven of her children, Mrs. H. V. Fritz, Rockford, Illinois; Mrs. J. M. Kimball, Norman, Oklahoma; Mrs. Lewis, Gravite, Arkansas; Frank Crawford, Anita, Iowa; Joshua Crawford, Olathe, Kansas;Mrs. John Erniste, Bainbridge, Nebraska; George Crawford, Anamosa, Iowa and by two brothers, John Bender, Wyoming, Iowa and J. J. Bender, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
The funeral services were held in the Wyoming Methodist Episcopal Church, Wednesday, April 24th, at 10:30 A.M. and conducted by her pastor, the Rev. A. M. McIntosh.
Submitted by: Joyce Crawford
Source: Wyoming Journal, 25 April, 1907.
Note: Burial was in Wyoming Cemetery. Three children, (John, Harriet, and James) preceded her in death. She was daughter of Jacob and Mary Pealer Bender, eldest of their ten children.
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Abijah Bickford
April 22, 1817–June 25, 1907 |
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Mr. Abijah Bickford, one of the oldest citizens of Monticello, died at the home of his sister Mrs. B. B. Ryan, last Monday forenoon, at the age of 90 years, 2 months, 36 days. Mr. Bickford was born in Maine, April 22, 1817. He was one of a family of thirteen children, seven of whom survive, four brothers and three sisters. He was married in Ohio in 1840 to Margaret McCartney, by whom he had six children. He came to Monticello about 1860, and for many years was the proprietor of a feed and livery stable. It was a large building opposite the Tremont house, but was destroyed by fire. He had lived in a retired way during the last ten years of his life, and was not so well known to the younger generation as he was to those who lived in the town twenty-five or thirty years ago. He was a good citizen who always attended strictly to his own affairs. The funeral services were conducted at the home of Mrs. B. B. Ryan this afternoon. Among the relatives present at the funeral were Elijah Bickford of Minburn, Iowa, and Asa Bickford of California, both brothers of the deceased.
Submitted by: Janet A. Brandt
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Arnold Fay Bickford
January 12, 1931–January 21, 1991 |
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Funeral services for Arnold F. Bickford were held at 1:30 o'clock Wednesday afternoon, January 23, 1991 at the Goettsch Funeral Home, Anamosa with interment in Riverside Cemetery with Military Honors by the Anamosa Veterans. Rev. Kirk Stump officiated at the service.
Arnold F. Bickford, age 60, of Anamosa died Monday evening, January 21, 1991 at Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids following an extended illness.
Arnold Fay Bickford was born January 12, 1931 at Onslow, Iowa. He was the son of the late Carrell Bickford and Irma Howard Bickford. Arnold attended the Presbyterian Church in Onslow, the Onslow Grade School and graduated from the Onslow High School.
Arnold was married to Darlene J. Raymond June 1, 1952 at Wichita Falls, Texas while he was serving with the United States Air Force during the Korean War. Since 1955 they have made their home in Anamosa. For 32 years he worked for the Cedar Rapids Country Club. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Arnold is survived by his wife Darlene, one son Kevin, serving with the US Army in Saudia Arabia, two daughters, Valerie Moore and Cindy Wolmutt, both of Anamosa. There are five grandchildren. Also, surviving are two brothers, Dale Bickford of Onslow and Jimmy Bickford of Monticello, and one sister, Janet Brandt of Bettendorf, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister.
Casket bearers were: Kent Moore, Robert Mettler, Jack McLaughlin, Randy Cress, Donald K. Bickford and Fred Austin. The Goettsch Funeral Home of Anamosa was in charge of services.
Submitted by: Janet A. Brandt
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Asa Hemingway Bickford
May 30, 1830–January 31, 1909 |
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Mr. A. H. Bickford died last Friday evening at the home of his sister, Mrs. Samaria Ryan, after an illness of several weeks. The funeral services were conducted at Mrs. Ryan's home last Monday, by Rev. J. W. Innes, pastor of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Bickford was born in Maine May 30th, 1830. He came to Iowa in 1851, and three years later was married to Miss Julia Donahue, of Canton, Iowa. They moved to Monticello shortly afterwards, and she died in 1861. He was again married in 1868 to Mrs. Nancy Townson. They made their home in Monticello until 1879, when they removed to Kansas. In 1896 Mrs. Bickford died, and Mr. Bickford went to California, where he remained until a few years ago. He returned to Monticello, and passed the declining years of his life in the home of Mrs. Ryan. Mr. Bickford is survived by two children, Mrs. Loanza Wright, of Scotch Grove and Mr. Arthur W. Bickford, of San Diego, California. Three sisters and two brothers also survive him.
Submitted by: Janet A. Brandt
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Bercitis "Sue" Bickford
Mrs. Vernon Miller |
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Bercitis "Sue" Miller, 55, of Onslow, Iowa died Friday, Jan 17, 1997 at St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids after a long illness.
She was born Oct. 25, 1941 near Monmouth, Iowa, the daughter of Dillon and Bertha Hendrix Bickford. She began her education in the country schools before attending and graduating from Onslow High School in 1959.
Bercitis married Vernon Miller and the couple began their married life at Cedar Rapids. They later moved to Riverside, and she worked in the Iowa City area for Pepperidge Farms, Moore Business Forms, and Proctor and Gamble. They returned to Cedar Rapids for a short time before moving to Onslow in 1973.
Bercitis worked in Monticello at the Julian Printing Company and then at Doerr Electric at Anamosa. The past year failing health forced her to spend most of her time living with her daughter in Cedar Rapids.
She was a member of the Friendship Baptist Church in Cedar Rapids.
She is survived by her husband Vernon of Onslow, one daughter Johnna (Mrs. Craig) Rairdin of Cedar Rapids, two sons Dirk of Monticello and Lennie (Joni) of Onslow; two step daughters Cindy (Charles) Warren of St. Charles, Missouri, Tammy (Monte) Turmbull of Waukee; one step son Bruce Miller of Corydon; six grandchildren and another one due in April; five step grandchildren; and two brothers Donald Bickford of Wyoming, Iowa and J. E. Bickford of Onslow.
She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, January 21 at the Hayden Funeral home in Wyoming, with burial in Clay Cemetery near Onslow. The Rev. Terry Hamilton officiated. Friends called Monday from 4–8 p.m. and Tuesday from 1 p.m. until service time at Hayden Funeral Home in Wyoming. The casket was not open at any time.
Submitted by: Janet A. Brandt
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Carrell O. Bickford
July 16, 1904–August 28, 1970 |
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ONSLOW—Carrell O. Bickford, 66, of Onslow, died Friday at St. Luke's Hospital, Cedar Rapids.
The funeral service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday in the Onslow Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Lyle Meester officiating. Burial will be in the Clay cemetery. Visitation will be after 7 this evening at the Hayden funeral home in Wyoming.
Mr. Bickford was born July 16, 1904, in Jackson County, the son of James and Maggie (McCarty) Bickford. He was educated in the Canton and Emeline Schools and lived most of his life in or near Onslow. He married Irma Howard, Nov. 30, 1927. In 1929 he purchased an auto garage in Onslow. Since May of 1948 he served on the Onslow Town Council. He was a member of the Men's Community Club.
Survivors include his widow, two daughters; Mrs. Buford (Dwila) Baker of Onslow and Mrs. Richard (Janet) Brandt of Bettendorf; three sons, Arnold of Anamosa, Dale of Onslow and Jimmy of Wyoming; 12 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren; two sisters, Mrs. Freda Welch of Onslow and Mrs. Neoma Nabb of DeWitt, and two brothers, Matthew of Cedar Rapids and Dillon of Onslow.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two grand children.
Submitted by: Janet A. Brandt
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Charles Bickford
January 19, 1924—December 1, 2005 |
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Charles Bickford, 81, of Anamosa, died Thursday, Dec. 1, 2005, in his home following a long illness. Services: 10:30 a.m., Monday, St. Paul's Lutheran Church. The Rev. Jerry Egel will officiate at the service. Interment: Riverside Cemetery. Friends may call from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Goettsch Funeral Home in Anamosa.
Survivors include his wife, Luella; three sons, Mike (Nancy), Marlin and Mark (Rhonda), all of Anamosa; two brothers LeRoy of Amber and John (Laberta) of Maquoketa; one sister, Dixie (Robert) Danley of Whittier; three grandchildren, Holly Bickford (Brian) Loney, Amber (Dennis) Holland and Dylan Bickford; and three great-grandchildren, Paige Loney, Brooke Loney and Chelsa Holland.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Melvin Charles; three brothers, Harold, Raymond and Clayton; and one sister, Edna Sievers.
Charles was born Jan. 19, 1924, in Jackson County, Iowa, the son of Howard and Matilda Burns Bickford. He attended the rural schools in Jackson County. On Nov. 11, 1950, he married Luella Osterkamp at Wayne Zion Lutheran Church. Charles worked at Anamosa Produce and Bickford's DX service station in Anamosa. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and dancing in his younger years and listening to country music. He also enjoyed being around his family and grandkids. He was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church and the Isaac Walton League.
Submitted by: Janet A. Brandt
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Clayton Bickford
Died Monday, December 18, 2000 |
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Clayton Bickford, 64, of Delmar died Monday, Dec. 18, 2000 at the Jackson County Public Hospital, Maquoketa following a sudden illness.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 21, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Delmar. The Rev. Ed Botkin officiated. Burial was in Holy Cross Cemetery, Anamosa.
Visitation was held from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 20, at Haylock-O'Hara & Lahey Funeral Home, Maquoketa, where a vigil service was held at 7 p.m.
Mr. Bickford was born April 18, 1936 in Anamosa to Howard and Matilda Burns Bickford. He married Phyllis Coleman on Jan. 1, 1954 in Anamosa.
He had owned and operated Bickford Conoco Station in Delmar for many years and was a mechanic at Dahl Motors in DeWitt.
He was a member of the St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Delmar. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and visits from his grandchildren and he collected antique toys.
Survivors include his wife; three daughters, Cindy (Mrs. Craig) Pape of Maquoketa, Patty O'Connell of Marion and Julie (Mrs. Doug) Pierce of Luxemburg; three sons, Terry (and Nancy) Bickford of Breezy Point, Minn., Randy Bickford of Preston and Rick (and Sherry) Bickford of Maquoketa; 16 grandchildren; a sister Dixie (Mrs. Robert) Danly of Anamosa, and three brothers, Charlie (and Louella) Bickford of Anamosa, LeRoy Bickford of Amber and John (and Laberta) Bickford of Maquoketa.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister and three brothers.
Submitted by: Janet A. Brandt
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Dillon Bickford
Died December 16, 1974 |
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ONSLOW—Iowa—Services for Dillon Bickford, 64, Onslow, were today at Hayden Funeral Home, Wyoming. Burial was in Clay Cemetery, Onslow. Mr. Bickford died Monday at John McDonald Hospital, Monticello. He was born in Jackson County. He married Bertha Hendrix in 1930 in Anadarko, Okla. He was a farmer and an employee of Clinton Engines Corp., Maquoketa. Survivors include his wife; a daughter, Mrs. Bercitis Miller, Onslow; sons, Edwin and J. E. both of Onslow, and Donald, Wyoming; seven grandchildren; sisters, Mrs. Freda Welch, Onslow and Mrs. Neoma Nabb, DeWitt and a brother, Matthew, Cedar Rapids.
Submitted by: Janet A. Brandt
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Donald K. Bickford
November 2, 1937–June 27, 2005 |
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Donald K. Bickford, 67, of Wyoming, Iowa died Monday, June 27, 2005, at Jackson County Public Hospital, Maquoketa following a lengthy illness.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, June 30, 2005, at 10:30 a.m. at Lahey Funeral Home in Wyoming with the Rev. Linda Stransky officiating. Burial was held in the Clay Cemetery. Friends called on Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. at Lahey Funeral Home in Wyoming. Memorials are preferred.
Donald K. Bickford was born on November 2, 1937 in Monmouth, Iowa, the son of Dillon and Bertha (Hendrix) Bickford. He married Dorotha Cress on November 7, 1954 at Center Point, Iowa. He worked for Baldwin-Monmouth Telephone Company as a lineman for 28 years, retiring in 2000. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and trapping, mushroom and ginseng hunting, and overhauling tractors. He loved spending time with his grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife, Dorotha Bickford of Wyoming; two daughters, Donna Neal and Susie (Steve) DeMoss, both of Maquoketa; two sons, Gary Bickford and Rodney (Rhonda) Bickford both of Monmouth; 10 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, a brother, J. E. (Marilyn) Bickford, his mother-in-law, Claribel Cress and a brother-in-law, Vernon Miller, all of Onslow.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a son-in-law, Randy Neal on October 22, 2004, one brother and one sister.
Submitted by: Janet A. Brandt
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Dwila M. Bickford Baker
May 13, 1928–September 16, 1978 |
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Dwila M. Baker, 50, died Sept 16 at Anamosa. Services were held Tuesday, Sept. 19, at 10:30 a.m. at the Onslow Presbyterian Church. Burial was in Clay cemetery, Onslow.
Mrs. Baker was born May 13, 1928 near Onslow, the daughter of Carrell and Irma Howard Bickford. On April 15, 1949, she married Buford Baker in Anamosa. She was a graduate of Onslow high school.
The couple spent their married life in Onslow. Mrs. Baker worked 10 years at the Onslow Feed and Grain. She was a member of Onslow Presbyterian Church, the Presbyterian Christian Guild and Royal Neighbor 552 of Baldwin.
She is survived by her husband; three daughters, Mrs. Carl (Verna) McNamee of Delmar, Mrs. John (Gaye) Riches of Onslow and Mrs. Charles (Diane) Carr of DeWitt; her mother, Irma Bickford, Onslow; three brothers, Arnold Bickford of Anamosa, Dale Bickford of Onslow and Jim Bickford of Stone City; eight grandchildren and one sister, Janet Brandt, Bettendorf. She was preceded in death by one son, one daughter and her father.
Submitted by: Janet A. Brandt
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Edwin Bickford
Widow of Dillon Bickford |
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Edwin E. Bickford, 65, of Onslow, Iowa died on Tuesday, January 2, 1996 at St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids, Iowa after a short illness.
Edwin was born on December 24, 1930 at Eakly, Oklahoma, the son of Dillon and Bertha Hendrix Bickford. Edwin lived with his parents. In 1990, after his mother's death, Edwin moved to the Edinburgh Manor where he lived until his death.
Edwin is survived by one sister, Bercitis (Mrs. Vernon) Miller of Onslow, Iowa; and two brothers, Donald Bickford of Wyoming, Iowa; and J. E. Bickford of Onslow, Iowa.
Edwin was preceded in death by both of his parents.
Funeral services were conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 5, 1996 at the Hayden Funeral Home in Wyoming, Iowa with the Rev. Frederick Kramer officiating. Burial was in the Clay Cemetery, Onslow, Iowa. Friends called at the Hayden Funeral Home in Wyoming, Iowa on Friday, January 5, 1996 from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m.
Submitted by: Janet A. Brandt
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Freda Bernice Bickford
Mrs. Clyde Welch |
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Freda B. Welch, 93, died Saturday, Oct. 28, 2006, in Jones Regional Medical Center, Anamosa. Services: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Calvary Baptist Church, Onslow, by Pastor David McIntosh. Burial: Clay Cemetery, Onslow. Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Lahey Funeral Home, Wyoming.
Freda Bernice Bickford was born March 7, 1913 in Monmouth, the daughter of James F. and Maggie (McCarty) Bickford. She attended country schools in Onslow and Binger, Okla. She married Clyde Orville Welch on Feb. 10, 1930, in Anadarko, Okla. He died Jan 7, 1998.
Freda was a homemaker and in earlier years had worked at the Maquoketa hospital in food service. She also had owned and operated C&F Café in Onslow for many years. She enjoyed being with her friends, quilting and baking, and was known for her pies. She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Onslow.
She is survived by a son, Arvin (JoAnn) Welch of Cedar Rapids; three grandchildren, Larry (Marcy) Welch of DeKalb, Ill., Lori Tornburg of Altoona and Lisa (Gary) Feaker of Waukee; and six great-grandchildren, Adam and Katie Welch, Justin Thornburg and Callie, Marcy and Logan Feaker.
She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; three brothers, Carrell, Matthew and Dillon Bickford; and a sister Neoma Nabb.
Submitted by: Janet A. Brandt
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James Bickford
October 21, 1881–January 10, 1962 |
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ONSLOW, Jan 25—James Bickford was born Oct. 21, 1881, in Jackson county, the son of Matthew and Sarah Bickford. He died Jan 10 in the hospital at Anamosa. Prior to his hospitalization, he had been cared for by his children in his home.
Mr. Bickford and Miss Maggie McCarty were united in marriage Sept. 4, 1902. They made their home on Jackson and Jones county farms, spent three years in Oklahoma, and retired to Onslow in 1944. His wife preceded him in death Feb 7, 1961.
Surviving are five children, Carrell, Dillon and Mrs. Clyde Welch (Freda) of Onslow, Matthew of Stanwood and Mrs. Neoma Nabb of Maquoketa; 15 grand children; 15 great grandchildren; a half brother, Manville Edwards of Maquoketa; two sisters, Mrs. Edna Schwartz of Anamosa and Mrs. Nellie Nabb, Maquoketa.
Submitted by: Janet A. Brandt
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Herbert B. Blakely
October 14, 1915–April 8, 2008 |
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Herbert B. Blakely, 92, of Eldridge and formerly of Davenport and Oxford Junction, died Tuesday, April 8, 2008, at Grand Haven Retirement Home in Eldridge, following a brief illness.
Memorial services will be held Saturday, April 12, 2008, at 11:00 a.m. at Lahey Funeral Home in Oxford Junction with Pastor Pat Slater officiating.
Burial will be in the Mayflower Cemetery, Oxford Junction. Lahey Funeral & Cremation Services in Oxford Junction is in charge of arrangements.
The family has honored his wishes and his body has been cremated.
Herbert B. Blakely was born on October 14, 1915 in Trimont, Minnesota, the son of Clarence Leslie Blakely and Bessie Mae (Shafer) Blakely.
He graduated from Clutier High School in 1933. He married Ruby Shedeck on May 24, 1941 in Kahoka, Missouri.
He worked for Colonial Bread, Wonder Bread, and Peter Pan, before retiring with Sunbeam Baking Company in 1977. In earlier years, he worked at a grocery and feed store.
He is survived by his wife, Ruby Blakely, of Eldridge, and nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and one sister.
Submitted by: Janet A. Brandt
Source: Midland Times, Wyoming, Iowa, April 11, 2008
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Myrtle Jane Blayney
Widow of Chauncy Earl Duncan |
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Myrtle Jane Duncan, 88, died at there home Wednesday, April 24, 1974, after a brief illness.
She was born near Olin, July 8, 1885, the daughter of Henry and Mary Grafft Blayney. She received her education in the area schools and in March of 1903 was married to Earl Duncan and they made their home on a farm in Rome township.
Mr. Duncan (Chauncey Earl) preceded her in death in 1962. She is survived by a son, Ivan Duncan of Olin, two grandchildren and a sister, Mrs. Grace Gilmore, of Des Moines. In addition to her husband, she is preceded in death by a son Roscoe, and infant daughter, her parents, three brothers and four sisters.
Funeral services were held at the Goettsch Funeral home Saturday, April 27, at 1:30 p.m. with the Rev. Brown Garlock officiating. Interment was in the Green Center cemetery near Morley.
Casket bearers were Robert Duncan, Merle Meeks, Robert Powers, Richard Grafft, DeWayne Emerson and Darrel Blayney."
Submitted by: Liz Coleman
Source: Anamosa Journal, 30 April 1974
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Harriet Bohler Hutton
Born 29 November 1845 |
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Harriet Bohler was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, November 29, 1845. With her parents she moved to Marion county, Indiana, in 1856, and from there to Jones county, the following year. Her father was a Union soldier in the Civil war and died while at home on a furlough. Harriet was the oldest of six children, and when her father died she assumed a large share in supporting the family. Her mother, two brothers and three sisters are still living. In 1873 she was married to Joel B. Hutton. They took up their residence on the old Hutton homestead in Clay township where they have since resided.
Three children were born to them. Two sons, Albert and Forest, and one daughter, Cleo. All of these, together with the husband are yet living. Early in her life, Mrs. Hutton joined the United Presbyterian church at Wyoming of which she remained a consistent member until 1876, when she united with the M.E. class at South Mineral. She was a very earnest and active Christian, anxiously striving to do good and to honor her master.
Mrs. Hutton was not physically strong, and when on January 2nd she was attacked by la grippe, the disease made such rapid progress that on the following Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock she passed peacefully away. She was conscious till the last moment, realized her condition, gave directions concerning her burial, expressed herself as ready to go, bade her loved ones "Good-bye" and fell asleep in Jesus.
Funeral services were held at the South Mineral Church at 11 o'clock, January 10th. A large number of relatives and friends were present. Her pastor, Rev. Van Buren, preached a sermon from 2 Cor. 5-1. Rev. A. W. Smith of Wyoming, her former pastor, was present and assisted in the services. The remains were interred in the cemetery beside the little church where she loved to worship, and which she served so faithfully and well.
In the decease of Mrs. Hutton, the family loses a kind, tender and loving wife and mother, and the community a faithful and sincere friend. Her memory will be cherished by a host of friends who unite in extending to the bereaved family their heartfelt sympathy.
Submitted by: Hallie Hutton Martin
Source: The Eureka News, page 3, January 12, 1899. |
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Frederick H. Bohlken
25 May 1869—3 may 1925 |
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The funeral of the late Frederick Herman Bohlken, a former resident of Scotch Grove township, was held at his home at Riceton, Saskatchewan, Canada, May 6. He died at the Regina General Hospital Sunday morning, May 3.
Mr. Bohlken was born at Shortens, Germany, May 25, 1869. He was maried to Amelia Thresa Oelrich, December 5, 1893, at Monticello. There were twelve children born to them, ten of whom are living as follows: Mrs. Otten, G. Bohlken, W. Bohlken, Mrs. J.C. Deagan of Botwell, Washington, Miss Mary Bohlken of Seatle, Washington, F. John Bohlken, Miss Molly Bohlken, Otto Bohlken, Herman Bohlken, and Miss Hannah Bohlken.
Mr. and Mrs. Bohlken and their family removed from Scotch Grove township to the Riceton districtin 1908. The family were successful farmers and cultivated and extensive section of land in that community. Mr. Bohlken was secretary and treasurer of a school, and acted as trustee for the past ten years. He was a member of the German Lutheran church at Lang, Saskatchewan, Canada.
Submitted by: Steve Hanken
Source: Monticello Express, 1925. |
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Gerke Heinrich Bohlken
25 September 1848—30 June 1927 |
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Life's race well run, Life's work
well done,
Life's crown well won, and now
comes rest.
These words apply to the way-worn Pilgrim who has entered into his rest, whom today we pay the last tribute of honor. It is the beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother Gerke Henry Bohlken, born September 25, 1848, at Reepsholt, Ostfriesland, Germany, as third child in the family of the late william Bohlken and his beloved wife Gebke Sophie Kleihauer.
According to the Lutheran custom and in accordance with our Saviours command and promise he was soon after birth brought to his Saviour in the sacrament of holy baptism, October 13, 1848. Palm Sunday, 1863 he with many others renewed his baptismal vow when confirmed in the church of his home village. His boyhood days were undisturbed. April 28, 1870, the deceased left his father's country and came to the United States and proved to be a worthy citizen, not only in words as mouthpatriots, but in deeds being able, having saved, to support her in good and evil days, in times of peace and war.
May 13, 1875 he became the faithful and untiring husband of Miss Anna Margaret Tobiassen, whom he shared the burdens and joys of life for over 52 years. The marriage was preformed at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran church near Monticello by the Rev. John Oetjen. Ten children were born to this union, which all but two girls, whom died in their infancy, survive their father. Two years hence, last May 13th, the aged couple was granted the rare joy of celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. Last Thursday morning at ten minutes of five o'clock, God's angel messanger summoned the father from our midst after an extended period of sickness and weakness. He, who had been the warm sun shining upon the family, neighborhood and church, now is set, he has entered his rest at the age of 78 years, 9 months and 5 days, after being smitten with a stroke the third time. Peacefully and in firm faith in the only saviour of the world, Jesus Christ, he departed this life.
The deceased was a kind and true neighbor, a faithful husband and father, a good Lutheran, regularly attending divine services and using the sacrament. In church he was an attentive listener as well as on his sick bed when called upon. A few weeks ago he prepared for the journey through the dark valley of the shadow of death, partaking of the Lord's holy body and blood. He was a friend to the poor and suffering, willing and ready to help those who were ambitious. He loved the land of his birth and crossed the ocean three times on a visit. Tenderly he was cared for at the hands of his family. His life was a blessing to many and he is blessed.
He is survived and leaves to mourn, his wife and eight children: Mrs. Peter H. Paulsen, of Center Junction; Mrs. Geo. F. Tobiassen, of Monticello; Mrs. Fred A. Hanken, of Langworthy; Mrs. Howard Soper, of Anamosa; Mrs. Henry Harms, Jr., of Scotch Grove; William, Tobias and Ben H. Bohlken, all of Jones county, with their respective families; one brother, Siefke B., of LeMars, Iowa; William and Ben Bohlken, in Germany; one sister, Mrs. Meta Behrends also in Germany; besides 29 grandchildren and many other relatives and friends.
An untiring life of blessing has come to a close, humble and common as it remained, we truly believe, it glories in Heaven above before the throne of the lamb, to whom I commend all troubled hearts, to the father of all mercy and consolation.
You have lost him who you loved,
stilled the voice so sweet to hear,
Now by death his hands are gloved,
warmed by love for many a year.
Rest is his who never asked, rest
however he was tasked.
Peace to his ashes.
Amen.
Funeral services were held Sunday, July 3rd, at 9:30 a.m., at the home and at 10 o'clock at the Wayne Lutheran church. About 1000 was estimated in attendance. Burial was made in Wayne Lutheran cemetery. Rev. Willms, pastor of deceased, officiated and spoke on text Luc. 2.29-32.
Submitted by: Steve Hanken
Source: (probably) the Monticello Express, 1927.
Note: The obituary was written by Mr. Bohlken's pastor, Rev. Willms, of Wayne Zions Lutheran Church. | |
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Edmund Booth
God's Finger Touched Him and He Slept
The Senior Editor of the Eureka
Ends a Long and Honorable Career
"He never sold the light to serve the hour,
Nor falterd with eternal God for power."
"O good grey head, which all well know!
O iron nerve, for each occasion true!
Oh, fallen at length,
That tower of strength
Which stood unmoved by all the winds that blow." |
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A life of nearly ninety-five years is ended. Though the physical powers, according to the order of nature, gradually declined as the years went on and weakness and partial helplessness were more and more manifest as the end drew near, yet Mr. Booth's mental faculties practically maintained their normal condition until within a few weeks. His memory of the past was remarkably clear and his interest in the war between Japan and Russia and other prominent events did not cease, although failing sight of his one eye at the last made reading a difficult task.
This latter phase of his experience to limitations upon his reading was much in contrast to his habit of a lifetime. Though he came to this place in 1830 and more than once saw deer passing over what is now the site of this city, as has the writer also, he never would give up his books and papers, and the older settlers will recall his fixed habit of reading far into the night?often until one or two o'clock in the morning. While living at the village of Fairview, four miles south of Anamosa, his habit was to foot it to Walnut Fork?now Olin?about 20 miles for the round trip, once a week for his mail, that being the nearest post-office for a considerable period. He brought with him from Hartford, Conn., a choice library of standard works, prominent among them being Shakespeare, Walter Scott and many authors of prose and poetry with whose productions he was perfectly familiar. This writer remembers very distinctly sitting on his lap before the big fireplace in the log house, when a child, and listening with supreme delight to the stream of poetry which his wonderful memory could pour out at a moment's notice.
Someone once said that to sit on one end of a log with Mark Hopkins on the other end was the equivalent to a liberal college education. We trust that we may not be accused of undue pride if we suggest that there was something of a verification of this fact in the life of him who is no more with us. For several years after his return from California in the spring of 1854, we spent many days of the fall and winter months in his timber three miles south of Anamosa, getting out rails, posts and stakes for the Cass farm and ties for the Dubuque Southwestern Railroad. The noon hour, always found us sitting on some log or pile of posts eating our dinner, during which father invariably discoursed, in a most interesting and instructive way, on some public theme, historical fact of personal reminiscence that never failed to delight the boy heart and lighten the burden of rough toil. And so it was in coming or going to the woods or the farm?behind the slow-moving white oxen?and when taking dinner in the harvest or hay field. Small gossip father detested, and never did he indulge in discussing the petty affairs that so often constituted the principal conversation of some. This was the habit of his life, and among the most vivid pictures of our earliest remembrance are those little groups where he was always listened to with seemingly eager attention by friends, neighbors and even strangers when he was called out on some topic of mutual interest. In later years when the evening's work in the printing office was ended the "boys" liked nothing better than to get father "started"?it mattered not whether history, or philosophical meditations, or kindly suggestions as to good habits and the better ideals of life came uppermost to his thoughts?he was always original, earnest, wholesome, and never did we know him to make a vulgar allusion or allow an unclean word to pass his lips.
In all his business relations likewise father's record is absolutely without spot or blemish. Grasping for the almighty dollar and stunting the soul and burning out the nobler impulses for the sake of piling up more wealth were utterly abhorrent to his nature. In truth he was often too generous for his own good; in his dealings with his fellows the advantage always went the other way, and we do not believe he ever defrauded a man out of a penny or ever was guilty of a small or mean act in his life. His generous spirit, nobility of nature and broad humanitarianism made such things impossible to him.
While he as in the Hartford school for the deaf, concerning which further particulars are given later in this sketch, the legislatures of South Carolina and Georgia, in 1834, took up the question of making some provisions of the education of the deaf children of their respective states. Only the most primitive methods prevailed as to the methods and possibilities, and it was decided that Mr. Wold, the principal of the Hartford Institution, should be invited to appear before them and bring one of his teachers and two of his pupils in order that the members might see for themselves something of the benefits of instruction. Mr. Weld selected Mr. Booth as the teacher to accompany him. One of the tests was this: Mr. Wold, who was a hearing and speaking man, called on the members to give him quotations or sentences. These were conveyed to Mr. Booth by signs alone?not a word being spelled out on the fingers?and then he went to the blackboard and wrote them out. The object was to show the members that the sign language among deaf mutes was not only a vehicle of nearly as rapid communication as spoken language, but its correctness was verified by the sentences written on the board by this deaf young man. Only once was he put to his wits end and for a moment by a very severe and really unwarranted test. A member suggested a verse of nor very familiar poetry for interpretation. Mr. Wold was aghast. Does the reader wonder at this! Take a verse of poetry and change every noun and prominent word to other words of synonymous meaning, then give it to a person or company and ask for the original. One word may have several synonyms and so one sign may be interpreted by many words. Mr. Wold "signed" the verse as carefully as he could. Mr. booth stood in puzzled meditation for an instant, then the quotation flashed on his mind, on the board it went and Mr. Booth's triumph was complete.
The result of this visitation was an entire success. The South Carolina and Georgia legislatures promptly adopted enactments under which the deaf mute children of those states were sent to Hartford for an education.
The writer has often heard father speak in most pleasure able terms of shaking hands with President Jackson, Henry Clay, Daniel Webster and others who seemed to take great pleasure in visiting the institution at Hartford and witnessing the various methods of instruction then in vogue. That father occupied a position of some pre-eminence at that time as a teacher, writer and poet?several productions of the latter class being still in our possession?it is not difficult to believe. We trust we may be pardoned for narrating a little incident that, in a sense, gives ground for this inference.
Father went to the world's fair in Chicago in 1893. There was a world's congress of the deaf, including teachers and others held in the Art Institute Building, and he came into their midst with his two sons. Several of these teachers recognized him and hurried toward him with hands and fingers flying. Instantly, there was a rush, and greetings and introductions and demonstrations of affection followed that were to the writer pathetic beyond the language of the pen or tongue to describe. There stood father in the midst, six feet, two and a half inches tall and of massive frame, and like King Saul of old, "higher than any of the people from his shoulders and upward"?a veritable patriarch among the representatives of his class from the four quarters of the globe. He was then the oldest living ex-teacher of the deaf in the United States, and probably at the time of his death there was not another in the world who exceeded him in age.
In August 1842, father was elected county recorder, Dr. Clark Joslin, the father of Dr. J. M. Joslin of Anamosa, being his predecessor and the first recorder of the county. The vote as set forth in his journal was as follows: Farm Creek precinct, John E. Lovejoy, 23 majority;
Walnut Fork precinct, E. Booth, 37 majority;
Buffalo Forks precinct, E. Booth, 32 majority;
Bowen's Prairie precinct, E. Booth, 17 majority.
Majority for Mr. Booth, 80. He adds that the total vote was 124 and that there were 180 tax-payers in the county.
The above were the names of the voting precincts at that time and the contrast with the present population of about 22,000 is quite striking. to make it more so we may cite the fact that the total vote then recorded was considerably less than that in any one of the four wards in Anamosa last fall.
We have heard father tell that the fees of the recorder's office during his incumbency of about two and a half years amounted to thirty dollars, with which sum, with ten dollars that he had saved and ten dollars that he borrowed of his brother-in-law, Gideon H. Ford, he proceeded on foot to Dubuque, fifty miles away, where the land office was located, and entered the forty acres he was farming a short distance southwest of the Dr. Matson place south of Fairview, the latter being now the Timothy Soper estate, we believe. Remember that this was in the pioneer days of 1844 and such experiences were common among the early settlers. In those days, also, the annual prairie fires swept across the wide stretches of unoccupied land and among the scattered farms and often destroyed fences and endangered dwellings, stables and stacks of grain and hay. Many a time have we known father and the few scattered neighbors go and fight fire day and night, the long lines of flames at night being brilliant and awe-inspiring.
During his third term as recorder the legislature consolidated that office with that of treasurer, and as father had no safe and was deaf, he did not dare to take the responsibility of being custodian of the county funds and therefore resigned.
In 1844 he was chosen enrolling and engrossing clerk in the Territorial House of Representatives, the seat of government being at Iowa City. In 1848 he procured the passage of a law by which deaf mutes in Iowa were enabled to enter the institution at Jacksonville, Ill., this state paying half of their expenses and parents or friends paying the remainder.
After his return from California in 1854 he naturally renewed his interest in the deaf and dumb children of the state and had an important share in the founding of the school at Iowa City, later removed to Council Bluffs, which he occasionally visited in after years and was held in much affection by teachers and pupils.
In 1880 he was proposed for the office of president of the national deaf-mute convention held in Cincinatti but declined, being honored, however, as chairman pro tem and aiding in the election of a younger man.
The details of his purchase of the Eureka appear in The historical sketch following, but we think it not out of place to make some further reference to this pre-eminent work of his life. His intense abhorrence of the institution of slavery is remembered by many and he idolized William Lloyd Garrison, Wendell Phillips and other men of like temper and fearlessness among the then despised Abolitionists. During all that struggle that finally culminated in the rebellion, Mr. Booth, as a private citizen and as an editor, never ceased to fight the curse with all the power at the command of his conscience and love for the poor and down-trodden.
We have stated that he was not only a lover of poetry but also an occasional writer as well, contributions from his pen having appeared in Hartford publications and in California papers during his residence there. In connection with the reference to his strong Abolition sentiments we think the following brief quotations from a "Carriers Address" written by him and printed in the Eureka January 1st, 1858, during the Kansas troubles, will be suggestive:
"There is need
That some should suffer the extreme of wrong,
To waken human hearts and rouse the strong;
Live without freedom is not worth its cost
And freedom gone our very life is lost.
And what is left, aye, what is left? Behold
The vanished nations. 'Tis a story old.
****
Oh, thou fair land of Kansas, it is thine
To show that man is God-like still, Devine,
That he must struggle and advance, not fail,
That Right must ever, in the end, prevail,
That Error, Wrong and Tyranny shall fall,,
That Beneficence shall rule over all,
That such is man's destiny and his right,
Else were the world one sad, eternal blight;
Press onward, therefore, men of heart and mind,
Press onward, all ye lovers of mankind,
Ye in whose bosom burns the soul that toils
Of Truth that pierces through a thousand halls,
And scatters fiends and firebrands from its path,
All heedless of their presence or their wrath,
As heedless now advance and aid the free,
And make of Kansas a Thermopylae.
'Tis she may save this nation from its grave,
And therefore tyrants shout she shall be slave,
Send back the bold defiance; shout it back,
And arm, if need be, for the warrior's track.
****
Let serviles base to oligarchies palter,
And bow and bend the knee, they have their pay;
For us 'tis death or freedom. come what may—
Come bloodshed and destruction, horrors dire,
Come all, and drive us through the cleansing fire;
That fire shall melt our chain where'er it sways,
And Freedom's glad sun shine on all the coming days."
This reads like prophesy in view of the breaking out of the war three years later and, as one writer observes, "not only was Kansas declared a free state, but Liberty throughout all the land, to all the inhabitants thereof, was insured by Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation."
During the rebellion there were defeats as well as victories for the boys in blue, and many were the patriots slain or wounded and many the hearts that bled because of the sacrifices laid upon our country's altar. But never did Mr. Booth lose courage or hope. To him every defeat conveyed a lesson and every victory was the prophesy of ultimate triumph. His trust in an overruling Providence never wavered fro a single instant, even when strong men and women of Christian faith became depressed and were sometimes doubtful of the outcome of the terrible struggle. In such times his pen voiced no uncertain spirit, and his exalted confidence and unshaken poise steadied the hearts of the readers of the Eureka in many of the supreme trials of the war period.
Such was the fiber of soul of this man. His love of Humanity was as broad as humanity's utmost needs, and his profoundest conviction was that Eternal Right and the Author of Eternal Right would be triumphant over every oppression and every wrong. This temper of heart made him a true philosopher in all the experiences of life, and the little things which bring fret and worry to so many were calmly ignored by him for his mind found its chief solace in the broader and deeper philosophies of human life and destiny.
It was indeed fitting that one of his intellectual tastes and attainments, his strong and impressive moral endowments and his powerful physical endurance should be a pioneer and a trusted leader of pioneers. Isolated in a large degree by his infirmity from the business and the professional callings of the world, where he might have made commanding history, he still wrought well, aye heroically, for this new land, for this great state, and for humanity's uplifting and ennoblement. He sought no reward at the hands of his fellow men save that which comes to every lover of his kind, every believer in high destiny?the consolation of doing what he could for his loved ones and for the world's good.
The death of his beloved wife seven years ago he said was the hardest blow he ever received, and his grief because bereft of her companionship and his longing to be with her again gradually drew his mind heavenward, making it natural and easy for him to let slip the material things of this world and lay hold on the realities of the heavenly life. In his dreams he saw the loved companion of almost sixty years and with her the sweet infant daughter grown to maturity, and in this revelation the later smiled lovingly upon him and made the affectionate signs: "My Father." And who shall say that this vision has not been joyfully verified in that Kingdom of Blessed Reunion? We believe that it has, and that not only is he joined forever to his kindred beloved in the mansions prepared for them, but that his ears have been unstopped and the tongue of praise unloosed and he is with the unnumbered hosts which John saw at Patmos who have come out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the lamb.
The funeral services were held in the Congregational Church on Friday at 2:30 P.M., preceded by a prayer by Rev. A. O. Stevens at the home of T. E. Booth, where the body rested from the time of his decease.
The order of exercises was as follows:
Organ voluntary by Mrs W. D. Skinner.
Quartette—"Lead Kindly Light," Miss Mary Calkins, of Wyoming, and Mrs. H. A. Ereanbrack, Mr. James Abel and Mr. I. H. Brasted.
Reading to the 11th chapter of Matthew, by Rev. Felix H. Pickworth, of St. Mark's Episcopal church. This was one of the last selections of scripture that father read.
Prayer by Rev. DeWitt White, of the Presbyterian church.
Solo—"The Land of Elysian," Miss Mary Calkins, of Wyoming.
Reading of Tennyson's "Crossing the Bar," by Rev. J. M. Deschamps, of the Baptist church.
Sermon—By Rev. A. O. Stevens, of the Congregational church.
Reading of the obituary, by Rev. L. L. Lockard, of the M. E. church.
Quartette—"Nearer, My God, to Thee," by the choir.
Benediction by Rev. Father Powers, of the Catholic Church.
The selections, "Lead, Kindly Light." "Crossing the Bar," and "Nearer, My God, to Thee" were among father's favorites.
Historical Sketch
Edmund Booth was born in Chicopee, a suburb of Springfield, Mass., August 24, 1810, and died in Anamosa, Iowa, March 29th. He was taken very ill with spotted fever at the age of four years, resulting in the loss of one eye and a partial loss of hearing, which gradually grew more manifest until the age of eight, when the loss was total. During these early years, however, he gained sufficient knowledge of language and pronunciation to enable him to talk with a clearness which was easily comprehended with only occasional exceptions.
Although his school privileges necessarily were very limited by reason of his deafness and work on the home farm, he longed for an education and at 17 entered the Hartford, Conn., institution for the deaf, then one of only three schools of the kind in America. After the four years' course, which was the limit then, but now is ten to twelve, and may include even a college course of five years additional at Washington, he graduated with honor and was making preparations to return home when Mr. Weld, the Principal, offered him a position as a regular teacher, which place he filled with satisfaction of seven years.
Considerations of health and a spirit of investigation into the regions beyond, which characterized his dependencies of mind in things material as well as intellectual, led him westward, while Chicago was a mere village and Iowa a region of boundless prairies and timber belts. This was in 1830, seven years before the territory was admitted as a state. He located in this vicinity, assisting in work at the new flour and saw mills in process of erection by George H and Clark Walworth at what is now known as Fisherville, one mile west of Anamosa.
July 24, 1840, he was married to Mary Ann Walworth, a pupil in his first class in 1832, who passed away January 25, 1898. Four children blessed this union, T. E. Booth, a daughter who died in infancy, Mrs. Harriet Emma Leclere, of Dalbart, Texas, and Frank W. Booth, of Philadelphia.
In 1849, after having been engaged in farming for some years, the spirit of unrest again animated his thought and he entered upon what was then the perilous overland journey to California, the gold discoveries drawing hundreds of thousands of brave, hardy men to endure the dangers of the six months' journey by ox-teams to the land whose shores are washed by the waters of the Pacific.
Five years later he returned to his family, having been measurably successful as a miner and resumed farming near Anamosa. We think it not out of place to say that the five-acre block now bounded by Main and First and Booth and Ford streets, was bought by Mrs. Booth with money he dug out of the ground in California, and the northeast corner was donated by him to the Congregational church in 1861, the proceeds of the sale of that ground going into this new church structure, whose erection he witnessed with so much pleasure, but within whose walls, because of infirmity, he was never permitted to come until his body was brought here to-day for an hour's sacred rest and service in his passage to the tomb.
In 1856 the Eureka was established with Mr. John E. Lovejoy in charge. He soon transferred it to Mr. C. L. D. Crockwell. The latter requested Mr. Booth to contribute something to the paper. It proved to be the beginning of his work of thirty-five years or more in this new field. Further contributions were requested and soon he was given practical charge of the editorial columns, and two years later bought a half interest in the paper. The Hon. Matt Parrott, afterwards state senator and lieutenant governor, was his partner, having purchased a half interest a few months previous. In December, 1862, Mr. Booth bought the remaining half interest, his eldest son returning from school in the east to take charge of the mechanical department of the paper.
His life work as an editor speaks for itself; and his record as a law abiding citizen, a lover of humanity, a lover of worthy ideals in young men and young women, and especially as a lover of children—a man deep in whose soul was a trust in God as immovable as the hills—this man, our father, will be reverenced in the hearts of his children so long as memory shall endure.
There was a good audience present at the service, many old friends being in attendance who for the last time looked on the placid, peaceful face, without spot or furrow, of this aged citizen, who did not appear more than seventy or seventy-five years of age. The business houses of the city were closed during the funeral hour and Judge B. H. Miller adjourned court, marks of respect greatly appreciated by the family.
The floral decorations, which were beautiful and appropriate, were arranged by friends and ladies of the church.
Interment followed in Riverside by the side of his companion, "Beneath the low green tent whose curtain never outward swings."
The pall-bearers were A Heitchen, Judge D. McCare, E. M. Harvey, E. C. Holt, G. L. Yount and S. C. Hall, with E. J. Wood in charge.
Submitted by: Wilma Spice
Source: Anamosa Eureka, Anamosa, Iowa, April 6, 1905.
Note: You can read more about Edmund and Mary Ann Booth on our Biography page and at the Library of Congress American Memories site, including his diary and letters chronicling his overland crossing; prospecting at Feather River, Hangtown, and Sonora; visits to Sacramento, Columa, Columbia, and Stockton; and return voyage via Nicaragua, 1854. |
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Funeral Sermon for Edmund Booth
Rev. A. O. Stevens
The world passeth away and the just thereof (and the pleasure
thereof): but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever.
I John, 2:17 |
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I have been asked to preach to you a sermon this afternoon and my mind turned to these words which were written by an old man. John is supposed to have been about one hundred years old when he wrote the Epistle which contains this verse. There are some impressions which possess much force to an aged man. As he looks backward he sees that many things have changed since he was a boy. If he attains a great age he has seen his friends one by one slip away; and is ready to exclaim with Tennyson's Sir Bedevere:
"Now I see the true old times are dead.
The whole round table is dissolved,
Which was an image of the mighty world
And I the last to go forth companionless,
And the days darken round me, and years,
Among new men, strange faces, other minds."
It was Father Booth's lot to outlive the companions of his youth, and doubtless in his later years he was profoundly impressed with the transiency of life. "The old order changeth, giving place to new."
You who have for a quarter of a century been living in the middle states must go back and visit the old home home hidden among the eastern hills. As the train carries you along your mind pictures the scenes of childhood. You recall the farm-house, the orchard, the flat rock where you used to play. But no sooner have you alighted from the train than you feel a sense of disappointment. Everything is changed. The little cottage in which you were born has been effaced by a modern building. The old farm has passed into alien hands. on the street you meet only strange faces. Thus the truth is borne home to us that the world passeth away and the pleasures thereof.
How true this is of our physical body. We are in the prime of life. We come home from our work in the evening and and feel an unwonted weariness. We think we need a rest and take a vacation. But we are not entirely refreshed. We wonder for a little while what is the cause, until the truth dawns upon us that we are feeling the effect of years. Our physical strength, like the sun, has mounted to mid-heaven, hung there for a little time, and is now slowly declining.
Father Booth possessed an uncommonly strong body, else he would not have attained to this great old age. Diseases which commonly prove fatal, he survived. But the end was nevertheless inevitable. The body is of the earth earthy; to the earth it must return.
The same thing is true of the mental faculties. The human mind, that wonderful handiwork of God, with its power to think, to reason and to will, reached the point of greatest vigor, and the inevitable decline sets in. Those who like our friend obtain to great age must find themselves at last slipping into their childhood.
The world passeth away and the possessions thereof. How uncertain is the smile of fortune! The riches which we hoard, hoe often they disappoint us. It is probably true that the majority of business and professional men find themselves in old age dependent upon their friends for support. It is as if God would remind us that we must not place too much dependence upon the material things of life. And even if we are more fortunate than many, and have all our wants amply supplied down to the close of life, "whose then shall these things be?" Our riches—for which many of us have sinned, for which some of us have sold our souls—we must leave behind with the perishing body.
Is this then the end of life? When we close the dear eyes, fold the tired hands and place the flowers upon the casket, is the farewell final? That brother of mine, dying out there in the flood-bound train in Kansas, leaving behind the young wife and little boy, is he gone forever? Shall I never see his face again? If so, then I sing with Browning's Paracoisus, life is "a poor cheat, a stupid bungle, a wretched failure."
But 'tis not so. There is that in us which lives. "That which is born of the flesh is flesh; that which is born of the spirit is spirit." The soul of man which the Divine Spirit has touched and quickened into new life shall not perish.
I would this afternoon preach to you the Gospel. This is the Gospel: "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have eternal life." True there must be belief. There must be the willing response to the touch of God. God thrusts heaven upon none of us. I say it reverently: God can thrust heaven upon none of us. He may bring heaven to us. We must enter in.
What takes place in the inmost soul of man, none but he and his God know. We cannot draw aside the thick curtain and see into the Holy of Holies. It is doubtless as well so. Yet we who believe in these eternal things are made glad when those whom we love give intimations that they have entered into the presence of the Most High.
Knowing intimately as I do the children of our departed brother, I am glad that I can say that there were in the latter days of Father Booth's life some marked intimations that his mind was turning more towards things spiritual—circumstances small in themselves and yet giving hope that before the departure peace was made between him and his Maker. He has lived his life. For many years he occupied a prominent place in this community. He has been called home. He is in the hand of a God just and merciful. May we all so live, that when the time for our departure comes we shall be fully ready and fit to enter into the larger heritage.
At the close of the discourse Mr. Stevens read the following letter from Rev. S. F. Millikan, now of Kingsley, Iowa, and for seven years pastor of the Congregational church of Anamosa, having preached the funeral sermon for Mrs. Booth:
Kingsley, Iowa, March 30, 1905
Dear Bro. Booth: The long battle is over, and your strong-souled father has found rest at last in the Everlasting Arms.
I can never forget how, soon after your mother's translation, he thrilled me with two words. I had written with his pencil some heartfelt appreciation of her worth and of his great loss. He read the lines slowly—then, lifting his right hand, said in full tones, though there were some tears in his eyes, "STORMS STRENGTHEN."
His faith, his hope, his love and his resignation shone like the sun in these words. He has finished his course. It was time for him to rest.
Submitted by: Wilma Spice
Source: Anamosa Eureka, Anamosa, Iowa, April 6, 1905.
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Daniel Boots &
Mary Ann Sly Boots |
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Mary Ann Sly was born July 29, 1824, in St. Lawrence County, New York and in girlhood with her parents moved to Oswego County, New York.
Daniel Boots was born in Essex, England, February 15, 1824. When four years old he came to Oswego County, New York with his parents.
December 13, 1847 Mary Ann Sly and Daniel Boots were united in marriage. To this union were born four boys and two girls; James P, Elmer J, William A, Robert T; Sylvia A and Julia M. There are 22 living grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.
Leaving New York in 1865 they came to Dekalb County IL. In 1866 they moved to Jones County and located on a farm near Cass Center, Cass Township. In 1869 they came to Greenfield Township near Morley. In 1894 they left the farm and moved to the village of Morley where they resided until their deaths.
Mary Ann Boots being 83 years, 5 months and 15 days old. Four sisters have preceded her and one brother is still living.
Daniel Boots, her beloved companion, followed on January 11, 1908 being 83 years, 10 months and 27 days old. He being the last of 16 children.
The funeral of these highly respected old people was held January 13, at the Methodist Church in Morley and internment was in the Cemetery at Center Chapel. Rev. D. C. Dutton, Methodist pastor at Anamosa, officiated. Few people live so long and so honorably. It was touching indeed to see them side by side in death...comrades in death as they were in the vicissitudes of the long years.
Submitted by: Dave Bock
Source: A Ney York state newspaper.
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William Ambrose Boots
30 April 1852—14 September 1937 |
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Funeral service was held in the Methodist Church at Morley with Rev. Earl Hodgkin's of Nashua officiating.
William came with his parents to Illinois and in 1866 came to Iowa and located near Cass Center, in Jones County. With his parents came to a farm near Morley in 1869 and was married to Anna Wurzbacher in 1876. She preceded him in death. Six children were born to them, two daughters and four sons: Permilla Glackin, Cedar Rapids; Bessie Jackson, Mechanicsville; Arthur, Wyoming, Iowa; Willis of Morley and Willard of Mechanicsville and David from Minnesota. There were 20 grand children and 15 great grandchildren. In 1893 William purchased the farm home and his parents moved to Morley. He resided on this same farm until his death. He leaves two sisters, Miss Sylvia Boots and Mrs. John Wurzbacher of Los Angeles, California.
William was the son of Daniel Boots, the father of David Boots.
Submitted by: Dave Bock
Note: The above is a partial clipping of the obituary of William Ambrose Boots, born April 30, 1852 in Oswego County, New York, to Daniel Boots and Mary Ann (Sly) Boots. William A. Boots, died at his home south of Morley September 14, 1937. He married Anna Catherine Wurzbacher, daughter of John Henry and Anna Catherine Margaret Wurzbacher on December 31, 1876. We think the marriage took place in the home of John and Anna Wurzbacher.
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Dominick Boyle
Old and Respected Citizen of Jackson Township |
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Dominick Boyle, an old and respected citizen of Jackson township, this county, died at his house at 6:10, Wednesday morning, August 27, of a complication of diseases brought on by at an attack of la grippe about a year ago.
Mr. Boyle was in his 53rd year. He would have passed that milestone on the 6th of the current month.
He was a native of Syracuse, New York; came west in 1854, with his parents, who settled near Elgin, Illinois. The family remained there two years and then removed to Jones county. The first three years of their residence in the county, was in Rome township, and afterwards, they were two years in Cass and went from there to Jackson.
Mr. Boyle's father died while the family was living near Elgin and his mother passed away 5 years ago, in Anamosa.
In 1874, he was united in marriage to Miss Julia Halligan, a sister of Dan Halligan, formerly of this county. Nine children were the fruit of their union, two of whom are dead.
On the morning of his death, he called his children as usual. In response to the inquiries of his wife, he said he had passed an exceptionally good night, and felt quite well. Then he laid back upon the bed, and in a sudden pain that came over him, he rolled off upon the floor, and was found to be dead.
In politics, the deceased was a democrat, in religion, a devoted Catholic, in every duty of life faithful and honorable.
The funeral was held Friday at 10 o'clock at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Rev. Father Power officiating. The ashes were followed to the grave by a large concourse of friends. Messrs. Malech Gavin, Matt Chesire, Patrick Hayes, James Dorsey, James Brown and Patsy Connors, officiated as pall bearers.
Submitted by: Tim Boyle
Source: Anamosa Journal, September 4, 1890 |
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Daniel Brady
Funeral at St. Patrick's |
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Daniel Brady was born in Ireland August 15, 1827, and died at his home between Anamosa and Amber last Sunday at 5:30 A.M. He came to this country when a young man and was married forty-six years ago to Mary Coakley, at Harvard, Ill. He has resided in Jones county forty-two years, the last twelve years being in Jackson township. His children are Edward, of Montpelier, Idaho, who was here with his wife; John, Daniel and Cornelius, of Jackson; Mrs. Tom Powers, Mrs. Maggie Murphy and Misses Ella and Mary, all of whom, with the mother and a brother, Mr. Ed. Brady, survive. The funeral services were held at St. Patrick's Church Tuesday, at 11 A.M., conducted by Rev. Father Powers. Mr. Brady was one of the most esteemed pioneers of the county and he and his worthy companion are the parents of sons and daughters who are respected by all.
Submitted by: Mary Kay Kuhfittig
Source: Anamosa Eureka, 13 Feb 1908.
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John Brady
Died Here on Saturday |
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Funeral services were held at St. Patrick's Catholic church here Monday morning for John Brady, 71 years old, who died at his home in Anamosa at 1:20 Saturday morning after about two months illness.
Rev. P. Behan was in charge of the services and interment was in the Catholic cemetery here.
Mr. Brady suffered great shock when Mrs. Brady died suddenly two months ago, just a few days after the couple celebrated their golden wedding anniversary. After half a century of supreme happiness with his wife, he appeared to lose interest in living without her, and he did not rally from the shock.
Mr. Brady was the head of one of Anamosa's finest families, and a man who was held in the highest esteem by everyone who knew him. Generous, kind, industrious, the perfect husband and father, John Brady was one of the best-loved men in Anamosa.
Born in Jones county, the son of Daniel and Mary Brady, he had spent his entire life here with the exception of two years in Missouri. On Feb. 11, 1890, he was married to Julia Chesire. For many years they farmed six miles east of Anamosa, retiring in 1919. Later he operated the bottling works here, and in 1929 he took a position as guard at the Reformatory, leaving that work last fall.
He was a devout member of St. Patrick's Catholic church, a member of the KC lodge, and an active worker in Democrat circles.
Surviving are two daughters and four sons: Miss Irene Brady, of Hammond, Ind.; Dan, Charles and Robert, all of Chicago; John, of Newcastle, Calif., and Miss Esther Brady, of Anamosa; three sisters and one brother, Mrs. Margaret Murphy, Miss Nell Brady, Miss Mary Brady and C. D. Brady, all of Cerdar Rapids.
Submitted by: Mary Kay Kuhfittig
Source: Anamosa Eureka, Thursday, May 23, 1940. |
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Myrtle E. Brickley McMurrin
Died 2 February 1997 |
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Myrtle E. McMurrin, 90 of Dayton, OH, formerly of Anamosa, IA, died Sunday, February 2, 1997, in Good Samaritan Hospital, Dayton, OH after a brief illness. Services: 1:30 p.m. Friday, Goettsch Funeral Home, Anamosa, IA, where friends may call after noon Friday. Burial: Antioch Cemetery, rural Anamosa, IA.
Survivors include a daughter, Norma (Chaplain Donnis) Burris of Trotwood, OH: five sons, Lee (Frances) McMurrin, Ph.D of Cleveland, OH, Nathan McMurrin of Van Cleve, KY, Dwight McMurrin of Middletown, OH, and Pastor
Roger (Diane) McMurrin of Kiev, Ukraine; 22 grandchildren, 34 great grandchildren; a sister, Elsie Lower of Cedar Rapids, IA; and the Brickley family of Anamosa, IA; Blanche, Rosalie Shada, Lloyd, Bud, and Dick.
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