OBITS: March 1926 Obituaries, Blakesburg Excelsior, Wapello County, Iowa Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Martha Richards Microfilm from State Historical Society of Iowa Blakesburg (Wapello co, IA) Excelsior Newspaper, Jan 1, 1925 (missing issues Aug 6, 13;) Oct 8, 1925-Dec 25, 1930 Microfilm from State Historical Society of Iowa ===================================================================================== NOTE: For more information on Wapello County, Iowa Please visit the Wapello County, IAGenWeb page at http://iagenweb.org/wapello/ ____________________________________________________________________________ Thurs Mar 4, 1926 Obituary Joel G. THAYER, one of our old soldiers and pioneer citizens, passed away at the St. Joseph hospital in Ottumwa Thursday evening of last week. Mr. THAYER had been in failing health for sometime and his death was no surprise to those who had interested themselves in his illness. For over a year, he had been gradually failing and while everything was done to alleviate his suffering, yet he sank rapidly. His wife has been a patient at a hospital in Iowa City and was there when he passed away. Mr. THAYER was a man of great intellectual powers and kept well posted on the current events of the times. He was a Republican and was appointed postmaster at Avery in which position he served for four years, afterwards moving to this city where he was elected mayor and then Justice of the Peace of Adams township. At one time he was a member of the Christian church in Avery. He is survived by three sons, Fred, George and Ben and two daughters, Mrs. Hattie McCOY and Mrs. Cordie PETTIT. The body was taken from Ottumwa to Cuba and laid to rest last Sunday. We understand an autobiography of Mr. THAYER’;s life is somewhere among his papers and if found the Excelsior will publish. to the bereaved family The Excelsior and his Blakesburg friends unite in extending condolences. Thurs Mar 11, 1926 Obituary (NOTE: the left part of this article is torn off, some words are missing, some words are missing only a few letters. Those easily recognized have been filled in and are marked () * denotes missing letters or words) (M)rs. Virginia THAYER died at the *ner’s hospital in Albia Thursday (ev)ening of last week at 5 o’clock after (a) prolonged illness from complications *ident to cancer. At the time of her (de)ath she was 77 years of age. She was a devoted member of the M. E. (c)hurch. Mrs. THAYER had been in Iowa City for treatment for some weeks but (h)ad lately been removed to Albia so that she might be among relatives. (D)uring the afternoon she had been (vi)siting with friends and appeared to (be) in good spirits but suddenly suffered (a) relapse from which she failed to rally (an)d her soul passed into enternity just (on)e week from the day her husband J. *THAYER, passed away. She is sur(vi)ved by two sons, Lou VIRDEN of Colo(ra)do and Elmer VIRDEN of California; (al)so two brothers, John and Lee ROWE and one sister, Mrs. RYBOLT all of Albia. Funeral services were held at the Downs Undertaking parlor in Albia Sunday morning at 10 o’clock after which the body was interred in the Oak View cemetery at that place. Mrs. THAYER had many life long friends in Blakesburg who are sorry to learn * her death and she will be greatly (mis)sed by her old friends and neightbors (am)ong whom she had spent so many (yea)rs. Thus another of our old citi(zens) has entered the protals from (whi)ch there is no return. Obituary Robert Leroy, the six-months old son of Mr. and Mrs. Floyd GONTERMAN south of Blakesburg passed away Monday morning after a few hours illness. The funeral was held Tuesday at the home conducted by Rev. EATON of Unionville. Interment was made in the Jay cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. GONTERMAN have the sympathy of all in the loss of their little babe. Obituary John W. KING was born in Kentucky July 16, 1849 and departed this life March 4, 1926, aged 76 years, 8 months and 18 days. He came to Iowa when a young man and was married to Eliza ROBB October 1872. To this union were born five children, four of whom with the mother preceeded him in death. One daughter still living, Mrs. India CLARK of Sioux Falls, S.D. The deceased was again united in marriage with Druzie JORDAN February 27, 1902. To this union were born four children, two dying in infancy and two at home, Katherine and Leo, who with their mother are left to mourn the loss of a loving husband and father. Mr. KING was converted and united with the M. E. Church in Kentucky, afterwards uniting with the Christian church in Iowa and gave evidence of having retained his saving faith in Christ until time of death. He with his family moved from their farm in Appanoose county to Blakesburg in November 1918 where he has since resided. The funeral services were held at the Christian church Saturday afternoon at one o’clock. Rev. Chas. ELLIS of the M. E. church officiating. The remains were taken to the Taylor cemetery four miles east of Unionville for burial. We wish to express our sincere thanks to our many friends and neighbors who so kindly helped us during our illness and the death of our dear husband and father. Thurs Mar 18, 1926 Obituary Frances Ann CHICK, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. CHICK was born in Coshacton county, Ohio, Jan 22, 1844, and departed this life March 4, 1926, after a two weeks illness, at the age of 82 years, 1 month and 10 days. She moved with her parents to this state in 1854. She was united in marriage to Jackson NEAL, Sept. 24, 1868. To this union were born five children: Clara E. BELLMAN who preceded her in death December 13, 1893, Charles L. NEAL and Lulu M. CLADWELL of Albia, Harry L. NEAL of Blakesburg and Elsie L. CLADWELL of Washington, Iowa. She is also survived by one brother, Joseph CHICK of Seattle, Washington, and eighteen grandchildren and five great grandchildren. All of her children and grandchildren were with her during her last illness except Mrs. W. H. HODGE of Everett, Wash., and Mrs. H. D. BOWMAN of Cresbard, S.D. She was a faithful, loving wife and mother. She loved her home, family and friends. Soon after her marriage she moved on a farm near Melrose, Iowa, where she lived until 1889, then moved to Cygne, Kansas, residing there until 1891, and then moved back to a farm in the east part of the county. She moved to Albia in 1910 where she lived until the time of her death with her daughter, Mrs. Lulu CALDWELL. Her husband preceded her in death November 6, 1891. She united with the Methodist church. Rev. PERDEW officiated at the services. She was laid to rest by the side of her husband at Bethel cemetery. The following relatives from our of town were present at the funeral. Mr. and Mrs. W. C. MARTIN of Oskaloosa, Mr. and Mrs. T. L. CHICK of Ottumwa, Mr. and Mrs. Harry NEAL of Blakesburg, Mrs. Jack CALDWELL and family of Washington, Mrs. Laura BLLMAN and Mrs. E. C. PICKRELL of Chariton, Mrs. T. L. VANICE of Russell, Mrs. John HASLACH of Melrose, Mrs. Will WARNER of Blakesburg, and Mrs. and Mrs. J. L. JENSEN of Centerville.---Monroe County News. We wish to express our sincere thanks to all our friends and neighbors who so kindly assisted us during our dear mother’s sickness and death and for the beautiful floral offerings. The Children & Grandchildren Obituary Sarah Jane KIRFMAN, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Peter KIRFMAN was born in Putman county, Indiana, Dec. 27, 1852, and departed this life March 10, 1926, age 73 years 2 months and 11 days. She came with her parents to this state in early life and lived on a farm near Blakesburg. She was united in marriage to Jess JONES March 15, 1877. To this union were born two daughters, Mammie E. NEAL of Blakesburg, Ia.,, and Hattie E. KOONTZ of Bowdle, S. D. Soon after her marriage she and her husband moved on a farm near Blakesburg where they lived until 1880, when they moved on a farm near Frederick, Ia. In 1889 they moved back near Blakesburg, where she lived until death. She united with the Christian church Oct. 17, 1925, in which she has been a sincere member. She was a faithful wife, a devoted mother, and was loved and respected by all who knew her. Mrs. JONES had been in poor health for a number of years, but her condition had not been regarded as serious until about a week ago, when the best services possible were given her, but her strength failed and she passed away. She leaves to mourn her departure, her aged husband, two daughter, (sic) two sisters, Mrs. Anna DRISKELL of Upton, Wyo., and Mrs. Emma PEARSON of Blakesburg, Iowa, four brothers, Robert KIRFMAN of Blakesburg, Ia.,, Joseph of Avery, Ia.,, Wm. of Melcher, Ia.,, and George of Springfield, Nebr. One brother, Martin having preceded her in death. Besides these she leaves a host of friends. Funeral services were held at the Christian church Sunday afternoon. Orval WALKER officiating. She was laid to rest in the Blakesburg cemetery. The following relatives from a distance were: Mr. and Mrs. Roy KOONTZ of Bowdle, S. D., Mr. Isaac JONES of Omaha, Nebr., Mr. and Mrs. Emmett JONES, Mr. and Mrs. W. S. WILSON and Mrs. Leta ROWE of Ottumwa and Mrs. Lulu CALDWELL and son, Fred, of Albia. We wish to express our thanks and appreciation to those who were so kind to us during our recent bereavement. Also for the floral offerings. M. Jesse H. JONES and Children. Obituary Druzie Alice, daughter of Wm. and Rebecca JORDAN, was born in Kentucky November 16th, 1879 and departed this life March 14, 1926, age 46 years, 4 months and 2 days. She was married to John KING February 27, 1902 and came to Iowa the following March. To this union were born four children, two dying in infancy and two at home, Catherine and Leo who are left to mourn the loss of a loving mother. She also leaves five brothers and three sisters, two brothers preceding her in death. The brothers are: James JORDAN of Winchester, Ky., Henry and Jett of Lafayette, Ind., Thomas of Gilboa, Ohio, and Robert of Stockwell, Indiana; the sisters are Mary Eliza PARKER, Lafayette, Ind., Bettie BRITON, Brooklyn, N. Y., and Miss Viney JORDAN of Lafayette, Ind. Mrs. KING united with the Christian church at the age of 19 at Athens, Ky, where she took active part in the work of the church, after coming to Iowa she placed her membership with the he church at Unionville and later when the family moved to Blakesburg she moved her membership to the Christian church at this place where she was always found faithful and ready to do her part. Funeral services were held at the Church of Christ Monday at 11:30 after which the remains were taken to the Taylor cemetery for burial beside her husband who preceded her in death ten days. (This is as written) The funeral service was conducted by Orval WALKER. We wish to express our most sincere thanks to our friends and neighbors who so kindly helped us during the illness and death of our loving mother. Katherine & Leo KING Obituary John W. FISHER was born March 15, 1848 in Clinton county, Ohio and departed this life March 12, 1926, aged 77 years, 11 months and 27 days. He with his parents moved to Salem, Iowa when 16 years of age and spent most of his life in Iowa with the exception of eight years he lived in Kansas. He was united in marriage to Cynthia J KIRK September 17, 1874 and to this union were born five children, three sons and two daughters, namely, Elmer A. and Arthur J. of Albia, John of Blakesburg, Mrs. Ida SEAMAN of Knoxville and Mrs. Anna PETERSON of Blakesburg. Mr. FISHER was an honorable upright man, a kind and loving husband and father, a splendid neighbor and a friend to all who knew him. He leaves to mourn his death besides the wife and children, two brothers, Lewis of Newburn, Oregon and Samuel of Ruthford, Oklahoma, many other relatives and a host of neighbors and of friends. Funeral services were held in the M. E. church at Blakesburg Monday afternoon at 1 o’clock, conducted by Rev. Chas. L. ELLIS. Interment in the city cemetery. We desire to express our sincere appreciation for the many acts of kindness and expressions of sympathy tendered us by friends and neighbors during our recent sad bereavement. The floral tributes were beautiful. Mrs. J. W. FISHER and children. Obituary William Raymond, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Lester CASSILL, was born near Ashgrove February 3, 1924, departed this life March 12, 1926, age 2 years, one month and 9 days. He leaves to mourn, his parents, two sisters, Mabel and Margarette, three brothers, Harvey, Russel and Harold. Little Willie came into our home and with his smiles brought Sunshine and gladness. But after a brief stay God saw fit to take him and give him a place in glory. To His will we bow in complete submission, look forward to the day we shall meet him beyond this vale of tears. There is a pair of little hands Laid to rest for evermore; There’s two pearly dimpled cheeks Whose rich blossoming are o’er. Death has sealed two little eyes. They will no more smile or weep; Tiny windows of the soul, Little Willie has gone to sleep. Three’s another bud removed Ere it felt the blight of sin; Through the door the angels wait; Little Willie has passed in. He will wake in fairer lands, Where the angel voices sing; There the flower will expand There shall love perfection bring. Angels bore him safely home, So for him we will not weep; Softly to the doorway came, Little Willie has gone to sleep. Appropriate services were held at the Ashgrove M. E. Church Sunday at 2 p.m., Rev. J. E. WARD of Unionville officiating. Interment in the Wesley Chapel cemetery. Obituary Philena Margaret KREMER was born at Nauticoke, Lucerne County Penn., November 8, 1851 and was the daughter of Ziba and Isabelle FAIRCHILD KREMER. She was a member of the M.E. church but for twenty years she and her husband had read Christian Science literature. While visiting at the home of her son in Corydon December 1924 she was unfortunate to suffer a fall which resulted in a broken hip; many months were spent in bed after which she was able to get around with the use of crutches and finally a cane. She was of a very cheerful and happy disposition, never complaining or bemoaning her invalidism but always thinking she would gain strength enough to lay aside her crutches. The deceased had been in failing health since the autumn and passed away March 15, 1926, age 74 years, 4 months and 7 days, at her old home where she had resided since her marriage to James Monroe WOODRUFF march 18, 1872, at Burlington, Iowa. Her husband preceeded her in death two years and eight months. To their union were born five children, one son and four daughters; Mrytie, Chalmers, Rusha, Inez and Velma. Myrtie passing away in 1911 and Rush in 1898. Other relatives are eleven grandchildren, Maruice, Forest, Grace and Ralph of Des Moines; Fern HUGHES of Corydon; Lyle, Josephine and Edna of Milbero, S.D., Bertha, Herman, James of Moravia and seven great grandchildren. Five sisters, Cynthia LOWDER and Mrs. M. U. ADYE, Iowa City; Mrs. V. A. WOODRUFF, Kansas City, Mo., Mrs. E. O WOODRUFF, Wapello, Iowa; Mrs. Virgie PETERS, Paris, Mo. Mrs. WOODRUFF was married 54 years, celebrated her golden wedding four years ago and ended her earthly career on her wedding anniversary March 18th. She was a loving wife and mother and will be greatly missed by home folks, neighbors and friends. Funeral services were held at the Center church, Rev. Chas.. L. ELLIS officiating. She was laid to rest in the Eslinger cemetery. CARD OF THANKS We wish to express our sincere thanks to all our friends and neighbors who so kindly assisted us during our dear mother’s sickness and death. Children and Grandchildren.