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Parke County Indiana Obituaries
Surname "B" - 1900 & After
BAIN
Forest Cline BAIN, son of John and Cora Bain, was born September 31, 1904, near Hollandsburg, and died at his home in Tangier, December 6, 1909 age 5 years 2 months 5 days. His father and one brother preceded him to the other shore. He leaves a mother, 4 sisters and four brothers to mourn his loss. Forest was a very bright and cheerful little boy who always had a smile and word of greeting for everyone he knew and was a favorite among his playmates. In his sickness, which lasted about four weeks, the little fellow manifested great patience through it all. Although we will see his cheerful face among us no more, the influence of his short life will live on, helping us to be more patient and kind. Mrs. Bain and family wish to thank the neighbors and friends for their help and kindness during little Forest's sickness and death.
Ina BAIN, daughter of John and Cora Bain, was born August 3, 1888, near Bellmore and died at her home in Tangier December 23, 1909 age 21 years 4 months 20 days, leaving her mother, four brothers and three sisters to mourn her death. She had been with her aunt for 3 years and went home to help care for the sick members of the family who had typhoid fever and not being strong was stricken with the same disease and lived only 5 weeks, bearing her sickness with great patience. She was a kind and loving daughter. Only two weeks and 3 days before her little brother Forest past away. Her father and one other brother, Raymond have also preceded her to the other shore. Funeral services were held at J. K. Harbison's near Portland Mills. Interment at Seceder grave yard.
Raymond Farris BAIN, son of John and Cora Bain was born April 27, 1899 near Bellmore and died at the home in Tangier February 13, 1909 age 9 years 9 months 16 days, leaving a mother, 4 sisters and 5 brothers to mourn his death. Three years ago the grim reaper death visited this family, robbing them of the protection and guidance the dear husband and father, John Bain who died April 7, 1906. Raymond was of a cheerful, affectionate disposition making friends wherever he went. At the age of 3 or 4 it was noticed that he was not as strong as other children, and although he had all the care and love that willing hands could give, this developed until he was deprived of the free use of his limbs. While he could not join his little friends in their games, there was never a time when he did not enjoy their company and the bright, patient little hero that he was never complained but enjoyed their pleasures to the fullest. Although we will see his cheerful face among us no more the influence of his short life will live on helping us to be more cheerful, patient and kind. All health that heretofore has been denied, all happiness, all hope and all beside, of childish longing, now he clasps and keeps in voiceless joy -the little boy that sleeps in Jesus. Funeral services were conducted at the home by Rev. Noah Dixon, Sunday afternoon at 4 p.m. the little body was taken to Russellville for interment Monday.
BANTA
William C. Banta, died at his home at Byron on Sunday, after a long illness of pneumonia. The funeral services were held at the ME Church in Marshall on Tuesday. Internment at Bethany. Mr. Banta was born at the place where Melvin Banta lives 51 years ago. He was a member of the ME Church and was insured in the AUW for $2000. His health has been bad for several years and has been a great sufferer. - Waveland Independent February 25, 1905
BARCUS
Della May Paddock, daughter of William and Rosa Paddock, was born in Clinton Indiana February 17, 1888 and departed this life, June 4, 1910, age 22 years 3 months 17 days. She was united in marriage to Frank Barcus, August 12, 1905. To this union were born 3 children, two of whom have preceded her to the glory world. She leaves one daughter, Blanche, her husband, father, mother, four sisters, one brother and a host of relatives and friends to mourn their loss, which is her eternal gain. Mrs. Barcus was converted at the home of her parents in the winter of 1907 and during her last illness was happy and resigned to the will of God. She had been in poor health the last two years of her life, but she bore her sufferings with patience. During the last 2 weeks, she talked freely about being prepared to meet her Savior, and appreciated very much the blessings that were bestowed upon her and often said when looking at the beautiful flowers given her by her many friends that no matter how much one suffered or what trouble she had there was always something to be thankful for. She united with the UB Church at Clinton in January 1910. She has gone to be with her Savior. We cannot bring her back but we can meet her in that other world where there will be no more partings and no more goodbyes. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. MD Branon in the Friends Church at Coloma. Interment in Hixon cemetery near Mecca. The funeral was largely attended.
BEAL
John Beal, of Terre Haute, a brother of Rev. S. R. Beal, of Catlin, died at his home in Otter Creek township, last Friday. He was a successful farmer, and served one term as county commissioner. He was for a long time one of the most active Democrats of Vigo County. The Terre Haute Gazette gave the following in its obituary: 'Deceased was born in Parke county, Indiana, near Catlin, May 4, 1836, the son of Jeremiah Beal, who was born in Lowdown County, Va. Deceased was the fourth in a family of ten children, and was reared on the farm. He was united in marriage Jan. 5, 1865 to Miss Lucy Hopper, who, with two children, Frank Beal and Mrs. Jessie Creal, survive him. Mark Beal of this city, is a brother, and Prosecuting Attorney Fred Beal, a nephew of the deceased. Mr. Beal was a man of sterling integrity, and was widely know known throughout the county. Funeral services were held at his late residence on Sunday afternoon, and the remains will be taken to Mt. Olivet cemetery near Catlin for internment, Monday morning. The Masons will have charge of the funeral.'" - Rockville Tribune 19 January 1902
Once more the stern reaper death has been in our midst, another loved one has just fallen in its path, this time ends and eternity begins. Sarah A. Hursong was born in Illinois September 5, 1842. She united with the ME Church in her early life in which she lived a consisted member. She united in marriage to Frederick Cooper March 22, 1860. To this union were born two children, Nelly C. and Naomi M. who survive her. After the death of Mr. Cooper she was united in marriage to Rev. S.R. Beal July 5, 1900 and was stricken with the fatal malady which ended her earthly career December 19, 1909, age 67 Years 3 Months 14 Days. She bore her intense suffering with great patience and often times was heard saying, "Oh, Lord, Have Mercy." In van we listen for the familiar voice and look for the familiar form, but the voice is hushed and the form has vanished, not again in this early life shall we have or see her. As the day ebbed away on Dec 19 she answered the call of the Master, and with the "boatman pale" she crossed the river and entered the rest of Paradise. "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from henceforth, and their work do follow them." Sister Beal was a member of the Bridgeton Chapter Order of Eastern Star and when Catlin Chapter No. 350 O. E. S. was organized she moved her membership here as a character member. Short funeral services were conducted Tuesday morning at the family residence by the Order of the Eastern Star and Rev. Z. D. Maris of Rockville. The mourners and a few friends accompanied the mortal remains to Sanford, to the Episcopal Church. Rev. Z. D. Maris was assisted there by Wm. H. Halberstadt of Terre Haute, after which her remains were laid to rest awaiting the resurrection morn. F.A.M.
BERRY
Corless Earl, little son of Benjamin and Estella Berry was born January 24, 1909; died August 1, 1909 aged 6 months and 8 days. The little fellow was sick the greater part of his life up until the past month or so, when he seemed as though he was going to be spared to bless the home with his ever laughing face and bright smiles, which he always had for everyone he knew. But our hopes were all so quickly blasted when that terrible disease, cholera Infantum took hold of him, and his little soul soon flitted away to the God who gave it, and so to the Father's will we humbly bow, believing that he doeth all things well. Home will not be the same with Corless gone; we will listen in vain for his little voice, there will be no tiny hands held out to welcome us, no little baby to fill our arms, and it will be so lonesome everywhere for the little form is still, and the bright little eyes are closed forever. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. Sherril, at Portland Mills, burial at Cedar Cemetery.
BLACKMORE
Died - At his home west of town, Noah Blackmore, of consumption, Monday morning, June 5. – Rockville Tribune, 07 June 1905
BOYD
Clarence Boyd, son of William Boyd, of Rockville, was killed on the Mobile and Selma railroad in Alabama last Wednesday. A telegram stating this fact but giving no particulars was received by his father. The body was directed sent to Rockville for internment but for some reason this was not done. Communication by telegraph was uncertain, and there was some misunderstanding of messages which left the relatives her in much anxiety for several days. The deceased was born in Rockville 31 years ago. He was one of the first men to volunteer in the Spanish-American war, serving in Capt. David F. Allen’s company the first full company ready for the front at the President’s call. He subsequently re-enlisted and served in Co., “A” of the 38th U. S. infantry. While in the Philippines, where the regiment was sent, he wrote occasional articles for the Tribune which were very creditable and interesting. After receiving an honorable discharge, Mr. Boyd went to Alabama to work for Frank Payne. He then sought employment as brakeman on the railroad with prospect for advancement to conductor. He was a fine soldier, a highly respected young man and his violent death is greatly deplored. - Rockville Tribune, September 20, 1905
“Joseph L. Boyd, son of William B. and Hulda Boyd, was born in Hawkins County, Tenn., April 24, 1825, died at the home of his son Edgar, on Howard Avenue, Jan. 21, 1912, at the age of 86 years, 8 months and 27 days. … His first wife, Clarissa Shepherd, the mother of all his children died July 15, 1871. He (later)… married Mrs. Matlida Davis, who survives him. He leaves five children: Mary, Edgar, Wallace, Clara and Alfred Boyd, and one grandchild, Mrs. J. L. Rohm. He was the father of eight children, three of whom have passed to the great beyond: Margaret who died in infancy, Mrs. Robert Huey and Mrs. William Maxwell who died in 1908. Burial was in the Rockville Cemetery.” – Rockville Tribune, 30 January 1912
"Robert F. Boyd of Rockville R. R. 4, age 67, died Friday evening Aug. 6, while enjoying a concert by the Parke County Band. He was born in Parke County Aug. 10, 1903, the son of Albert and Lydia Vincent Boyd. He was a retired employee of the Rockville water department. Surviving are the widow, Mae; a son, James Robert of San Diego, Calif.; two sisters, Mrs. C. Paul Neet of Rockville R. R. 4 and Mrs. Parke Thompson of South Bend; a brother, Harold of Rockville R. R. 1; and two grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at the Tudor Funeral Home, Tuesday morning at 10:30, with Rev. James O. Trousdale officiating. Burial will be in Memory Garden Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home." - Rockville Republican, 09 August 1971
BRADFIELD
Mrs. Julia Ann Bradfield, age 90 years, died Saturday at her residence in Mecca. Mrs. Bradfield, the daughter of Joseph C. and Eliza Chamberlain, was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, July 25, 1845. She was married on March 15, 1866 to Levi Bradfield and they established their home in Wabash Township. Mr. Bradfield preceded her in death November 14, 1893. She was a member of the Mecca Christian Church. Surviving are her son, A. H. Bradfield, of Rockville; one daughter, Mrs. Laura Dixon of Mecca; seven grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. Funeral services were held at 2 o'clock Monday afternoon at the Christian Church in Mecca with Rev. T. J. Freed officiating. Burial was in the Union cemetery. - Rockville Tribune, 14 August 1935
By Special Correspondent. Mecca, Ind., Dec. 11 - Victor Bradfield died at the home of his daughter near Rockville, Saturday morning. Funeral services were conducted by the Rev. Charles Cook at the residence Monday. Interment was near Nyesville. - Terre Haute Tribune, Monday December 11, 1911, Page 2
BRANSON
Marion Branson, eldest son of Matthew and Mary Overpeck Branson was born in Parke County Indiana June 6, 1849 and died July 13, 1911, age 62 years 1 month 7 days. December 16, 1877, he was united in marriage to Sarah M. McClain and spent the remainder of his life on his father's old homestead. To this union no children were born, but he leaves to mourn his loss his companion, 3 brothers, George, Thomas and Ellis and one stepbrother, John J. McClain. The deceased's tragic and sudden death occurred by a horse kicking him over the heart and he was found dead in his barn shortly after the accident happened. He never united with any church but was a firm believer in the faith proclaimed by the Predestinarian Baptist Church. the funeral services were conducted by Rev. Ray Collings at Mt. Moriah and burial in the cemetery nearby
BRUIN
Robert Freemont BRUIN was born June 2, 1864 at the old Bruin homestead near Guion, Parke County, Indiana and died September 13, 1908 at the same place, having spent his entire life there. He united with the Guion Presbyterian Church September 13, 1886, living a consistent Christian life just 22 years to the day. He was one of the trustees of the present church at the time it was built and was a deacon at the time of his death. He united in marriage to Cora Cook March 30, 1887. To this union were born 9 children, six boys and 3 girls, all of whom with the wife live to mourn the loss of a loving husband and father, wise counselor and true friend. There also mourn for him one brother and three sisters, besides numerous relatives and friends. Funeral services were conducted at the home by Rev. Ulay after which the F & AM took charge the deceased being a member of that fraternity, and WM of Judson Lodge No. 518 at the time of his death. Beautiful and impressive ceremonies were conducted at the family cemetery by the order in charge of WM Elmer Dietrich of Waveland lodge after which the body was laid to its last long rest. "In that low green tent whose curtain never outward swings." In the death of Mr. Bruin, Parke County loses a most valued citizen. being a man of large size, whose heart and smile were in proportion, he made friends wherever he went. In politics he was Democrat. In business, straightforward and honest. In character, the plainspoken, he was kind and considerate. To his family, just all that a father could be. He was anxious that his children should all received liberal educations and would sacrifice anything to that end. He is gone. His chair is vacant. All that remains is the sweet, sad memory of a life well lived, a book that is closed, accord that is broken. We know that ere long we will all pay the same debt, take the same trip that the undiscovered country from which no man ever returns. Then let us remember that admonition, Be ye also ready, for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of Man cometh."
BRYANT
"Mrs. Guy Bryant, 69, died at her home in Catlin early Sunday morning following an illness of six months duration. Her condition had been critical for the past five weeks. Funeral services were held Monday afternoon at the residence with the Rev. T. J. Freed officiating. Burial was in Mt. Olivet Cemetery at Catlin. Mrs. Bryant was born in Greene Township and was a lifelong resident of Parke County. She is survived by the husband, two daughters, Mrs. Ethel Clark and Mrs. Blanche Pence; one son, Otto Bryant; two sisters, Mrs. Cora Barnes and Mrs. Monroe Lang; three brothers, Ed Beatty of Rosedale, George Beatty of Bridgeton and Joe Beatty of Rockville." - Rockville Tribune, August 31, 1932
BUCHANAN
Mrs. Eliza Buchanan, wife of Josiah Buchanan, very quietly passed away at the family residence at Judson, Indiana. March 30, 1912, aged 66 years, 5 months and 26 days. She was united in marriage to Joseph Buchanan November 4, 1874. Tho this union was born three children, two sons and one daughter. One son and one daughter preceded her to the better world. She leaves a husband, one son, two brothers and three sisters, and many friends to mourn her loss. The subject of this sketch united with the Old Bethany Presbyterian Church at the tender age of sixteen. She was dismissed from this church at her own request to become a charter member of the Judson Guion congregation at its organization, may 2, 1875. She was a faithful member of the church, also of the Woman’s Missionary society and Sunday school from the time of their organization. Both of these organizations will miss the wise counsel and enthusiastic helpfulness of this dear saint of God. She was a affectionate wife, a loving mother, a constant, loyal friend, a zealous lover of humanity and God. She will be missed in all the relations of life; but our loss is her gain. This is a time of sorrow for us, but a time of victory for this lovely Christian woman. She sleeps in Jesus. We must say, “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away, blessed be the name of the Lord.” The earthly life f our sister has closed in the death, but words of hope come to us from God, words, sweeter to us than the evening bells, saying “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord, from hence forth, yea sayeth the Spirit, that they must rest from their labors, and their works do follow them.” The funeral services were conducted from the family residence. A large number of people were present from near and far, indicating their respect for one they knew, and their sympathy for the bereaved husband and family. A choir from Marshall rendered some appropriate music. W. M. Northam, pastor of the church conducted the services, and offered the opening prayer, thankfully acknowledging, the power of God in character, life and death of his respected parishioner; and in fervent supplication that the support and consolations of the gospel might sustain and cheer all whose hearts are burdened with sorrow and sanctify their afflictions, that they might live the life and death of this saint of God.
BUCKLER
Martha Jane, daughter of Robert L. and Eliza A. Buckler, was born January 4 (possibly 14 or 24 - torn paper) and died June 19, 1907 age 58 year 4 months and 25 days. She was married to John W. Reed December 19, 1866. To this union were born 3 sons and one daughter. One son died when 3 years of age and the husband died August 18, 1904. Two sons and the daughter, a grandson, two brothers and two sisters still surviving her. On the evening of the 19th he done she done the milking for her brother's family who were away. Her daughter called her by telephone after she had returned home and talked to her. One son and his wife called on her after supper and styled till about 8 o'clock. After they had gone she called up her grandson and talked to him over the phone and she went then and called on one of her neighbors a few minutes. All this time and even during the day she seemed in about the same health she had been but she had been failing in health several weeks. Nearly 10 o'clock her neighbors heard her moaning and groaning and they hurried to her. She told them that something would have to be done and they called a doctor and her son and but she only lived a short time after they arrived. She had been a member of the ME Church for many years. She had her trials, troubles and heartaches but she tried to live the life of a Christian and bear her troubles the best she could. She was a good neighbor and a kind and loving mother. She was always ready in time of help or need doing all in her power that she was able to do. But her troubles of this life are over and now she has gone to meet those loved ones who have gone on before. She is gone but not forgotten and it is with us if we meet her in that and above where there will be no more trouble, sadness or parting of friends and loved ones. The funeral service was held at the ME Church by Rev. S. K. Fuson and Downey and the remains were laid to rest in Mt. Moriah Cemetery
BURFORD
Charles Fremont Burford, son of Henry and Elizabeth A. Burford was born October 6, 1856 died September 1, 1911, age 54 years, 10 months 25 days. He was stricken February 13 and suffered more or less to the end. Mr. Burford was united in marriage August 22, 1882, to Isabel E. Boyd. To this union were born 4 children. Deceased leaves his wife and 4 children: Henry I. Burford of Terre Haute, Mrs. Perley Whitesell of Rockville, Omer and Ola, who still remain at home; two grandchildren, his mother, 4 brothers, and one sister – J. M. Burford of Panca City, Ok; S. H. Burford of Indianapolis; W. D. Burford of Lewistown Idaho; A. J. Burford and Mrs. J. L. Swaim of Rockville and a number of other relatives and friends to mourn. He will be mist in his community as a neighbor and friend. (Poem) - Mr. Burford expired after an illness of 7 months, during which time he suffered more than one could tell. He never united with any church but told several during his sickness he was ready and prepared to die and seemed ready when the time came. He always took his share in helping one in need and spent many laboring hours to help a needy friend. He spent his entire life on the farm and was prosperous. Part of the farm on which he lived was at one time part of his father's estate. He was always an ardent Republican and was one of the active members of the party. Funeral services were conducted at his home September 3 by Rev. T. B. Kelsey, formerly of Marhsall and Rev. Forewood of Lewis, Ind. The latter sang a solo during the services. A choir from Sand Creek church rendered other music.