Ford county, Kansas Biographies

FORD COUNTY, KANSAS

OBITS

GRESHAM, GEORGE EDMON

Obituary of George Edmon Gresham

Bucklin Banner, Thursday, April 13, 1944

Another Pioneer Passes On

George E. Gresham, Early Day Resident, Homesteaded Near Bucklin, Funeral Saturday Afternoon

Another pioneer of the Bucklin community passed on last Thursday afternoon when George E. Gresham who had been ill for two or three years died at his home here. He was a part of the community that was moulded by pioneer hands and he lent his strength and talent to every thing worth while to his church and to his community, witnessing the transformation of the prairies to modern towns and cities and well improved farms. He was a good worker in his prime, always fair and square with his fellowman and his family and while his eyes are closed in death, his memory as a useful citizen lived on.

George Edmon Gresham, son of Jesse and Mary Gresham, was born January 15, 1862, in Lanesville, Indiana, and departed this life April 5, 1944 at his home in Bucklin, Kansas, at the age of 82 years, 2 months, and 22 days.

He was united in marriage August 28, 1884 at Lanesville, Indiana to Ella Butler. The first September of that year, he with his bride of a few days started west coming to Ford County, Kansas settling on a homestead four miles west of Bucklin. There was no town, school or church here then. He hauled the lumber from Kinaley to build their first home on the homestead.

To this union were born two sons, one of whom died in infancy. His wife passed away five years after they arrived in the new country, and the son Glenda passed away in 1939.

On June 14, 1900, he married Hettie Lynch of Leavenworth, Indiana. To this union two children were born a daughter, Ethel and a son Ray.

Mr. Gresham was converted when a boy and joined the Methodist Church, and had been a member continuously since childhood. When the church was organized in this community he transferred his membership, being one of the charter members of the class that finally became the Bucklin Church.

He lived on the farm which he pre-empted until 1921 when he moved to Bucklin where he had since resided.

Left to mourn his going are his life companion, one son, Ray of Peoria, Illinois who has been accepted by the navy, one daughter Ethel, now Mrs. Torrence Fields, of Topeka; two brothers John L. Gresham, and Schuyler C. Gresham of Bucklin, seven grandchildren, three great- grandchildren, and many other, relatives and friends.

Funeral services were from the First Methodist Church in Bucklin, Saturday, April 8, at 4 p.m. the sermon being by the pastor, Rev. W.F. Ramsdale, being assisted by the District Superintendent, Rev. W. H. Dellinger. The music was by Rev. R.C. McCaughley, C.A. Roberts, C.N. Seacat and Roy Marler, the piano accompanist being Mrs. W.F. Ramsdale.

Pall Bearers were Paul Cook, E.N. Bailey, Clyde Voshell, C.C. Roley, Wm. Baird, and Roy Schrilhamer interment was in the Bucklin Cemetery.

GRESHAM, THOMAS B.

Obituary of Thomas B. Gresham

June 1930

DEATH CALLS GOOD CITIZEN FROM BUCKLIN

Thomas Gresham Was Victim Of Heart Attack Saturday Evening

This community was saddened Saturday night when news was spread that Thomas Gresham had passed away from a heart attack. He was stricken Friday evening when he retired early complaining that he was not feeling well. As he had been subject to these attacks in the past his condition was not considered serious until some time in the night when he grew worse and despite all that a physician's skill and loving hands could administer and he passed away at 8 o'clock Saturday evening at the home of his daughter, Mrs. R. J. Thompson, of Bucklin, Mr. Gresham had resided among us for many years and was a man of strict honesty and a steadfast friend. He was in the employee of the Rock Island railroad for twenty years, retiring about four years ago on account of failing health. However, recently he seemed to get better and his friends and relatives were happy that he seemed so well. But the summons has come to him and he has gone forth to join those of his kin who have gone on before him.

Thomas B. Gresham was born in Harrison County, Indiana, on October 24, 1865, and departed this life June 28, 1930, age 64 years, 8 months and 4 days.

In 1889 he married Clara Bell Alexander in Harrison County, Indiana and they moved from Indiana to Kansas in 1900. To this union five children were born, Mrs. Roy Thompson, of this city; Ralph; of Dodge City; Herman of Dodge City; Orville, of this city; and Willie, who preceded him in death in 1919. He has six grandchildren, 5 brothers, and a number of relatives and friends to mourn his passing.

His wife preceded him in death in January 1917. To this loss he never reconciled. Both he and his wife united with the Methodist Church in their early married life, of which faith he kept until his death.

About a year ago, he suffered an accident which caused the loss of ine limb, but he had such a loving disposition that his life was not saddened by this and no one ever heard him complain of his lot.

He always had a pleasant word and a smile for all he met, and he numbered his friends by his acquaintances.

He was a loving husband and father, and his passing will be sadly missed by his family.

But their loss is only his gain in meeting his loved ones over yonder.

The funeral services were held from the Christain Church in this city Monday afternoon and a large crowd was in attendence. The sermon was preached by Rev. Whitaker and interment was in the Bucklin Cemetery beside his departed wife.

BLANKENBAKER, IDA

Pioneer Woman Called By Death

Mrs. Ida Blankenbaker Came To Ford County Almost 60 Years Ago. Funeral Sunday.

Mrs. Ida Blankenbaker, 87, a resident of Ford county for almost 60, years, died at her home in Bucklin last FrIday, June 26, 1942 after a lingering illness. Mrs. Blankenbaker enjoyed the esteem and respect of all who knew her and truly she was one of our noblest pioneer woman, an ever kindly and helpful neighbor and friend, and a devoted wife and mother. She was a true Christian and loved the church and her Savior.

Ida L. Butler was born September 28, 1854 in Harrison County, Indiana and departed this life June 26, 1942 at her home In Bucklin, Kansas, at the age of 87 years, 8 months and 29 days.

She grew to womanhood In Harrison County, Indiana, and was married to Winfield Scott. Ham on August 3, 1876. On August 8th, 1817 she was left a widow wIth one child, W. S. Ham, who also preceded her in death after ten years of widowhood she was married to Thomas Blankenbaker, who preceded her in death 13 years ago. To this union was born one daughter, Mrs. W. G. Bell, of Pittsburg, Penn.

Mrs. Blankenbaker came to Ford county nearly sixty years agos and lived to see many changes In the surrounding communities. She joined the church early in life and has been a conslstant and faithful member attending as long as she was able. And when she could not attend she continued to have an interest in the progress of the church.

She leaves to mourn their loss, her daughter, one sister, Mrs. F. A. Gresham, 8 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, many other relatives and a host of friends.

Funeral services were held from the First Methodist Church, ln Bucklin, Sunday, June 28, at 6 p. m. Rev. W. F. Ramsdale preaching the sermon. Interment was in the Bucklin cemetery. (Submitted by Barbara Ziegenmeyer)