They Must Like It Here -- They've Stayed!

The Seymour Herald - 23 June 2011

Reprinted from The Seymour Herald of 26 July 1951

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  Many of Seymour's "Old Settlers" have moved away, others have retired from active business life to their homes, but a few have kept up their professional activities through the years.

  Included among Seymour's "old-timers" who still are in harness are H. S. Eckels, R. A. Morrow, Harry Bower, Elvin Owen, J. N. Condra and Roy Cunningham.

  Cunningham started clerking in the grocery store on the west side of the square 43 years ago, but, in partnership with his wife, became owner of the same store he now operates 25 years ago in August. The Cunninghams have one son, Fred, of Kansas City, Mo.

  Condra, who has been in the insurance business in Seymour for the past 31 years always has lived around Seymour. He was a farmer before moving to town to open his insurance agency. And after all those years in business here Mr. Condra says, "I still like "the place."

  Elvin Owen, another insurance man, has been in business here for 27 years. He had offices in the upstairs of the Yeager building and Brenaman buildings before moving to his present location in the east side of the Rissler barber shop.

  More than half a century -- 51 years -- is the business record of Harry Bower, who operates a barber shop on the east side of the Seymour square. His first shop located just north of the Odd Fellows building. Later he moved to a location about where Liggett's furniture store stands, then to the west side of the square. He has been on the east side for about 40 years.

  R. A. Morrow has put in 40 years "more or less" in business in Seymour and he, too, has occupied several locations. His first location was on the east side of the square where the Scott grocery now is located. Then he moved to the west side of the square to occupy a building about where the Perkins gift shop now stands. Later he moved to his present location on the west side. He is in business with three of his sons, Jared, Max and Keith.

  H. S. Eckels has been connected with the lumber business in Seymour for 64 years, starting to work for the Lewis lumber company when he was 13 years old in 1887, when the company was located where the Webb seed store now stands. He served 18 months in the Spanish-American war and returned to work for the Parker lumber company in the same location. In 1907 he bought the lumber yard where he has operated for 44 years.

Harl Family Reunion, Sunday, 10 July 2011

The Seymour Herald - 23 June 2011

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  Descendants of John T. and Christina Rigler Harl will meet at the Seymour Community Center Sunday, July 10, 2011, for the 70th annual Harl Reunion. The Center will open at 10:30 a.m.  A potluck dinner will be served at 12:15 p.m. followed by a business meeting.

Livingston Baptist Church Open House, 10 July 2011

The Seymour Herald - 23 June 2011

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  The Franklin Baptist Church at the former Village of Livingston has been undergoing major restoration and renovation. Construction is nearing completing and an open house has been planned for July 10, 2011, from 2-4 p.m. after Church in the Park and lunch during Seymour's Old Settler's celebration.

  The church is located east of Seymour on J46 about three miles to 135th Avenue then south about three miles.

Franklin Baptist Church 

at former Village of Livingston

  The church building was built in 1880 and dedicated in 1881. The Franklin Baptist Church served as a spiritual and moral guide to the neighborhood of Livingston for many years. Services ceased to be held there in the early 1970s.

  The church has been recognized and listed on the National Register of Historic Places due to the life of Livingston Parker and his involvement and service to this church, community and country. He was ordained as a Baptist minister in this building in a two-day ordination service after he served in the Civil War.

  The empty building began to decay until it was rescued from its demise at the turn of this century. It has now been restored and is ready to be dedicated.

  The renovation features an 8 foot wooden cross on the interior of the church at the east end. The baptistery has been preserved and will be open for inspection.

  Pews, which were a gift from the Numa Christian Church when it closed, are being installed in the sanctuary. A replica of the original bell tower has been constructed and a large melodious bell has been installed in the bell tower. Although the church was not originally wired for electricity, the church building now has electric lights (with period fixtures), ceiling fans and heating panels along the sides of the sanctuary. The vaulted ceiling and walls had to be renovated but the original wainscoting has been preserved.

  It is planned that the church will be used for church services, homecomings, weddings, funerals and other special events.

  Historic Livingston Foundation welcomes everyone to come see this historic building.

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  See earlier articles posted in The Jerome Journal:  Franklin Baptist Church in Livingston and Town of Livingston in Franklin Township.

Lottie Fern Brown, 1919-2011

Schmidt Family Funeral Home

Moulton and Centerville, Iowa
27 June 2011

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  Lottie Fern Brown, 91 of Centerville, Iowa died on Thursday, June 23, 2011, at Mercy Medical Center Long Term Care in Centerville. She was born the daughter of William R. and Orpha (Howe) Ricketts on October 25, 1919 in Spickard, Missouri. She received her education in the Seymour High School at Seymour, 

Iowa and graduating in 1939.

  On February 20, 1940 Lottie was united in marriage to Willis Brown near Seymour, Iowa. She enjoyed helping her husband on the farm and being a home maker.

  She is preceded in death by: her parents; husband, Willis Brown; sisters, Nola Olson and LaVelle Elswick.

  Lottie is survived by: her sons, Bill and his wife, Pat Brown of Plano, Iowa and Larry and his wife, Sue Brown of Jerome, Iowa; sister, Francis McCarthy of Centerville, Iowa; brother, Allen Ricketts of Moline, Illinois; 8 grandchildren; 20 great grand children

  Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 27, 2011 at 10 am at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Centerville, Iowa with Rev. Kay Singley officiating. Burial will follow at the South Lawn cemetery in Seymour, Iowa. Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 26, 2011 from 2 pm until 8 pm with family present from 6 pm until 8 pm at the funeral home.

  Memorials can be made to the Aviary at Long Term Care - Mercy Hospital and left at or mailed to the funeral home. The Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Centerville, Iowa is caring for the Brown family at this time. Condolences may be made at schmidtfamilyfuneralhome.com

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James Sidles, 1932-2011

The Seymour Herald - 2 June 2011
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  James Sidles, 78, of Richfield, Ohio passed away peacefully at his home on May 12, 2011.  Proceeded in death by his parents, Selma and Peter, of Jerome, Iowa, wife JoAnn (nee McCord) Sidles of Centerville, Iowa, brother Howard, and brother Harry; he is survived by his daughter, Sherry Downey, of Richland, OH, son, James Paul Sidles, of Litchfield, IL, and sister, Virginia Bay, of Venice, FL.

  Jim, as he was better known to family and friends, grew up on the Peter Sidles farm in Jerome, Iowa, attended the Jerome elementary school through the eighth grade, and graduated from Seymour High School in 1950. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy for three years as an officer on battleships, attaining the rank of Lieutenant JG, after having graduated from Iowa State University with an engineering degree. He then relocated to the Akron, Ohio area, and worked as a research engineer briefly for Firestone, and then for B. F. Goodrich, where he spent the rest of his career working in the field of rubber, plastics, and polymer research, with an emphasis on the design and manufacture of commercial jet airliner brakes, passenger tires, race car tires, and many other projects.

  He had a number of patents filed for his inventions. He retired from B. F. Goodrich after 30 years of service, and enjoyed his retirement doing what he loved to do best. He was an avid reader of non-fiction, and was always challenging himself to learn something new. He loved spending timed with his two grandchildren and watching them grow up. They were the greatest joy of his life; along with his passion for music. He sang in the choir at Richfield United Church of Christ for 45 years, rarely missing a Sunday. He was able to participate in his choir's annual Easter Cantata shortly before his death. He was a kind, loving, generous father, grandfather, brother, friend, co-worker, and member of his church choir, who were like family to him. He will be dearly missed by all whose lives he touched.

  Cremation has taken place in accordance with his wishes. A memorial service is planned for Thursday, June 9th at 7 PM at eh United Church of Christ in Richfield.

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Akron Beacon Journal - 19 May 2011

Transcribed from Ohio.com on 7 June 2011

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  James Sidles, 78, of Richfield, passed away at his home Wednesday, May 12, 2011.
  Preceded in death by his parents, Selma and Peter; wife, JoAnn; brothers, Howard and Harry; he is survived by his daughter, Sherry Downey; son, James Paul Sidles; beloved grandchildren, Michael and Justin Downey; twin brother, Peter Sidles; and sister, Virginia Bay.

James Sidles, 1932-2011

  He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy for three years as an officer on battleships, attaining the rank of Lieutenant JG, after having graduated from Iowa State University with an engineering degree. He worked as a research engineer briefly for Firestone, and then for B. F. Goodrich, where he spent the rest of his career working in the field of rubber, plastics, and polymer research, with an emphasis on the design and manufacture of commercial jet airliner brakes, passenger tires, race car tires, and many other projects.

  He had a number of patents filed for his inventions. He retired from B. F. Goodrich after 30 years of service, and enjoyed his retirement doing what he loved to do best. He was an avid reader of non-fiction, and was always challenging himself to learn something new. He loved spending time with his two grandchildren and watching them grow up. They were the greatest joy of his life, along with his passion for music. He sang in the choir at Richfield United Church of Christ for 45 years, rarely missing a Sunday. He was able to participate in his choir's annual Easter Cantata shortly before his death. He was a kind, loving, generous father, grandfather, brother, friend, co-worker, and member of his church choir, who were like family to him. He will be dearly missed by all whose lives he touched.
  Cremation has taken place in accordance with his wishes. A memorial service is planned for Thursday, June 9th at 7 p.m. at the United Church of Christ in Richfield, 4340 Streetsboro Rd., Richfield, OH 44286. (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)

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  Editor's Note:  James Sidles was born 29 June 1932 in Jerome, Lincoln Township, Appanoose County, Iowa, son of Peter and Selma (Johnson) Sidles.  He married on 6 March 1955 in the First Methodist Church in Centerville, Iowa, JoAnn McCord, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Paul McCord of Centerville, Iowa. He passed away on 12 March 2011 at his home in Richfield, Ohio.

James Sidles 

from a picture of Friends of the Richfield Branch Library on the cover of

The Richfield Times Magazine, Volume 31, No. 3 (March 2010)

  James Sidles secured a long list of patents during his professional career.  His first United States patent registered in 1961 related to an Apparatus for Measuring Vibrations of a Vehicle [US 2,995,927]. While nearly all of his patents were related to tires, his final patent in 2002 was for a Rotating Seed Drill [US 6,357,369 B1] in the field of agriculture.

AP-PA-NOOSE

The Red Men in Iowa by A. R. Fulton

[Des Moines, Iowa: Mills & Company, Publishers, 1882]

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  The name of this chief signifies "a chief when a child," indicating that he inherited his office. He presided over a band of the Sacs. He was a man of a sedate and quiet disposition, and was much beloved by his people. We know but little of his early life. During the Black Hawk War he favored the peace policy of Keokuk, having always entertained a friendly feeling toward the whites. After the removal of the Sacs and Foxes from Iowa River to the Des Moines he established his village near the site of the present city of Ottumwa, where his people cultivated a portion of the ground now within the limits of that city. The grounds occupied by the round-house and other buildings of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad were once a part of the corn-fields of Appanoose and his people.  
  Appanoose was one of the delegation who, in 1837, with Keokuk and other head men, accompanied General Street to Washington, at which time he visited with them the city of Boston. He was present with them in the meeting at Faneuil Hall, and also in the State-house, where Governor Everett, and other State officials of Massachusetts, tendered them a reception. It was on that occasion that he brought himself prominently into notice by making the most animated speech, both in manner and matter, that was delivered by the chiefs. Keokuk having, in reply to Governor Everett first spoken, Appanoose arose, and said:

  "Brothers: You have heard just now what my chief has to say. All our chiefs and warriors are very much gratified by our visit to this town. Last Saturday they were invited to a great house (Faneuil Hall), and now they are in the great council-house. They are very much pleased with so much attention. This we cannot reward you for now, but shall not forget it, and hope the Great Spirit will reward you for it. This is the place which our forefathers once inhabited. I have often heard my father and grandfather say they lived near the sea-coast where the white men first came. I am glad to hear all this from you. I suppose it is put in a book, where you learn all these things. As far as I can understand the language of the white people, it appears to me that the Americans have attained a very high rank among white people. It is the same with us, though I say it myself. Where we live beyond the Mississippi, I am respected by all people, and they consider me the tallest among them. I am happy that two great men meet and shake hands with each other."

  Appanoose, at the conclusion of his speech, suited the action to the word by extending his hand to Governor Everett, while the audience shouted its applause at the self- complacency of the orator. He immediately became one of the heroes of that memorable occasion, and returned to his Western home with a number of valuable presents.

  According to statements of pioneers, Appanoose had four wives. Being of a quiet and peaceful disposition, he was not much known beyond his own village, whose interests, it is said, he watched over with great prudence and care. The date of his death we have not been able to ascertain, but it must have occurred after the removal of his people to that part of the Des Moines valley above Red Rock, for he is incidentally mentioned as being among them after that time. In an old memorandum of pioneer days in Iowa we have seen mention of the death of a Sac chief whose name was given as Op-pe-noose, as occurring at the mouth of Clear Creek, believed to be the small stream of that name in Keokuk county. Like his cotemporary (though senior in years), Wapello, he had probably returned on a visit to his former haunts, when the messenger came that was to summon him to his final hunting-grounds in the land of the Great Spirit. 

Appanoose County Historical Society -------------------- to Digitize All Centerville Newspapers

Ad-Express and Daily Iowegian - 8 April 2011

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  CENTERVILLE — The Appanoose County Historical Society has undertaken the task of having all of the Centerville newspapers digitized. This will include pre-Iowegian newspapers dating back as far 1857 and going all the way up to the present. This will include the Daily Citizen, the Centerville Journal, The Southern Iowa American (the Ku Klux Klan newspaper), the Semi-Weekly Iowegian and the Daily Ioweigan up through 2010.

  You may have some questions, like, “What is digitization?” or “How does this differ from microfilm?” Digitization is a process that uses already microfilmed newspapers, scans them into a database, and makes them searchable with key search words, phrases, or dates. Where microfilm only allows you to scour the pages of the newspapers, digitization will allow intuitive searches for the information you are looking for and return it to you on screen. Digitization will allow a person to do research via a Web site on the Internet, never having to leave their home or office, and accomplish this type of search for information in a much more efficient way. The Web site would be available for use at the Appanoose County Historical & Coal Mining Museum, the Drake Library, or could be accessed from any home computer.

  People who will benefit include genealogical researchers, historians and students looking for specific historical information about Appanoose County, family members looking for articles on their families, businesses, basically everyone who has ever been curious about something in Centerville. This searchable newspaper archive will be able to show you any articles, advertisements, photos, obituaries — virtually anything that was in the newspaper! Even the staff at the Daily Iowegian will have a great way to easily look up previously published material.

  To see what the digitization will be like, you can look at the old copies of the Moravia Union and Moulton Tribune at the archive Web site at www.newspaperarchive.com. These papers have already been digitized and are useful tools to local genealogists.

  The cost of the digitization of all of the newspapers is around $25,000, which may sound like a large expenditure, but when you take into consideration the volume of material that has to be done, it’s less than $200 per year. The Advantage Companies in Cedar Rapids has recently quoted the project to cost $24,300, and that is through the 2010 newspapers. Once completed, a much more affordable annual cost will be incurred to keep the archive current.

  The potential for the digitization was originally suggested by Appanoose County Genealogy Society President Gary Craver. He has spent thousands of hours at the library, pouring over microfilm doing genealogical research. The possibility of doing the research from his home was really appealing, so he contacted Heritage Microfilm to get a quote. It was very expensive, and he didn’t know how the money could ever be raised to accomplish it.

  But that’s where Connie Stater came in. Board member of the Appanoose County Historical Society, Connie had been using the hard-bound volumes of the old Iowegians at the museum to do research on the beginnings of the Majestic Theater now being restored by Morgan Cline. Those old newspapers are brittle and crumble easily, making them very difficult to use.  She, Gary, and some other members of the Historical Society sprang into action, looking for grants and other ways to raise the needed funds for digitization.

  To kick off the project, Kris Koestner of J&K Market made a $500 donation for the project. Connie has sent out letters to several local people and businesses that she thought would have a keen interest in the digitized newspapers. If you would like to help with this project, your donations will be gratefully accepted. If you want to help, just call Connie Stater at (641) 856-5426 or come to the museum any weekday between 1-5 p.m.  

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  Editor's Note:  This project will provide a great resource for local and family historians of Appanoose County, Iowa, that will be accessible from their home computers.  Contributions should be payable to the Appanoose County Historical Society and mailed to them at 100 West Maple Street, Centerville, IA 52544 with a note that your charitable contribution is for the Historical Newspaper Project.

Cleo Cecil Baughman Peck Barker, 1904-2002

Biographical Records of Residents of Johns Township

and Surrounding Area - 2nd Edition 

(Appanoose and Wayne Counties, Iowa)

Compiled by Willis and Richard Gorden

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  Cleo Cecil (Baughman) Barker, 97, of Centerville, died Sunday, March 3, 2002, at the Golden Age Care Center. She was born November 5, 1904, on a farm west of Promise City, the youngest child of William and Lydia (Baylor) Baughman. She graduated from Promise City High School in 1920 and Corydon High School in 1922. She attended Simpson College in Indianola and graduated from a normal course. She taught school for 22 years in Wayne, Appanoose and Henry counties. 

 She married Jesse Oren Peck of Crawfordsville, March 1, 1946. They moved to a farm south of Centerville in March 1948. He preceded her in death April 9, 1964. She moved into Centerville and was a substitute teacher in Centerville Schools and became children's librarian at Drake Public Library for over 5 years. She married Charles Barker, August 9, 1982. He preceded her in death April 29, 2001. Surviving are a stepson, Ronald Barker and his wife, Marilyn; 3 step-grandchildren; a niece, Roberta Hupp Taylor; 2 nephews, Robert and Max Hupp; and other relatives. Also preceding her in death were her parents; 6 sisters, Malesse, Ola, Etta, Martha, Laura and Eliza; 3 brothers, Leonard, Leon and James; 3 nieces, Dorothy Richardson Killion, Betty Richardson Patterson and Eloise Baughman Langloss; and a nephew, William Richardson. She was a member of Centerville First United Methodist Church, the Wayne County Historical Society, Retired Teachers Organization and the18-80 Club of Centerville. Funeral was held at the Randolph Funeral Home in Seymour with Rev. Jim Gubser officiating. Burial was in the Promise City Cemetery. Memorials were given to the Promise City Cemetery or to a memorial of the donor's choice.

Cleo Baughman with her students in Jerome School

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Charles Robert Barker, 1905-2001

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  Charles Robert “Bob” Barker, 95, of Centerville died Sunday, April 29, 2001, at the Golden Age Care Center. He was born August 31, 1905, in Promise City, the son of Harvey and Erma (Noble) Barker.  He married Ruth Eaton in June 1924. She preceded him in death in March 1978. In August 1981 he married Cleo [Baughman] Peck. She survives. Also surviving are a son, Ronald Barker and his wife, Marilyn, of Moravia; 3 grandchildren; and 2 great granddaughters. Also preceding him in death were his parents; 3 sisters, Iva Smith, Dee Liddle and Thelma Keller; and 2 brothers, Everett and Dempse Barker. He farmed north of Seymour until he retired in 1964 and moved to northwest Arkansas. He worked for a contractor there for 16 years, moving back to Iowa in 1981. Graveside memorial services were held at the Promise City Cemetery with Pastor Jim Gubser officiating. Memorials were given to the Jones Church or Promise City Cemetery.

William Henry Bradley, 1826-1908

The History of Appanoose County, Iowa

[Chicago, IL: Western Historical Co., 1878], Page 540 -----------------------------------

  BRADLEY, W. H., farmer, stock dealer and fruit grower, Sec. 6 [Bellair Township]; P. O. Centerville; born in Clarke Co., Ind., in 1826; at the age of 8 years, removed with his father to Morgan Co., Ind.; remained at home until 22 years of age. In 1848, married Martha [Ann] Elliott, who was born in Pulaski Co, Ky., in 1826; her parents, Fountain B. and Martha Elliott, returned to Clarke Co., where they died, only a week intervening between their deaths. Mr. and Mrs. Bradley removed to Owen Co., Ind., in 1856; came to this county, purchased 180 acres of land two miles north of Centerville and engaged in farming; in 1859, removed to their present residence and own 705 acres of land, valued at $25 per acre; they have seven children—Sarah E., J. R., Melvina J., Alvira, Patrick H., Chas. E., and Wm. Albert. Mr. and Mrs. B. and the four elder children are members of the M. E. Church; the parents have belonged to that Church for thirty years. Mr. B. is a member of the A. F. & A. M., No. 313, of Numa.

Unidentified Seymour, Iowa, Newspaper Obituary, 1908

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  William H. [Henry] Bradley was born Jan. 30, 1826, and died in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. B. M. Boydston, Oct. 28, 1908.  He has made his home with his daughter in Mt. Pleasant for the past six years. Until that time since coming to Iowa from Indiana—the state of his birth—in 1856, me made his home in Appanoose County. Until the death of his wife [Martha] in 1882, he resided three miles east of Jerome but since then he has made his home with his children. He was the father of nine children, two having died in infancy and P. H. Bradley died about ten years ago. The remaining children were all present at the funeral and are as follows: J. R. and W. A. Bradley of Centerville, Mrs. B. M. [Melvina] Boydston and Mrs. James [Sarah] Johns of Mt. Pleasant and Mrs. J. A. [Elvira] Sidles of this place. He has been in feeble health for some time but his last sickness lasted only a few days. Charles, Mrs. Johns and Mrs. Boydston were with him at the time of his death and accompanied the remains to Jerome where the funeral was held at the M. E. church conducted by Rev. Perdew, pastor of the M. E. church of Centerville, assisted by Rev. Bishop of this place. The Masonic Lodge of Centerville had charge of the services at the cemetery, where the body was laid to rest by the side of his wife.

--------------------------------------------

  The editor sincerely appreciates the permission granted by Linda Jacobs Green to transcribe the above material from her book, History of the Bradley, Van Ness, Elliott, Elgin, Sidles, Condra Families of Appanoose County, Iowa, 3rd Revision, 3rd Printing [Columbia, MO: Linda Jacobs Green, January 2011], page 152.

John Rowan Bradley, 1850-1919

Past and Present of Appanoose County, Iowa

Volume II, Pages 402-404

[Chicago: The S.J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1913]

-----------------------------------------------

  Through well-directed activity and enterprise John R. Bradley has gained a high place in the business circles of Centerville, where since 1892 he has been engaged in general contracting and building. He was born in Morgan County, Indiana, August 9, 1850, and is a son of William H[enry] and Martha [Ann] (Elliott) Bradley, the former born in Clark County, Indiana, January 30, 1826, and the latter in Kentucky, February 20, of the same year. Mr. Bradley's paternal grandfather was Benjamin [Franklin] Bradley, a native of the South [Maryland]. His wife [Elizabeth Keynon] was born in Ireland [or Pennsylvania]. The mother of our subject removed from Indiana to Kentucky when she was still a child and there her marriage occurred. Immediately afterward Mr. and Mrs. William H. Bradley came to Iowa, locating in Appanoose County, where they purchased eighty acres of land in Vermillion Township, adding to it from time to time until the farm comprised six hundred and eighty acres. Upon this the father engaged in general farming but later gave much attention to buying and shipping stock, carrying on an extensive business along this line for a number of years. His wife passed away in 1881 and six years later the father sold the farm and went to Numa, where he engaged in the mercantile business. He remained there for eight years and then sold his business interests and moved to Centerville, where he made his home with the subject of this review. Later he moved to Mount Pleasant and there his death occurred at the home of his daughter, Melvina Boydston. For many years he was active in the Masonic order, holding membership in Centerville Lodge, No. 42, F. & A. M.

  John R. Bradley acquired his education in the district schools of Appanoose County and in the Centerville High School. After he laid aside his school books he helped his father with the work of the farm until he was married, after which he moved upon a portion of the homestead, which he developed and improved for some time. In 1884 he learned the carpentering trade and worked at it for wages for eight years, after which he established himself independently as a contractor and builder, in which work he is still active. He has erected some of the finest and most attractive business houses and residences in Centerville and the surrounding district and has handled much valuable property, doing a very extensive and profitable business.

  Mr. Bradley has been thrice married. His first wife was in her maidenhood Miss Mary [Ann] Crist, a daughter of John [G.] and Mary Ann [Coffman] Crist, the former a farmer in Appanoose County. The first Mrs. Bradley died one year later [was buried in the Jerome Cemetery] and in 1884 the subject of this review wedded Mrs. Martha C. Brown, a daughter of Addison and Rhoda (Bryant) Veach, the former born in West Virginia and the latter in Galesburg , Illinois. Both came to Appanoose County in the early '50s and there the father learned the blacksmith's trade, later opening a shop in Centerville. Afterward he removed to Numa and engaged in the same business until his death, which occurred in 1895. His widow returned to Centerville and died in that city at the home of the subject of this review. Mrs. Martha Bradley passed away on the 11th of February, 1902, and on the 29th of December, of the following year, Mr. Bradley was again married. His third union was with Miss Ann Spooner, a daughter of James B. and Catherine (Bryant) Spooner, the former a native of Indiana, born in 1828, and the latter of Galesburg, Illinois, where her birth occurred in 1833. The father came to Iowa in 1846 and entered eighty acres of government land in Center Township, Appanoose County. A few years later the mother came and in this section their marriage occurred, after which they settled upon the farm, where they passed the remainder of their lives, the mother dying in 1898 and the father on the 29th of April, 1905. Mr. Bradley had one daughter by his second marriage, Martha, who was born May 10, 1890, and who died October 9, 1911. During her life she was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star at Centerville. Mr. and Mrs. Bradley are devout members of the Methodist church.

  Mr. Bradley gives his allegiance to the Republican Party and has held various responsible township offices, for he never seeks to avoid the duties of citizenship. Fraternally, he is connected with Centerville Lodge, No. 42, F. & A. M. Throughout his business career he has always faithfully discharged any obligation devolving upon him and has thus established a reputation for integrity and reliability, his name being an honored one wherever it is known.

-------------------------------------------

  Note: The notations in [ ]s were made by the editor of The Jerome Journal.

Sarah Jane Bradley, 1864-1938

SARAH J. BRADLEY TAKEN WHILE ON VISIT TO SISTER

  Sarah J. Bradley, of Los Angeles, Calif., passed away in the St. Joseph hospital in Centerville, Iowa, Thursday, September 8.

  Miss Bradley was the daughter of John and Sarah [Elliott] Bradley, Appanoose County pioneers, and had grown to young womanhood in that county and had entered the teaching profession. She taught first in rural schools, and later in Cincinnati, Jerome, Seymour and cities of this community. She went to Los Angeles twenty years ago where she became a teacher in the grade schools, where she taught until her retirement two years ago.

  She came to Centerville August 1, for a visit with her sister, Mrs. B. C. [Mary Ann] Van Ness. She had been there only a week when she was stricken with intestinal flu and was taken to the hospital where she grew constantly weaker and death came in spite of all that medical aid could do.

  Miss Bradley was well known over Wayne and Appanoose counties and her death brings sorrow to a host of friends here.

---------------------------------------

Unidentified Newspaper Article

  The body of Miss Sarah Bradley, who died in St. Joseph's hospital, was brought to Seymour for burial Saturday afternoon. She was buried on the family lot. Miss Bradley taught school in Seymour for many years. She was a charter member of Seymour Chapter 124 O. E. S. Several of her pupils and friends were at the service.

-----------------------------------------

Los Angeles Woman Succumbed at St. Joseph Hospital

 Last Night—Had Been Here Month

  Sarah J. Bradley, 74, of Los Angeles, California, who was here visiting with her sister, Mrs. B. C. [Mary Ann] Van Ness, of 805 North Eleventh Street, died in St. Joseph's hospital at 9 P. M. yesterday.

  Miss Bradley, who was the daughter of John and Sarah [Elliott] Bradley, Appanoose County pioneers, had grown to young womanhood in this county and had entered the teaching profession. She taught first rural schools, and later in Cincinnati, Jerome, Seymour and cities of this community. Twenty years ago she went to the west coast and became a teacher in the grade schools of Los Angeles, where she taught until her retirement two years ago.

  A sufferer from asthma, Miss Bradley had written her sister here saying that she planned to visit in Iowa just as soon as she recovered from an attack she was having. She came here August 1 and was weak from her recent illness. She was stricken with intestinal flu after her first week here and taken to the hospital 10 days ago, grew constantly weaker until her death in spite of every care.

  Miss Bradley and Mrs. Van Ness were the last of a family of eleven, Mrs. Van Ness now being the sole survivor. Miss Bradley was well known over the county and her death brings sorrow to a host of friends here as well as in California.

  Funeral services will from the Miller funeral home at 2:30 Saturday afternoon and burial will be in Seymour.

--------------------------

  The editor sincerely appreciates the permission granted by Linda Jacobs Green to transcribe the above material from her book, History of the Bradley, Van Ness, Elliott, Elgin, Sidles, Condra Families of Appanoose County, Iowa, 3rd Revision, 3rd Printing [Columbia, MO: Linda Jacobs Green, January 2011], page 148.

Charles Elliott Bradley, 1864-1945

 Centerville Iowegian, October 1945

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  Charles Elliott Bradley, 81, retired resident of Champaign, Illinois, since 1821, passed away at 4:30 a. m., Monday [15 October 1945] at Burnham City hospital after a six weeks' confinement due to a fractured hip.

  Born on November 6, 1864 near Centerville, Ia., the third son of William and Martha Ann [Elliott] Bradley, he was the last survivor of a family of seven children.

  In early manhood, Mr. Bradley became associated with the Williams Hardware and Implement Company of Centerville, Iowa, later accompanying the firm to Chicago where it became known as the Williams Organ and Piano Company. After 20 years of service as the company's representative, he became branch manager for the Davenport Wagon Company, traveling throughout the United States. He later retired to his farm south of Mattoon [Illinois] where he lived for seven years, moving to Champaign in 1921 to take up permanent residence at 511 South Prairie Street.

  Mr. Bradley was united in marriage to Stella Bradley, only daughter of Patrick Bradley of Mattoon on June 21, 1898. He was a member of the First Methodist Church of Centerville, Iowa. Surviving are his widow; three daughters, Mrs. H. F. [Gladys] Priebe of Cleveland Heights, Ohio; Mrs. Ray [Charlotte] Fisher, Ft. Worth, Texas, and Beth Bradley at home, who is on the U. I. Music faculty; and four grandsons, Bradley and Paul Priebe and Robert and Richard Fisher.

  Funeral services were conducted from the Mittendorf Chapel, at 2:30 p. m. Wednesday. Interment was in the Mt. Hope Cemetery.

  A number of relatives live in this county: Mrs. J. E. [Ettie Melvina Sidles] Condra of Numa, Susie Sidles of Seymour route and Mrs. Guy [Jennie Maurine Sidles] Streepy of Udell are nieces. William John[s] of Centerville, a nephew, and several other distant relatives.

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  The editor sincerely appreciates the permission granted by Linda Jacobs Green to transcribe the above material from her book, History of the Bradley, Van Ness, Elliott, Elgin, Sidles, Condra Families of Appanoose County, Iowa, 3rd Revision, 3rd Printing [Columbia, MO: Linda Jacobs Green, January 2011], pages 154-155, provided to her by Mary Hilliker-Rasmussen.