DIXON COUNTY OBITUARIES
From the scrapbook of
Susan Frances “Fannie” (Adams) Taylor
Submitted by her great granddaughter
Cheryl (Armstrong) Peterson
ADAMS, Della Mary – nee MURFIN
From the Nebraska Journal-Leader – October 1947
“MRS. DELLA ADAMS FUNERAL MONDAY
Funeral services for Mrs. Della Adams were held here Monday afternoon at two o’clock in the Presbyterian church, Rev. Orange officiating. Burial was in Ponca cemetery, with arrangements by Mohr’s Mortuary.
Della Mary Adams was born March 28, 1866, in Mercer County, Illinois, and died October 4, 1947, in Ponca, at the age of 81 years 6 months and 5 days.
She came to Nebraska in 1882 and resided with her parents on a farm in Silvercreek. She was united in marriage to Samuel G. Adams in December 1884.
To this union three children were born, Ora, Elmer and Floyd. Mrs. Adams was preceded in death by her son, Elmer, in 1899 and her husband in 1934.
Mrs. Adams has been a member of the Presbyterian Church since 1899. She was a member of the Eastern Star and Rebekah Lodges and also a member of the Grandmother’s Club.
She leaves to mourn her loss, a daughter, Mrs. Ora Berens, and a son, Floyd E. Adams of Ponca, 4 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren: three sisters and four brothers, Mrs. Arminda Rice of Ponca, Mrs. Nick Thomas of Newcastle, and Mrs. Mary Skaife of Oregon City, Oregon; Charles Murfin of Ponca, Kent O. Murfin of Newcastle, Ed B. Murfin of Carrol, and Lew T. Murfin of Portland, Oregon.”
“CARD OF THANKS
Please accept our sincere thanks for the many kind acts tendered us in the loss of our mother. Also for the beautiful floral offerings.
Mrs. Ora Berens
Mr. and Mrs. F. E. Adams”
ADAMS, Eliza Alice – nee TAYLOR
From the Nebraska Journal-Leader – November 1939
“MRS. JESSE ADAMS BURIED SUNDAY
Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon for Mrs. Jesse B. Adams, 78, who passed away at her home in Ponca last Thursday, Nov 16. Services were conducted from Mohr’s Funeral Chapel with Rev. George Bray in charge. Burial was in the Daily cemetery under direction of Mohr’s Mortuary.
Eliza Alice Adams, daughter of David and Rebecca Taylor, was born at Mount Ayr (Airy), N.C., on May 29th, 1861, and passed to her eternal rest at Ponca, on November 16, 1939, at the age of 78 years, 5 months and 18 days.
At the age of twelve, she moved with her parents and their family to Nebraska, crossing the Missouri river at Blyburg, east of Homer. The first school established in that neighborhood was held in her parents home, where it continued until a new school house was built.
On July 18, 1883, she was united in marriage to Jesse B. Adams. To this union were born two sons, and two daughters: Charles, of Alliance, Ellen, of Bloomfield, Ruby, of Eugene, Ore., and Clarence of Ponca.
Her husband preceded her in death on June 11, 1935.
Besides her four children surviving, are two brothers, Vestal Taylor of Ponca and Nathan Taylor, of Santa Rosa, Calif.; twenty-six grandchildren and many nieces and nephews and great grandchildren.”
ADAMS, Jesse Braxton
“JESSE E. (error – should be B.) ADAMS DROPS DEAD TUESDAY P.M.
Jessie B. Adams, Dixon county pioneer, dropped dead of a heart attack in the office of Dr. Jones Tuesday afternoon. Mr. Adams, who has not been very strong since he suffered an attack of flu a few months ago, had walked down town and had stopped in to have a little visit with his friend the doctor when he suddenly collapsed. Death was instantaneous.
Mr. Adams, a native of Pilot Mountain, North Carolina, was born April 10, 1856 and was, at the time of his death, 79 years old. He came to Nebraska in 1876. His was the life of the early settler. He helped build the railroad to Ponca and worked, for a time, on the early river boats. For a number of years now he has let a retired life in Ponca.
Fifty two years ago this coming 18th of July he married Miss Eliza Taylor who survives him along with four children: Charles E. of Alliance, Neb., Mrs. Clarence Barber of Bloomfield, Neb., Mrs. Ellis Hoyt of Florence, Oregon and Clarence of Ponca. Also surviving are one brother, Joe, of Denver, Colo., two sisters, Mrs. Judith Parr of Pilot Mountain, North Carolina, and Mrs. Gus Taylor of Ponca, 24 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at the Ponca Methodist church Friday at 2 p.m. Burial will be in the Silver Ridge cemetery. Pallbearers will be nephews of the deceased.”
…And from another newspaper source:
“OBITUARY OF JESSE B. ADAMS
Jesse Braxton Adams was born April 10, 1856, at Pilot Mountain, N.C., and died June 11, 1935, at the age of 79 years, 2 months and 1 day.
He came to Nebraska March 17, 1876 at the age of 20 and has lived in northeast Nebraska for 59 years and in Ponca for 43 years. In 1888 he joined the Friends church at Springbank, Neb. He was united in marriage to Eliza Alice Taylor July 18, 1883 at Ponca, Neb. To this union were born four children, Charles E. of Alliance, Neb., Mrs. Ellen Barber of Bloomfield, Neb., Mrs. Rebecca Hoyt of Florence, Oregon and Clarence L. of Ponca. He also leaves 24 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. One brother and two sisters survive him, Joseph Adams of Denver, Colo., Mrs. Judith Parr of Pilot Mountain, N.C. and Mrs. Fannie Taylor of Ponca and many other relatives and friends. Preceding him in death were his parents and six brothers.
Mr. Adams farmed in Daily Township for 18 years after coming to Nebraska and worked at other trades in spare time. After moving to Ponca he worked at the carpenter trade for 23 years, having retired 20 years ago.
Funeral services were held at the Methodist church at Ponca, Friday, June 14, at 2 o’clock with Rev. Kemper officiating. Burial was in the Daily cemetery under the direction of Mohrs. Honorary pallbearers were John McKinley, Ben McClary, Jake and Joe Bottorff, Alva Childs and Chas. Tucker. He was carried to his last resting place by six nephews, Mike Berens, Oscar Rickett, Earl Kemper, Albert Armstrong, Elmer and Duane Taylor.”
“CARD OF THANKS
We wish to thank all those who so kindly helped us during the sickness and death of our husband and father, also for the music and flowers.
Mrs. Eliza Adams
Charles E. Adams
Mrs. Ellen Barber
Mrs. Ruby Hoyt
Clarence L. Adams”
ADAMS, Josiah
From a Wheatland, WY newspaper – June 11, 1936
“JOSIAH ADAMS, 90 YEAR OLD RESIDENT SUCCUMBS MONDAY
Josiah D. Adams, aged grandfather of Mrs. Red Irvine, and father-in-law of Mrs. Liza Adams, died in Wheatland at 1:00 p.m. June 8.
Mr. Adams was born in Salem, N.C. October 15, 1846 and was almost ninety years old at the time of his death. He has been a resident of Wheatland for about 25 years. For many years he was employed as a railroad man.
Mr. Adams was preceded in death by his wife, Mrs. Nettie Adams, who passed away in 1915.
Besides Mrs. Irvine and Mrs. Adams, Mr. Adams is survived by a sister, Mrs. Fanny Taylor, of Ponca, Nebr. And another sister Mrs. Judy Parr who resides in North Carolina.”
ADAMS, Samuel Green
From a Ponca, Nebraska newspaper – April 1934
“PECULIAR ACCIDENT TAKES LIFE OF SAM ADAMS
Sam Adams, 81, died Saturday afternoon, April 9, about 24 hours after he had been crushed between his own car and a wall. Mr. Adams was cranking his car as it stood in front of his son’s garage when the engine started with the car in gear and Mr. Adams was carried across the street and through the doors of the Force garage which were closed, through that garage, and suffered severe injuries when the car was stopped by the rear wall of the building. His head was caught between the car radiator and large a electric motor fastened to the wall. His lower jaw was crushed, his nose broken and his cheek bones fractured. He was rushed to the hospital and given every help but his age was against him, and he could not withstand the severe shock to his system.
Mr. Adams’ death was a severe blow not only to his family but to the whole community for, during the 58 years that he had lived in Dixon County he had endeared himself to many.
OBITUARY
Samuel Green Adams was born in Pilot Mountain, North Carolina March 10, 1853. He died in Sioux City April 7, 1934 at the age of 81 years and 27 days.
Mr. Adams lived in North Carolina the first twenty-three years of his life and then came to Nebraska where he took up a homestead in Dixon County. Thirty-seven years ago he retired from active farming and moved into Ponca where he resided until his death.
He was united in marriage in 1885 to Della Murfin, to which union were born three children. One son, Elmer, died during childhood. He was a member of the Presbyterian church.
He leaves to mourn his death his widow, Mrs. Della Adams, two brothers, Joe Adams of Wheatland, Wyoming, and Jesse Adams of Ponca, two sisters, Fanny Taylor of Ponca and Judith Parr of Pilot Mountain, North Carolina, and two children, a daughter, Mrs. Ora Berens, and a son Floyd Adams, both of Ponca, and four grandchildren, Bonnie, Shirley, Marjorie and Robert Berens.
Funeral services were held in the Presbyterian church at 2 p.m. Monday. Rev. Fowler was in charge of the service. Burial was in the Ponca cemetery under the direction of Mohrs. The body was borne to the grave by Oscar Rickett, Albert Armstrong, Clarence Adams, Norman Murfin, Earl Kemper and Joe Thomas.”
“CARD OF THANKS
We wish to offer our most sincere thanks to our friends and neighbors who were so kind and helpful during our recent bereavement. We were especially grateful for the beautiful flowers.
Mrs. Sam Adams
Mr and Mrs. Floyd Adams
Mr. and Mrs. M. P. Berens and Children”
ADDISON, George B.
“NEWCASTLE MAN DIES
GEO. B. ADDISON IS A FICTIM OF THE INFLUENZA
New Castle, Neb., Dec. 4 – Special: George B. Addison, a prominent businessman of this place and widely known in adjoining counties, died yesterday at Wessington Springs, S.D., of influenza. Mr. Addison had gone to Wessington Springs on a business trip and became ill while there. Mr. Addison, who was 47 years of age, is survived by his widow, two daughters and one son. The funeral probably will be held here tomorrow.”
ADDISON, Jonathan H.
“OBITUARY
Jonathan H. Addison was born January 22, 1836, at Zanesville, Ohio, and died in Newcastle, Nebraska, February 18, 1916, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Ellen Cummins. Mr. Addison was united in marriage to Mary E. Dean, August 21, 1859, to this union nine children were born, two daughters and one infant child having preceded him. There remains to mourn his loss, one daughter, five sons and one sister, namely: Ellen Cummins, Geo. B., John D., in Newcastle; Jake D., and Otis D., of Belvideere, S.D., and Carl J. of Daily.
The funeral services were held at the Congregational church here in Newcastle, Sunday, February 20, Rev. J.M. Hinds preaching the funeral sermon. Interment was made in the Daily cemetery, beside his wife who had preceded him.
The large concourse of relatives and friends that assembled at the rites for the departed one were __(unable to read) evidence of the high esteem in which he was held in this community.
MEMOIR
Mr. Addison and wife in the fall of 1861 moved to Oceolia, Iowa, making the trip by train. They resided at Osceolia for 9 years, and then came to Dixon County in 1870 and located on a homestead in Daily township, being one of the early settlers. In the early days of Dixon County, he battled with the hardships that came with the early settling of the county, but by his thrift and perserverance he surmounted the obstacles as they arose in his path, and his efforts were rewarded, he accumulated a goodly amount of this worlds goods.
For a number of years he taught school. Then the people of the county asked him to serve them sometimes as County Assessor, for two years as Superintendent of schools, and again as Supervisor. These services extended over many years and shows the esteem and respect in which he was held by all who knew him.
Since his wife died in 1909, he has made his home with his children, sometimes on the farm and again here in town, since early last fall he has made his home with his daughter, Mrs. Ellen Cummins here in Newcastle, at which place he died. He has been in poor health for nearly a year, and last summer he became very ill, after which he never fully recovered, early in the fall he was able to walk down town and later was taken ill and after a lingering illness he passed away. In health he was a familiar figure on our streets and had a cheery greeting for all, and having resided in the county for so many years his acquaintances were unlimited. He was a friend to all, and was ever ready to lend the helping hand to those in need. He will be sadly missed in the home, but his influence for good will live on, and he will be remembered by the good he has done.”
“CARD OF THANKS
We wish to thank the friends who so kindly aided us during the sickness and death of our beloved father.
Mrs. Ellen Cummions,
John D. Addison,
George B. Addison,
Jacob D. Addison,
Otis D. Addison,
Carl J. Addison”
ALLEN, Mrs. Emma
From the Nebraska Journal-Leader – March 12, 1953
“MRS. EMMA ALLEN DIED LAST SUNDAY
Mrs. Emma C. Allen, 92, a Dixon county resident for nearly 75 years, died Sunday, March 8, 1953 at a Sioux City hospital. After a brief illness Mrs. Allen was taken to the hospital Saturday.
She was born February 9, 1861, in Dakota county. In 1879 she was married to John Allen at Dakota City. The same year they came to Dixon county. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Blessing, early day residents of Dakota county.
Mrs. Allen was a member of the English Lutheran church at Allen.
Survivors are two sons, John of Dorris, Cal., and Dr. V.G. Allen of Sheridan, Wyo.; two daughters, Mrs. Mae L. Money of Allen and Mrs. Arthur S. Stone of Klamath Falls, Ore.; a sister, Mrs. Beatrice Rhodes of South Sioux City; 11 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and five great great grandchildren.
The body was taken to Wakefield for the funeral and burial.”
ANDERSON, Jessabelle – nee ADAMS
From a Wheatland, Wyoming newspaper
“MOTHER OF THREE SMALL CHILDREN PASSES AWAY HERE SUNDAY MORNING
Three small children , the youngest three weeks old and the oldest five years, were left motherless by the death of Mrs. Jessabelle Anderson, wife of Albert E. Anderson, at the home of her parents, Mr. & Mrs. Walter Adams, in Wheatland last Sunday morning. Death was caused by pneumonia.
Mrs. Anderson, who was 29 years old had been a resident of Platte county for nine years, coming here from VanTassell. She was married on September 18, 1920, to Albert E. Anderson at Chadron, Nebr. Mrs. Anderson was a member of the Congregational church and the American Legion Auxiliary.
She leaves besides the husband, parents and children, a grandfather, J. D. Adams,; one brother, Earl Adams; and two sisters, Mrs. F. C. Calhoun and Mrs. Mabel Irwin. The children are Gilbert Wayne, aged 5 years, Emma May, 4; and Vera Matilda, three weeks.
The funeral was held at 2:30 o’clock Monday afternoon from the Watson funeral home, the Rev. H. E. Shepherd, pastor of the Methodist church officiating. Burial took place in the Wheatland cemetery. The pallbearers were D. B. Cochrane, George Wain, H. T. Duffy, William Garner, J. C. Clark and W. B. Jones”
ANDERSON, Thorval H.
“OBITUARY OF T.H. ANDERSON
Thorval H. Anderson was born January 20, 1877, in Horsness, Denmark, and died at his home in Ponca April 19, 1954 after a long illness, at the age of 77 years, 2 months and 30 days.
His parents brought him to this country when he was an infant, settling near Maskell. His entire life was spent in northeastern Nebraska. He was confirmed in the Lime Creek church.
He was married to Elizabeth Foote of Ponca in 1906. She passed away following the birth of a son, Leland, in 1907.
In 1910 he was married to Ida Peterson of Stickney, S. Dak. To this union five daughters were born: Mrs. C. B. Palmer of Sioux Falls, S.D., Mrs. Irving Addison of Newcastle, Mrs. Gordon Nelson of Laurel, Mrs. Louis Domsch of Ponca, and Mrs. Robert Pearl of Ft. Myers, Fla. He is also survived by fifteen grandchildren and one great grandchild, and a host of relatives and friends.
Funeral services were held Thursday, April 24, at Zion Lutheran Church at Maskell, Rev. C. M. Grindland officiating. Burial was in Lime Creek cemetery, under the direction of Mohr’s Mortuary.”
ANDRESS, Roy Leslie
From the Nebraska Journal-Leader – March 1956
“FUNERAL MARCH 23 FOR ROY ANDRESS