Benson Fordyce Obituary
1895


Death of a Former Honored Citizen of Greene County.

Benson Fordyce died at his home in Bedford Iowa, September 14, 1895, at the age of 78 years, 8 months and 23 days. He was born in Greene county, Pa., December 21st, 1816, and was the youngest of a family of eight sons and three daughters, who are now all gone, he being the last one to cross over the the shore beyond. He was married to Miss Maria Nichols April 28, 1838. From this union was born nine children, six sons and three daughters. All of them grew to manhood and womanhood and four survive him, three sons and one daughter, located as follows: A. B. Fordyce, Platteville, Iowa; C. G. Fordyce, near Carmichaels, Greene county, Pa., H. C. Fordyce, Creston, Iowa and Mrs. Lizzie J. Connett, Great Bend Kansas. His wife, Maria, died March 25th, 1868, at their home in Greene county, Pa. On April 25th, 1873 he was again married to Mrs. Frances A. Dale of Bedford, Iowa. At the age of 16 years deceased united with the Methodist Protestant church and remained a faithful member of this church up to his death which called him to the church above. In the spring of 1873 he migrated to Taylor county, Iowa where he resided the last 12 years of his life. He was a man of wonderful energy, a kind and indulgent father, and a true, faithful Christian man, who alwasy had the faculty of looking upon the bright side of his misfortunes. He was universally respected and few men had more friends. He was always a welcome addition to the social circle of the young, middle-aged and the old. He was a man singularly free from ostentation, a character in which were blended the sterling qualities that inspire and retain friendship and respect.

Father Fordyce had enjoyed more than ordinary health through a long and active life up to an early day in July of this year when a heavy stroke of apoplexy made him an invalid. For a time he slowly improved then suddenly grew worse and his life graduallyfaded out at 11:20 p.m.

The funeral took place from the family residence in Bedford, Iowa, at 2 o'clock p.m. September 16. Services were conducted by Rev. M. C. Waddell, pastor of the M. E. church, who paid a high tribute to the deceased. The very large gathering of people and the long funeral procession expressed better than words could the large place he held in the hearts and affections of those who knew him best. A grand old man with spotless character has gone to the grave in peace. The memory of such men should be perpetuated and their graves kept green to remind us of the many noble acts and the characters they represent.

Waynesburg Republican, September 26, 1895 (Greene County, PA)


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