Obituaries






  


Obituaries

Levi Goodsil Todd Sr., 1830-1906

 Born March 22, 1829, in the state of New York. Died at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, February 24, 1906, at his home in Union, Nebraska.

The death of Levi G. Todd came as a surprise even to those who had know of his feeble condition, as he had been able to be down town a few days before. His health began failing about six years ago, but he was able to superintend farm work most of the time until about a year ago, when he moved to this village.

On July 20th last year he suffered severe injuries by being thrown from a buggy, and this, with other ailments, caused him to fail rapidly.

He was much weaker than usual on Tuesday of last week , but Friday he was able to be at the table for dinner, then because worse, losing consciousness Saturday and passed away without pain.

The funeral services were held at the residence at 12 o'clock Monday, conducted by Rev. Newton Mann of Omaha, and the singing was by Misses Estelle Baird and Florence White and Messrs. Ralph White, G.L. Farley and B.A. McElwain, of Plattsmouth, who sang "Nearer My God to Thee, "Savior Comfort me" and "Lead Kindly Light."

There was a multitude of friends present, some of whom had know the deceased for almost half a century, and all of whom felt the sorrow of bidding adieu to one they respected and loved for his many kind deeds toward his fellowmen.

The remains were taken to Buck cemetery a few miles northwest of this village and laid to rest in a vault. The honorary pall bearers were Reuben Foster, M.H. Shoemaker, D.W. Foster, J.W. Pittman, K.D. Clark and Lewis Bird. The active pall bearers were J.D. Cross, James Pittman, J.D. Bramblet, Winfield Swan, W.B. Banning, F.A. Finkle.

The death of Levi G. Todd has taken from our midst of the best know pioneer citizens of eastern Nebraska, a man who endured the hardships incident to the early settlement of this country and one who played an important part in its development.

He left his home in New York at the age of 21, and a short time afterwards he located in Iowa, where he taught school for awhile, coming to Glenwood in August 1853 at which time he crossed the Missouri River at what is now Plattsmouth. He later returned to Iowa, but in the spring of 1854 he came back and pre-empted a track of land near Plattsmouth. In 1857 he located on the "old home place" a few miles northwest of this village where he and his family resided until Dec. 18, 1904, when he purchased a fine residence property and moved to town.

Mr. Todd was married Feb. 20, 1855, in Lee County, Iowa, to Miss Lydia Jones, who survives him. They were the parents of nine children, of whom four are deceased, those living being Lewis C., Harry G., Miss Jessie B., John P., and Levi G. jr, all residing in this county.

Mr. Todd was an active participant in the political affairs of the county and state, and while never a seeker after political honors he was often called upon to fill responsible positions, and never was there a breath of suspicion as to his honor and integrity in office as well as private life.

He was chose county commissioner in the year 1860, and in 1862 was elected to the state legislature, where his advice and opinion were frequently sought on account of his ability and sound judgment.

Mr. Todd's rule in thislife was to be just, honest and liberal in dealing with fellowmen, and none can say that he ever deviated from that rule. The death of this worth pioneer takes away one who will long be remembered as a most honorable citizen, true to every friend and promise.

Note: This obituary appeared in the Union, Nebr., newspaper.


 		 

Lydia Jones Todd, 1833-1908

 Born December 4, 1833, in Lee County, Iowa. Died at 7:30 p.m., Monday, August 17, 1908, at her home in Union, Nebraska.

The death of Mrs. Todd adds another to the long list of pioneers of this vicinity who have been called away within the past few years.

Her death was not unexpected, as it has been known for some time that she could not recover. Her health had been gradually failing for several years, and the past few months her decline was quite rapid owing to her age and heart disease along with other ailments.

The funeral services were held at the residence Wednesday at 11 o'clock a.m. conduced by Rev. Baird of Plattsmouth, many pioneer friends and neighbors being present to do their last service for the departed.

The remains were then taken to the Buck Cemetery northwest of here for intermit beside her husband, the late L.G. Todd Sr., who died Feb. 24, 1906. The pall bearers were W.C. Ramse, W.H. DuBois, C.H. Taylor, A.E. Stites, F. H. McCarthy and Reuben Foster jr.

Deceased's maiden name was Lydia Jones, and she grew from childhood in Lee County, Iowa, where she was married in 1855 to Levi G. Todd. They came to Cass County and located near Plattsmouth, and in 1857 moved to the farm in this precinct where they resided until Dec. 1904 when they purchased a nice residence and located in this village.

Mrs. Todd was a most estimable lady, and one who was highly esteemed by all her acquaintances, all of who regret that she has been called away.

Note: Obituary from Union, Nebraska, newspaper.

Louis C. Todd, 1860-1939

 Louis C. Todd, Now Deceased, a Great Golfer

Aged Nebraskan Made a Hole in One Last November on California Course -- Died in April

Long Beach has lost the oldest golfer who ever made a hole-in-one on a California Course.

Lewis C. Todd, 78, who last November made a mono on the Municipal nine-hole links, died April 19, at his home, 2635 East First Street, Long Beach, California

He was born on May 20, 1860, and was the son of Mr. And Mrs. Levi Goodsel Todd, one of the pioneer families of Nebraska who were early residents of the vicinity where the village of Union, Cass County, Nebraska, now stands.

Lewie, as he was called by his friends and neighbors, was beloved by all, for his quiet and truest qualities of manhood, honesty and integrity.

With his characteristic ideals always before him, with marvelous heroism and patient fortitude he struggled to come back to health if as he said, it was God's will he would like to be spared to his wife and family a while longer.

Eleven months ago when his daughter Jessie passed away in Long Beach, he told his wife and loved ones he would like to be buried in California, at Sunnyvale Memorial Park, he bought plots for himself, wife and daughter, Lewis C. (who was named for him and is still living at home).

With native self-forgetfulness, being conscious up to the very last, he planned all his own funeral arrangements, his wife who had lovingly and tirelessly cared for him during the seven weeks of his last illness, his daughter Lewie C., a sister-in-law, Fern Hotaling, and the family physician, Dr. Blaine Young (who had been a daily caller) were with him when he quietly slipped away to the myriads of silver stars he visioned and to the loved ones who had gone on before, into the upper room.

He was too ill to be told of the death of his own son, Harold Todd of Imperial, and of his brother, Levi G. Todd of Union, the three passing within a week.

Nothing is comparable to the strength and beauty of the full rounded life of useful service. His life was one of unusual activity, since retiring from the farm-life in Nebraska and buying their present home in Long Beach, twenty years ago he made forty-seven trips back to his farm, always driving his own automobile.

His pallbearers were Calvin Taylor, (former county attorney in Cass County) A.J. Beeson, (former county judge and resident of Plattsmouth), Arthur Wolph of Nehawka, Dr. Blaine Young (formerly of Omaha), and S.C. Briggs and Carl Redman (pals who had played golf with him and his daughter almost daily).

The cards and letters of sympathy and beautiful floral offerings were many and most beautiful from not only old and new friends in Long Beach but many coming from Nebraska and Colorado. Besides beautiful potted plants and flowers sent to the family, all of which was gratefully appreciated.

His triumphal entry into his Real Home, where there shall be no more parting where he shall have a glorified reunion with those who have gone on before. Such a life never dies!

Surviving are his widow, Alice Ferguson Todd; four daughters, miss Lewis C. Todd, Long Beach, Mrs. Florence Sheldon, Nehawka, Mrs. Julia Tighe, Homer, Mrs. Genevieve Hoffmeister, Imperial. Two sons, Mark Todd, Dix, L.G. Todd, Sioux City, Iowa, and thirty-nine grandchildren, a brother John Todd of Canada, a sister, Mrs. Jessie McCleave, Omaha, Nebraska. The following children preceded him in death: Mary Todd Bonner, March 23, 138, Jessie Todd Kidd, May 20, 1938, and Harold Todd, April 16, 1938.

Love will dream and faith will trust,
Since he who knows our need is just,
That sometime, somewhere, meet we must.

Note: The above obit is from a newspaper clipping believed to be from Long Beach, Ca. The following excerpt is from a Nebraska newspaper.


Death of L.C. Todd Occurs in California
Member of Prominent Cass County Families Dies at Long Beach -- Third Death in Week

Louis C. Todd, 80, a member of one of the pioneer families of Cass County, died Wednesday at his home in Long Beach, California, after an illness of some time and making the third death in the Todd family in a week. Levi G. Todd, of Union, a brother, died last Thursday, and on Sunday, Harold Todd, a son of L.C. Todd, died at Imperial and was buried there Wednesday.

Mrs. George C. Sheldon of Nehawka, with Mr. Sheldon had started to drive to Long Beach, called by the illness of the father and when reaching Imperial found the brother of Mrs. Sheldon gravely ill and who died while they were there.

Mr. L.C. Todd has made his home in California for several years and prior to that time was one of the best know residents of the Nehawka community and active in the business life of that community.

Harry (Horace) G. Todd, 1864-1934

 Death of Harry Todd, Prominent Murray Resident
Death Comes After an Illness That Covered Past 18 Months -- Native of Cass County

Harry G. Todd, 70, one of the prominent residents of Cass County, passed away at his home near Murray on Monday afternoon following an illness that has covered the past eighteen months and during which time he has been gradually failing until death come to his relief.

The deceased was a native son of Cass County, born near Union on February 9, 1864, a son of Mr. And Mrs. L.G. Todd, pioneer residents of the county. He was educated in the schools of the county and after reaching manhood he entered the work of farming and stock raising at which he was very successful and became one of the leading farmers of the county.

He was married at Murray to Miss Alice Brown, May 13, 1891. Mr. And Mrs. Todd have one of the most attractive homes south of Murray and where they resided for the greater part of their married.

Mr. Todd was one of the largest land owners in this section of Cass County, having acquired a larger number of farms south of Murray and which he and three of his sons have operated for the past few years.

Mr. Todd is survived by his widow, and the following children: Vance Todd, Vancouver, B.C.; Dwyer Todd, Brocksburg, Neb.; Lydia Todd, North Platte; Glen Todd, Orval Todd, Murray; Delbert Todd, Union; Helen Todd Machspring, Los Angeles, Calif.; Dorothy Todd at home. Other relatives surviving are three brothers: L.C. Todd, Long Beach, Calif.; J.P. Todd, Alberta, Canada; L.G. Todd, Union, and one sister, Mrs. M.L. McCleave, Omaha.

Jessie B. Todd McCleave, 1868-1943

 Services Held at the Glendale Mortuary at Omaha Very Largely Attended

Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at the Glendale Mortuary at Omaha for Mrs. Jessie Todd McCleave, pioneer Cass County lacy. Many of the old friends from Union and vicinity were present as well as from her later home in Omaha. From this city Attorney D. O. Dwyer, an old family friend was in attendance as well as Mrs. R. A. Bates of the Journal. The burial was at the West Lawn Cemetery.

The following obituary by Rev. G. A. Randall gives a resume of the life of this well loved lady:

OBITUARY
By Rev. G. A. Randall
Jessie Todd McCleave was born March 6, 1868, in Cass County, Nebraska, at what was then known as Three Groves, 12 miles south of Plattsmouth. She lived there in that locality and at Union until she married Mr. M. L. McCleave, Nov. 17, 1922, when they moved to Omaha and lived there since that time. She was 74 years old, two months and 19 days of age.

Mrs. McCleave had no children of her own, yet in a true sense she was a mother to all of us. How many times we would take our burdens and troubles to her and she would always be ready to sympathize and to encourage us, as only a mother could do.

It was a little more than 25 years ago that I took her into the church at Union. Since that time she has been a faithful member and true to the promises of the Lord. She always thought of others and did what she could to help them in whatever way possible.

Only a few weeks or months ago, feeling that the time on this earth may not be long, she called her family and her pastor, Rev. C. G. Steiner, and myself and made her plans for this service. Her request was that her own pastor, Rev. Steiner, singe for her as she had heard him at previous occasions, and that Rev. Randall, "say a few words" using her own phraseology.

Besides her husband, M.L. McCleave, Aunt Jessie leaves to survive her, one brother John, and his wife to whom she looked forward with such delight to be with her during her last illness. Great credit is to be given these three, especially to Mrs. John Todd, who with such skillful hands and patient care, helped to make her comfortable up to the very lat moment of her life. There are also several distant relatives, a large number of nephews and nieces and their children and a host of loyal friends and neighbors.

God's Servant
By E.D. Kramer
Who sets a candle on the sill to light the pathway down the ill,
When winds are wailing from afar, as darkness smother moon and star,
Through he be peasant or a king, He makes the angels laugh and sing.

Whoever harkens to the cry of ragged beggars stumbling by,
And bring them healing in his hands because his kindness understands
Though he be noble or a clod, Lo, he is serving Christ and God.

Levi Goodsil Todd Jr., 1873-1939

Death of L.G. Todd, Promi't Union Resident
Member of Pioneer Families of Eastern Cass County Dies at an Omaha Hospital Tuesday.

The death of L.G. Todd, 65, as lifetime resident of Liberty precinct, occurred Tuesday night at the Methodist hospital at Omaha after an illness that has covered several years.

Mr. Todd was a member of one of the pioneer families of Nebraska, his father, the late L.G. Todd, having been one of the early residents of the vicinity where Union now stands, and he was long an active figure in the history of Nebraska and Cass County.

Mr. Todd has spent his lifetime in this country and engaged in farming for the greater part of the city and was also with business and social life of Union since its establishment. He was also a very prominent figure in the democratic party in Cass County and a man high in the affairs of the county. He was elected many times to serve as the assessor of his precinct and was re-elected last fall to the office but compelled to resign on account of ill health.

Mr. Todd is survived by his widow, a son, Melvin, of Union and a daughter, Mrs. Ernest Rathe, of Adams, Nebraska, and three grandchildren. A sister, Mrs. M. L. McCleave of Omaha and two brothers, L.C. of California and John of Canada, survive.

The burial service will be at Union on Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock, Rev. Randall officiating.

*****

L.G. Todd Dies in Omaha Hospital
Funeral Services for Prominent Union Man In That Town Saturday

L.G. Todd, 64, Union, president of the Bank of Union and former state legislator, died in Methodist hospital, Omaha, early Wednesday morning after a lingering illness from a heart aliment.

Mr. Todd has been in poor health for several months. He was a native of the Union community, a son of Levi and Lydia Todd, pioneers, and spent his entire life in that vicinity.

During his early life, Mr. Todd was a farmer and built a wide reputation as a livestock man. He retired from the farm in 1915 and took up residence in Union.

He served in the state legislature in 1917-18 and was prominent in local politics throughout his life. At his death he was president of the Bank of Union and president of the Farmers' Cooperative Oil company of Nehawka.

He was born at Union, May 10, 1874, and on Jan. 7, 1903, married Mary Anna Snyder at Louisville. Mrs. Todd and two children, Mrs. E. M. Rathe of Adams and Melvin R. Todd of Union, and three grandchildren, survive.

Also surviving are a sister, Mrs. M.L. McCleave, Omaha, and two brothers, L.C. Todd, Long Beach, Calif., and John Todd of Canada.

Mrs. Todd was a member of the Methodist church at Union, where funeral services will be held Saturday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock with Rev. Geo. Randall of Omaha in charge. Burial will be in East Union cemetery at Union.

The body was brought to the Karstens-Patterson mortuary in Nebraska City, where it will remain until time for the funeral.

More obits to be posted. Please send any that you have to: btodd311@gmail.com.  Thank you.

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