Cedarvale  - Bay City Cemetery

Photos courtesy of Betty Crosby
 

Mary M. Duke Ainsworth

Mary Marie Duke Ainsworth

Mary Marie Duke Ainsworth, 95, of Bay City passed away Dec. 28, 1996 at Matagorda General Hospital in Bay City.

She was born April 5, 1901 in Matagorda to Frank Harkel and Mary Elizabeth Zipprian Duke. She was a member of the Methodist Church.

She is survived by one son, Albert Ainsworth of Bay City.

Funeral services were held at 10 a. m. Monday, Dec. 30, 1996 at Taylor Bros. Funeral chapel with Rev. Allen Anderson officiating. Burial was in the Cedarvale Cemetery in Bay City.

Pallbearers were Charles Gola, Vernon Leissner, Dub Cox, Don Bell, George D. Whitley and Pete Zapata.

Arrangements were with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in Bay City.

Daily Tribune, December 3, 1996
 

Clarance Altenburg

Clarance Altenburg Dies at Corpus Christi

Mr. Clarance Altenburg, 38, years 8 months and 20 days, died at Corpus Christi Sunday evening at 7:18, following a brief illness, Mr. Altenburg had been employed at the chemical plant in Corpus Christi for many years.

“Cotton,” as he was known by his many friends in Bay City, attended school in Bay City and was well known and liked by all. He left here several years ago to go to work in Corpus Christi and it was there when he died.

He is survived by his wife, one daughter, Clara Mae, one son, Henry Glenn; also surviving are his father, Henry Altenburg of Bay City, two sisters, Mrs. N. M. Cleveland of Bay City, Mrs. Stanley Coker of Houston; two brothers, Waymond of Newgulf and Allen of Houston.

Funeral services, under the direction of Taylor Bros., will be Tuesday afternoon at 2 o’clock from the First Baptist Church. Interment will be in Cedarvale Cemetery.

Matagorda County Tribune, February 6, 1944
 

John Henry Altenburg     Clara Altenburg


Mr. J. H. Altenburg Dies in Hospital

Mr. J. H. Altenburg, age 78, passed away Thursday morning at 8:05 o’clock in the Matagorda General Hospital

He is survived by: two daughters, Mrs. Lela Coker of Freeport and Mrs. Ethel Cleveland of Bay City; two sons, Waymon Altenburg of Liberty and Allen Altenburg; two sisters, Mrs. Maggie Watson and Mrs. Matilda Watson of Grand Prairie.

Funeral services were held from the First Baptist Church at 3:00 PM today (Friday) with Dr. Allen O. Webb and Rev. George Lee officiating. Interment was in the Cedarvale Cemetery with the Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Pallbearers were John Serafine, R. G. Tillman, Cecil Pruitt, J. W. Pruitt, J. W. Vest and J. T. White.

The Daily Tribune, June 1, 1951                  Obituary courtesy of Susie Adkins
 

Sarah F. Anderson     Thomas E. Anderson     Lydie M. Anderson

Mrs. T. F. Anderson – Sarah F. Reaves Anderson

The death angel knocked at the door of Mr. T. F. Anderson at 6:30 on the morning of March 6, and called for his dear companion, Mrs. Francis Reaves Anderson. Mrs. Anderson, first stricken with influenza then developing pneumonia, had been seriously ill for several days. The skill of the physician, faithful attendance of the trained nurse and the prayers of earnest Christians failed in the attempt to restore her to health. It seems that the Lord willed to take her home.

Sister Anderson was 33 years old. At the age of 14 she was converted, after which she lived a consecrated Christian life until the day of her death. She was loyal to the Word and faithful to attend the Sunday School, B. Y. P. U. and W. M. U., as well as the regular preaching services of the church. As a wife and mother she was devoted to her family and home. She sought earnestly to bring her children up in the admonition of the Lord. Sister Anderson was patient in her suffering which at times was very intense. She complained very little, but maintained a sweet disposition until God took her. She requested her friends and loved ones not to weep for her and exclaimed, “No one but me and my Lord knows how happy I am.” “Do you hear the music? What wonderfully sweet music!”

Funeral services were conducted at the Baptist Church Wednesday afternoon at 3 o’clock. As the funeral procession entered Mr. Reynolds played “Rock of Ages” on the marimba. The choir then sang a beautiful hymn and Dr. Early lead in prayer. The pastor, W. M. Joslin, read from Revelation 21:1-4, and 21:22-27, and spoke with reference to the land to which our sister in Christ has departed. The services were then concluded by choir singing, “Nearer My God to Thee,” accompanied by the marimba.

Sister Anderson is survived by her devoted husband, Brother T F. Anderson; two sons, Herbert and Travis; her father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. E. Reaves; four sisters Mrs. Harril Heard, Mrs. Icie Barrett, Ophelia Reaves and Gwindalin Reaves; three brothers, Elom Reaves, Daword Reaves and Lee Reaves.

To know Sister Anderson was to love her. The church has given up one of its best members. But, “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord, from henceforth; Yea, saith the Spirit that they shall rest from their labors; and their works do follow them.”

Matagorda County Tribune, March 16, 1923
 

Jacob Bachman

Jacob Bachman

Mr. Jacob Bachman, 69 years, grocer in the city for twenty-seven years passed away at his home, Saturday night about 8 o’clock. For several months Mr. Bachman had not been in very good health but the death was a terrible shock to the many friends who had known him and loved him.

He is survived by his wife, his son, Carl and a daughter, Mrs. Louis Sexton of Chicago, Ill.

Funeral arrangements will be held from the Presbyterian church Tuesday morning at 10 o’clock. Taylor Brothers, funeral directors are in charge of the burial arrangements.

A more fitting account of his life and work of this good man will appear in a later issue of the Tribune.

Daily Tribune, May 11, 1931

Jacob Bachman

Whereas, on May 9 at 5 p. m., our friend and fellow townsman, Mr. Jacob Bachman, answered the call of our Heavenly Father to come up higher, death has once more invaded our ranks and removed from among us our friend and beloved brother, and his soul having departed to dwell in that bourne from which no traveler has ever returned. On the other hand it is our hopeful privilege to commend his soul to our Maker, having in us the confident hope of the coming again of our Lord, the resurrection of the body from the grave and the joyous life reserved for God’s children in the realms of glory.

The deceased was born February 20 at Carmi, Ill. He was married on October 19, 1887 to Miss Lula Miller of Trumbull, Ill. To this union there were born two children, Mrs. Carl Bachman and Mrs. L. R. Sexton. This union was broken by the death and home going of Mrs. Bachman in October, 1918.

The deceased was married again to Mrs. Zora Bingman of Carmi, Ill. on Sept. 8, 1920. Mrs. Zora Bachman’s two children, Mrs. J. W. Payne, Jr., of Dallas, Texas and Mr. Herman Bingham of Norman, Okla., were with their mother in her recent sorrow.

Mr. J. Bachman has been in business here in Bay City above fifteen years. He has established for himself a host of friends. He always was congenial, kind and considerate, he had a good word for everyone. He leaves a great record as a fair business man, a loyal citizen and a devout Christian.

The deceased is survived by his wife, Mrs. Zora Bachman, his son, Carl of Bay City, his daughter, Mrs. L. R. Sexton of Chicago, Ill. and three grandchildren, Eura Louise and Louis Sexton, Jr., of Chicago, Ill. and Dick Bachman of Bay City. His foster children, Mrs. J. W. Payne, Jr., of Dallas, Texas and Mrs. Herman Bingham of Norman, Okla. His brother, Mr. Louis Bachman of Carmi, Ill.

Daily Tribune, May 13, 1931
 

Louisa Ann  Bachman

Mrs. Lula A. Bachman – Louisa Ann Bachman

Mrs. Lula A. Bachman, wife of Mr. J. Bachman of this city, died at her home yesterday morning at 8:15, after a lingering illness.

The funeral took place this afternoon at 5 o’clock. Decedent leaves a husband, a son, Carl, who is now in France and a daughter.

Mrs. Bachman was 54 years, 1 month and 18 days of age. She has been in ill health for sometime and while no hope was entertained for her ultimate recovery her many friends and the friends of the family were grieved to learn of her demise.

She was a devout Christian, a member of the Presbyterian Church, a devoted mother and wife, and a woman of many sweet traits of character.

The funeral, Rev. Storey of the Presbyterian Church officiating, took place this afternoon at Cedarvale Cemetery, after services conducted at the home.

Many friends were present to pay their last sad respects to their beloved co-worker, neighbor and friends.

The Tribune extends its deepest sympathy to the saddened household.

Matagorda County Tribune, August 9, 1918
 

Crawford C. Barnett


Clayton Crawford Barnett’s Rites Held Here Tuesday From Taylor Chapel
Crawford C. Barnett

Final rites for Clayton Crawford Barnett, 62, were held Tuesday from Taylor Brothers Funeral Home Chapel, with the Rev. W. W. Conerly officiating.

Mr. Barnett died here Monday after an illness of short duration. A resident of Bay City for 40 years, Mr. Barnett operated a barber shop here for many years.

Interment was in Cedarvale Cemetery with Taylor Brothers directing.

He is survived by his wife; two daughters, Mrs. Martha Jane Fults and Mrs. Georgia Ann Joiner, both of Orange, and one son, Robert E. of Galena Park.

Daily Tribune, March 6, 1952
 

Georgianna Barnett

Mrs. Ack Barnett – Georgianna Crawford Barnett

Georgianna Crawford was born September 6, 1866, in Columbus Grove, Ohio. Here she received education in the public schools together with extensive training in voice and piano—enabling her to help in the prominent musical activities of the community.

The Christian characteristics that have been so beautifully reflected throughout her life received their inspiration during her early years.

A childhood romance was culminated on December 28, 1884, when she was married to John Ackber Barnett.

To them was born two children, the older, a daughter, died at the age of sixteen on February 22, 1907.

Mr. and Mrs. Barnett with their son, Crawford, moved to Bay City. Immediately we find her active in many organizations. In the church, a Sunday school teacher, president of the Missionary society and a member of the choir, in the Priscilla club as president and in the Eastern Star as Worthy Matron, continuing in responsible activity until June 18, 1923 at which time she suffered a stroke of apoplexy. For weeks her life was despaired of; however, her recovery was miraculous, she being able to return to active life for five years and a second stroke left her an invalid.

During these years she has been a patient, gentle sufferer, receiving the most untiring care and devotion from her faithful husband and family, which never wavered for a moment, (a beautiful example of Christian self-sacrifice) until her spirit was liberated, Sunday night at 10:20, April 12, 1931.

Hers was a long and useful life, refined and ennobled in service to others and the world is better, richer, that she lived and wrought. She blessed her generation and her influence abides still as a sacred benediction in the hearts of those who mourn her passing.

When the sun goes down at the close of dark, it throws back a splendid after-glow of surpassing beauty to still and to quiet tired hearts. So does this life of our friend an after-glow that will abide as years go on.

To you whose home has known the passing of this loved one, we give our loving sympathy; when time has in a measure healed your grief you will realize that the home circle has not been broken, only extended to the Father’s house, for our loved ones are not dead, they have only completed the voyage of life and reached the eternal harbor to await our coming.

Daily Tribune?, April 16, 1931
 

Harlan Bass     Vadalynne Bass

Harlan “Cowboy” Bass

Harlan “Cowboy” Bass, 74, died Wednesday, April 17, 1996

He is survived by his loving wife, Jo Ann; son Blake Bass; daughters Donna Kalkbrenner, Sharon Carr, Sandra Morrow; grandchildren Kelly Carr, Tracy Carr, Michelle Holick; brothers Joe and Richard Bass, Charles Edward and Gary Wayne Slater and sister Kay Slater.

Memorial services will be held on Friday, April 19, in the Settegast-Kopf Chapel in Houston with Mr. Steve Thorney officiating.

Arrangements are with Settegast-Kopf Co. Funeral Directors of Houston.

Daily Tribune, April 19, 1996
 

Hattie M. Belcher

Mrs. Belcher Dies Suddenly – Hattie Mary Belcher

A charter member of the First Christian Church, Mrs. Hattie Mary Belcher of 3004 Avenue K, died Saturday at the age of 81. She had lived in Bay City for 60 years and the county for over 65 years.

Services were held Monday afternoon from the church, Rev. Donald Larick officiating. Burial was in Cedarvale Cemetery under the direction of Taylor Brothers.

Mrs. Belcher is survived by her brother, John Lee Clark of Houston, one great-niece, Mark Clark of Bay City, nephew Jerry Clark of Houston and one great-nephew, Randall Clark of Bay City.

Pallbearers were Otha Birkner, Don Wertz, David Nance, W. B. Sirman, Joe Birkner, Sr. and Posey McLendon. Elders and deacons of the church served as honorary pallbearers.

Daily Tribune, August 6, 1964
 

William M. Belcher

The residents of Bay City were shocked to learn late Thursday evening of the death of Mr. W. M. Belcher, a long time citizen of Bay City and a well and favorably known friend and neighbor.

Mrs. Belcher had attended a church meeting in Houston and arrived home after nightfall. She had been accompanied by Mrs. Eunice Rutherford in the latter’s car. After arriving at the Belcher home, Mrs. Rutherford waited until Mrs. Belcher entered her home and turned on the lights, then drove away. Mrs. Belcher missed her husband and noticed he had not eaten his meals. Becoming alarmed she notified her neighbors and after a search about the premises the body was discovered by Willis Lowe, in the chicken yard where Mr. Belcher had been doing some repair work. He had been dead for several hours.

For some time Mr. Belcher had been subject to heart trouble and had been frequently advised by his physician to take care of himself, but he continued active and was at work when the end came.

Mr. Belcher was born June 21, 1865, in Vicennes, Indiana. He moved to Texas some 40 years ago, most of which time he has resided in Bay City and in this county. At one time, Mr. Belcher served as county commissioner for two terms. The first hard surface road building in the county and, incidentally, it was in this precinct was inaugurated under Mr. Belcher’s administration.

This splendid man and citizen was well liked by all who knew him. He was a fine neighbor and husband, and a member of the First Christian church of Bay City. He is survived by his wife, and a sister, who lives in Indiana.

The funeral was held this afternoon at 4 o’clock from the residence, Rev. Willet of the Christian church officiating. Burial was in Cedarvale cemetery.

The Tribune joins the many friends in an expression of sympathy to Mrs. Belcher and the relatives.

Daily Tribune, November 12, 1936