Bedford Times-Republican (Bedford, Iowa)
Thursday February 25, 1926 p. 7
John M. Ailshie
John M.[orris] Ailshie was born in Green County, Tennessee, Sept. 5, 1842, and departed this life at his home in Athelstan, Iowa, on Feb. 15, 1926, aged 83 years, 5 months and 10 days. At the age of 19 he enlisted in the Civil War as a volunteer, serving with Co. H., 21st Missouri Infantry. He was engaged in battles at Ft. De Russy [Louisiana], March 4, 1864; Yellow Bayou [Louisiana],
May 19, 1964; Tupelo [Mississippi], July 14, 1864 and Nashville, Dec. 15, 1864. In June 1867, he was united in marriage to Martha Sleeth. To this union was born eleven children, as follows:
Margaret Alexander, who died in 1886;
Frank Ailshie, of Blockton, Ia.;
Mrs. Nellie Townsend, of Bedford, Ia.;
Elmer,
who died in infancy;
Mrs. Dorothy Bowman, of Ozawkie, Kans.;
Mrs. Susie Sickels,
of Athol, Kans;
John Ailshie of Malvern, Ia.;
Mrs. Alice Kinser, Topeka, Kans.;
Mrs. Lena Turner, Miami, Okla.;
Mrs. Mary Barber of Topeka, Kans., and
Mrs.
Effie Walston of Riverton, Iowa.
Besides the children he leaves to mourn his departure, 35 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, and one sister, Elizabeth Shinn, of Putnam County, Mo. Also a host of friends, all of whom regret his departure. He was converted in a revival meeting at Mt. Zion Baptist church,
and united with the church at that place. Later he transferred his membership to the Baptist church of Athelstan, Ia., where he held membership at the time of
his death, and attended services as long as he was able and his health would permit. He was one of our best citizens, a good husband, kind and loving father, and well liked by all who knew him. The funeral services were conducted
from the Athelstan Baptist church, Feb. 17, 1926, by Challie E. Graham, and the remains interred in the cemetery at the same place. In spite of the downpour of
rain there was a fine attendance at the services. The music by the male quartette, composed of H. O. Mumma, Robert Ford, and Marion and Calvin Jenkins, with Mrs. Mattie Miller presiding at the piano, was very fine. The pallbearers were selected from veterans of the World War.

The sorrowing family and relatives have the sympathy of a host of friends. We commend them to Him who has promised never to leave us alone, and may they be richly comforted by Him, and led safely Home at last.