"Jack" was born to John Bedford and Elizabeth Burke Howard near Brandenburg, in Meade County, Kentucky. He was 4 when his father died and 6 when his mother died. He was raised by various relatives and then his older siblings. The censuses list him as a rancher, bean farmer, and a city water man. He married on February 17, 1870 in San Bernardino County, California to Laura Louise "Lou" Damron. He did not marry until he was 35, taking care of his younger sister, as well as various occupations he had that kept him traveling in California, Nevada, and elsewhere. He rode the Pony Express when he lived in Benicia and the mail had to be rerouted overland.He was a guide and brought wagon trains from MO to CA. He also worked during the Civil War to send money to his brother Alex's family who also helped raise him. John and Lou had nine children: William Alexander Bedford, Bessie Bedford, Annie Bedford, Lola Bedford, Joseph Bedford, Mattie Bedford, "Birdie" Bedford, "Ricka" Bedford, and Ray Bedford. According to Jack's death certificate, he died of hemorrhage vascular.
"Jack" was born to John Bedford and Elizabeth Burke Howard near Brandenburg, in Meade County, Kentucky. He was 4 when his father died and 6 when his mother died. He was raised by various relatives and then his older siblings. The censuses list him as a rancher, bean farmer, and a city water man. He married on February 17, 1870 in San Bernardino County, California to Laura Louise "Lou" Damron. He did not marry until he was 35, taking care of his younger sister, as well as various occupations he had that kept him traveling in California, Nevada, and elsewhere. He rode the Pony Express when he lived in Benicia and the mail had to be rerouted overland.He was a guide and brought wagon trains from MO to CA. He also worked during the Civil War to send money to his brother Alex's family who also helped raise him. John and Lou had nine children: William Alexander Bedford, Bessie Bedford, Annie Bedford, Lola Bedford, Joseph Bedford, Mattie Bedford, "Birdie" Bedford, "Ricka" Bedford, and Ray Bedford. According to Jack's death certificate, he died of hemorrhage vascular.
Family Members
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William Alexander Bedford
1870–1939
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Bessie Bedford Luken
1872–1904
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Anna L. "Annie" Bedford Jasper
1874–1969
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Lola Sevier Bedford Mitchell
1876–1974
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Joseph Floyd Bedford
1879–1892
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Mattie Lee Bedford Ivey
1884–1914
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Laura Elsie "Birdie" Bedford Williams
1886–1966
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Fredericka Louise "Ricka" Bedford Blackburn
1888–1971
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Ray Coleman Bedford
1895–1973
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