# 1 - - Published in The Enterprise, December 6, 1934

LONG TIME BLAIR RESIDENT PASSES

MAN PROMINENT IN EARLY COUNTY HISTORY IS CALLED TO HIS REWARD

Caleb Loftis, son of Job and Elizabeth Loftis, was born December 2nd, 1847, near Fairfield, Illinois. He departed this life on November 30, 1934. His age was 86 years, 11 months and 28 days.

He was the oldest of six children and was left fatherless at eleven years of age, and for some years he assisted his widowed mother in caring for the younger children.

On March 16th, 1871, he was united in marriage with Mary Elizabeth Bovee, and a year later the young married couple moved to Washington county, Nebraska, where they made their home for some years near Vacoma, later moving to the farm home situated near New England. Eleven children were born to this union, three having departed this life in early childhood. They were Elizabeth, Charles and Ray. The wife and mother passed away on April 5, 1904. Later on Mr. Loftis moved to Blair, Nebraska, where on June 14th, 1916, he was united in marriage with Mrs. Cora Osmond. Mr. and Mrs. Loftis reared to womanhood an orphaned niece, Miss Iva Bacon.

Those of the immediate family who survive are: his wife; eight children: four sons, Frank and Bert of Herman, Nebr.; John of Tekamah; and George of Blair, Nebr.; four daughters, Mrs. Robert McConnaha of Herman; Mrs. Merl Anthony of Craig; Mrs. Louie Larson of Blair, Nebr.; and Miss Olive Loftis of Omaha. There are 24 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.

Mr. Loftis was converted when a boy and became a follower of Jesus Christ. He united with the Mt. Olivet Methodist Episcopal church in Wayne county, Illinois. At Vacoma, Nebraska, he was a member of the official board of the church. After moving to Blair his membership was transferred to the M.E. church. He served the church here as an official member and was active until his health failed him, and he has since remained as an honorary member of the board.

As a church man, he lived a truly Christian life and was ever faithful and loyal to his Lord and the church. He was a splendid neighbor and was always ready to lend a helping hand to any who might be in need.

Funeral services were held on Monday, December 3rd, at the Blair Methodist Episcopal church at 2:00 o’clock p.m., conducted by the pastor, Rev. D. A. McCullough, assisted by Rev. T. J. Reese, pastor of the Blair Baptist church. Burial was in the Blair cemetery.

Find A Grave Memorial# 58799131

# 2 - - Published in Pilot-Tribune, December 6, 1934

CALEB LOFTIS, 86, DIED HERE FRIDAY

RESIDENT OF COUNTY FOR 62 YEARS WAS BURIED IN BLAIR MONDAY

Caleb Loftis, 86, resident of Washington County since 1872, died last Friday, November 30, after being ill for some time. Funeral services were held at the Blair Methodist Church Monday afternoon, with the pastor, Rev. D.A. McCullough, officiating, assisted by Rev. T. J. Reese of the Baptist Church. Six grandsons served as pallbearers. Interment followed in the Blair cemetery.

The son of Job and Elizabeth Loftis, he was born December 2, 1847, near Fairfield, Illinois. When he was 11 years old, his father died, and Caleb, being the oldest of six children, for several years assisted his widowed mother in caring for the younger children.

He was married to Mary Elizabeth Bovee March 16, 1871, and a year later the couple moved to Washington county, settling near Vacoma, later moving to a farm near the New England neighborhood. Eleven children were born to the union, three succumbing in early childhood. Mrs. Loftis died April 5, 1901, and later Mr. Loftis moved to Blair, where on June 14, 1916, he was married to Mrs. Cora Osmond. Mr. and Mrs. Loftis reared to womanhood their orphaned niece, Miss Iva Bacon, now manager of Court View hospital.

MANY SURVIVORS

Survivors are his wife; four sons, Frank and Bert of Herman; George of Blair; and John of Tekamah; four daughters, Mrs. Robert McConnaha of Herman; Mrs. Merl Anthony of Craig; Mrs. Louis Larson of Blair; and Miss Olive Loftis of Omaha. There are 24 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.

Long an active member of the Methodist church, Mr. Loftis first joined the Mt. Olive church in Wayne county, Illinois. Later he was a member of the official board of the Vacoma church in this county; and since moving to Blair he had served as an active and honorary member of the official board of the local Methodist church.

Among relatives present at the rites were Mr. and Mrs. Frank Loftis and Mr. and Mrs. Gertrude Loftis and son, Emmett, of Coleridge; Miss Olive Loftis of Omaha; Mr. and Mrs. Jake Dyer of Fort Morgan, Colorado; Mr. and Mrs. John Bovee and daughter Mabel; Mr. and Mrs. Clark Loftis and Dewey Hancock, all of Craig.

Find A Grave Memorial# 58799131