Obituary of William David Stephens

The passing away of the life of Mr. Stephens is that of one who has fought the fight, finishing his course and has gone to his reward. He was born in North Carolina, July 26, 1835, and died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Elmer Cue, at 7:30 o'clock p.m., Saturday, September 9, 1917, aged 82 years, 1 month, and 14 days. The cause of his death was a gradual decline following a stroke of paralysis suffered about six years ago.

While he was yet a boy his father moved the family to Tennessee and later to Indiana where he grew to manhood and on March 26, 1860, was united in marriage with Miss Lavina Cox. They soon moved to Iowa where their nine children, two sons and seven daughters were born.[12] Two of these daughters died in infancy and one son, Grant, died after he had reached the age of manhood. The other children and their mother survive and were with him at the time of his death.

Mr. Stephens and family came to Trego county on March 24, 1887, and located on a farm a few miles southwest of this city. Later they sold this farm and homesteaded a quarter nearer to town which has long been known as the “Stephens farm.” He knew what it meant to undergo the trials and hardships of a pioneer settler in this country yet he always maintained a hopeful disposition and hoped for things better in the future. In early life he became a member of the Friends or Quaker church and was a faithful member of that organization and later united with the Methodist church of this city. It can truly be said of him that he was a man, patient, tender hearted, kindly in his dealings and a loving father and husband. The funeral services were conducted from the Methodist church in this city Tuesday, the sermon being delivered by the Rev. Sutton, pastor. The body was buried in the Wa-Keeney Cemetery. The floral offerings were numerous and very beautiful. The deceased is survived by his aged wife, his son and five daughters, besides thirty-three grand children. To them is extended the sincere sympathy of a large circle of friends.  Cards of Thanks

We desire to express to the kind hearted neighbors and friends who assisted us in the sickness and burial of our departed one, our heartfelt thanks, also to the singers and the friends who so kindly gave flowers.

Mrs. W.D. Stephens and family

[12]This is incorrect, according to Steve Beason's The Stephens Family Genealogical History (1973). According to Mr. Beason, the four eldest Stephens children and the youngest daughter were born in Indiana.