Hugh STOTT 1824-1911

STOTT, SPARKS, KEPHART, JACKSON, PADDLEFORD, OAKES

Posted By: Nancy J. Geitgey (email)
Date: 4/24/2003 at 13:33:53

Marble Rock Journal 7 Sept 1911

Hugh STOTT was born in Wylam Co., North Umberland, England, Feb. 23d, 1824 [to Archibald and Ann SPARKS STOTT]. He landed in New York City, July 10th, 1848. From there he came west as far as Pittsburg, Pa. Later he moved to St. Louis, where he lived one year and eight months. During his residence in this place, the greatest cholear epidemic that St. Louis ever witnessed raged. For three months Mr. STOTT went from house to house in the capacity of nurse, and assisting the undertakers in burying the dead. This he did without renumeration. He did this in contrast with many others, who fled for their lives, leaving the sick and dead to take care of themselves.

During 1850 he crossed the plains to California, where he spent three years. He returned to New York City via the Isthmus of Panama and came to Dubuque, Iowa, where he landed in January 1854. Here, and in that vicinity, he spent 18 years. His next resident was in Harper's Ferry, in Allamakee county, Iowa. This was his home for five years. From there he came to Marble Rock, Iowa, in 1872, which has been his residence ever since, with the exception of four years spent in Waterloo.

October 6th, 1854, he was married in Dubuque county to Miss Sarah KEPHART. This union was blessed with eight children, four of whom died in infancy. The living are, Mrs. Anna Belle JACKSON, of Camp Douglas, Wis., Mrs. Margaret PADDLEFORD, of Nora Springs, Iowa, Mrs. Luella OAKES of this city, and Mr. Milan L. STOTT of Duluth, Minn.

Of a family of eight children, Mr. STOTT was the last survivor.

His wife died eighteen years ago the 4th of last May, since which he had ever found a pleasant home with his daughter, and husband, Mrs. and Mr. B. J. OAKES of this place.

Mr. STOOT [misspelled in obit] has always been frail in body, often very ill. His ailments at times were so severe, that death seemed evident. Two years ago last March his last illmess seized him and it semed that he could not recover. But there came a measure of returning health. For sixteen weeks, lacking one day, he was confined to his bed.

His departure for the "better land" took place last Wednesday morning at 10 minutes to four. His life measured the span of 87 years, 6 months and 7 days.

Before coming to America Mr. STOTT was a member of the Episcopal church. On coming to Marble Rock he worshipped with the Methodist Episcopal church. When in strength he took an active part in church affairs both in its business and as one of the singers of its choir. He attended its services as long as his strength would permit. Often during his last sickness he would make plans to attend the services of the following Sabbath.

He was always a good neighbor, and was often called upon to arbitrate the difficulties that arose in his neighborhood. He was a man of peace, who often gave his other cheek to the smighter, rather than to quarrel.

During his more than sixty-three years of residence in this country, fifty-seven of which was spent in Iowa, he has born his share of hardships and contributed his share to the wellfare of his fellow men, and we now carry his body to an honored grave, and his gentle spirit has passed to be with many of this kindred and friends of other days in the home beyond the "setting sun".

Funeral services were held Friday afternoon, Sept 1st, at 2:30 at the B. J. OAKES residence, when many friends of the fmaily assembled to pay tribute. Rev. T. A. Trimble was in charge of the service. The interment was made in the East Side Cemetery.