Emery J. Stevenson, 1827-1923

STEVENSON, POST, MARSTON, FOSTER

Posted By: S. Ferrall - IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 3/22/2012 at 01:55:20

Obituary - Emery James Stevenson
The remains of Mr. Stevenson were brought here from Boulder, Colorado, and laid at rest in the Postville cemetery Saturday afternoon beside his wife, father, mother and sister, who had passed on before him, also his grandfather, Elijah Stevenson, and aunt, Mrs. Zeruah Stevenson-Post, and other relatives, he being the last of the Stevenson and Post families of their generation.

Rev. J.A. Saathoff conducted the services at the grave. A mixed quartette sang "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" and "Abide With Me." The pall bearers were old friends and neighbors - Charles M. Kerr, J.M. Harris, R.N. Douglass, John Thoma, Evan Swenson and C.W. Meier.

Emery James Stevenson was born in Conawango, Catarasus county, New York, April 30, 1837, thus being 86 years and two months old at the time of his death. He came to Iowa with his parents when about twelve years old and settled on a farm one mile east of Postville. He was married to Daphne D. Marston in 1857 and to this union were born four children, all of whom survive him - Elmer B. Stevenson, Kansas City, No.; Fred H. Stevenson, Kansas City, Mo.; Cary H. Stevenson, Chicago, Ill.; and Mrs. Cordia Stevenson-Foster, Boulder, Colo.; besides 16 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

He was one of the early merchants of Postvile and built the first two-story brick building, which stood for years at the corner across the street from the Lutheran church, but was later moved and is now occupied by J.C. Thoma.

In 1873 he moved to a farm in Bremer county, Iowa. In 1888 he again began business in Mt. Vernon, Iowa, and continued with his son Fred H. for several years, but on account of the prolonged illness of his wife he gave up business and devoted his entire time to her until her death, some fifteen years ago.

He was one of the early if not a charter member of the Old Free Will Baptist church in this city, and was one of the pillars of the church, teacher in the Sunday School and trustee, as he was in the new home in Bremer county.

The past twelve years he has been living with his daughter in Boulder, Colo., where he passed away June 10.

~Postville Herald, July 26, 1923