STILES, Timothy 1811-1879

STILES, SHAW, MCKELLAND, MCCLELLAND

Posted By: S. Ferrall - IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 2/16/2005 at 20:46:17

Mr. Timothy STILES departed this life on Thursday afternoon, the 27th day of February, 1879, in the 68th year of his age.

He was born in Tioga county, Penn. June 6th, 1811. At an early age he removed to Steuben co., N.Y. and was there married to Hannah SHAW on the fifth day of Dec. 1831.

They removed to Waitesville, Alleghany Co. N.Y. some time during the year 1837 where they resided until the spring of 1855 and being engaged in the cabinet business, and latterly, during the last four or five years of his stay there in the mercantile business.

His continued failing health and the hope of being better able to provide for his family induced him to come west, and in the spring of 1855 he removed, with his family to Postville, Iowa, where, for some years, he engaged in farming and with his general health much improved. Finding farming uncongenial to his tastes and most of his family having left home to do for themselves, he concluded to dispose of his farm. In 1863 he sold his place and removed to Postville where he built himself a pleasant home, fixed up with much care for their comfort in their declining years.

In the spring of 1875 a dark cloud overshadowed his life in the death of a faithful and devoted and affectionate companion. Here, again, his health began to fail him, but he gradually reacted and responded enjoying an unusual degree of health up to within a short time before his final sickness.

On the first of May last he became united in marriage to Miranda MCKELLAND* with whom he lived happily, and looked forward to years of enjoyment. But no ties are too sacred for the Destroyer.

He was unwell for some time previous to the final sickness but supposed it would wear away. The attack was ushered on with a violent chill, followed by extensive vomiting from which he never recovered. His physicians at first gave their opinion that the trouble was inflammation of the mucous membrane of the stomach, but a more careful diagnosis induced the conclusion beyond a doubt that it was scirraus cancer of the stomach and no hope was given. He suffered terribly during the better part of his sickness, but he was very patient and resigned, and willing and ready to die. He frequently asked the question, "Am I not getting near thy rest? How soon will I be there?" His anxiety to depart seemed to grow stronger as he neared his end.

Every attention and care that affection and medical skill could suggest to make life more easy was given him. His mind was perfectly clear and collected up to within a short time before his death. Two weeks and five days from the time he was taken sick, he was taken home, where all is rest and peace. He frequently expressed his faith in a happy immortality beyond this life.

In glancing over the history of his past life there is much pleasant to contemplate. An [illegible] reputation for honesty and integrity he held the confidence and esteem of all who knew him. The character which he sustained in this respect is evidenced from the fact of his being repeatedly elected to the office of Justice of the Peace for the past fourteen years.

In his death the community has lost a valuable citizen and [illegible], his family a kind and indulgent parent, and his companion a husband and protector. But our loss is his gain. He rests in the bosom of his Father and his God.
M.

~Postville Review; March 8, 1879

same paper & issue, in the local items column:

T.B. Easton is turning out some very fine undertaking. The casket fitted up for Mr. Stiles is one of the finest we have seen in the west. In order to keep fully up with the times as an undertaker, Mr. Easton has arranged to furnish Mr. Lathrop's splendid hearse to all his customers who desire it.

Notes: Miranda nee Wescott was 1st married to Rev. Elisha McClelland. She died 10/26/1913 and is buried in the Monona City cemetery. The obit is 'signed' with the letter 'M', and possibly was written by Miranda.