JOHN BOLSTER 1846-1910

BOLSTER, STODEN, BANNISTER, HOLDEN

Posted By: Georgea Clinton (email)
Date: 3/19/2014 at 16:05:15

Jan 20, 1910 - Carroll Times - The death of John A. Bolster occurred at his home southeast of the city at an early hour Saturday morning. He had been confined to his home for some weeks with a complication of arterial, heart and nervous troubles, but few even of his friends realized the serious nature of his illness. The news came to all who knew him like that of the death of a relative, for John was liked by everybody for his kind, generous and wholesome demeanor towards all.

Departed was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, in the year 1846. With his parents he came west in 1854, to Fayette county, Iowa, where he shared the early pioneer hardships. Among these was the distance to market, a trip to McGregor, the nearest river and shipping town, taking two days. It was while hauling grain to that town in 1861, that his father was crushed under a load of wheat. The lad with his mother bravely faced life and the struggle to maintain the family of younger children. They came to Woodbury county, Iowa, in later years, where the mother died in 1885.

John was married at Danbury, Iowa, Feb. 17, 1885 to Miss Catharine Stoden, who survives him. They resided successively in Woodbury county, Iowa; McCook county. South Dakota; Crawford county, Iowa; and Pierce City, Mo. From the latter place they came to this city some eight years ago, and have made their home here ever since.

There survive with the sorrowing widow the following children: Mary, Mrs. Frank Bannister, Phillips, S. D.; Matt, Gertie and Adolph at home with their mother. There also survive the following brothers and sisters: Mary, Mrs. Geo. Holden, Aberdeen, S.D.; Barney, Carroll, Iowa; Henry, Redwood Falls, Minn.; Joe M., Carroll, Iowa, all of whom were present at the funeral. There were also present Nick Stoden and wife Wayne, Neb.; Pat, Matt, Andrew and John Stoden, brothers; and Mrs. Adam Schuh, sister of Mrs. John Bolster, the latter all residing near Mapleton, Iowa.

The funeral took place at 9 o'clock Tuesday forenoon, following requiem High Mass, from SS. Peter and Paul's Catholic Church in this city, interment taking place at the parish cemetery. John Bolster was a loving husband and father, a kind hearted, obliging neighbor, honest and upright, and though of humble circumstances, enjoyed the respect of all who knew him. He was a hardworking, industrious, law-abiding citizen, and no one ever heard a hard word from him about anyone.

His life, a continuous struggle to provide for those whom he loved, was always based on the golden rule. In his conduct he gave an admirable example of clean irreproachable manhood, without an improper word, act or hint. He leaves his children memory that they can revere with satisfaction and pride; that of a moral life; his name lives unsullied, without a breath of taint a heritage of gold can't buy and no poverty take way. It is consoling to think that his reward is assured in the realms of immortality, assuaging the grief of those whose hearts we can but indequately soothe with our sympathy. May the spiritual petitions for his eternal repose be numerous, and bring to him the rewards of a life, every hour of which was a blessing to others.