Charles Seaton 1868-1951

SEATON, BOND, STRATILEK

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 1/29/2017 at 16:30:53

18 October 1951 - The Clarence Sun

Written by himself

Charles Augustus Seaton was born April 21, 1868, in Wethersfield township, Henry county, Illinois, on a farm which is now a part of the city of Kewanee. Very soon thereafter the family moved to Toulon, Ill., and when he was three years old to Cambridge, Ill., which was his home till twenty-three years of age. His schooling amounted to what is now eight grades, which with the knowledge gathered from a well educated mother and in newspaper offices was sufficient to get him by all the business and official positions undertaken.

The setting of type in the office of the Prairie Chief, his father's paper, began at the age of 10, and at 18 he took charge of the mechanical work in the Cambridge Chronicle office. On March 13, 1890, a half interest in this paper was purchased and held till April 2, 1891. After disposing of his interest in that paper he went to New York City and spent the balance of that year working for the most part in the composing room of the New York Press, a morning paper.

Returning to Cambridge at the beginning of 1892 he began looking for a location, and on February 11, 1892, bought the Oxford Mirror at Oxford Junction, Iowa, conducting this paper five years, or till February 11, 1897, when it was sold. On July 5, that same year, he purchased the Clarence Sun, Clarence, Iowa. This first ownership of the Sun lasted till September 1, 1898, when the paper went back to Clark Smith, from whom it was purchased. A venture in a job office in Muscatine, which had been connected with the Journal, did not prove successful and the publication of the Sun was resumed February 28, 1901, and continued till his death on Sunday, October 14, 1951.

Helped start the Lowden News in 1902 and was with that paper for 19 years.

Chas. A. Seaton was the tenth child of B. W. Seaton and Julia E. Bond Seaton. Seven of the children grew to maturity of which the three sisters and three brothers proceeded him in death.

On August 18, 1897, he married Miss Helen Stratilek of Oxford Junction, Iowa, and they became the parents of two sons, Warren N., born in Clarence April 15, 1906 and Harlo Allen, born in Clarence June 19, 1912.

He was a member of Mt. Hope Lodge No. 501 A.F.A.M. at Clarence where he was awarded a 50 year Masonic membership certificate in 1943, therefore making him a mason for 58 years, and the National Typographical Union, having been initiated in the latter organization at New York City in 1891, and for a time held a working card in the great No. 6. He has served as City Clerk, President of the School Board, School Treasurer and President of the old First National Bank.

A word in the first person: Of all in my life I have enjoyed my family and my home most. Of my sons we have tried to make good citizens, and we believe we have succeeded. The radio, added to newspapers and magazines, has contributed much to the enjoyment of home. All three have brought information and pleasure. The better orchestra music over the radio never grew tiresome. The purchase of the bank building and occupying the second floor as an office also added to the pleasure of life.

As I go out into the great adventure it would be unfair to proclaim Him with parade at the eleventh hour. That might eminate from fear only. My life had best be submitted as it has lived. Let those who can derive comfort and enjoyment out of their beliefs and solutions of the wonderful mystery of life. The freer these are of superstitious fear the nearer they come to perfection and the deeper and more radiant the glow of comfort. I am not afraid of death--it is a release.

Mr. Seaton passed away at his home on Sunday evening, October 14th, 1951, at 7 p.m. after three and a half years of failing health. He had attained the age of 83 years, 5 months and 23 days. He was not confined to his bed until Wednesday afternoon, October 10th. His wife and youngest son were at his bedside when the unexpected end came.

He leaves to mourn his passing his beloved wife Helen, and his two sons Warren and Harlo, a daughter-in-law Martha Seaton, a granddaughter and a grandson along with a number of nieces and nephews.

A short prayer service at the Chapman Funeral Home at 1:30 on Wednesday, October 17th were followed by funeral services at the Methodist church at 2 p.m. with Rev. A. D. Holtry and Mt. Hope Lodge No. 501 in charge. The music was furnished by Mrs. Evelyn Holtry and Miss Ramona Merritt with Mrs. Mildred Joslin at the organ. In charge of the flowers were Mrs. Myrtle Tacker and Mrs. Louise Roelf. Pallbearers were: Lester Kelly, Robert Kelly, Ernest Hasselbusch, Vern Freeman, Edwin Schluter and Harry Decker. Burial was made in the Clarence cemetery.