Stoneman, Caroline M. (Southland) 1833 – 1902

STONEMAN, SOUTHLAND, CHAPIN

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 2/8/2020 at 16:32:12

Source: Twice-A-Week Plain Dealer Nov. 25, 1902, LP, C4

MRS. J. T. STONEMAN.
Died, at McGregor, Iowa, Nov. 12, 1902, Caroline M., wife of Hon. John T, Stoneman.

Caroline M. Southland born in Jamestown, Chautauqua county, New York, August 18, 1833.

Her father was a pioneer in the then new country of Western New York, having, in A. D. 1819, moved from Massachusetts to the frontier of western emigration at that time: Here in the forest he cleared a farm and helped to plant in the wilderness the institutions of civilization. He was a stalwart, a brave and an honest man, a lover of his home, the church and the school. He reared his family of four boys and two girls in the fear of God and love of country. He was for a number of years sheriff of Chautauqua county, and was universally respected by his neighbors and the people of the county.

Caroline was the youngest of the six children and outlived them all, though of a frail physical frame, she had great vitality, and lived a strenuous, active life, often suffering from ill health, but with an indomitable will and courage, meeting the duties of life bravely and discharging them well.

In the first year of her tutelage in the district school in Chautatuqua{sic} county she there met John T. Stoneman, a boy from a neighboring farm, and the childhood attachment formed in those early days found fruition in her union with him March 15th 1858, following which event they settled in McGregor and took up the pleasant and hopeful task of making a home in this community, and helping in the growth of the new town.

Mrs. Stoneman was always public spirited, taking great interest in everything which concerned the general prosperity. She entered largely into the religious and social life of the town, but in a very quiet and unobtrusive way, and it was in her home life, and to her most intimate friends, that she showed the sweet graces of a lovely character. She was kind, sympathetic and lovable, a firm friend, and devoted wife and mother.

In 1882, Mr. and Mrs. Stoneman removed to Cedar Rapids. In this new home, Mrs. Stoneman made many friends, and entered in a somewhat larger way into the paths of helpfulness to others. Her family was now reared, and she found time to devote to a sewing and cooking school for poor girls, and was also active and an officer in the Woman’s Union, a society for the aid of working women. She devoted a great deal of time to these, and had the pleasure of knowing that she had helped many a poor woman or destitute girl over some of the hard spots in life.

She was also an esteemed and honored member of the Cedar Rapids Ladies Literary Society, and the Woman’s Club. Besides the discharge of her other duties, she found time for literary work here, which was most highly appreciated by the members of these societies.

She was also a charter and later an honorary member of the McGregor Tourist Club. Of her it may be said, the world is better for her having lived in it, for her influence was helpful and uplifting, and she has left a grateful memory, and an inspiration for good in the hearts of all those whose lives touched hers. —McGregor Times.

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Source: Decorah Republican Nov. 20, 1902 Page 4 Col 2

Death Visits Old McGregorite
Mrs. John T. Stoneman died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. A. Chapin in McGregor, on Wednesday last week, and was buried on Saturday. As an early settler she was closely allied to the social life of McGregor.