JONATHAN STEARNS

STEARNS, BATES, FIERCE

Posted By: Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert (email)
Date: 6/27/2002 at 18:24:57

Leon Reporter, Leon, Iowa
Thursday, March 23, l922

JONATHAN STEARNS, son of JOSEPH T. and MARTHA STEARNS, was born in Macon County, Illinois, March l4, l853, and departed this life at Van Wert, Iowa, March l2, l922, at the age of 68 years, ll months and 28 days. He was united in marriage to SUSAN CAROLINE BATES, of Decatur County, Iowa, March 23, l875. to them were born two children, MRS. EDITH A. FIERCE and ELMER O., of Van Wert, who with their mother were present at the time of his death.

In the latter part of the year, l875, he moved to Decatur County, Iowa, and since this time he has lived either in or in the vicinity of Van Wert, with the exception of a two years' residence in Clarke County, Iowa.

Brother STEARNS was converted at the age of eighteen and joined the United Brethren Church in Illinois. In l883 he transferred his membership to the Methodist Episcopal Church in Van Wert, which church he most faithfully and efficiently served in various official capacities until l9l3, when on account of his broken health he felt the necessity of retiring from such duties. For a number of years he rendered loyal and helpful service both as class leader and Sunday School teacher. He never shirked any of his Christian duties or responsibilities. He was ever deeply concerned in the interests and achievements of the church, and despite his long affliction it was a real delight and joy to him to attend as often as he could the church's services and worship. By reason of his unwavering faith and patience during his affliction and his consistent Christian character, his life has proved a benediction to many people throughout the community.

He leaves to mourn his departure, his wife, his two children, five grandchildren, a step-mother, two sisters, three brothers, other relatives and a large company of friends. One granddaughter, LOIS M., preceded him to the Better World.

Funeral services were conducted at 2:00 o'clock Tuesday afternoon, March l4, at the Methodist Church in Van Wert, by Revs. V.W. Henderson and E.W. Bates. Interment was in the Van Wert Cemetery.

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CARD OF THANKS.

To everyone who did so much to help and comfort us in our sorrow occasioned by the loss of our husband and father, and to those who made the beautiful floral offerings, to the choir who sang, and the kind friends who did so graciously serve, we wish to express our fullest appreciation.

MRS. CARRIE STEARNS,

E.O. STEARNS and FAMILY,

MRS. E.W. FIERCE and FAMILY.

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Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert
List Administrator; Decatur County, Iowa GenWeb
http://www.rootsweb.com/~iadecatu
"With permission from the Leon Journal Reporter"
June 23, 2002