Ernest I. Stanhope 1870-1935

STANHOPE, MAHLUM, FITCH

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 12/26/2010 at 21:00:54

Ernest I. Stanhope
Ernest I. Stanhope was born in Center Point, Iowa, April 29, 1870, and passed away at his home in northwest Humboldt Saturday evening, August 3, 1935. The funeral was held in the Congregational church at Humboldt Tuesday, August 6, 1935, and was conducted by Rev. Harry Burns of the local M.E. church, who officiated in the absence of Rev. Thos. Lutman, pastor of the Congregational church. Interment was made in Union cemetery, the Springvale Funeral Chapel in charge. [Note: there are stones for Ernest & his wife in the Oak Hill Cemetery, Estherville, IA]

Mr. Stanhope was a son of Isaiah and Merriam Stanhope. He attended the public schools at Center Point and later attended Cornell College. Still later he took a business course in an institution at Davenport.

He was united in marriage with Miss Alma Mahlum, May 22, 1893. She preceded him in death, passing away in the year 1932.

Three children were born to their union. They were Russell, deceased, and Florence (Mrs. Leon Fitch), and Maurice M. of Sioux City. The latter two survive him, and they with their families were with Mr. Stanhope during his last days. There are four grandchildren.

Mr. Stanhope early evinced a liking for the mercantile business, and conducted business houses in Estherville, Ceylon, Minn., Ottosen, Iowa, and Humboldt.

Mr. Stanhope opened a general merchandise store in Ottosen on the establishment of that town. This was some time previous to 1900. He conducted this successfully for several years, and then in association with his father and a brother organized the Stanhope & Sons firm and located in Humboldt in about the year 1900. The exact date is not available at this time. The new firm purchased the retail shoe business of the late George Pinney, occupying the Finch block in Humboldt. They increased the shoe stock and added a large line of general merchandise. For many years they conducted one of the largest general merchandise establishments in this portion of the state.

They disposed of the business in 1912, after which Mr. Stanhope worked on the road for wholesale houses. This was his occupation at the time of his death. He had served his route only a few days previous to his demise.

The deceased was a member of the Humboldt Congregational church and a member of the board of directors of the Humboldt Country Club. He had just finished a year as president of the club.

He was active in church and local affairs and his aid was always on the side of advancement and better citizenship. He had high ideals and lived up to them. He was an ideal husband and father, and a perfect neighbor. (Humboldt Republican, Estherville, IA, August 9, 1935)

Brother of Mrs. Henry Mahlum Died Last Sunday
E. I. Stanhope, an old-time business man of Estherville, passed away at his home in Humboldt last Sunday after a short illness.

Mr. Stanhope came here about forty-five years ago with his father and they entered the grocery business near the old First National Bank location. Later they moved to a location, we believe, where the Sullivan Pool Hall is located. Later on the firm became Stanhope Brothers.

These two young men enjoyed a fine business. They were good business men and their pleasing manners won them the friendship of everyone.

Later Mr. Stanhope was united in marriage to Miss Alma Mahlum of this city and they resided in Humboldt. Mrs. Stanhope passed away about four years ago. Their boy and girl are both married.

Mr. Stanhope was in the city about every month but his health has been failing, dating back probably to the death of his wife. A few days ago he was here and stopped at the Mahlum home and at that time complained of not feeling well and said the heat had overcome him. He found he had heart trouble when he arrived home and became wore, passing away Sunday, at the age of sixty-five. The funeral services were held in Humboldt Tuesday and the remains were laid to rest beside those of his wife. (Estherville Enterprise, Estherville, IA, August 7, 1935)