Stark, Frank M. (1844-1894)

STARK, HUDSON, SWANSON

Posted By: Debbie Greenfield (email)
Date: 5/2/2017 at 14:54:30

Weekly Graphic Herald, Tuesday, April 17, 1894

DIED IN HIS STORE

Mr. Stark, of Hamilton County, Passes Away

Last Thursday afternoon, Mr. Stark, father-in-law of Alfred Swanson, while walking along the store in Stanhope, suddenly sank to the ground and the vital spark of live passed away. Heart failure caused his death. Mr. Stark was a well known resident of this county, and his sudden demise will be regretted by all. Mr. Stark was in the furniture business at Stanhope, and Mr. Lee of this city had charge of the funeral.

Webster City Freeman, Webster City, Iowa, Wednesday, April 25, 1894

Frank M. Stark was born in the state of Indiana, October 15th, 1844, and died April 12, 1894.

In 1863 [her obituary said 1862], in Illinois, he was joined in marriage to the one who survives him and sorrows with a Godly sorrow on account of the void that has been made in the home and the heart, by this seemingly mysterious Providence. They continued to live in that state for about five years, when they moved to this community, residing in the country and town altogether about twenty-six years. Their union has been blessed by God with six children - 3 boys and 3 girls - all of whom are living. In the home, where he was best known and the greatest loved, he will be missed the most. His counsel and good example were greatly needed, so it seems, to help in developing his children into noble manhood and womanhood and industrious citizens and devoted followers of Christ. In the church, where he discharged every duty well that was placed upon him, as trustee, steward, and treasurer, he will be sadly missed. His voice of counsel and encouragement is forever hushed. In the community, where he so long resided, he will be lamentably missed. His estimate can be better placed by quoting the sentiment of a resident and a neighbor "His influence and life went beyond the home and church. All were his friends and esteemed his worth. He had no enemies, and no better man ever lived than Frank Stark."

Although not permitted to reach his side before the vital spark had flown, I think I would have heard him say, (if he had been permitted to leave a dying testimony of words behind him), I leave these messages with you "Tell the church to be faithful, to stand united, to love one another, to prove true to its duties and obligations, and urge each member to be loyal to King Immanuel, and fight earnestly and willingly against the enemy of the soul of man and never throw off the armor nor cease work until death. Tell the Sabbath school to continue in its work of love for the Master and never rest satisfied until every young person in the community is saved. Tell the unconverted that I am going home, and I leave the testimony behind me that there is a reality in the religion of the Lord Jesus Christ, and I want them all to meet me over there and spend an eternal companionship together. Tell the ministry to preach the plain, simple story of the Cross of which Paul boasted."

I shall never forget him, and the help I received from him as I tried to preach shall always be remembered. The place where he sat, Sabbath after Sabbath, shall always be a sacred place to me. My dear sister and children, for your consolation in this hour of great trial, I can only recommend to you the precious Words of Truth. In it you will find the "lamp unto your feet and a light unto your pathway; that your hope and strength may be found in the Lord; that earth has no sorrow too great, or too deep, or too severe, but that Heaven can heal and remove." Trust in it. Read the precious promises and commune constantly with the tender, loving father, and bye and bye you shall know the reason for the visitation of this Providence. And though it seems as if the central sun has gone down, it is not so, it only seems to. Its position has only been changed and it is shining, eternally shining in the heavenly Canaan. May it guide you continually into the haven of everlasting bliss, and in that great day may you and the children, with husband and father, have a glorious reunion and remain as unbroken family forever more.

[he was married Christmas Day 1862 - per her obituary - to Mary Jane Hudson; they are both buried in Lawn Hill Cemetery, rural Stanhope, Iowa]