Needham, Stephen 1820-1886

NEEDHAM, JAMES, NEELY, JOHNSON

Posted By: Sherry Faidley Healy
Date: 3/13/2012 at 10:26:25

The Journal (Newton, Iowa) Wed. July 14, 1886

Death of Stephen Needham - Some three or four weeks ago a telegram was received here announcing the serious illness of Mr. Stephen Needham at his home in What Cheer, and that his death was expected at any moment. He afterward seemed to grow better, and his friends hoped that the crisis had been passed and he would be again restored to health. But these hopes were not to be realized and despite the efforts of physicians and tender care of wife and friends, death claimed him on Tuesday, July 6th, 1886. His disease was supposed to be cancer of the stomach.

Mr. Needham was born in Hampden County, Mass., Nov 24th, 1820. Was married to Nancy James in 1843, moved to Iowa in 1855, settling in Rock Creek township, Jasper County, where his wife died. In 1858 he removed to Newton, and in 1859 married Mrs. A. E. Neely. He enlisted in the 10th Iowa Infantry in Sept., 1861, serving about one year. After the war, in company with his brother Frank, was in the tailoring business in connection with the clothing house of Hawk & Garrett, in this city. He afterward was in business in Atlantic, and also in Audubon, finally settling in What Cheer, where he remained until his death. His second wife died in March, 1884, and in Nov., 1885, he was married to Mrs. Annie Johnson. He had two sons by his first wife -- Chas. O. and Frank A., and one son by his second, James S., all three of whom survive him. Of his father’s children there were six, and his was the first death among them in 50 years. He was a man of sterling principles, wide-awake, industrious, kind and genial, and added to the world’s stock of intelligence, wealth and cheer. He made friends of all with whom he ever associated.

His remains were brought to Newton for interment in our beautiful cemetery. The funeral services were held in the M.E. church, conducted by the pastor, Rev. J. A. Boatman. Garnett Post G.A.R. attended in a body. At a subsequent meeting of the Post, the following resolutions were unanimously adopted:

Whereas, God in His Providence, has shortened the roll call of the soldiers of the late war by the “muster out” of our late comrade, Stephen R. Needham, “for promotion” from the army of time into the army of eternity.
Therefore, Resolved, by the G.A.R. of Garrett Post No. 16, in memoriam:
That he was a brave soldier, a patriot in whom there was no guile, a genial companion and comrade, ever ready to do and dare whatever would secure the victory.
That he was an affectionate husband, a kind father, and benevolent and helpful in all enterprises promoting the general welfare.
That each and all of his comrades numbering hundreds of thousands, without a single straggler or any one falling out of the ranks, are rapidly marching to the borders of time, and that from the head of that vast column there are daily being ”mustered out” no less than ten to join the grand, countless army beyond, and as Death the “mustering officer” of the army of time into that of eternity may call any of our names, at any hour, it admonishes us always to be fully equipped and ready.
That a copy of these resolutions be transmitted to the wife of the deceased and to the Post at Audubon, of which he was a member.

John Meyer, Robt. H. Williams, Chas. T Golding, com