Thomas Williamson Stiles, Capt. (1905)

BARDRICK, STILES, STOCKDALE, WILLIAMSON

Posted By: Treva Patterson
Date: 3/18/2007 at 09:32:02

The Winterset Madisonian
Winterset, Iowa
Thursday, December 7, 1905
Page 1, Column 2

Captain T. W. Stiles

The subject of this sketch was born near Connersville, Indiana, March 20th, 1832. Whoever is familiar with the condition of that part of the country at that time will understand what is meant when it is said that his youth and early manhood were subjected to great privations and unremitting toil. That part of Indiana was a wilderness of forest trees, all of which had to be removed before the soil could be put under cultivation. No doubt many who shall read this remembers the thrilling accounts of house and barn raising, log rolling and tree falling which Mr. Stiles had taken part in and which he frequently related in such graphic language.

He afterward removed to the vicinity of Anderson, in the same state, where he had a repetition of the same experiences he passed through at his former place of residence. He may be said to have performed his part as a pioneer of two counties in Indiana and later acted the same part in two counties in Iowa. About the time he removed from Connersville to Anderson, he was married to Mary A. Stockdale of Henry county, Indiana. This was in 1852, where he remained for six years and then removed to Warren county, Iowa and two years later removed to this county and improved the farm in South township, which he still owned at the time of his death. He lived there till 1886 when he removed to Patterson. While living in Patterson, his wife died and July 4th 1891, he married Mrs. Rebecca Bardrick and came to reside near Winterset, where he died November 29th at two o'clock in the afternoon.

Although Captain Stiles was a man whose influence would soon be felt in any community and will long be remembered by the older people who were his neighbors at his several places of residence, yet we think his influence was the greatest and he will be longest and most favorably remembered in the vicinity of the old homestead in South township. There he resided when he enlisted as a soldier of the great war, there he was elected to important offices in the county and township, there his large family grew up to manhood and womanhood and there more than any other time and place, he made a lasting impression on the people by his activity, especially in religious enterprises. His public prayers and exhortation at Blair Chapel, in and around the firesides of that neighborhood will be remembered when most everything else he did shall be forgotten. Captain Stiles was no less outspoken and active in politics. He was a republican of the old school and among the first to proclaim himself as such in the new state of Iowa, when the new party was organized.

Several years ago Mr. Stiles' health began to fail largely as the effect of a severe injury he received in the line of his duty, while in the service of his country. He was of such rugged constitution that he resisted the insidious attack of disease and his friends had hoped that he would be spared to that ripe old age, for which his ancestors were remarkable. But the end came suddenly, as he expected and often expressed a hope for. He was in fact sick for but a few days and died comforted by that faith he had lived and professed from boyhood.

His funeral occurred on Friday, December 1st, 1905. Brief exercises were first held at the home ---of Winterset, at which his pastor officiated followed by the impressive service of the Masonic order and the G.A.R. and conveyed to Blair Chapel followed by the relatives and many friends. at this place a most touching funeral address was delivered by his old pastor and comrade Rev. W. W. Williams. Gathered together in the beautiful chapel, near the scenes of his long and active life where his old neighbors, who knew him best, who loved him most and will remember him longest.
After the impressive services and affecting leave-taking, all that was mortal of Captain T. W. Stiles was laid away beside that of his wife of his youth.
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The Madison County Reporter
Winterset, Iowa
Thursday, November 30, 1905
Page 3

Death of Capt. Stiles

Capt. T. W. Stiles, one of the pioneers of Madison County and a veteran of the Civil War, died at his home one-half mile north of town yesterday afternoon at two o’clock, after but a few days sickness. The Captain had been suffering from kidney trouble for some time but had been able to go about his business up until Monday when the disease took a serious turn, and since which time he has gradually declined until death claimed him as stated above.

Capt. Stiles was seventy-three years of age. He came to Madison county in 1860, served two years in the Civil War and resigned his commission on account of a wound. At this writing the day of the funeral has not been decided upon.
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The Madison County Reporter
Winterset, Iowa
Thursday, December 7, 1905
Page 1

Capt. T. W. Stiles

The death of Capt. Stiles last Wednesday afternoon was somewhat of a surprise to the people of this vicinity, although he had been suffering for sometime.

Thomas W. Stiles was born in Fayette county, Ind., March 20th, 1832, and at the age of twenty years married Miss Mary A. Stockdale, of Henry county, same state. They came to Iowa in 1858 locating in Warren county, where his mother still lives at the extreme age of ninety-two years.

They moved to Madison county in 1860 and located on a farm in South township, where they raised a family of seven children. Albert M., Cassius C., Wm. M., Lauren W., Joseph H., Lizzie and Charley D., all of which are still living.

Mr. Stiles enlisted in company F, 39th Iowa Infantry in 1862 and went out with the regiment as 2d Lieutenant but was soon promoted to the Captaincy of the company. He was injured two years later by his horse falling with him in a well. He was so seriously hurt that he was compelled to resign.

His wife died March 23d, 1889, and some years later he married Mrs. Rebecca Bardrick, with whom he has lived ever since and who was his constant and loving attendant during his sickness and death.

Capt. Stiles was one of the best known and most highly respected citizens of Madison county. His character was irreproachable and he was ever to be found on the side of right. He was a very active member of the Methodist church where his abilities and best efforts were always available.

He returned but a week previous to his death from a visit to his mother, and while there she requested he hold a prayer service in the quiet of the home, and it is told that the sight of the son of seventy-three conducting prayer for the pleasure of the mother of ninety-two, was a most beautiful one.
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Coordinator's note: First name taken from gravestone. Middle name has not been verified.

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