HOPKINS, S. F. 1819-1901

HOPKINS, BAIRD, SHELDON, TUPPER, ENCELL

Posted By: Marilyn O'Connor (email)
Date: 3/22/2006 at 14:26:03

The death of Mr. S. F. Hopkins occurred Friday, February 15, the funeral services being held at the M. E. church Sunday afternoon. He had attained the ripe old age of 81 years. For over a year last, he had been failing but previously had enjoyed good health. The deceased was born in Windfield, Herkimer county, N.Y. August 9, 1819.

He was married to Elizabeth Baird at Springfield, N.Y., on October 13, 1845, who survives him. On the day of his marriage he started for the west to find a home, purchasing a farm in Illinois.

Returning for his bride they reached their new home in May of the following year, where they resided for twenty-one years, when they came to Mitchell county. Three daughters blessed their union, two of whom, Mrs. Geo. H. Tupper of Osage, and Mrs. Wellington Encell of New York City, are living; the death of the other, Mrs. John Sheldon, occurred in 1872.

He was an earnest Christian and a devoted and faithful member of the M.E. church. Over a half a century ago, 55 years, He was converted and united with that church.

He took a deep interest in church affairs. For ten years he was leader of the church choir in Richmond, Illinois, and often held the position of class leader in various churches of his faith. He had taught school in New York, Illinois and Iowa, and singing school in many school districts. His father bore testimony that he had been a good son by saying” He never gave me an unkind word in his life.”

He was a kind and true husband and father,and every one who knew him felt that he was a good friend and neighbor.

[Osage News, February 21, 1901]