Erial Stevens 1842-1922

STEVENS

Posted By: Sara Patton (email)
Date: 2/13/2003 at 17:33:24

The Red Oak Sun, Dec 22 1922
"Erial Stevens Dead
Long Time Resident Here Passed Away At Home of Daughter Near New Market Monday.
Erial Stevens, early settler of Montgomery county, and well known here over 50 years, died Monday at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Chas. Koons, near New Market, from a complication of diseases incident to old age. He had been sick for about two weeks.
The remains were brought to Red Oak for burial, funeral services being held at the home of Harry Stevens at three o'clock Tuesday afternoon. Rev. Burris, of Clarinda, was assisted by Rev. E.A. McKim, of the Red Oak Christian church. The pallbearers were A.M. Hawkins, Russell Hawkins, O.E. Jackson, Walter Jackson, Ralph Jackson and Chas. Koons. Burial was in the Red Oak cemetery. Those who were here from a distance to attend the funeral included Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Koons and Mr. and Mrs. B.F. Jones, of New Market, and Rev. Burris, of Clarinda.
Erial Stevens was born in New York March 4, 1842, and was married there to Miss Rose Hawkins, who died here in 1920. They came to this county in 1868, ahead of the railroad, and lived on a farm in Grant township for many years. After moving to Red Oak Mr. Stevens engaged in the livery business, conducted a restaurant, worked at the carpenter trade and had the mail carrying contract to the depot. He served as city marshal for several years. During the Civil war he fought with the Union army, and he was a member of the G.A.R. post of this city. Mr. Stevens was the last surviving charter member of the Red Oak Christian church.
Surviving relatives are the four children, Delno, of Webster City; Inda, in Minnesota; Harry of Villisca; Mrs. Chas. Koons, New Market.
Mr. Stevens was one of Red Oak's pioneers, and was instrumental in promoting the interests of the community. He leaves many friends who extend sincere sympathy to the sorrowing family."

Red Oak Express, no date ca. Dec. 20, 1922:

"Erial Stevens"
erial Stevens was born in Youngstown, Niagara county, New York, March 1st, 1842, and departed this life December 18, 1922, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Chas. Koons of New Market.
At the age of 13 he went to live with an uncle upon a farm near Milford, Ohio, and when 17, went to work on his father's farm, where he also learned the carpenter's trade. When the Civil war broke out, he left his hammer and saw and the father with whom he was working, and enlisted in Company C, 32nd Ohio Infantry, answering the first call for volunteers. His regiment was sent to the eastern field of war where he took part in the early Virginia battles. He was captured at Harper's Ferry, paroled and sent to Camp Douglas, Ohio. He took part in many of the principal battles of the war, being with General Sherman on the march to the sea, and was discharged at Louisville, Ky., July 20, 1865. He served exactly four years and during that time was never sick or wounded seriously enough to miss a roll call.
On Spetember 9, 1966, he was married to Miss Rosanna L. Hawkins, of Knox County Ohio. After living there two years, he and his wife moved to Delaware, Ohio, and in November, 1968 [sic], they came to Red Oak having made the trip overland, and since then has resided in or near that place. During thse years, Mr. Stevens lead an active business life being engaged in farming for a number of years. Later he moved his family to Red Oak entering the livery business, was also in the oil business and proprietor of a restaurant for some time. He served the community in the capacity of night watchman for several years and for 10 years a mail carrier, later operating a light delivery wagon until the spring of 1916, when he retired to obtain the much needed rest which his many years of active life had entitled him to.
Mr. Stevens professed his faith in Christ and obeyed him in baptism on February 16, 1873. He is the last of the charter members of the Christian Church at Red Oak and one of the three persons who signed the papers for the purchase of the ground upon which the first Christian church in Red Oak was built. He was ready to go when the summons came.
Mr. Stevens was the father of six children, three sons and three daughters, two daughters having preceeded him in death. Those surviving are W. D. of Amboy, Minn., Inda of ...[page torn], Harry E. of Red Oak...." [remainder of page missing.]