Stinton, Josephine B. 1851 - 1920

STINTON, BROWN

Posted By: Doris Hoffman, Volunteer (email)
Date: 1/16/2011 at 19:05:12

This community was again saddened by the unexpected death of another of its pioneer women, Mrs. Thomas Stinton, last Friday evening at about eight o'clock at her home in this city.

She had been in her usual health during: the day, but had been much affected by the tragic death of her friend, Mrs. L. P. Root, the previous afternoon, and was preparing to go to the Root home when she was stricken with heart trouble, to which she had been subject for several years. She informed her husband that she was feeling ill, but before medical assistance could arrive the final summons came. She passed away at the age of 69 years, 6 months and 2 days, on July 30, 1920.

Josephine B. Brown was born in Sabula, Jackson County, Iowa, January 28th, 1851, where she lived with her parents during: her girlhood. On March 20th, 1871, she was united in marriage with Thomas Stinton. They moved at once to Johnson township, Plymouth county, Iowa, where they settled on a homestead, being among the first settlers in this part of the county. Together they met and overcame the difficulties and hardships common to the pioneers of this section, struggling through the grasshopper period and other forms of early day trials, but eventually began to see their way clear, erecting a comfortable home and farm buildings in keeping therewith. They toiled, prospered and gained a considerable, competence that gave them plenty and to spare following: their retirement from active farm life.

Mrs. Stinton was active in the up-building of the community, helping to establish many schools and being fundamental in founding the U. B. Church and locating., the cemetery at Adaville, Johnson Township. She was a charter member of the Adaville Ladies Aid and of Vesper Chapter, No. 61, Order of the Eastern Star, of Akron.

Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Stinton—Elizabeth, who died in infancy; Mrs. W. W. Burrill, of Akron, Iowa, and "Walter and Ralph Stinton, who reside on the home place near Adaville. After residing in Colorado for one year, Mr. and Mrs. Stinton came to Akron In 1908 and bought a fine residence and this has since remained their home. Besides her husband, three children and four grandchildren, she leaves to mourn her loss four brothers and one sister—George Brown, of Red Oak, Iowa; Mrs. S. M. Putman, of Westplains, Mo.; Chauncey Brown, of Sterling, Illinois; Walter Brown, of Woonsocket, S. D., and Marvin Brown, of Artesian, S. D.

She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers and four sisters.

To the bereaved husband and family, the community tenders its sincere sympathy. She was a devoted wife and mother, a kind and helpful friend and neighbor. Especially in the old days, when the country was new and stopping places widely separated, the Stinton home was noted for its bounty and hospitality. Many were the wayfarers who held in kindly remembrance that farm home over which she so graciously presided.

Funeral services were held Monday afternoon. There was a brief service conducted at the home by Rev. M. E. Spahr, of the Akron M. E. church, the members of Vesper Chapter, O. E. S., paying a last tribute to their departed sister by attending in a body. The cortege of sorrowing relatives and friends then accompanied the remains to the Adaville U. B. church, where Rev. Spahr delivered the funeral sermon, being assisted in the service by the pastor, Rev. Zike. Interment was in the Adaville cemetery, beside the infant daughter who passed away many years ago.

There was a large attendance at the services, many oldtime friends from Le Mars, Merrill and other parts of the county being present. Relatives of the Stinton and Burrill families present from a distance were: Mr. and Mrs. Walter P. Brown, of "Woonsocket, S. D.; Marvin Brown, of Artesian, S. D.; Mrs. L. C. Brown, of Le Mars; Mr. and Mrs. Chas. W. Ruble, of Ravinia, S. D.; George Burrill, of Port Morgan, Colo.; Misses Emma and Stella Burrill, of Le Mars.

Akron Register Tribune
Thursday, August 5, 1920
Akron, Iowa