Stinton, Thomas 1847 - 1922

STINTON, BROWN

Posted By: Doris Hoffman, Volunteer (email)
Date: 1/16/2011 at 21:25:17

OBITUARY — THOMAS STINTON

Early Settler of Western Plymouth County Buried with Masonic Honors at Adaville

As mentioned in these columns last week, the death of Thomas Stinton at the home of his daughter, Mrs. W. W. Burrill, in Akron, on Wednesday morning, removed one of the best known and most highly esteemed pioneer citizens of western Plymouth County. His final illness covered a period of about three weeks, and hardening of the arteries and complications was the cause of his demise, at the age of 74 years, 7 months, and 17 days.

Thomas Stinton was born in England November 11, 1847, and came to America with his parents, Robert and Sarah Stinton, in 1852. They located on a farm In Jackson County, Iowa, where he spent his young manhood and received his early education. He remained a valued assistant to his father on the farm until he attained his twenty-first year, when started out for himself and for two or three years had the varied experience of working on steamboats, on the railroad and in a packing plant.

On March 20, 1871, he was united in marriage, with Josephine E. Brown and they came at once to Plymouth county, Iowa, locating on an 80-acre homestead in section twenty-two, Johnson Township, where they established a home. Erecting a sod shanty, they started in to develop the farm. Mr. Stinton had a team of horses and a couple of cows and his early efforts at cultivating his home-stead tract were attended by the difficulties and hardships common to the pioneers of this section at that time.

But they struggled through the grasshopper period and other forms of early day trials and eventually began to see their way clear. Presently they erected a comfortable house and farm buildings in keeping with the same. In addition to these improvements, they planted a fine grove of evergreens, from which the place took the appropriate name of "Evergreen Farm," and also an orchard which developed into one of the best in that part of the county.

As he prospered in his farming operations, Mr. Stinton gradually enlarged his holdings, having unbounded faith in the future of this section until he became the owner of seven hundred and twenty acres, and came to be recognized as one of the most substantial and progressive farmers in this part of the state. Mr. and Mrs. Stinton were active in the upbuilding of the community, helping to establish many schools and being fundamental in establishing the U. B. church and locating the cemetery at Adaville, buying there from the first two lots sold.

For many years Mr. Stinton was one of the trustees of Johnson township, and for twenty-five years was treasurer of his local school district. He was among the first to join Freedom Lodge, Mo. 434, A. P. & A. M., and was also a charter member of Vesper chapter, No. 61, Order of the Eastern Star, of which order his wife was also a member, and they always took a warm interest in the organization. About thirty-five years ago Mr. and Mrs. Stinton retired from active farm life, but remained for a time upon the home place. In 1908 they came to Akron and bought a comfortable residence, which remained their home until the death of Mrs. Stinton on July 30, 1920.

Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Stinton—Elizabeth, who died many years ago; Mrs. W. W. Burrill, of Akron; Ralph Stinton, of Adaville, and Walter Stinton, who died in June, 1921.

In addition to his extensive farming interests, Mr. Stinton was also interested in the Akron Savings Bank, being one of its original stockholders and being elected president of this institution in 1907, the year before he came to Akron, holding this position up to the time of his death. A man of the highest integrity, his word was as good as his bond. Of a cheerful and kindly disposition, he gained many firm and lasting friends, and his sympathetic nature was quick to. respond to the misfortunes of others. He lived to enjoy the fruits of his early toil and privations and was honored and respected among all who bore his acquaintance.

In the pioneer days the Stinton home was known far and wide for its hospitality and many were the travelers who had occasion to long remember the warm welcome found there. His friendly greeting will be missed in the walks of life that have known him for so many years, but the memory of "Tommy" Stinton, as he was familiarly known, will not grow dim in the minds of those who knew him best.

Rev. M. E. Spahr, a former pastor of the Akron M. E. church and a valued friend of Mr. Stinton, came from Pierson, Iowa, to conduct the funeral services last Friday. After a brief service at 1 p. m. at the Hurt-ill home, the cortege proceeded to the Adaville U. B. church, where a large number of oldtime friends and neighbors gathered to pay a last tribute of respect. Rev. Spahr delivered an impressive and appropriate sermon and was assisted in the service by the pastor of the Adaville Church, Rev. S. M. Zike. The Adaville choir sang several selections. There were many beautiful floral offerings.

The pallbearers were E. J. Hammer, L. F. Root, J. H. Pollock, A. U. Wilson. Boyson Koss and C. M. Hilliker. The officers of Freedom lodge, A. F. & A. M., of Akron, conducted the impressive Masonic ritual service at the grave, interment being made beside his wife, son and daughter in the, Adaville cemetery

Akron Register Tribune
Thursday, July 6, 1922
Akron, Iowa