Stokes, Thomas 1825-1910

STOKES, CROFT

Posted By: Tom Baack-Volunteer (email)
Date: 11/4/2014 at 20:39:03

Le Mars Semi Weekly Sentinel June 17, 1910

HAD LIVED HERE FORTY YEARS
WAS ONE OF THE EARLY RESIDENTS OF PLYMOUTH COUNTY
THOS. STOKES SUCCUMBS TO ILLNESS
He Had an Adventurous Career in His Early Days and Was a Survivor of the Mexican War

Thomas Stokes, one of the pioneer settlers of Plymouth county, died at his home on Eagle street in this city on Tuesday night after an illness of ten days duration. On Saturday afternoon, June 4, while up town he suffered a stroke from which he never rallied. He was conveyed to his home and put to bed from which he never arose, gradually sinking into unconsciousness and passed peacefully away at the great age of eighty-five years.

Thomas Stokes was a native of Dublin, Ireland, where he first saw the light of day on June 18, 1825. When a youth he left his home and for many years led an adventurous life and spent some years in Australia mining and ranching. Coming later to America be found himself in New York and enlisted in the army and fought in the Mexican war. He was employed in the government service for some years at Newport, Chesapeake and in Pittsburgh, where he was employed in testing guns in the United States war department.

While at Pittsburgh be became acquainted with Miss Margaret Croft, who became his bride on January 25, 1859, the wedding taking place at the Lutheran Presbyterian church in Peebles township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. Rev. Robert Lea performing the ceremony. A year after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Stokes came west to Iowa, settling in Jackson county. On locating in the west Mr. Stokes turned his attention to more peaceful avocations and engaged in farming at which he made a success and his children and grandchildren are now reaping the benefit of his foresight in settling in one of the best agricultural states of the union and are all prosperous and happy, having done their share while at home in aiding towards the success that has crowned the family's affairs.

The Stokes family came to Plymouth county in 1870 and settled in Stanton township, where they were among the first residents of that section of the country when there was only a sparse settlement. The Stokes home was noted for its hospitality far and wide and many social gatherings and pleasant times held under that roof form pleasurable recollections of older residents. Mr. and Mrs. Stokes moved to Le Mars a few years ago leaving the care of the farm in the hands of the younger generations, to enjoy a well earned nest after many years of arduous toil and days profitably spent in honorable tasks.

With the bereaved wife, who has been his constant companion and loving helpmate for more than half a century, a large family is left to mourn the loss of a good and just father. Out of a family of eleven children ten are living, all having their homes in Le Mars or the immediate vicinity. They are Albert Stokes, John Stokes, Mrs. John Barker, Mrs. Geo. Harker, Mrs. Chris Mikkelson, Mrs. Jas. Watson, Mrs. Albert Werth, William, Charles and Lewis Stokes. Ha also leaves twenty five grand children.

Mr. Stokes had a wide acquaintance in this county where he had lived so long and had a great many friends. He was highly respected by his neighbors, being esteemed a true friend, a just man and an honorable citizen.

The funeral was held yesterday afternoon from the residence on Eagle street and largely attended by neighbors and old friends.