Eason, Stephen 1849-1935

EASON, POOLE

Posted By: Viv Reeves (email)
Date: 2/14/2006 at 12:18:35

From the LeMars Sentinel, Tuesday, September 10, 1935, Page 1, Column 5:

Death Claims Stephen Eason
Curtain Falls On Long And Useful Life of Pioneer

The funeral of Stephen Eason, 86, early settler in this vicinity, was held at the Presbyterian church in Alton Wednesday, Rev. George Bray, of Sulphur Springs, officiting. His six sons were pallbearers.

Stephen Eason was born at Marden, Kent, England, January 3, 1849. With a brother, John Eason, he came to America in 1870. Stephen worked in Michigan at his trade of carpentry, while John came further west and homesteaded land in Sioux County.

After a year in Michigan Stephen came to LeMars and soon after took a homestead on land next (to) his brother's farm. In 1877 he married Mary Poole, and to this union one child, James, was born. James died at the age of 15 years. Mrs. Eason died in 1880.

In 1882 Stephen married Susan Poole, a sister of his first wife. To this union eleven children were born, as follows: Mary, Mrs. Clarence Jackson, who died in 1930; Stephen, who died in 1912; George, of Alton; Oscar, who lives on the homestead; John, of Sanborn; Ernest, of San Diego, California; Hilda, Mrs. Bart Van Zyl, of Cicero, Ill.; Emila, Mrs. John Koppenol, Pine Ridge, Kentucky; Alvin, of Luverne; Zella, Mrs. Harry DeJong, of Orange City; and Fred, of Alton. There are twenty-two grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Mr. Eason was widely known in his active years in Sioux and Plymouth counties. He was the type of citizen that helped to build up northwestern Iowa, and took zeal and woe with equanimity, not puffed up with prosperity, nor unduly downcast by adversity, self-reliant, rugged and honest. He continued actively at his trade until past eighty years old.