Sterrett, Alonzo H. 1841-1901

STERRETT, HOLLEN, PHELPS

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 4/20/2010 at 16:45:54

The Grinnell Herald (Grinnell, Iowa) July 23, 1901

OBITUARY

Alonzo H. Sterrett was born in Erie county, Pennsylvania, June 12th, 1841, and grew to manhood in his native town, Sterrettania, attending the public schools of that place. In 1861 he entered the academy at Kingsville, Ohio, but his stay there was short-lived. He heard his country's call to carry arms at the front and heeded it. He enlisted in the 29th Ohio volunteer infantry and served his country for four years, holding a lieutenant's commission at the close of the war.

He was united in marriage with Miss Amelia Hollen at Dixonville, Crawford county, Pa., in 1865, five children resulting from this union, Nellie, the oldest child, now deceased, Mrs. Hermia Sterrett Phelps, of Grand Encampment, Wyoming, Mamie Belle Sterrett, of Grinnell, Arthur F. Sterrett, of Fargo, N. Dakota, and James G. Sterrett, of Grinnell.

In 1868 he began to serve the people of Tama as superintendent of the city schools, continuing his labors for five years. He next served that county four years as county superintendent. He lived next in Toledo where he engaged in banking and the real estate business until he moved with his family to Grinnell in 1882 and entered the employ of Craver, Steel & Austin. His next move was to Shelton, Nebraska, where in 1889 he again engaged in banking. Again in 1892 he entered the employ of Craver, Steel & Austin. For several years he worked for the Plano Mfg. Co., and in 1895 accepted the position of general agent of the Harvester King Co., for South Dakota, with headquarters at Sioux Falls. It was there that his strength gave way to the ravages of his four years of war. In 1898 he returned to Grinnell with his family, much broken down in health, and died at his late home surrounded by the loving members of his household, on the morning of July 17th. The funeral was conducted from the house on Friday afternoon by the Revs. W.P. Stoddard and T.B. Hughes and at the grave by the Masons, of which order he was an honored member.

Mr. Sterrett was a devout Christian gentleman and among those who knew him in his vigor leaves many a staunch friend. He will be remembered by them as a scholarly, considerate, Christian gentleman; by his family as a kind, indulgent husband and father.

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Mrs. A.H. Sterrett and family desire to extend their sincere thanks to the friends and neighbors who so kindly assisted them during their bereavement.