Stafford, Thos. 1835-1893

STAFFORD, VANCLEVE, REITER, INGRAHAM

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 12/5/2011 at 07:31:54

The Grinnell (IA) Herald

--After over four years of suffering death came Wednesday morning to Mr. Thos. Stafford at his home in West Grinnell. Deceased was born in Ireland in November, 1835. He came to America when but 14 years of age. He was married in 1855 at Seneca Falls, N.Y., to Miss Ada B. Vancleve. From that union were born seven children, Mrs. H. Reiter, Mrs. H.P. Reiter, Misses Maggie, Emma and Nellie Stafford of Grinnell, Mrs. Ingraham, Marshalltown, and Chas. Stafford of Harvey, Ill., all of whom are in Grinnell to attend the funeral. In December, 1861, Mr. Stafford enlisted in the army, serving thru the war. Here he contracted rheumatism, which afterwards affected his heart and finally caused his death. In 1868 he came to Grinnell with his family and has since resided here. He was a stone mason by trade--a master at his work--and his skill is seen in some of our largest and strongest buildings--notably in the Opera House block, in the Stone Church and in the college buildings. In Ireland Mr. Stafford was a member of the Episcopal church. He was later a member of the G.A.R., and of the V.A.S. fraternity. He bore a good name among his fellowmen and was respected by all who knew him. An invalid for four years he was always kindly remembered by Grinnell people, who took a personal interest in his welfare and hoped for his ultimate recovery. The funeral occurs this afternoon at the M.E. church conducted by Rev. M. Bamford, under the auspices of the G.A.R.