Stephens, Evy, 1859-1906

STEPHENS, STEVENS

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 9/22/2014 at 21:19:40

From the Rock Valley Bee, April 13, 1906:
Mr. Evy Stevens, a middle aged bachelor living three miles north and seven miles west of Rock Valley, was kicked by a horse, yesterday about the noon hour, right over the heart. Three ribs were broken. Death resulted almost immediately. The funeral will be conducted from the Catholic church Saturday.

Brief news notes in the Alton Democrat and the Sioux County Herald also reported on this incident, also spelling his surname Stevens.

GSCGS researcher Wilma J. Vande Berg found in the 1900 census of Sioux Township, Sioux County, Iowa: Eva (Evy) Stevens born Mar 1859 Ireland was the son of John and Ellen Stevens both born in Ireland. Others in the family were Patrick age 41, John age 30, William age 28 and Maggie age 28.)

However, the Sioux County Cemetery Index has: Stephens, Evy, 12 Apr 1906 age 45 yrs., buried in St. Marys Cemetery, Rock Valley (along with several of the other family members).

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From the Rock Valley Bee, April 20, 1906:

A Sad Death

Death is always sad, but [to] be stricken down in the prime of life and rugged health is doubly sad. People of this community were shocked upon receiving the news of the death of Evy Stephens last Thursday. He and his brother Patrick had been seeding and discing. He on the disc, his brother on the seeder. They had unhitched for dinner. Two of the four horses driven by Evy were turned loose and were at the watering trough when he approached with the other two. His brother's attention was attracted by the running of the horses outside the barn. He went out and found his brother down, unconscious. One of the loose horses had kicked him right over the heart. Death followed instantly. With the assistance of a neighbor, the brother carried the unfortunate brother into the house. The doctor was summoned, but Evy was dead.

The deceased was born in Neo county, Ireland fifty years ago. He migrated with his parents to this country in 1878. For ten years their home was at New Richmond, St. Croix county, Wisconsin, when in 1888 with his folks he came to Sioux county and has lived continuously since upon the farm where he met his untimely death.

The deceased was a lifelong member of the Roman Catholic Church and faithful to all his obligations. He was of sober, industrious and quiet habits, ever mindful of his own business and faithful in the performance of the same.

His untimely death is mourned by his aged parents and four brothers and two sisters, Patrick, Thomas, John, William, Miss Maggie and Mrs. Mary Walpole. A very large concourse of friends followed his earthly remains to their last resting place. The funeral was held from St. Mary's Church, Rev. Father O'Rielly officiating, at 10:30 Sunday.

The Bee joins with the many friends of the deceased in extending sympathy to the bereaved family in the loss of the son and brother.

(The Card of Thanks that follows is signed "The Stevens Family.")

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