Eason, Stephen "Steve" Jr. 1885-1912

EASON

Posted By: Marjorie Brunsting-Volunteer (email)
Date: 2/14/2017 at 22:41:21

Source: Alton Democrat issue of 7 Dec 1912.

ALTON IN GLOOM

This community was shocked and saddened on Thursday evening when the news was passed around that Steve Eason Jr. had been killed in an auto wreck. Steve was a popular fellow around town. He was a young man of fine habits, he comes from a splendid family and he had a host of friends and it simply cast a gloom over the entire community when the news of his death reached town. The accident occurred on Thursday evening at about 7 o'clock, near the Stauben farm about two and one half miles north of Remsen. Steve Eason Jr. owned an automobile and was engaged in the automobile livery. On Thursday afternoon Gossen Vanden Berg, Dick De Ruisch Jr. and Weir Stanley engaged Mr. Eason for a trip to Remsen and they were on their way home when the accident occurred. Mr. Eason was a thorough machinist, a careful driver and his car could not do much better than twenty miles per hour so this is not a case of reckless driving. The roads were very treacherous on account of the icy condition and at this fatal spot the car skidded and tumbled off a high embankment. Weir and De Ruisch were thrown clear of the car and Eason and Vanden Berg were pinned under it. Vanden Berg had occupied the back seat and was held down by the back end of the car. He was soon released and came out without a scratch. The steering wheel rested on Mr. Eason's abdomen. When the boys reached him he was unconscious, perhaps dead. They were unable to release him and summoned help at once. The car was lifted off in short order and the body released but life had left it and the indications are that internal injuries killed him instantly. The body was brought to Alton in the Stauben auto and was taken to Dr. Gleysteen's office for examination. With the exception of one or two slight bruises about the head no marks were found on the body and the physician held that death was caused from internal injuries and that death no doubt had been instantaneous. Stephen Eason was born in Alton Iowa on August 30th 1885 and was therefore 27 years of age--just in full bloom of youth, when the rough hand of death jerked him away from his home folks and his host of friends. He had lived in Alton all his life and for the last two years had been employed in the Hoeven Garage and he did auto livery service on the side. He is survived by his parents and the following brothers and sister--Mrs. C.B. Jackson of Carnes, George of Alton, Oscar of Carnes, John of Des Moines, Ernest, Hilda, Emily, Alvord, Zella and Fred at home. The funeral services will be held this Saturday afternoon. Services at the house at one fifteen and at the Presbyterian church at one thirty. Dr. Sarchet, a former pastor here, will have charge of the services. The sympathy for the bereaved family is very general. The Alton Fire Company of which deceased was a member, delivered a big floral piece at the Eason home and flowers were also sent by the Ladies Aid Society of the Presbyterian church, the T.O.K.K. Club, and a number of the young men around town delivered a beautiful floral piece at the home.

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Source: Alton Democrat issue of 14 Dec 1912.

The funeral of Stephen Eason Jr. was held in the Presbyterian church at 1:30 o'clock last Saturday afternoon. Dr. Sarchet of Jefferson Iowa, former pastor of this church, conducted the services, and appropriate music was furnished by Mrs. A.E. Hoeven and Miss Matie Gibbs. The church could not accommodate the large number who gathered to pay their last respects to this young man. Many from out of town attended the funeral. Intermen was made in Nassau township cemetery.
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Alton Democrat issue of 14 Dec 1912- RESOLUTIONS:

Whereas, The Great Chief on High has removed from us our esteemed fellow member, Stephen Eason Jr., be it Resolved, That in the death of Stephen Eason Jr. we lose one of the most promising member of our Company-a favorite among us, a just and upright young man and a good citizen. He departed this life in the bloom of youth-full of promise of fruitful and helpful years to come, and the Alton Fire Company mourns. Resolved, That in token of our sincere friendship and sympathy in the dark hour of death and of this great affliction, we extend to the bereaved family our heartfelt sympathy. Resolved, That these resolutions be spread upon the minutes of our Company and that a copy be sent to the family of our departed brother and that same be published in the Alton Democrat.

President, E.J. Kooreman, Secretary, Jno. F.D. Aue Treasurer, B.D. McWilliams.
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Whereas, It has pleased Providence to take from among us Stephen Eason Jr., a beloved member of our Sabbath School and Whereas, As a young man and citizen he has enduringly impressed his personality upon the people of this town and surrounding country and particularly upon the members of this Sabbath School and intimate associates, and Therefore, His memory is dear to us, and his life an example regarded with profound affection and as worthy the closest imitation. He was quiet, unselfish, industrious, a lover of humanity and universally respected and beloved. Therefore, be it Resolved, That while parting with this dear friend we feel a deep sense of personal loss as we contemplate his quiet beautiful life and character, therefore, be it, Resolved, That we tender to his parents and the members of his family our sympathy in their hour of sorrow an bereavement. Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be spread on the records of our Sabbath School, a copy sent to the family of the departed, and that a copy be sent to the Alton Democrat.

Wm. Hutchinson, Florence McLatchy, Mrs. Guy Gleysteen.