Benjamin Franklin Halstead 1858-1930

HALSTEAD, STERRITT, WHITE, MCMILLAN, YOUNG, TUFTS

Posted By: Volunteer - Karen DaPra
Date: 4/8/2003 at 03:08:47

Benjamin Franklin, son of Isaac and Caroline Halstead, was born August 10, 1858, near Edina, Mo. In 1861 he came with his parents to a farm three miles southwest of Cantril; at which time there was no town there.

In his early manhood he united with the Egypt Christian church, southeast of Milton. Later, when the Christian church was organized at Cantril, he transferred his membership there as a charter member.

At the age of 27 he was united in marriage with Mary Sterritt; at that time he united with the Mt. Olive M. E. church on the Memphis, Mo., charge, that being the church to which his companion belonged. Some time in 1914 he transferred his membership to the Cantril M. E. church, to which church he continued faithful until his departure.

At the time of the departure of his mother he was living one-half mile south of his father's farm. He then came to live with and care for his father. During the fall of 1888 his wife passed away. On October 16, 1900, he was united in marriage with Miss Ida White, of Stiles. In 1905 his father passed away, after which he moved to his own home. He remained there until November 16, 1929, when he and his companion came to live with her mother, Mrs. White, of Stiles. It was here he passed away quietly April 21, at 9:30 a.m.

He was a man not easily convinced to new ideas, but was true to his own convictions. Nothing pleased him more than to help some one that was sick or in distress. He was a member of the M. W. A., the I. O. O. F. and the Rebekah lodges. However, his church came first, and as long as health permitted he atended [sic] both the Sunday school and church services. These were a source of great enjoyment to him. He was a lover of his home, church and friends. On the last morning here he asked to be permitted to sit up for their morning devotions. After his companion had read the twentieth chapter of Revelations, he offered prayer, or rather talked with God concerning giving us sufficient strength for what the day might bring forth. Then within a brief time he was not, for God took him.

He leaves to mourn, his companion and one sister, Mrs. Ella McMillan, and other relatives who await summons to meet him in the Great Beyond.

(Photocopy of this obit found on page 195 of Obit Book "A" of the Van Buren County Genealogical Society's collection at the Keosauqua Public Library in Jan 2001. Name of newspaper and date of obit not given.)

I am NOT related and am posting this obit for those who may find this person in their family history.

[Originally posted 24 Mar 2001]

NOTE: Other sources say mother was Caroline YOUNG and that Benjamin Franklin Halstead died 21 Apr 1930 in Davis County, Iowa and was buried in the Stiles Cemetery in Grove Township, Davis County, Iowa. Benjamin's siblings who died before him include George (d. 1879) and Amanda d.1910 (she m. Caleb Tufts). I have not personally verified this information.