STIDGER, Dr. George

STIDGER, BAKER

Posted By: Juanita (email)
Date: 5/31/2003 at 23:02:13

KEOSAUQUA REPUBLICAN 3 Apr 1884

"Died - in Keosauqua IA., Saturday, March 30, 1884 - Dr. George Stidger, aged 79 yrs. 5 mos.

His death was very unexpected, not over an hour elapsing from his first feeling unwell until he breathed his last. He had attended class meeting at the ME Church in the morning and took an active part. His remarks were full of trusting hope of a glorious future life and contentment of again being permitted to worship with old friends. His death was caused by something like heart disease, or congestion of the lungs.

Dr. Stidger was born in Jefferson County Ohio Oct. 3, 1805; was married to Mary Ann Baker, October 15, 1829, moved to Moundsville, W.VA in 1844 and to Keosauqua, IA in 1855. He practiced medicine from 1829 until a few years ago, his age causing him to withdraw from active work. He had been absent in W.VA for a couple of years where he had a son who recently died and less than two weeks ago, March 20, returned to his home here. Truly can it be said that he was a good man. As a physician he ranked among the first of his profession and as a citizen and Christian, not a whisper of reflection was ever heard against him. He was one of those noble natures that we all love, generous and energetic and stedfast in principal.

His death is not only sad bereavement to his family who have so recently suffered affliction in the death of a brother and sister but also to the citizens of this part of the County where he was so widely known, it came to all its sadness.

Funeral services were held at the ME Church on Tuesday, April 1, Rev. Murphy, preaching; the Masonic Order then taking his remains in charge and laying them away in Oakland Cemetery, the burial being witnessed by a large concourse of friends."