STONG, Dr. Jesse Franklin: 1874-1922

STONG, BARKER, WEBB

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri
Date: 4/21/2016 at 10:38:57

Obituary of Dr. J.F. Stong

Jesse Franklin Stong, son of Jacob and Cynthia Stong, was born at Kilbourne, Iowa, April 18, 1874, and died in Barada, Neb., of apoplexy, Feb. 7, 1922. He was in his usual health up to within a few minutes of his death.

On October 29, 1900, he was married to Miss Wilda Barker of Mt. Zion, Iowa, and to them were born three children: Helen Webb, William Dean and Robert Burns.

He graduated for the Keokuk Medical College, class of 1900, and the following year practiced medicine in New Mexico. Since then, with the exception of the time spent in the World War, he has practiced in Nebraska, where all were his friends. He volunteered for service in the Medical Department and was given rank of First Lieutenant. He was in three major engagements and while at Argonne Forest was twice gassed. Characteristic of him, he wrote home on a scrap of paper: "I am writing this under a load of ammunition. Have my office in a shellhole. Am with a dandy bunch. We get good eats. I have $400 in my pocket. Lousy as I can be and feeling fine." He spent about two years in the service, including six months in Germany with the Army of Occupation.

Jesse loved the old home at Kilbourne and his remains were taken to the place. The funeral was held on Friday afternoon, Feb. 10, at the church, conducted by Rev. Jones, and in charge of the American Legion.
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-The following tribute to a friend, neighbor and schoolmate was written by our Kilbourne correspondent for last week:

Grief, like a pall, settled over our village last Wednesday when our people learned that Dr. J.F. Stong had passed away the evening before at his home in Barada, Neb. He was born and grew to manhood at this place. Everyone was his friend. The old home and friends were very dear to him. Each year found him enjoying his vacation with relatives and friends here. He usually chose April as the time to come home, as his birthday was on the 18th of that month. His tragic death was a shock to us all, as he was the picture of health when last here. Dr. Jesse saw the funny side of everything. You could not be long in his companay(sp) until you were laughing as heartily as he. His brother B.J., went to Barada and brought the body home. He was laid to rest by the side of his mother in our little cemetery. The floral offerings were beautiful. As long as life shall last we shall remember the pleasant smile and cheery greetings of our schoolmate, neighbor and friend. He was the first of our soldier boys, who went overseas, to pass to the Great Beyond.
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To the Fellow Who'll Take My Place

After the death of Dr. J.F. Stong, brother of B.J. Stong of this place, which occurred a few weeks ago at Barada, Neb., the following beautiful lines were found in a pocket of his clothing, and dedicated "To the Fellow Who'll Take My Place." These lines give an insight into the character of the man more vivid than any friend can depict. The poem follows:

Here is a toast I want to drink to a fellow I'll never know -
To the fellow who's going to take my place when it's time for me to go.
I've wondered what kind of a chap he'll be, and I wish I could take his hand,
Just to whisper, "I wish you well, old man," in a way that he'll understand.
I'd like to give him the cheering word that I've wished so long to hear;
I'd like to give him the warm handclasp when never a friend seems near.
I've learned my knowledge by sheer hard work, and I wish I could pass it on
To the fellow who'll come to take my place some day when I am gone.
Will he see all the sad mistakes I've made and note all the battles lost
Will he ever guess at the tears they've caused, or heartaches which they cost?
Will he gaze thru the failures and fruitless toil to the underlying plan
And catch a glimpse of the real intent and the heart of the vanquished man?
I dare to hope he may pause some day as he toils as I have wrought,
And gain some strength for his weary task from the battles I have fought.
But I've only the task itself to leave,
with the cares for him to face,
And never a cheering word may speak to the fellow who'll take my place.
Then here's to your health, old chap;
I drink as a bridegroom to his bride;
I leave an unfinished task for you,
but God knows how I tried.
I've dreamed my dreams as all men do, but never a one came true.
And my prayer today is that all the dreams may be realized by you.
And we'll meet some day in the great unknown - out in the realms of space;
You'll know my clasp as I take your hand and gaze in your tired face.
Then all your failures will be success in the light of your new-found dawn--
(missing) drinking your health, old (missing) who'll take my place when I (missing)

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book F, Page 287, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA