STIDGER, Josiah Bonney: Died 1940

STIDGER, BONNEY, BROWN, COOKE, HOLLAND

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri
Date: 3/31/2018 at 09:19:58

Josiah Bonney Stidger

Josiah Bonney Stidger, eldest son of Wm. C. and Mary Bonney Stidger, was born in Keosauqua, Jan. 5, 1868, and passed away in Chicago, Ill., June 20, 1940.

His father died when Jo, as he was familiarly called, was twelve and a half years of age, and on his young shoulders soon fell much of the responsibility and support of the family, consisting of his mother, brother, and two sisters. He began at that age to learn the printer's trade, and worked for some years in the office of the Van Buren County Democrat.

He graduated from the Keosauqua high school in this class of 1899, attended Iowa Wesleyan a short time, taught one term in Keosauqua high, but soon returned to the newspaper work in Ottumwa, Colorado, and later going to Chicago. From 1905 until about four years ago when failing health caused his retirement, he was a linotype operator on the Chicago American.

In 1897, Mr. Stidger was married to Margaret Brown, who survives him. Their only daughter, Mary, with her husband, Arthur E. Cooke, and their children, Arthur, Jimmie, and Margaret, have been most faithful in helping care for the father and grandfather during his long period of failing health.

Besides this immediate family there are two sisters who survive, Mrs. E.C. Holland of Milton and Miss Willa Stidger of Mt. Pleasant.

Jo was a most faithful and loyal Mason, having joined the Blue Lodge in Keosauqua as soon as he was of eligible age. At his request the Masonic ritual was used at his burial, which was in Purdom cemetery Saturday morning at ten o'clock. A body of Masons formed and escort. The beautiful service was impressively read by Robt. R. McBeth, the prayer and benediction by the Rev. C.H. Orf.

Thus again, another native of our town, who loved the old place, has been laid to rest in our quiet peaceful City of the Dead.

**Handwritten: Van Buren Record 17 June 1940

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book J, Page 135, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA