William Asa Steadman

STEADMAN, MEADOWS, SMITH, BUSSE, KUTRUFF, BENNETT, KROTZER, DROZ

Posted By: Volunteer - Paul French
Date: 5/12/2005 at 13:32:41

W. A. STEADMAN

[handwritten annotation: 1925]

William Asa Steadman, son of James and Elizabeth Steadman, was born Feb. 18, 1847, in the old Steadman home north of Bonaparte, now occupied by the L. N. Meadows family. And he passed away at his home in town at 7:30 Saturday evening, October 31, 1925, aged 78 years, 8 months and 13 days.

April 10, 1870, he was united in marriage with Miss Amy Rebecca Smith. To this union were born six children: Three sons who died in infancy and three daughters -- Mrs. Cora Meadows of Bonaparte, Mrs. Jennie Busse of Kahoka, Mo., and Mrs. Nell Kutruff of Highland Park, Ill. The devoted wife and mother departed this life April 14, 1909.

Mr. Steadman lived in Bonaparte all his life with the exception of eight years spent in the west. Fifty years ago this month he joined the I.O.O.F. And has continued throughout the years to be a faithful member of the Bonaparte Lodge. He was also a member of the Knights of Pythias so long as there was a chapter in this vicinity.

Besides the three daughters who are left to mourn their loss of father, the deceased leaves seven grandchildren: Florence, Helen, Amy, Herman, Asa, Frederick and Hazel Busse; and a step-granddaughter, Susan Meadows, who also enjoyed the affection of a grandfather. He also leaves two sisters, Miss Hattie Steadman of Los Angeles, Calif.; and Mrs. James Bennett of Bonaparte, Iowa; and one brother, N. F. Steadman of Anaheim Calif.

Mr. Steadman's going removes from the community a human landmark. His life work, that of stone mason, was followed presistently [sic] and continually, first working with his father then with his brother, Christopher C., then for years alone. It might be said that he literally helped to lay the foundation of the town. The stone work of the mill, the glove factory, the river bridge, both the first one and the one now standing are some of the structures on which he worked.

His work was symbolical of his life -- solid and dependable. He enjoyed good health and continued to work until early in the spring of 1925. Since that time he has gradually failed, yet he kept his courage and his determination to again be up and doing. Through the long weeks of his illness he received the unselfish devotion of his daughter and her husband, Mr. And Mrs. L. N. Meadows, and of the other daughters when it was possible for them to be with him. His immediate family mourn and the entire community will miss him.

Funeral services were held from the home Monday afternoon, Nov. 2 Rev. Krotzer, pastor of the Presbyterian church, officiating, assisted by Rev. Droz of the Baptist church. Interment in the Bonaparte cemetery.