Leroy STEPHENS

STEPHENS, THARP, STEELE, COMPSTON, MCCLURE

Posted By: Sharon R Becker (email)
Date: 3/9/2009 at 18:39:26

The Mount Ayr Record-News, 1931

LEROY STEPHENS OF DELPHOS PASSES AWAY SATURDAY

Leroy STEPHENS, prosperous and well-known farmer of near Delphos, died Saturday morning about eleven o'clock at the home of his nephew, Jesse STEPHENS.

Mr. STEPHENS, who had always been in good health, drove his team to the Jesse STEPHENS home Saturday morning. Upon his arrival Mr. STEPHENS complained of pains about the chest. He was helped from his wagon and to the house, where he lay down. In order to make him more comfortable, Mrs. Jesse STEPHENS went to another room for a pillow and by the time she returned life had passed out.

Funeral services were held at the Baptist church in Delphos Tuesday afternoon at two o'clock, conducted by Rev. C. J. HAMILTON, pastor of the Mount Ayr Baptist church, assisted by Rev. SHACKELFORD, and interment made in Rose Hill cemetery. The following obituary was read at the funeral:

Leroy H. STEPHENS, the son of Allan and Martha STEPHENS, was born near Garard Fort, Pennsylvania, March 17, 1866. When 13 years of age he went to reside with his uncle, Ezeriah STEPHENS, and after three years returned home to live with his parents. He then came to Delphos, Iowa, where he has been held in high esteem as one of the most respected citizens of Ringgold county. He has created a friendship here which shall not be soon forgotten.

After coming to this county, he worked for the first year for Mr. THARP, then was employed by Mr. Allie STEPHENSON for two years, after which he worked for his uncle, J. H. STEELE, for six years. He had by this time earned and saved enough that he moved to his own farm where he has lived for the last 35 years of his life.

He was a successful financier and a hard worker. His 400 acres of land, his personal property, and other possessions are the fruits of his hard work, good management, and honest dealings.

Mr. STEPHENS was a man of good habits and moral character. He lived an honest upright life. He was a man who believed in the church, though he was never a member of it himself, yet he supported it with his means liberally and also supported every pastor which it employed. He played the part of the good Samaritan in that he has been a splendid help in the times of need. He was a great philanthropist, believing in and standing for the things which tend to make mankind better. He was kind to his parents and continued to visit them at regular intervals as long as they lived. Since their passing away he has continued to visit his sisters, who are in Pennsylvania, until his own earthly career ceased.

Mr. STEPHENS passed away at the home of Jesse STEPHENS, his old home, Saturday, September 26, 1931, about 11 o'clock a.m.

He leaves to mourn their loss two sisters, Mrs. Clara COMPSTON, and Mrs. Elizabeth McCLURE, both of Davistown, Pa.; three brothers, Ezeriah STEPHENS of Delphos, Iowa, Thomas Bowen STEPHENS of Dunkard, Pa., and W. L. STEPHENS of Parkersburg, W. Va.; twenty nieces and eighteen nephews and a host of other relatives and many friends.

CARD OF THANKS.
For every kindness which found expression in helpful acts and sympathy generally bestowed at the death and funeral of Leroy STEPHENS we are profoundly grateful.

THE RELATIVES.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, 2008