Jones logo
George Henry Stivers
March 29, 1845–June 25, 1911
George Henry Stivers, one of the residents of this community and a prominent citizen of Washta died at his home Sunday, June 25 at 9 o'clock p.m., aged 66 years, 2 months and 26 days. Mr. Stivers had been failing in health for some time, but was planning to be up about ten before he died. He was thought to be improving the last few days and his death came as a surprise and shock to everyone.
George Henry Stivers was the son of Timothy and Elizabeth Stivers. He was born in Jones County, Iowa, March 29, 1845; on February 12, 1868 he was married to Matilda Harrison of Olin, IA. This union were born six sons and three daughters, as follows; Howard, who died when 2 years old, Mrs. Gertrude Harvey of Washta, A. H. Stivers of Alta, Ross of Ark., Charles, Mrs. Bertha Jenkins, Grace and George of Washta.
In 1871 Mr. Stivers moved to Webster County, Iowa and resided there six years. In 1877 he moved to Great Bend, Kansas, and resided there until 1884, when he returned to Olin, IA. In 1886 he moved to Cherokee County, Iowa where he spent the remainder of his life.
Mr. Stivers was one of the good men of the community. He was converted before coming to Washta and became a member of the M. E. church of the place when he moved here. He lived a consistent Christian life, was faithful to the church and kind to everyone.
A man who had knew him for twenty-five years said to the writer: "I have never heard anyone say a word against George Stivers." He was a member of the official board of the church at the time of his death, also justice of the peace, and had served one or two terms as mayor of Washta.
The people of this community, among whom he had lived so long, will miss Mr. Stivers. There are few among us who could die and be missed more. He leaves to mourn his death his widow, five sons and three daughters, already named, also two sisters, Adaline Colby and Elizabeth Lucas, and one brother, Frank Stivers.
The funeral was held at the M.E. church Tuesday afternoon, under the auspices of the Masonic order, of which the deceased was a member, and one of the largest funerals ever held in Washta. Every bit of room in the church was taken and about 100 people stood outside. Rev. Davies, pastor of the church, preached an appropriate sermon and paid a fine tribute to the departed. The floral offerings were many and beautiful. The remains were laid to rest in the Washta Cemetery.

Submitted by: Charles R. Stivers

This may be a wedding photo of George Stivers and Matilda Harrison. Do you have any idea?
image
© Copyright 1997-2013, The Art Department, © Copyright 2014-2020, Richard Harrison.
Last updated on Friday, 16-Apr-2021 16:55:54 MST