Wednesday, June 22, 2011

The Stanton Vault Revisited: Part 2


Ten of the 16 sets of remains reinterred in the Stanton Vault footprint after it was demolished were  members of the extended Stanton family, headed by Dr. James Eddington Stanton and Mary Jane (Hobbs) Stanton, who brought their family from Indiana to Chariton in 1862.

Although Stantons no longer live in Chariton, at least three of their buildings remain, including the Stanton Building on the west side of the square where Edwin Stanton, the family dentist when I was small and a son of Dr. Theodore P. and Helen Stanton, had his office. Edwin lived at that time with his mother in the old Theodore P. Stanton home on East Auburn Avenue, rejuvenated in recent years and still standing in a good state of repair. Both Edwin and Helen Stanton died during 1956.

The Dr. John Henry Stanton home on East Court Avenue became Downs Funeral Home, then Mosher Funeral Home, and now is a private dwelling again. It, too, is in a good state of repair.

 Obituaries or alternate informabout about the 10 Stanton family members follow. All sources other than the tombstone give James E. Stanton's middle name as "Eddington" rather than was "Edward," as inscribed on the tombstone.

JAMES EDDINGTON STANTON
West Row, Grave No. 6 (from the north)
The Chariton Patriot, 12 November 1908

Another one of Lucas county's pioneer citizens has gone to his eternal home. On last Friday morning about seven o'clock, Dr. J. E. Stanton passed away at his home on north Main street after an illness of only about twenty-four hours with paralysis. Largely attended funeral services, under the auspices of the Masonic and I.O.O.F. orders, were held at the home of his son, Dr. T. P. Stanton, on Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock. A male quartette composed of Dr. Walter Anderson, Fred Larimer, Prof. W. E. Hays and S. C. Hickman, rendered several appropriate selections. The floral offerings were profuse and beautiful, and were expressive of regard for the dead and sympathy for the living. At the close of the service the remains were laid to rest in the vault at the Chariton cemetery.

James Eddington Stanton was born in Belmont County, Ohio, on May 15, 1828. He had a twin sister who died at West Liberty, Iowa, in 1892. At the age of twenty-eight years he moved to Indiana. His professional education was obtained at the Keokuk Medical College. He began practice in Belmont county, Ohio, the place of his birth, in 1852. While residing there he was united in marriage to Miss Mary J. Hobbs, on November 14, 1850, at Summerton. To them were born six children, four of whom, Mrs. Allie Lockwood, Mrs. Ruthana Boyles, and Drs. T. P. and J. H. Stanton, all of this city, are living. One daughter, Mrs. Minnie Guylee, died a few years ago, and one son (sic.; this actually was a daughter, Mary, who died during 1865 at age 7) died when quite young. Mrs. Stanton passed away about ten years ago. Dr. Stanton and family came to Chariton in 1862, and engaged in the practice of his profession. At that time he endured many hardships in traveling across the unbroken prairies to minister to the sick. During his residence here of nearly half a century he became widely known and in many homes his name was a household word. He was generous to the poor, not only giving them his services and medicine when there was no hope of renumeration, but he frequently purchased provisions, clothing and fuel for them. He was one of the charter members of the Masonic order and also belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He was not a member of any church, but was of Quaker descent. In later years he retired from active practice and devoted himself largely to beautifying and caring for the city of the dead. He was the principal stock holder in the Chariton Cemetery Association and God's acre was his special pride. He possessed a kindly heart and his many noble deeds will be gratefully remembered. His innumerable friends throughout southern Iowa will learn of his demise with heartfelt sorrow and will extend sincere sympathy to the sorrowing children.

MARY JANE HOBBS STANTON
West Row, Grave No. 5 (from the north)
The Chariton Democrat, 29 November 1900

Mrs. Mary J. Stanton, wife of Dr. J.E. Stanton, departed this life on Wednesday evening, November 21, a few minutes before midnight, after an illness of several weeks with paralysis. Largely attended funeral services conducted by Presiding Elder W. B. Thompson were held at the M.E. church on Friday afternoon at two o'clock after which the remains were placed in the family vault in the Chariton cemetery.

Mrs. Mary J. Hobbs was born near Baltimore, Maryland, on January 2, 1825. When quite young she moved with her parents to Belmont County, Ohio. On November 14, 1850, she was married at Summerton, Ohio, to Dr. J. E. Stanton. They came to Chariton in 1863 where they have since resided. They were the parents of six children, four of whom are living. They are Drs. T. P. and J. H. Stanton, Mrs. Allie Lockwood and Mrs. San Boyles, all of this city. Mary, a daughter of seven years, died in 1865, and Mrs. Minnie Guylee passed away about three years ago. The surviving husband and children have the sympathy of the entire community in their sorrow.

Mrs. Stanton was a lady of strong mind, well read and a character most excellent. Her religious life was simple, devout and practical. For many years she has been a faithful member of the Methodist church. Her death has caused extreme sorrow. She was loved by all who knew her and her pleasant disposition carried sunshine and joy wherever she went. An affectionate wife, devoted mother and beloved neighbor has gone to her reward.

JOHN HENRY STANTON
West Row, Grave No. 3 (from the north)
The Chariton Herald Patriot, 1 June 1922

DEATH CALLS DR. J. H. STANTON
End Came Suddenly at Home at Midnight on Thursday, May 25, 1922
Funeral Held Monday
Immense Crowd Attended Last Sad Rites; Dr. Stanton Had Practiced Here for Over 30 Years

The entire community was shocked and deeply grieved to hear of the unexpected and very sudden death of Dr. J. H. Stanton at his late home in Chariton at midnight, Thursday, May 25th, at the age of 60 years, 1 month and 1 day. Dr. Stanton was born at Spearsville, Brown county, Ind., on April 24th, 1862. When but an infant he came to Lucas county with his parents, the late Dr. and Mrs. James E. Stanton. He grew to manhood in Chariton, received his medical education as a physician and surgeon at Rush Medical college in Chicago, graduating in 1892, and practiced a short time in Nebraska, but soon returned to Chariton, where he has been engaged in a wide and successful practice for the past 30 years. After his return from school he and his brother, Dr. T. P. Stanton, spent a year in visiting European hospitals and colleges, to more fully equip themselves for their professional careers.

On June 30th, 1894, he was united in marriage to Miss Gertrude Aughey, the daughter of the late Rev. and Mrs. John A. Aughey, who was for a number of years the pastor of the local Presbyterian church. To this union were born four daughters, all of whom, with the mother, survive. They are Mrs. Lester Combs of Charitoon and Jessie, Elizabeth and Martha at home. In addition to the immediate family he is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Alice Lockwood, Mrs. San Boyles, and one brother, Dr. T. P. Stanton, all of Chariton. The following nieces and nephews also survive: Mary Lockwood, Ida Boyles, Mrs. Ed Northington, Mrs. Robt. Larimer, Mrs. Harold Leonard, Edwin, Lucien and James Stanton, all of Chariton.

Dr. Stanton was a man of strong convictions and firmness of character, and as a consequence he had a host of firm friends. His long residence in Chariton gave him a wide range of acquaintance and by virtue of his profession he was brought into close fellowship with multitudes of people as through the years of faithful, untiring ministry he went from home to home to bind up the broken bodies and pour in the oil and wine of his sympathetic healing ministrations.

To those in distress and trouble he always had a word of cheer and encouragement that came from a kind fatherly heart. It is the testimony of multitudes to whom he came that there was a healing in his sympathetic touch and genial presence. His home life was especially noteworthy as being all that a loving and thoughtful husband and father could make.

The home life was knit together by those tender ties of love which death alone can break and then only for a short time.

His going will be mourned, his presence will be missed and his memory will live in the hearts of the many who named him among their friends and acquaintances. He confessed his faith in Christ and was confirmed in the Episcopal church of Chariton. He was a member of the American Medical Association and also the Iowa State Medical Society. He was an active member of the American Association of Cemetery Superintendents and has attended the annual meeting for the past several years in his effort to obtain knowledge and information as to cemetery affairs that would assist him in his untiring efforts in beautifying and improving the Chariton Cemetery to which he devoted a great deal of care and attention and of which he was superintendent.

For many years he had been a member of the Masonic order, being a Knight Templar, a Thirty Second Degree Mason and a member of the Za Ga Zig Shrine. The funeral service was conducted from the home on East Court Ave. on Monday afternoon, May 29th, at 3 o'clock, by the Rev. C. W. McClelland of the First Presbyterian Church and the local Masonic order. Miss Jessie McIntire sang two beautiful and appropriate selections. The spacious home could not accommondate half of the number who came to pay their last tribute to the memory of their departed friend. The floral tributes were profuse and very beautiful, mute testimony of the esteem in which Dr. John Stanton was held as well as sympathy for the grief stricken wife, daughters and other relatives. Drs. A.L. Yocum Sr.,H. D. Jarvis, R. C. Gutch, D. Q. Storie and A. L. Yocum Jr., all of this city, and Dr. J. B. Robb, of Russell, all of whom were not only brother physicians but were brother Masons, acted as pall bearers. At the conclusion of the services at the home the remains were laid to rest in the vault in the beautiful little city of the dead, the care of which had been his pride for so many years.

GERTRUDE E. AUGHEY STANTON
West Row, Grave No. 4 (from the north)
The Chariton Leader, 2 April 1940

Mrs. Gertrude Stanton, aged about 75 years, widow of the late Dr. John H. Stanton and for many years a resident of Chariton, died Friday night in Chicago, Ill., following a stroke of paralysis last Tuesday.

Mrs. Stanton was formerly Gertrude Aughey and was a daughter of Rev. and Mrs. John H. Aughey. Her father was pastor of the Presbyterian church in Chariton many years ago. She was married here to Dr. John H. Stanton and to them four daughters were born, all of whom are living. They are Mrs. Elizabeth Schubert of St. Louis, Mo.; Mrs. Sarah Combs, Mrs. Jessie Hallberg and Mrs. Martha Mutcham (surname is unclear on microfilm), all of Chicago, Ill. Five grandchildren also survive her.

Mrs. Stanton was one of the early members of the P.E.O. society at this place and was active in a number of organizations. Dr. Stanton preceded her in death about eighteen years ago. Several years ago she went to Chicago to reside.

Funeral services were held in Chicago and the body was cremated.

Note: Cook County, Illinois, death records show Gertrude Stanton's date of death to have been 29 March 1940, as affirmed by the preceding death notice, so the tombstone date is wrong. She may have been born during 1867 rather than 1868 as well.


MINNIE STANTON GUYLEE
West Row, Grave No. 2 (from the north)
The Chariton Patriot, 24 December 1896

Died in Chariton at 4 p.m. Friday, December, 18th, 1896, Mrs. Minnie Stanton Guylee, in the forty-fifth year of her age. Her illness of eleven weeks of acute suffering was borne with a resignation and courage befitting the character of a noble christian woman. She was the eldest child of Dr. J.E. and Mary Stanton and was born in Somerton, Belmont county, Ohio, November 23d, 1851. Dr. Stanton removed with his family to Chariton in 1863 and have been residents of the city since. The deceased was a successful teacher for several years, and enjoyed the confidence and affection of her pupils. She was married to T. J. Guylee in May 1879. For twenty years she was an active, consistent, christian worker in the M.E. church, and following the example of the Divine Teacher, she devoted her life to doing good. She taught a class of young men in the Sunday school for ten years and was untiring in her efforts to develop and strengthen christian character among them. Organizing a Lyceum League, outside of her church work, for the benefit of the youths of the city, she was earnest and untiring in the noble purpose of imparting instruction and upbuilding all the manly virtues among them. In unselfish effort for the good of others, she was also a prominent and loved member of the Women's Relief Corps, Eastern Star and Woman's Suffrage Societies. Unassuming in manner, her strong individuality of character commanded respect and made her influence felt, not only in society and the church, but in the home circle as well. A clear head and honest heart made her a wise counsellor and valued friend. For the bereaved husband, parents, brothers and sisters, the loving sympathy of all is expressed.

The funeral took place on Sunday afternoon, December 20th, from the M.E. church at 2 p.m. The services which were of the most impressive character were conducted by the pastor, Rev. Rhoderick. Attesting their love and esteem for their departed sister and co-worker, the members of her Sunday school class, Eastern Star and Women's Relief Corps, attended the funeral in a body. All that was mortal of the beloved wife, daughter and sister was placed in the vault in the Chariton cemetery by loving and reverent hands, and she who so brightened the lives of others will live in their hearts, a cherished and tender memory.


Note: According to a Stanton family Bible in the Lucas County Historical Society collection, Minnie's given name was Arminda W. Stanton. The birth date on her marker is wrong. The Bible record gives her birth date as Oct. 23, 1851, rather than Nov. 23, 1851, as reported in her obituary.


TOM GUYLEE
West Row, Grave No. 1 (from the north)
No information other than name on marker; Chariton Volunteer Fire Department flag holder beside his marker.

Lucas County marriage records show that Tom J. Guylee and Minnie Stanton were married 3 May 1879. They had no children. His occupation in the 1880 census was given as tinner. Minnie died during December of 1896 and Tom survived her, but what became him isn't clear. He still was living in Chariton, apparently retired with "private income" during 1900. Although his remains were found in the vault, I've been unable to find an obituary or death notice for him in Chariton newspapers. There are no dates on his Fielding Funeral Home marker.


MARY E. STANTON
West Row, Grave No. 7 (from the north)
Mary E. Stanton is identified in the obituaries of both her parents as a daughter of James Eddington and Mary Jane (Hobbs) Stanton who died during 1865 at the age of 7. It seems likely that Mary was first buried conventionally elsewhere in the Chariton Cemetery, that her body was disinterred and placed in the vault when it was constructed during 1881 and that upon demolition of the vault, her body was reburied. The Stanton family Bible gives her date of birth as June 11, 1857.


EMMA J. (SMITH) STANTON
West Row, Grave No. 8 (from the north)
Emma J. (Smith) Stanton was the wife of James Eddington Stanton's nephew, Lindley M. Stanton, undertaker and merchant at Humeston in Wayne County. Belmont County, Ohio, marriage records show that Lindley M. Stanton and Emma J. Smith were married on 28 September 1876. The only Chariton newspaper reference to Emma's death is the following item, which mischaracterizes Emma's relationship to her her father-in-law, William Stanton, published in The Herald of 20 November 1890:

"Wm. Stanton of Somerton, Ohio, arrived in Chariton last Wednesday night on a visit to his brother Dr. J.E., going to Humeston Saturday to the bedside of his sick daughter (acutally daughter-in-law), Mrs. L.M. Stanton, who died on Monday. The remains were brought to Chariton on Tuesday afternoon and laid to rest in the Stanton vault, where services were conducted."


Lindley M. Stanton continued to live at Humeston until 1913, when he became ill and was taken to Chariton and cared for by his cousins there. Rather than bury him with Emma in the Stanton vault, he was buried to the rear of the Theodore P. Stanton lot quite a distance southwest where the inscription on his small tombstone reads, "L.M. Stanton, Sept. 27,1840-Aug. 13, 1913." The date of death inscribed on the tombstone is incorrect. He actually died 6 August 1913. Lucas County death records identify him as a son of William and Sarah (Burr) Stanton.

The only Chariton newspaper account of L.M. Stanton's death was the brief item that follows, published in The Herald Patriot of 7 August 1913, as follows:

"Mr. L. M. Stanton, of Humeston, a cousin (actually nephew) of the late Dr. J.E. Stanton, passed away in this city last evening at 8 o'clock at the home of his cousin, Mrs. Ruth Boyles, after an extended illness with Bright's disease. He was brought to Chariton a few weeks ago where he could be cared for. He was seventy-three years of age. The only near relative surviving is a brother in Columbus, Ohio. Funeral services will be held tomorrow afternoon at 2:30 o'clock, at the home of Mrs. Boyles after which interment will take place in the Chariton cemetery."

A complete obituary was published in The Humeston New Era of 13 August 1913, as follows:

L. M. STANTON DEAD
Well Known Citizen and Business Man of Humeston Died Wednesday Night. Funeral at Chariton.

Linley (Lindley) M. Stanton, aged seventy-three years and a well known resident of Humeston, died Wednesday night at the home of his cousin, Mrs. Ruth Boyles, in Chariton. His death was due to a complication of diseases. His friends had been aware of his failing health for several weeks yet the news of his death came as a severe shock to the many who had known him well.

Mr. Stanton fell off the second-story porch at his home some weeks ago and since that time he had not been feeling well, although he had recently completed two jobs of painting. On July 21 he went to Chariton to visit relatives and was at once confined to his bed.

He was born in Belmont county, Ohio, September 17, 1840. He had been a resident of Humeston since 1885. For many years he was engaged in the furniture and undertaking business. He erected the opera house in 1898. He had been assessor of Humeston for the past six years. He was a member of the M.E. church and the Masonic lodge. He had been married three times. His third wife died in September, 1911. He is survived by an aged mother in Ohio, and a brother, Isaac Stanton, of Columbus, Ohio.

Mr. Stanton was good, honest and industrious. He was a most courteous and friendly man, always a gentleman and willing to do anything to oblige a friend. He had won what is better than great wealth --- the respect and friendship of all who knew him.
The funeral services were held at Chariton Friday afternoon, conducted by the Masonic lodge of which he was a prominent member. Rev. R. Burton Sheppard of Humeston preached the sermon. About twenty-five Masons attended the funeral and paid last honors to the good man. Burial was made in the Chariton cemetery.


RUTH STANTON MEAD
West Row, Grave No. 9
The Chariton Herald, 19 November 1891

Died, at the family residence on 5th street (in West Liberty, Iowa), on Tuesday night, Nov. 10th, Mrs. Ruthanna Stanton Mead, age 63.

The simple modesty of her life forbids a public exhibit of her many virtues now that she is dead. It is sufficient to say that as a woman, a wife, a mother and a friend, she was good, wholly good. She leaves a family of one son and three daughters, toward whom since their infancy, she has filled the double part of mother and father. To them her loss is a terrible bereavement, in which the deep sympathy of a community of friends is freely expressed.

The funeral will occur this afternoon (Thursday) at 3 o'clock at the M.E. church, Rev. Kendrick officiating with a brief service. The remains will be taken tonight to Chariton, Iowa, and ladi to rest in the family vault of her brother, Dr. Stanton.

Busy through all her life with deeds of love,
She held a trusting faith in One above;
She went where duty led, without complaint,
And died as she had lived, a patient saint.

Weep not for her; her earthly troubles o'er,
She rests in peace upon the shining shore;
Her labor done, she sweetly wears the crown
The Savior gives to those He calls His own.
Wapsie Index, West Liberty, Ia.

Mrs. Mead was a sister of our esteemed fellow townsman, Dr. J.E. Stanton, and formerly resided in Chariton, where she had many friends. The remains arrived here last Friday morning and were followed to their final resting place, as above indicated, by many sympathizing friends.


CLARA MEAD
East Row, Grave No. 7
The Chariton Patriot, 21 August 1913

Clara Mead was a daughter of Ruth Stanton Mead (1828-1891), twin sister of James Eddington Stanton. Ruth also was buried in the Stanton Vault, then reburied in its footprint. The most likely explanation for identical dates on markers for both Ruth and Clara is that Clara's remains were cremated after her 1913 death in Minneapolis and the ashes interred with her mother's coffin. That apparently resulted in some confusion when the Mead crypt was opened prior to demolition of the vault (perhaps Clara's name and dates were not inscribed on the crypt door; her interment only noted in cemetery records). Lacking better information, perhaps, the same dates then were placed on the Fielding Funeral Home markers of both.

The 1900 census of Minneapolis shows Clara and her sisters, Mary E. and Ella D., sharing a home there. All were school teachers; none married. That census gives Clara's month, year and place of birth as August 1865 in Ohio. She apparently died during July or August 1913. The following brief item is the only account of her death and burial in Chariton newspapers (the name is incorrectly spelled Meade in this article):

MISS CLARA MEADE

The remains of Miss Clara Meade, of Minneapolis, Minn., who died a few weeks ago, were brought here last Friday and placed in the vault in the Chariton cemetery by the side of her mother. Deceased was a cousin of Drs. T.P. and J.H. Stanton and Mrs. Ruth Boyles and Mrs. J.H. Lockwood, all of this place. The remains were accompanied here by her sisters, Misses Mary E. and Ella Meade.



2 comments:

Martin said...

I believe that the Stanton home became Downs Funeral Home (Ralph & Fern), and not Dunn.

Frank D. Myers said...

Right you are. I was thinking funeral home and speaking monument works. Thanks!