Obituary, Charles Stephens

The deceased, Charles Stephens, was born Aug. 15, 1857, in Chicago, Ill., and died last Friday afternoon, February 22; after a long and painful affliction of two years duration. On February 12, 1881 he entered marriage with Elizabeth Willinghurst, and on December 31, 1883, he entered his second marriage with Elizabeth Schmerling. This union was blessed with four children, one of which preceded him into eternity. Aug. 17, 1906, he also lost his beloved wife through death. The deceased is one of our oldest citizens in Porter, living here about thirty years, his age being 60 years, 4 months and 7 days. Three daughters, Mrs. Elizabeth Nestor, Augusta Johnson and Lena Zane, five grandchildren, two brothers and two sisters survive to mourn his loss.

Charles Stephens was a good, honest man and highly esteemed by all who knew him. He always had a kindly greeting for man, woman or childr whom he met. He was one of the citizens who had seen Porter change from a little muddy town to what it is now with its great improvements. He work on the brick yard faithfully from year to year until about a year ago when he had to give up from time to time on account of sickness. Thirty years almost, of constant labor on the brick yard, had been put in by this faithful man. Several months ago Mr. Stephens went to a hospital in Savannah, Mo., where he thought he would get helped by a specialist, but seemingly there was no help for him and he came home but a few days before his death, preferring to die with his dear ones at home. His family miss him sadly, but they are not alone in their sorrow, as there are hosts of relatives and friends who miss him also and join in extending heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved family that say, "Not my will but Thine be done."

The Chesterton Tribune

March 7, 1918

Page 6, Column 2