Mount Morris Index (Mount Morris Illinois) 21 December 1904

TAKEN IN HIS PRIME
SAMUEL STONEBRAKER EXPIRES SUDDENLY

This community was shocked last Wednesday evening to hear of the sudden death of Samuel F. Stonebraker, well known in Mount Morris and vicinity. It was generally understood that he was in the best of health and being a comparatively young man renders the fact of his premature death all the more to be regretted. Mr. Stonebraker is said to have had traces of heart trouble and had consulted a physician several weeks before the fatal attack. He had been able to come to town and did not consider his condition serious. December 6, he had a slight stroke of paralysis and for a short time his left side was affected. In a short time, however, he regained the use of his limbs and apparently was getting along nicely. December 14, at noon, he was taken worse and rapidly sank during the afternoon. Death came at 7 o’clock in the evening. The attending physician thought that paralysis was occasioned by the rupture of a blood vessel in the brain, which eventually led to inflammation in that organ. His suffering seemed mostly in the head.

He remained conscious to within a short time before his death. In the morning he had been able to discuss with his brother matters pertaining to his farm duties.

His father, Franklin W. Stonebraker, of Hagerstown, Md., was notified by telegraph, but on account of his own illness, was advised by his physician not to attempt to come to the funeral. The services were held in the M. E. Church Friday at 1 o’clock, Rev. Whipple preaching the funeral sermon. The burial occurred at Oakwood in the family lot.

The deceased was the son of Franklin W. and Philoma Stonebraker, widely known in this community. The mother and two brothers preceded him to the grave. The deaths of the three sons of the family have all ed(sic—does not make sense) him to the grave. The deaths have been under the most painful circumstances. Daniel was drowned while swimming in Rock River, John lost his life by falling from a load of oats upon a pitchfork with prongs upward, and Samuel, the third died suddenly at a premature age, which is always most painful to relatives than when death comes after the prime of life is passed. One brother and three sisters survive, viz., Frank S., Mrs. Oliver Gloss, Mrs. John Tice and Mrs. Edward Marvin.

The deceased was born near Mount Morris January 12, 1970, and died December 14, 1904, aged 34 years, 11 months and 2 days. He was a dutiful son and brother and a man commanding the respect and esteem of neighbors and many friends.

Contributed by Jane Edson

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