Obit: Robert Tidwell Stinson - Bossier Parish, La.



Submitted by: Susan Shaver

Source: Bossier Banner, May 29, 1919 





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   Benton mourns the loss of one of its prominent and most useful residents. 

Mr. Robert Tidwell Stinson, second son of Mr. T. W. W. Stinson, was killed 

this afternoon on the Stinson place by a bolt of lightning. 



   As reported, Mr. Stinson was today about his usual duties at the Bank of 

Benton.  After closing the bank, he proceeded home, as usual, and about 3:30 

o'clock left for the Stinson plantation, where he and all his brothers have 

crops.  While out looking over his crop and lthe field work under way he was 

accompanied by his younger brother, Mr. Dewey Stinson, both riding horseback. 

About 4:00 o'clock a shower and electrical storm came up and they sought 

shelter under a tree.  During the storm the tree was struck by a bolt of 

lightning.  Mr. Dewey Stinson, who was still on his horse at the time, 

reports that both animals ran to one side immediately following the shock, 

but that he was not thrown from his saddle.  He was considerably shocked and, 

for a moment or so, somewhat dazed.  His brother had bee sitting down, 

leaning against the tree.  He at once returned to the scene, and finding his 

brother lying on the ground, face down, he shook him and turned him over.   

The unfortunate man gave two short breaths, a gasp - and his death followed. 



   The death of Mr. Stinson is keenly regreted here in Benton, and wherever 

he was known.  As above stated, he was a useful, industrious and generally 

desirable citizen, and seemed to be marked for greater achievement in life.   

Some years ago he was given the post of Cashier in the Bank of Benton, and 

later was selected by the Police Jury as Parish Treasurer.  Both places he 

filled with honor to himself and the satisfaction of all.  Some months ago he 

resigned as Cashier at the bank, and soon followed his selection as President 

of that Institution.  At the time of his death he was again Cashier at the 

bank, but only serving in that capacity temporarily. 



   Familiar with and helpful in the business transactions of so many, Mr. 

Stinson will be greatly missed in our town and community.  And not alone for 

such reasons.  He was a man of exemplary habits - honorable, upright, 

friendly, neighborly, and at all times under good repute.  He was a man who 

could easily make friends, and numbered them by the score - and in his home 

life there was no discordant note to mar the happiness of all within that 

circle.  Truly his friends, the members of his little family, and the other 

relatives mourn the passing of a good man.  Sagacious in commercial pursuits, 

but kindly, charitable and at all times of gentlemanly deportment, no claim 

we here advance can be controverted. 

    

   About ten years ago Mr. Stinson was united in marriage to Miss Mamie 

Edwards, eldest daughter of Mr. J. F. Edwards.  As a result of this union 

there are two children - Robert, about eight years of age, and Ford, aged 

four years.  Aside from the widow, the two little boys and his father, all 

above mentioned, the deceased is survived by four brothers and two sisters, 

who are:  Mr. W. G. Stinson, Mrs. W. W. Carter, Mr. T. W. Stinson, Mr. W. A. 

Stinson, Mr. D. H. Stinson and Mrs. B. A. Kelly, Jr.; also a half-brother, 

Master William Emmett Stinson. 



   The funeral service will be held at two o'clock to-morrow afternoon, at 

the home of the deceased, in this place, and will be conducted by Rev. J. M. 

Brown, of Belcher, a friend of the family of long standing.  The interment 

will be in a Shreveport cemetery, but which one was not known at the hour 

this is written . 



   We join many friends in offering condolence to the grieved ones.  Fate, 

to mortal vision, often deals a cruel stroke.  Here is recorded what we look 

upon as an untimely death.  In God's own sphere all must be different - is 

different.  His voice is stilled, the bloom of youth and vigor has depoarted, 

his brow is cold in death  - but only "A death-like sleep.  A gentle wafting 

to immortal life."  Where summoned beyond he has been received into the 

outstretched arms of that loved one who has gone before.  In that 

spirit-world they await the coming of those here held dear. 

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