Ionia County MI Archives Obituaries.....Dexter, Stephen F. 1904
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Andrew MacLaney amaclaney@hotmail.com April 28, 2010, 6:43 pm

Ionia Co. MIGenWeb
The Evart Review
Friday, May 6, 1904 
Stephen F. Dexter Dead

The editor received word Monday morning of the death of S. F. Dexter, which
occurred the day previous. Our readers had been aware of the serious nature of
Mr. Dexter's illness, and that it was but a question of time when he would pass
away, nevertheless a universal expression of regret was evident at the demise of
one so long identified with our business and social affairs, though for past two
years retired from active pursuits.

Stephen Franklin Dexter was born in Herkimer County, N. Y., Nov. 13, 1823, and
died at the home of his nephew, D. M. Tower, 531 Jefferson street, Grand Rapids,
May 1, 1904, in his 81st year. He came to Michigan with his father's family in
1833, and settled in Ionia, and he with his sister, Mrs. Prudence Tower, who
survives him, were the last of the original pioners of that county. Mr. Dexter
was in business for a time at Kidville, and in the fifties went to California,
going overland via Kansas City, returnng to Michigan in 1866, being one of the
passengers on the first passenger train on the newly completed Union Pacific
railroad. He came to Evart in 1873, and engaged in the insurance business. He
was elected village clerk in 1874, and Justice of the Peace in 1878, which
office he held continuously for twenty-four years. He was active in politics,
and served for a time as chairman of the Republican County Committee. He was a
member of Evart Lodge F. & A. Masons, and served as warden and secretary. In
business matters he was prompt and of strictest integrity, his official work was
transacted with great care and faithfulness. He was dignified and honorable in
his walk as man and citizen, and none knew him but to admire him. When his
health failed, disqualifying him for business, his family friends solicited the
privilege to care for him, but his self pride caused him to refuse the kindly
offers. He went to the Masonic Home for a time, and last November while visiting
his aged sister at the Tower home, he was taken with a relapse and he never left
the house again. He received to the last the best possible attention that kind
and loving hands could bestow.

Mr. Dexer's wife died a number of years ago, and is survived by one son, Czar,
who lives in Missaukee county. Interment was made at Ionia yesterday.
________________________________
The Ionia Daily Standard
Monday, May 2, 1904
Death of Stephen F. Dexter.

Stephen F. Dexter, the last remaining son of Samuel Dexter, the head of the
original colony settling at Ionia, died at Grand Rapids, on Sunday, at home of
his sister, Mrs. Prudence Tower, where he went last fall. When Stephen was ten
years old he came to Grand River valley with his father, who took up land both
where Grand Rapids now stands and on the site of Ionia, choosing this place as
his home. Decedent was 80 years old Nov. 13, 1903. During his life in Ionia he
was in company for a time in the dry goods business with his brother, John C.
Dexter. He was also for a time a partner of Jas. M. Kidd at Kiddville. About
1851 he went to California, where he was married, and remained west about 30
years. On his return to Michigan, he located at Evart, where he has since been a
resident.

The funeral will be held at the Tower residence, Grand Rapids, at 1 p.m.
tomorrow. Remains will be brought here for interment in the family lot at Oak
Hill cemetery, arriving by the 4 o'clock train.


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