Stephen J. GOLDEN passes away
Belonging to a Good Old Pioneer Family.
Born and Reared In Harter
Township
A Man Of Sterling Character
Served His Country in the War of the Rebellion, and Leaves an Honorable Record
Stephen Jacob GOLDEN was born October 25th, 1842, died May 10th, 1914,
aged 70 years, 6 months, and 15 days. The subject of this sketch was born in
Harter Township, Clay County, Illinois, and grew to manhood, lived and died,
within two hundred yards of the spot where he was born. He was the only son
of Thomas and Elizabeth GOLDEN, pioneers, the parents being natives of North
Carolina, who migrated to this state and county in 1829, and reared a family
of five daughters and one son, the deceased. All are gathered to their long
homes, save two, viz: Susan NALE and Elizabeth COMBS, each of whom was
present at the last rites, and burial of the loved brother.
In August
1862, Stephen GOLDEN enlisted in Company "A" 98th Illinois Volunteer
Infantry, and for three years, he participated in all the marches,
campaigns, and battles of that famous regiment, and earned for himself, the
name of being a generous and genial messmate, friend and above all, a
dutiful and brave soldier.
At the close of the war in 1865, he returned to his home, and on September 23rd, 1866, he was united in marriage to Laura C. OWENS, daughter of Greenberry and Elizabeth (NEWLAND) OWENS, who survives him. To this union was born five children, four sons and one daughter, one son, Arthur H. [unreadable text] a son, Virgil [unreadable text] V., Clara and [unreadable text] were present at the bedside of their father in the final hour. Besides caring for his family, he took into his home and raised as members of his household, three orphan children, two boys and one girl, and cared for, educated and treated them as a father. Steve GOLDEN was reared upon the farm, and like all boys of the early settlers, without many advantages, hard at work tilling the soil.
His education, although limited, as compared with this generation, was enough for the transaction of business, and was obtained at the old subscription schools, and by close application and observation outside of school hours. Possibly, no man of his day, had a wider acquaintance in the county. He numbered his friends by the scores, and to know the man was to love him.
He was just, generous and liberal, contributing cheerfully to support the cause of Christianity, and to maintain and uphold, what was best for the moral advancement and upbuilding of his community, his county and state, and his place in the neighborhood in which he lived and died will not be easily filled. He was frequently called upon by his fellow citizens to take office and for twenty-three years was school trustee of his township and for twelve years was highway commissioner, and he brought the same good judgement and sterling qualities, he exhibited in his private business, to the administration of the affairs of these offices. He was foremost in whatever was best, and by word and example, took the lead in furthering everything that would tend to advance his neighborhood, his county and state and country.
He was a good neighbor a kind and affectionate husband and father, a generous whole souled friend, he was a power for good in his neighborhood and his country as well, and taken all in all, we shall not again soon see his like. The world is better because of him. He has left to his children a rich inheritance, the name-"An honest man".
He will be sadly missed by the community in which he lived, but most of all by those in life, he was daily associated. If, as thee Book says, men are to be judged by "The deeds done in the body", if the acts and conduct of this life are to be reviewed in the great hereafter, and judgment is to be pronounced thereon, then surely Stephen Jacob GOLDEN shall not fall "Short of the Glory", but will enter into the life everlasting, and be at peace forever.
Peace to his ashes rest, eternal rest to his soul.
Funeral services were held at the residence Monday, May 11th, conducted by Rev. THOMPSON in the presence of a large number of relatives and friends. The remains were laid to rest in the Golden cemetery.
Card of Thanks
We wish to express our thanks to our friends and neighbors for their valuable assistance and sympathies during the sickness and death of our husband and father, also the cousins for their beautiful floral offering.
Mrs. Kate GOLDEN and children.
Contributed 19 Jul 1998 by Greg Golden
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