Walter Scott Stokes

Other Events:

• Census: 1870, Turtlecreek Township, Warren County, Ohio, United States; as Walter Stokes, farmer, head of household
• Obituary: 11 Feb 1904; The Western Star (Lebanon, Ohio) 11 February 1904, p2

Notes:

W. S. Stokes, farmer; P. O. Lebanon; was born in Waynesville, Warren County, Ohio, Jan. 14, 1835. His parents, Ellis and Hannah (Morgan) Stokes, were both natives of New Jersey, of English descent, and were both raised as Quaker. Our subject attended the schools of his native county and devoted his time to the work of the farm. He has always been an industrious and careful man, and has acquired during his useful life a large and valuable property and comfortable competency. His farm of 125 acres is of the best land in the county, and the improvements he is constantly making on it increases its value and beauty daily. Mr. Stokes has reared a family of six children, viz.: Alice, Lydia B., Hannah M., Frank, Lizzie and Arthur E.; all except Alice now at home. His wife, Martha, to whom he was married Jan. 17, 1855, was a daughter of James Benham, a wealthy and influential citizen of Warren County, whose parents were among the very early settlers of the county. (Source: Evansville, Indiana: Unigraphic, Inc., 1972, a reproduction, "History of Warren County, Ohio", (Original published by W.H. Beers & County, Chicago 1882), Biographical Sketches, Turtlecreek Township, pg. 783)

Obituary:

Commissioner Stokes Claimed By Death.
It was a sad surprise to the people of this county when the word passed out Thursday afternoon that County Commissioner Walter S. Stokes lay cold in death. At the regular morning of the Board of Commissioners on Monday he was present as usual and as presiding member took part in the deliberation of the meeting. But when he returned home in the afternoon it was for the last time for from then until his death he was never away from the house again. The immediate cause of his death was uraemic poisoning.
True, for some weeks he had been failing in health and to those well acquainted with him it was apparent that he was rapidly declining. Many would have remained at home in better health that he was having but with his characteristic determination he kept about until the very last. Thursday morning it was reported that his death was a matter of but a few hours but those who were thus informed could scarcely believe it and when about three o'clock in the afternoon the news of his death was bruited about it came as a surprise.
Walter S. Stokes was born in Waynesville January 1, 1834. When but a lad his parents removed to Turtlecreek valley a short distance below Lebanon where the balance of his life has been spent excepting a few years' residence in Lebanon. He was married in 1855 to Martha Benham, of this county, whose death occurred but a few months ago. Four daughters and two sons survive.
Mr. Stokes was a man who in public or private life made few if any enemies. He was modest and retiring to a fault and while possessing clear convictions on all matters presenting themselves and governed by these convictions on all matters presenting themselves and governed by these convictions, he did not attempt to compel others to share them. As an official of the county as well as a citizen he was careful and deliberate, scrupulously honest and honorable in all dealings and counsels. His record is untarnished.
The funeral occurred Sunday at one o'clock from the residence on Broadway conducted by Rev. Yates, assisted by Rev. Shively. A large number of relatives and friends from every part of the county, including the county officials, gathered to pay him this last earthly tribute.

Walter married Martha Benham on 17 Jan 1855. Martha (daughter of James Benham and Lydia Moore) was born on 20 Feb 1835 in Ohio, United States; died on 14 May 1902 in Lebanon, Warren County, Ohio, United States; was buried in May 1902 in Lebanon, Warren County, Ohio, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]