Obituary Hunnewell Graphic June 10, 1898

Death has once more sent his chilling arrow whirling through the air, this time to take from our midst the beloved uncle and fellow citizen Capt. Steven Jackson Webber.
He was born in Bowdoin, Maine, April 5th 1830 and departed this life June 8th 1898 after a long and painful illness. He was married to Dorothy Knox 1848. To this union four children were born, two daughters and two sons. His wife and three children preceded him to the promised land.
His wife having died two years ago.
One daughter Mrs. Wm. Mefford and five grandchildren still survive him. He came to Shelby county Missouri, from Gardner, Maine, in 1866, and moved on his farm west of Salt River where he resided until November last, when he went South for his health, but not being improved, he returned home in April to die.
From then until death came, he had not been able to leave his chair or lie down.
He united with the Christian church of this place in July 1897. He has been a great sufferer for some time but during his sickness, he was not heard to murmur, but constantly sought a blessing to be bestowed upon himself and household. Wednesday morning about eight o'clock that blessing came to him and he went to sleep in his Saviors Arms. As we stood by watching one so dear being torn from us by that dread monster death, our hearts were rendered sore, but were cheered by the blessed thought that our loss was his eternal gain, and that he was only going to that celestial home to meet his loved ones, and with them wait and watch to welcome us, when we shall be bidden to enter that home of which he talked so much and to which he longed to go. For two days he had been talking of going home, and only a short while before he died had asked to be taken to his home across the river.

Uncle, thou art home, Home amid the bliss, While in the earthly doe, Thee we sadly miss, Oftimes the way was dark, But still the light kept shining, Unceasing gleamed the mark, To chide thy souls repining, The city lieth fair, Beyond the darkened river, And many mansions there, With lamps unfailing quiver, He gave thee a trusting heart, In faith and love supernal, That thou shouldst have thy part in life and love eternal.

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Hunnewell Graphic, Hunnewell, Missouri, Friday, June 10, 1898

On Wednesday morning at 8:20 a.m. Captain S. J. Webber of organic disease of the heart. His disease began to actively afflict him in December 1896. From that time he made a brave fight against death. Last fall, believing that he could not survive a Missouri winter, he went to Ocean Springs, Mississippi, for the purpose of prolonging his life. He spent 5 months there in comparative comfort, but got worse in April and returned home, the latter part of the month. The month of cold rainy weather during May only increased his trouble, which terminated his life about 6 weeks after he returned home.
Capt. Webber was a gallant marine and served with ability and distinction during the Civil War. He was prominent Mason and lived close to the teachings of the order. During the last year of his life he was a consistent Christian. His host of friends realized that his place in this community will be hard to fill. The funeral took place from the Christian church Thursday at 2 p.m. Elder Rhoades officiating. The beautiful and impressive ceremony of the Mason's was conducted at the graveyard by that order. A large concourse of relatives and friends followed the remains to their last resting place at the cemetery west of town.

Article on file at the Shelby County Missouri Historical Society and Museum

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Stephen J Webber
U.S., Citizenship Affidavits of US-born Seamen at Select Ports, 1792-1869
Detail Related Source
Name
Stephen J Webber
Birth Year
1828
Birth Place
Richmond, Maine
Declaration Date 27 Feb 1845
Declaration Port
Bath, Maine
Age
17
Residence Place
Bath, Maine
Witness Name Dexter Webber
Archive Publication M1825
Archive Roll 1