Stephen Eldridge

Stephen Eldridge, 84, Dies At Daughter's Home In Midwest

Word was received here Wednesday telling of the death of Stephen Eldridge, occurring at the home of his daughter, Mrs. George Clapp, at Midwest, Wyo. Mr. Eldridge was 84 years old on the day of his passing. He had been in poor health for years and for the past two years had been bed-ridden.

The remains were brought to this city Wednesday evening and placed in charge of the Peet Mortuary, under whose direction funeral services will be held at 4 o'clock this Thursday afternoon from the Peet Funeral Home. Rev. B. F. Farrar, pastor of the First Baptist church of this city, will officiate at the services, and burial will be made in the Lusk cemetery, beside the remains of his wife, who died in November, 1928.

Mr. Eldridge had been in the country around here for the past forty years, coming from Missouri and locating near Chadron, Nebr. He was born in North Carolina.

Deceased is survived by three sons, Zone Eldridge of this county; Tom, of Riverton, and Homer, of Shoshoni, and three daughters, Mrs. George Clapp, of Midwest, and two others whose names we do not have.

Lusk Free Lance
October 15, 1931
Stephen Eldridge

Steven Eldridge was born in the state of North Carolina on October 6th, 1848. In 1874 he was married to Miss Ann Long and to this union there were nine children born, three of whom have preceded their father to the better land; six survive him. Mrs. Eldridge was called from this vale of tears, three years ago and her body laid to rest in the Lusk cemetery to await Resurrection Morn.

In the early years of their married life the family lived in Davis County Missouri; but in 1888 they moved to western Nebraska and then five years later came on to Niobrara county, where they have since resided.

About 28 years ago Mr. Eldridge was run over by a horse and that accident has left him practically an invalid since. Hence he is well known to the old timers; but not so well known to those who have come of recent years.

About a year ago his daughter, Mrs. Delora Clapp, of Midwest, took her father from his home near Hat Creek, to live with her. She has cared for him for a year and three weeks before the end came. He fell asleep in his Lord October 6th, 1931-on his 83 birthday, a most unusual coincident.

When Mr. Eldridge was 20 years of age, he was converted and united with the Baptist church, and always remained faithful to that persuasion, though the later part of his life he was denied the privileges of church attendance.

Beside the circle of friends, there remain to mourn his departure, his six children-Zone Eldridge of Hat Creek; Delora Clapp, of Midwest; two unmarried sons at Lander, Homer and Thomas; Mrs. Cora Attwell, LaJunta, Colorado; and Mrs. Minnie Galloway, Durango, Colorado, 12 grand children, two great grand children.

"When we go home, think you 'tis true
That we shall know as once we knew-
You speak with me and I with you-
When we go home.

"When we go home I hope to see
A loving face look straight at me.
Unchanged from what it use to be-
When we go home.

"When we go home it will be to hear,
A darling voice, so low and clear,
Our hearts will thrill to know it near-
When we go home.

"When we go home, it must be so,
From out the shades of long ago
Will come the friends we lost below-
When we go home."
(J. L. Scott.)

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