FUNERAL SERVICES HELD FOR CHARLES STEVENS

Mr. Charles Stephens passed peacefully away at his home in this city last Thursday evening, at 6:30 after a brief illness.

Mr. Stephens was born June 28 1847 in Favorsham City, Kent county, England. At the age of fifteen he joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and with his parents came to America. They crossed the plains with the early pioneers, settling in Hyrum, Utah. At the age of twenty he was called with other men to go back across the plains and assist other immigrants to cross. He had many wonderful experiences in this journey.

He married Eleanor Owens of Hyrum, Utah, Sept. 12, 1870. They moved to Bear Lake county in 1870, settling at Laketown, later moving to Bennington. In 1880 he was called by church authorities to assist in getting out timber for the Logan temple; he worked in this capacity for three years. In 1898 he was called by the church to go on a mission to New Zealand. He labored here proclaiming the gospel for nearly three years. Shortly after this he migrated the five small children of George Harding from New Zealand to this country, caring for them for a number of years. The family moved to Montpelier in 1912 where they are actively engaged in farming.

To Mr. and Mrs. Stephens were born thirteen children, five have preceded him in death. He is survived by his widow and the following children: William John, Thomas, George, Delmar, Bert and Edna, all of this city, and Mrs. Ella Nate of Wardboro, also thirty six grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren, a sister, Mrs. Ella Williams, of Brigham City, Utah, and a brother, George Stephens of Bennington.

Funeral services were held Sunday, Sept. 4, at 12:30 in the stake tabernacle. The services were conducted by Bishop Lewis Perkins; opening song, "O My Father," invocation, F. M. Winters; song, "I'll Go Where You Want Me to Go." The speakers were Bishop Lewis Perkins, Charles Collett, Robert Harding, Pres. E. C. Rich, Silas Wright and George Harding. A beautiful solo was sung by Lottie Grosjean. Closing song was "I Know That My Redeemer Lives,' benediction, Charles Pierce. Interment was in the city cemetery; the grave was dedicated by W. W. Clark.

The many worthy tributes given by those who spoke, as well as the many beautiful floral offerings and the large number of friends and relatives who attended the services bespoke of the great love and high esteem in which Mr. Stephens was held by all who knew him.

Published in Montpelier Examiner newspaper in Montpelier, Bear Lake County, Idaho, on Thursday, September 8, 1932 on page 1

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