Obituary from The Index, 
Location Unknown
Date Unknown:

George W. Stevens Dead
The End Came at St. Francis Hospital, Wichita, at 7:30 AM Sunday
Was An Early Settler

Judge George W. Stevens died in St. Francis Hospital, Wichita, on Sunday, December 6, 1908, at 7:30 AM from acute bladder trouble, after a surgical operation. The first few days after the operation there was every indication of recovery and this condition did not change until last Thursday when his son, Harry Stevens was notified that there was a change for the worst. Judge Stevens was taken with violent hiccoughing which later developed into critical stomach disorder when it became apparent that death was inevitable. Three daughters and one son were at his bedside when he passed away - - Mesdames J. M. Gibson of Isabel (KS), L. T. Wilson of Alva, OK., Myra Jones of Wichita, and Harry W. Stevens of this city.

The remains were brought home on Monday afternoon and the funeral was held at the Presbyterian Church yesterday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Mr. H. C. Duckett. Music was furnished by a specially selected choir. The attendance was very large and the floral tributes most sublime. The body was laid to rest in Highland Cemetery, Medicine Lodge.

George W. Stevens was born in Louisiana, Missouri, May 19, 1831; died in St. Francis Hospital, Wichita, KS, December 6, 1908, aged 77 years, 6 months, 17 days.

In his childhood his parents removed to Hancock Co., Illinois, where he grew to manhood. He was united in marriage to Myra K. Worrell September 23, 1853, and to the union nine children were born, two of whom died in infancy. The surviving sons and daughters are J. Stanley Stevens of Dennison, Ohio; Harry W. Stevens and Stella Youmans of Medicine Lodge, KS; Lelia M. Gibson of Isabel, KS; Mary Wilson of Alva, OK: Myra Jones of Wichita, KS and Hattie Shannon of Carthage, MO.

Judge Stevens first came to this county and state in the spring of 1884 when he became interested in the development of the new country, and in July, 1886 he brought his family and has resided here continuously since. Mrs. Stevens died October 23, 1893, while on a visit at her old home in Illinois and was buried there. During his more than 24 years of residence in Barber County, Judge Stevens has been one of our most active ranchmen. He owned a ranch of 920 acres five miles east of this city and has had personal charge of it during his ownership of it. A month ago he sold this ranch to L. W. Chapin and had intended to spend the coming spring and summer traveling. In public affairs, Judge Stevens always took a keen interest. He was especially prominent in politics and was one of the Democratic leaders in the county ever since coming here. He served as sheriff of the county from January, 1887 to January, 1889, and as probate judge from January, 1891 to January, 1895. In addition to his political principles, he was a man of strong moral convictions and has been prominently identified with the moral uplifting of the city and county. He was a stern man, yet respectful, and while he had some enemies, perhaps, he enjoyed the confidence and esteem of the best people of the county.

Until his late affliction, Judge Stevens had scarcely been sick a day. He was a man of fine physique and though over 77 years of age, was as active and apparently as well preserved as the average man of 50.

The people of Barber County are saddened by his death, and they will always hold him in sacred remembrance as a man of a generous heart and a brave will. He was a man among men and a valuable citizen.

To the sorrowing children and grandchildren who survive him, the Index offers most sincere sympathy.

Notes from visitor Nancy H.: 
Place of Death: Wichita, Kansas
Date of Death: 6 Dec 1908
General: His parents moved the family on to Hancock Co. IL (from Louisiana MO), where they lived for a number of years. Some of them stayed, George W. Stevens moved on to Medicine Lodge KS

© 2000 Rhonda Stolte Darnell