Deer - Stephen Ellis
Note: The index for this is Deere but the tombstone says Deer as does the obit so putting it under DEER
Stephen Ellis Deer 13 Feb 1874 – 27 June 1934
Stephen E. Deer, son of Joel G. and Mary E. Deer was born Feb 13, 1874 at the old home, one mile south of Deer’s Mill where he grew to manhood. In 1900 he was married to Fanny Welch. The young couple began their home life on his father’s farm, later succeeding after his father’s death to the business of the store near the old mill. Here their two children were born and here the family continued to reside on the very spot where years before the father and mother of Stephen began their married life. It was while living in this place in a tent meeting conducted by Stephen’s brother, John H. Deer that he was converted and was baptized near the old mill on Sugar Creek along those banks he played during his boyhood days. He became a member of Freedom Baptist Church, later transferring his membership to Browns Valley which has been the home of the family for the past 16 years. It was here death came to him Friday June 22. During his residence in Brown’s Valley Stephen had owned and operated a general store and in the conduct of his business he has ben guided by the same principles of integrity and fair dealings that made his father an outstanding business man of his day. This brief sketch of the life of Stephen E. Deer would not be complete without mentioning the beautiful companionship existing between him and his wife. Not only in their home life, but also in his business she proved her absolute devotion. He was blessed with a happy home and was especially devoted to his children and grandchild. Surviving are his wife, his son, Frank of Greencastle and his daughter, Margaret Bayless of Browns Valley, also a little grandson, Stephen M. Deer of Greencastle.
Of the 10 children of Joel G. and Mary Deer, Stephen’s going leaves only three: one sister, Elva D. Whittington of Crawfordsville and two brothers: George W. Deer of Crawfordsville and Dr. John H. Deer of San Bernadino, Calif.