Steele - Elmer
Source: Crawfordsville Daily Journal, Crawfordsville, Montgomery County, Indiana
Thursday, August 31, 1911 - Once more the grim messenger of death has entered into our midst and demanded his toll from among the living and this time the fatal lot has fallen on Elmer Steele. Elmer began his life Sept 6, 1887 on a farm south of Raccoon, Putnam County, Indiana and spent his entire life near the place of his birth, his occupation being that of farm laborer. His life has been closely linked with that of the people of this community through his activities in those services that pertain to its interest and also because of the kind genial disposition which he always cultivated. He was a member Modern Woodmen, order and always took an active part in his work until prevented by declining health. After almost eight months of suffering during which time he was ministered to by the hands of loving parents and kind friends, he received the summons to depart and near six o’clock Wednesday evening August 23, 1911 he passed away having attained the age of 23 years, 11 months and 17 Days. His religious experience while very brief was intense and gave to him the deep consolation needed for the dark trials he was passing through. The type of character he held toward the world was good being especially marked by a kindness to his mother and father and consideration for the rights of others. June 2, 1910, he was married to Velma Bidgood and to this union was born one son, yet an infant of three months. Elmer was the son of Samuel and Hester Thompson Steele and was one of six children, four of which are yet living. Lone, Luther, David and Lottie, another brother having preceded him to the grave a few years ago. Besides these there remain a wife, one son, numerous relatives and a host of friends to mourn his loss. While our human feelings and shortness of vision cause us to mourn at his departure we realize that he reclines today in the gentle care of a kind heavenly Father and we can only say, “Thy will not ours, oh Lord be done!’ --- kbz