Adelma Bordeen Stillman, a resident of Milton for the past 17 years, died at his home at 2 p. m. Saturday, January 7, 1933 in his 79th year. He had been in failing health for some time and had suffered a paralytic stroke three days before his death.
Mr. Stillman was born March 28, 1854, near Albion, Wis. He was the oldest child of Nelson R. and Rose Burdick Stillman. At the age of seven he moved with his parents to Southern Minnesota, and lived the true pioneer life of the early 60's until he was seventeen years old. From there his family moved to Illinois, living at West Hallock and Farina, later moving to Nortonville, Kansas, where they lived the remainder of their lives.
His education was obtained at Albion academy from which he graduated in 1878. Following graduation he taught in the public school for five years near Nortonville, Kans., and five years at Utica, Wis. At one time he was associated in the mercantile business with J. H. Coon at Utica.
When a young man he was baptized and became a member of the Seventh Day Baptist church at Farina, Ill. Throughout his life his interest and support has been given to this denomination.
He was married December 31, 1883, at Utica, Wis., to Miss Mary Clarine Coon, daughter of "Capt." W. H. H. and Harmina Coon. To this union were born seven children: Claude D., Duluth, Minn.; Clair L., Monroe, Wis.; Ruth Ann, Madison, Wis.; James I., Houston, Texas; Rose H., Milton, Wis.; and D. Theodore, Marshfield, Wis. One son, Henry, died in 1915 at Nortonville, Kans. at the age of 22 following an accident.
Mr. Stillman and his family resided at Utica until 1890 moving at that time to Nortonville, Kansas, where he engaged in the mercantile business and later in farming. Following a serious injury received while on the farm, Mr. Stillman was forced to retire from an active life. In 1915 the family came to Milton to make a home for their children while they attended Milton College. All six of the surviving children are graduates of that institution. In 1916 Mr. Stillman built the house on Madison avenue, which has been the family home since that date.
Mr. Stillman was a quiet man and because of his physical condition was forced to live a quiet life. He was a great lover of nature and possessed a rare sense of humor. He had a large circle of friends whom he valued highly.
Besides his widow and six children, Mr. Stillman is survived by one sister, Mrs. Augusta Wheeler, of Nortonville, Kans., and eight grandchildren. They are Newland and Aliceon children of Claude D., Robert, John, Judith, and Nancy, children of Clair L., and George Shaw and Ann, children of James I. Stillman.
Funeral services were conducted at the home Monday, January 9, at 2 p. m. by Dr. Edwin Shaw, assisted by Rev. M. G. Stillman, and Rev. D. Burdett Coon. Both Dr. Shaw and Rev. Stillman were lifelong friends and schoolmates of the Mr. Stillman. Music was furnished by a male quartet of Milton College students. Burial was in the Milton cemetery.
Relatives and friends from out of town who attended the funeral included, his children with the exception of James who was unable to attend, Mrs. F. W. Coon and Mrs. R. L. McIntosh, Madison, Wis.; Warren Coon and Mrs. Grace Heddles, Chicago, Mr. and Mrs. Milton Babcock, Mrs. D. L. Babcock and James Dates, Albion; E. B. Lewis, Mr. and Mrs. G. J. VanHorn, Mrs. Joseph Mortimer and Mrs. James Bray of the Wisconsin Automobile Insurance company of Monroe of which Clair Stillman is President.
