Anita Tribune, Anita, Iowa
December 7, 1905
..S. H. Vestal was born in North Carolina, May 4, 1817 and died in Anita, Iowa, December 2, 1905; aged 88 years, 6 months and 28 days. He moved to Indiana in 1831; was married to Allie J. Chambers in 1841-sixty-four years of honeymoon; more than twice as long as the average life. Truly he that liveth well, liveth long. "Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me and I will answer, him, I will deliver him in trouble: I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him; and show him my salvation."
..To their love God gave twelve seals (children): five remain to mourn a kind father and to comfort a loving mother, who went to the gates of death to give them live, and then spent the days in toil that the children might be glad. Seven they have laid to rest. Could we have seen beyond the the misty veil at the landing, when the children met the father we think the tears of gladness would out flow the tears of sorrow.
..Together these earthly pilgrims journeyed to Iowa and settled in that part of the then territory which is now Dallas county, ten miles west of Des Moines. They took government land and made the home where they resided for thirty-four years. Here the children were reared and educated. Here Bro. Vestal dug gold out of Iowa soil and gave it to Simpson College, when to him it meant real sacrifice; but to the College the beginning of a life of usefulness - he was among the early founders. A year and a half ago he renewed his interest in Christian education by subscribing five annual payments. "Truly he being dead yet speaketh." And when his last child was gone to join the family reunion in the sky home, he will be a part of the warp and woof of the manhood of generations, past and yet to come: not only in Iowa but the alumnus celebration will draw from all parts of this land and British Columbia. Although a self-made man, he allied himself with the college and thus with the ages. His eartly estate in dollars and cents may not be large; though of this I know little, but the increments from his character and his connection with Christian education will go on in the years.
..Brother Vestal was a man who kept posted on current events to the last hour before he took to his bed to rise no more. He held many offices of trust in Dallas County, which were the reward of his fidelity, as he was held in high esteem by all; and especially by those who knew him best. He lived and helped to support justice, temperance, purity and progress. An ardent patriot, he gave two sons to the army of the republic in the late civil war; and though he needed them at home, yet he gave them and struggled on alone to make home comfortable for the loved ones.
..Brother Vestal came to Anita in 1890 to live and die near his children: to enjoy their society and when necessary to receive their care; and how well he received it and how lovingly given, the past weeks have told. Religiously he was reared in the Friends church. After coming to Iowa he united with the Methodist Episcopal church in which he has lived a quiet, unassuming Christian life and now has passed to the home land.
..Funeral services were held at the residence Tuesday forenoon, conducted by Rev. D.A. Allen and the remains laid to rest in Evergreen cemetery.
"With God he walked: With God he lives: He is not dead: Tis we are dying."
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