Milford chronicle., 1922-06-30
DEATH OF JOHN P. STEWARD
ONE OF THE LEADING CITIZENS OF MIL
FORD FOR FIFTY YEARS.

John Purnell Steward, one of the
best known residents of Milford, died
at his home at II North Front street
early Thursday morning, June 28th,
1922, after an illness which had last
ed since January 1st. Drs. J. Lynn
Pratt and William Marshall had both
been in attendance for. some time but
his case was hopeless.
Mr.. Steward was born in Milford
| Neck on May 18th, 1845. His father
was well known merchant and YES
sci owner of Milford. Colonel John
Wood, who equipped a regiment at
his own expense for service in the
war of 1872 was his great-grandfather
The deceased was one of the Repub-
lican leaders in this section and was
postmaster in this place for five years.
During that time the business of the
Office greatly increased and he made
an earnest fight for a federal building
for Milford; so that the postal ser
vice of the town might have increased
facilities. The building was erected
after his term had expired. Despite
his age he entered a contest for dele
gate to the Republican state conven-
tion, in the last campaign, and won
by a big majority.
Mr.. Steward was twice married. His
first wife was Miss Mary Purnell, of
Georgetown, who was a sister of the
late Charles H. Purnell, at one time
sheriff of Sussex county, and David
S. Purnell, at one time postmaster of
Georgetown; both of whom were
Democratic leaders in Sussex county.
His first wife died over twenty years
ago and later he married Mrs. Sallie
Hudson, of Milford, who died a few
years ago. He is survived by two
children by his first marriage. They
are Mrs. Ella Steward Price, wife of
H. T. Price, a member of the Board of
Assessment for the City of Whining
ton, and John P. Steward, Jr., who
was connected with his father in the
grocery business which he establish
ed when his term as postmaster ex-
pired. Previous to being postmaster he |
was engaged in the shoe business and |
at one time in the baking and confec-
tionery business. He died in the house |
where he had lived for the greater
portion of his life and which has
been owned by the family for many
years.
Mr.. Steward was a member of the
Avenue M. E. Church. The funeral
will take place Friday afternoon at
; o'clock with services at the house
and interment in Odd Fellows ceme-
cry.
He was always interested in public
especially physical games and
sports. About 1861 he was one of the
eading baseball players of Milford,
Ind held down the position at first
)ase in the contests between the home
,lub and those of nearby towns. In
hose days it was not unusual for a
Sreat number of runs to be scored in
he nine innings. One of these that
will be recalled by the old men of
oday, was one between Milford and
Dover, when Milford won by a score
# 106 to 78. These were strenuous I
ames indeed. He retained his inter-
st in base ball up to the past few c
ears, and always attended games be-
ween Milford and Dover for many
ears. c
His acquaintance and business deal
lgs with the people of the Tenth I
District of Kent coun- a
2, coupled with his active interest in q
ne success of the Republican party,
lade him very valuable factor in e
zeal political affairs, and his loss will
e greatly missed during the present b
ampaign. p
John P. Steward was a positive man il
/ his political and business assOcia-
ons. He was open to reason at all a
mes, but uncompromising g in politi- p
Il policies. He was either for or
gainst, and all knew it; whatever b
le question,