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JOHN STALEY

[Welland Tribune, 6 August 1897]

John H.W. Staley, the oldest settler on Grand Island, died at his home at 6 o’clock Tuesday night, July 27th, aged 69 years. On Monday he underwent an operation of great severity, which was performed by Dr. Mynter of Buffalo. The shock was too severe for Mr. Staley’s constitution, however, and he succumbed 27 hours later of heart failure.

Mr. Staley was born down the State nearly seventy years ago, and came to Grand Island with his parents a sturdy little fellow five years old. During his long life on Grand Island where he pursued the peaceful occupation of farmer and fruit grower, he amassed a large amount of wealth, which he well knew how to take care of, and how to enjoy. His acquaintance was very wide, extending largely over Western New York and the Province of Ontario. He represented the town of Grand Island in the board of supervisors, where he made a reputation for himself and the island at the same time. He was a sturdy Jacksonian Democrat all his life.

Besides a widow, six sons and a daughter survive. They are: Lafayette W. (of Pelham), Jay, Jefferson, John, Harry and Marshall and Mary, wife of William Dinsmore.

The funeral was held from the homestead at the foot of the island, on Friday last, to the First Congregational church on the Whitehaven road, burial being in the family cemetery near Eagle Park.

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