J. S. Stratton Obituary
J. S. Stratton Dies Suddenly at Utopia Home.
Joseph Samuel Stratton, age 69, died suddenly at his home at Utopia Tuesday morning about 8 o'clock. The deceased had been in ill health for sometime, suffering from high blood pressure and heart leakage. On the morning of his demise he had eaten a hearty breakfast and was apparently in better health than usual. Walking out in the yard on some errand he was stricken suddenly and died within two minutes. Mr. Stratton was raised in Jacksonville, where he spent his boyhood. When he became a man he moved to Kissimmee where he was appointed deputy sheriff under Cal Buckles. Latter her entered in the cattle business and orange grove business. At one time he owned three of the finest groves and two of the finest homes, besides a large bunch of cattle in Osceola county.
In later years he was a member of the Board of County Commissioners of Osceola county, serving part of the time as chairman of the Board. He was also a member of the Board of Public Instruction.
At Kissimmee he married Miss Sallie Bronson of Kissimmee in 1892, who now survives him. From this union was born 11 children, nine of which survive him and two have died. The deceased children are Mrs. Nancy West Harvey and Harry Stratton. The surviving children are C. N. Stratton, John Stratton and Miss Gene Stratton, of Utopia; Mrs. Joe E. Barber, of St. Cloud; Mrs. J. L. Barber, of Okeechobee; Mrs. C. C. Batton of St. Cloud; Mrs. H. W. Hulsey, of Okeechobee; Mrs. Lester Stewart, of Okeechobee. There are 20 grandchildren.
Mr. Stratton moved to Okeechobee in 1917 and settled at Utopia where he engaged in farming and an orange grove. He had been an active man all his life until his recent illness. And in his later days in Okeechobee county he engaged in cross-tie and lumber business. He moved to St. Cloud for a few years and then moved back to Utopia a few years ago.
He was a quiet, unassuming man. He attended to his own affairs and never interfered with others. He was very good to his family. All of his children loved him unusually. He was a good provider and a good citizen. In Okeechobee days he turned things spiritual. Had his health permitted it he would have been baptized by Brother E. M. C. Dunklin.
The remains of the deceased were laid to rest in Bassinger cemetery Tuesday morning, Rev. E. M. C. Dunklin conducting the religious rites at the grave-side. Most of his relatives and many friends of the family followed him to his last resting place. Many beautiful floral offerings were laid upon his last resting place by his friends and relatives. Tender hands put his mortal temple to rest where it will await the coming of the resurrection. A good man has gone to his home, no longer to suffer the worries and pains of this earth. To his widow and children we extend our heartfelt sympathy.
(Died May 8, 1934, Article was in Okeechobee News)
Submitted by Sharon McLaughlin Carroll on May 29, 2001.