Source: North Manchester Journal, May 16, 1901

DEATH OF A PIONEER
Uncle Stephen Kester, a Well Known Citizen of Chester Township, Passes Away Suddenly

Another pioneer has passed away in the person of Stephen D. Kester, who died very suddenly last Thursday. Mr. Kester had been in poor health for some years past but was able to be around the greater part of the time. He appeared to be in his usual state of health last Thursday morning, and during the forenoon set about plowing a truck patch near his house. Later he was found dead beside the plow and to all appearances he had stopped plowing and sat down on the plow beam to rest when death overtook him and he fell backward from his seat. Mr. Kester was one of the early settlers of this township and a man known to many people. He was a good citizen of the highest integrity and personal honor and a man of very kind disposition. The following obituary has been handed us:

Stephen D., son of William and Mary Kester, was born in the state of New York, September 15, 1826, and died suddenly (of heart failure probably), May 9, 1901, aged 74 years, 7 months and 24 days. He came with his parents to Miami county, O., in 1838, where he grew up to manhood. He came to North Manchester, Ind., in 1852 and ran a saw mill for J.B. and J. Harter three or four years. he was married to Eva Lowman, a native of Ohio, at his brother William's in this township, April 1, 1855. To this union were born two daughters and one son. He bought the land where he continued to live until his death, in 1856, making the first improvements on said land. He had a birth right membership in the Friends or Quaker church, and held to that faith during his life. He was a good husband, a kind, indulgent father, a loyal citizen and a helpful neighbor. He leaves a companion, three children, four living grandchildren, four brothers, one sister and many other friends to mourn his loss. Funeral at the Concord church May 11, conducted by Rev. W.S. Jordan. Burial nearby.