THE CHEEK FAMILY

 

Walter Alvis Cheek, County Judge

 

Judge Cheek Dead.

     Judge Walter A. Cheek died at his home in Madison township yesterday evening, March 3, 1897, after a lingering illness of that dread disease, consumption.

     Judge Cheek was born on the 21st day of March, 1832, in Orange county, North Carolina. At the age of 25 years he moved west, locating at Breckinridge, Caldwell county, in North Missouri, where he engaged in the manufacture of wagons and buggies. Having served an apprenticeship he conducted successfully this business for several years, and afterwards turned his attention to farming. In the year 1858, he was married to Miss Mary E. Gilbert, of Caldwell county. Twelve children were born to them, seven of whom are now living. In the spring of 1870 he moved to Cedar county, where he has since resided. In 1882 he was elected presiding judge of the county court, which he filled four years and was elected to the same office in 1890, serving until 1894. He was an elder in the Christian church and for many years has taken an active part in church affairs.

     The editor of the REPUBLICAN not having been personally acquainted with the deceased, we take the above obituary from the Stockton Journal. Judge Cheek was the father-in-law of Chas. R. Church, one of the editors of that paper.

     The funeral took place Friday morning, Rev. Adcock officiating. Interment at the Lindley Prairie graveyard.

Cedar County Republican, Stockton, Missouri; Thursday 11 March 1897 page 8.

 

In Memoriam.

     Mary E. Gilbert born in Cedar county, Mo., January 18, 1840. Married to Walter A. Cheek in 1858. Died in Stockton, Mo., Nov. 10, 1913.

    These three sentences form a paragraph which appears to the casual glance as a very simple statement of certain facts, but to the eye of one who has long known and dearly loved her of whom it is written, it is the opening and closing of a long volumn (sic) of great interest. It begins with the days of sunshine, hope and ambition, passes through those of faith, struggle and achievement, closes with those of trust, memory and rest. There are periods of brightness and gladness, effort and endeavor, darkness and depression. What a rounded life. Would you change any portion of it? Clouds of sorrow sweetened and refined, times of sunshine, gladdened and rejoiced, days of endeavor strengthened and fitted her undying spirit for the enjoyment of the ennobling things of life and the never ending joys of eternity. She became a Christian when quite young and at no time did her faith waver or hope grow dim.

     The mother of twelve children, six of whom crossed into the beyond before her, some in infancy, some in youth, some in adult life, could the cords of mother love have a more varied trial by death ? Her beloved husband passed away from her side several years ago leaving her with the heavy burden of loneliness to bear, but through all the sorrows by death and trials by life she bore herself strong and upright in spirit as should one who has the support of an arm stronger than death and more gentle than life.

     Throughout all her years she realized that behind every sorrow shown the glory of her divine Master and in every joy and blessing she perceived the gift of the same tender being. Having this strong faith she became that lovable being, a cheerful Christian. Endowed with that delightful trait of character, a ready wit, she was an enjoyable companion to both old and young. Her younger friends spoke of her as "Grandma Cheek" not because of the difference of years, but of the peculiar love and reverence in which they held her. The word was a caress bestowed by those who loved her sunny spirit and sturdy devotion to standards of right.

     Three sons, three daughters survive her. Honorable and useful citizens, doing their share toward the completion of those characters which she and their father trained and guided until they became responsible beings. We know that the influence and impressions of such parents can never be wholly lost though the children became men and women and must be busy with the ever recurring cares of life. Her children do indeed rise up and call her "blessed."

     Her last years were spent as an inmate of the home of her oldest daughter Mrs. J. W. Paynter, where she received the tenderest care and devotion. The sons and daughters who lived near enough for frequent visits also rendered to her that honor, love and reverence due a good mother from her children.

     Death came to her slowly at the last and she was compelled to lie about five months in a helpless condition caused by a fall in the early summer. Now her release has been granted and she has gone home to receive the crown of eternal life promised her for faithful service. Her rest is well earned and she had long been ready to answer to the call "come up higher." She rebelled not at lingering upon earth yet had no dread at leaving it. Her kindly, comforting assurance upon this subject will be remembered with happiness by the friends with whom she talked when memories of her past life and hopes of the future dominated her mood.

     A short service was held at the home of her daughter Mrs. J. W. Paynter, after which her body was borne to Lindley Prairie cemetery where a funeral sermon was preached by J. P. Adcock an old and intimate friend of her husband as well as herself and family and who had also officiated at the funeral services of that beloved husband years ago. They sleep as companions again as they once were in life. May the God in whom she trusted comfort the hearts of her children who have lost so good a friend.

                    A. C.

Cedar County Republican, Stockton, Missouri; Thursday, 27 November 1913 page 4.

 

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W. A. Cheek

     W. A. Cheek born January 22, 1868 in Caldwell County, Mo. Came to Cedar County with his parents when two years of age where he resided until death Feb. 15, 1933. Age 65 years, 24 days. Married to Laura Six Jan. 19, 1890 to whom twelve children were born, seven having passed away, the daughter Mabel reaching adult life, the rest in early infancy.

     Mr. Cheek was elected surveyor of Cedar County serving in that capacity and also as county highway engineer for several years.

     A christian since early manhood he was a prominent leader in Antioch Christian Church in which he held membership.

     A man of strong intellect he was well informed upon all topics of the day. Took prominent part in church, school, political and civic affairs. A positive character, his decisions were made after consideration and were then adhered to strongly. All efforts of his life were directed toward the side of morality, righteousness, uplift and progress of humanity. He used voice and pen freely in advocating what he considered just and right. Hospitality and cheerfulness were offered the visitors in his home. Possessing keen wit he was a welcome addition to any gathering and many hearts have been made to smile at his humor. Devoted to the good wife with whom he lived for forty three years, together rearing their children who are now heads of families, the two were again alone together as in the beginning. A sufferer for many months he made a strong fight for health but one month after returning from sunny California where he hoped to be benefitted, disease became victor and he went to his reward leaving the wife, four sons John of Fair Play, Bert of Bolivar, Mo., Earl and Frank of Harbor City, Calf. and an only daughter, Mary White of Stockton. There are eighteen grandchildren, two brothers Ed and Charles, two sisters, Mrs. C. R. Church, Mrs. Wyatt McBride also to feel their loss.

     The family has lost one who loved them, the community and county at large a man of influence and usefulness. The world needs its good men but the plan of the All Wise offers eternal life only after passage thru the gates of death. Our brother has closed his earthly labor and gone on into that future state to follow the lead of his Creator.

     Funeral services at Antioch Church conducted by Elder Hodge of Lewisberg, Mo, burial at Lindley Prairie cemetery.

     May those who grieve be comforted.

                            Anna B. Church.

Stockton Journal, Stockton, Missouri; Wednesday 22 February 1933 page 4.

 

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