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Francis Oliphant Steeples 1843 - 1881

Francis Oliphant Steeples of Rooks County, Kansas United States was born on March 4, 1843 in Musselburgh, East Lothian Council County, Scotland United Kingdom. Francis was baptized circa 1843 in Inveresk Parish. He was in a relationship with Mary Ann (Morrison) Steeples, and had children David James "DJ" Steeples and Hellen Isabell "Nellie" (Steeples) Kroetch Abbott. Francis Steeples died at age 38 years old on April 28, 1881 in Zurich, Rooks County, Kansas United States, and was buried in April 1881 in Zurich.

Francis Oliphant Steeples

Frank

Rooks County, Kansas United States

March 4, 1843

Musselburgh, East Lothian Council County, Scotland, United Kingdom

April 28, 1881

Zurich, Rooks County, Kansas, 67663, United States

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Francis Oliphant Steeples Francis Steeples (1843 - 1881)

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Francis Oliphant Steeples' History: 1843 - 1881

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Introduction

Francis 'Frank' Oliphant Steeples was born to William Steeples (1805 - 1869) and Isabel Bell Oliphant Steeples (1809 - 1855) and had a sister Nellie Steeples. Frank married Mary Ann Morison Steeples Burns (1857-1929) on May 8th 1872 at 22 St. John Street in Edinburgh and they had children David James "DJ" Steeples (1875-1953) and Hellen Isabell "Nellie" (Steeples) Kroetch Abbott (1879 - 1968).
03/4

1843

Birthday

March 4, 1843

Birthdate

Musselburgh, East Lothian Council County, Scotland United Kingdom

Birthplace

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Nationality & Locations

Francis, or Frank as he was often called, was born March 4, 1843 in Musselburgh, Scotland. Frank was a boarder on Rose St. Edinburgh in the 1871 Scottish census. His occupation was listed as 'mason'. Frank married Mary Ann Morison in the spring of 1872 and the next day the newlyweds set sail for America. The couple were headed for Chicago, IL where builders were needed for the rebuilding of the city after the great fire on October 8th through the 10th, 1871, burn a huge portion of the city. David James Steeples in Cook County Illinois. By 1879 the family moved to Kansas where he lived in Northampton Rooks County Kansas until his death.
Early Life & Education

Francis attended Oxford for two years. While studying there, Francis saved a fellow student from drowning. He was awarded a small stages head made of silver with ruby eyes that Francis made into a pin, and presented to his wife Mary Ann on their wedding day. The original pin was handed down to the couple's son, David James Steeples, who passed it down through his family. Around 2010, replicas of the pin were designed by a jeweler in Kansas and several extended family members purchased one of these.
1843

circa

Baptism

circa 1843
Baptism date
Inveresk Parish, East Lothian Council County, Scotland EH21, United Kingdom
Place of worship
Religious Beliefs

Family belonged to the Church of Scotland, Inveresk Parish, Musselburgh, Scotland
Professional Career

Francis began his career in his father's painting company in Musselburgh, Scotland. The day after marrying his wife, Mary Ann, in 1872, they emigrated to Chicago where Francis was involved in the rebuilding after the 'Great Fire' in that city in 1871. Francis worked as a stone mason. By 1876 the Steeples family was in Des Moines, Iowa. The family story is that Francis carved the eagles on the state capital building there. Francis' health declined, and he was advised by doctors in Des Moines that he had 'stone carvers' consumption and that he should move to a warmer climate. The family settled in Zurich, Kansas where Francis took up farming, and had to rely on his neighbors help and advice, and he had no experience in that profession.
04/28

1881

Death

April 28, 1881

Death date

inflammatory rheumatism

Cause of death

Zurich, Rooks County, Kansas 67663, United States
Death location

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04/dd

1881

Gravesite & Burial

April 1881

Funeral date
Zurich, Rooks County, Kansas 67663, United States
Burial location
Obituary

May 4, 1881 The Plainville News: "Died- At his residence 13 miles west of Plainville, on the 28th ult., of inflammatory rheumatism, Mr. Frank Steeples. The remains of Mr. Steeples were followed to their last resting place on Sunday last. He was universally esteemed wherever known, and the sympathy of the entire community is extended to the bereaved wife and little children. Mr. Steeples, was a man about 40 years old, came from Iowa and settled on a fine claim about two years ago, and notwithstanding the hard times through which all have passed, since then had developed his farm to a considerable extent, but the fruit of his labor has been left for other hands to gather. He was of Scotch birth, and a good citizen. At the time of his death he held a life policy in the A.O.U.W., for $2,000."

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Francis Oliphant Steeples lived 33 years shorter than the average family member when died at the age of 38.

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3 Memories, Stories & Photos about Francis

Pam Marks

2.68k+ favorites

08/11/2024

Francis Oliphant Steeples

Location of original burial site for Francis

Date & Place: April 1881

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Pam Marks

2.68k+ favorites

08/11/2024

Francis Oliphant Steeples

Photo of the Steeples Painters and Decorators shop in Musselburgh, Scotland...business started by Francis' father, William Steeples, and where Francis started his career. Business continued on after the death of William Steeples by Francis' brothers David James and William Jr.

Date & Place: Not specified or unknown.

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