Anna Maria Stevens and David MacClement Rowe.
Anna Maria Stevens1 was born Sept. 24, 1868 in Dayton, Montgomery County, Ohio1 . She married David MacClement Rowe2 on Oct 30, 18902. Their marriage occurred in Dayton, Ohio.2 David M. Rowe, the son of Benjamin Norris3 and Caroline Mary MacClement Rowe3, was born Jan 22, 18683, in Dayton, Ohio3.
The back of the photograph on the left reads in period script, Anna M. Stevens Born Sept. 29/684. Taken when 1 yr. old. Photographer was apparently Mrs. L. J. Nellis & Co. 266 Fifth Street. Dayton, Ohio.
The photograph on the right reads, Anna M. Stevens Painted when 3 1/2 yrs. Joe Neff Bro. Photographers NE cor. Main & 3rd Sts., Dayton, Ohio.
As has already been seen, Anna was born at #5 Bridge St., in Dayton. In the 1870 census Anna shows up in Ward 11 p. 43. "Stevens, James, H., 25m, lumber inspector, car works; $3500 real and $375 personal estate. Romelia, 24 f, keeping house; Anna, 1f " There seems to be some confusion in the city directories concerning Anna's house number as it goes from 1806 E. Third (in 1874) to 1810 E. Third (1875-6), and by 1880 census he's back at 1806 E. Third. 1810 East Third is where he continues to show up after that, so I'm wondering if there was an error in the census. One house belonged to Ansel, the other to James.
The Evening News: Dayton, Ohio.
Friday October 31, 1890.
Pretty Wedding.
At the Linden Avenue Baptist Church Last Night.
Miss Anna M. Stevens and Mr. David M. Rowe United in Wedlock.
The Phoenix Light Infantry in Dress Uniforms Attend in a Body -- Delight at Reception Tendered Them by the Bride's Parents -- Numerous Handsome Gifts Bestowed Upon Them.
The antiquated maxim that there is always a hitch connected with a marriage was never more forcibly and prettily exemplified than at the Linden-avenue Baptist church, within whose sacred walls Miss Anna M. Stevens and Mr. David M. Rowe were united in holy wedlock last night.
The beautiful edifice was filled [with friends and] relatives of the twain to witness the plighting of their troth The altar of the church was daintily decorated with varigated feathery chrysanthemums and fragrant cut flowers.
At about 7 o'clock the thrilling and voluminous intonations of the organ pealed forth Mendelssohn's wedding march, and to its sweet strains the bridal procession slowly wended its way down the center aisle.
The organ was presided over by Mr. Frank Garrett in his usual
charming and expressive manner. The picture presented was a charming one; both bride and maids were exquisitely arrayed
in airy, snow-white garments. The bridesmaids were Miss Minnie Allen and Miss Minnie Gilbert. Each was handsomely enrobed in white tulle and each carried sweet garlands of flowers.
The bride, who is a brunette, was attired in white satin, with the traditional white veil covering her blushing face, and in her hand she held a boquet of Marechal Niel roses. She was a picture of grace and loveliness, and is as charming as beautiful. The groomsmen were Messrs. Walter Phelps and Harry L. Munger.
Rev. W. E. Stevens, of Cincinnati, an uncle of the bride, assisted by Rev. E. W. Lounsbury, performed the nuptial ceremony in a most impressive manner, and at the close of the link that bound them feelingly invoked the divine blessing.
The bridal procession was then reformed and slowly retired to the strains [?]nanating from the tuneful organ.
In attendance at the church was the Phoenix Light Infantry, gaudily clad in their pretty dress accoutrements. They looked the very soldiers they are, and were commanded by Captain John A. Miller. The groom is the honored and worthy sergeant of this organization, and their presence at church in a body [?] [?] demonstrates the esteem in which he is held by his comrades in arms.
Following the hymeneal services, the Phoenix Light Infantry remained seated, and Rev. [?] Brown, the noted evangelist made the boys a little talk, which was listened to with marked attention.
Miss Anna M. Stevens, the bride is the eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James H. Stevens, while the groom is the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. B. N. Rowe. He is employed at the National Cash Register works, and is in every way worthy of the fair bride he won.
The ushers were Messrs. Arthur Stevens, Will Payne, Eugene Rowe, and John J. Schaffer, and they discharged their duties in a pleasing and graceful style and with uniform courtesy that was most praiseworthy. Likewise Officers Tom Shediker and John Merkle, who were stationed at the portals of the church.
A pretty reception was tendered the happy couple following the services at the church by the brides's parents. From their residence, 253 Linden avenue, brilliant lights gleamed, which were indicative of a splendid reception within. Only the intimate friends of the bride and groom were invited to share the hospitalities of the evening. A sumptuous supper of the most tempting viands were elegantly served at the proper time.
They were the recipients of many sincere greetings and congratulations for a long life of wedded bliss, health and prosperity. Many costly and beautiful gifts, as tokens of love and respect, were presented them. They will go to housekeeping at once. Their home is elegantly furnished throughout. The furniture was bestowed upon them by the bride's father."
From Anna’s Journal: Thursday Feb. 14th 1894 letter was actually written into the journal. This morning Margaret fell down stairs about half past twelve. (See Margaret Stevens Rowe for full transcript)
Addressed to:
Miss Romelia Rowe
5 Huffman Ave.
Dayton, Ohio.
The Protestant Deaconess Hospital Ella Phillips Crandall Superintendent.
Dayton, Ohio, Sunday Afternoon
My dear Romelia,
Papa has gone out for a walk while mamma was in the hands of the nurse and now I am going to write you a letter while I am waiting for him to come back.
Mamma has had a nice quiet rest and every thing is so pretty and sweet out here. Wonder if you can guess what I had for dinner today. Pigeon-mushrooms-mashed potatoes-lima beans-toast-coffee-and ice cream wasn’t that a nice dinner and brought in on such nice dainty dishes.
Dr. Welliver came into see mama this afternoon, and part of the time mama has taken a rest and all just as we do on Sunday’s at home. Mama thought of her little ones many times today and hopes you are being dear good children.
Don’t forget that mamma wants you to try and do all you can to help grandma and Aunt Ethel till mamma comes home and you must pray every night that Jesus will make mamma get well. Now good bye darling sweet heart and be as happy and cheery as a little kitten—and help grandma like you do so nicely for mama.
Most lovingly,
Mamma.
The following entries are from James H. Stevens' diary of 1903.
The desperate fight begins to save Anna!
January 7, 1903. "Arthur & Eve were married... Anna succeeded in getting to the wedding but suffered considerable. The children in the street made it unpleasant for the guests by throwing things against the door and on the porch."
January 9. "Anna went this PM & took x-ray treatment."
January 10. "Anna very poorly to day. The ride to the Doctors yesterday seems to have hurt her. Romelia had all the work of Both houses until noon. Anna 2 Children here for dinner..."
January 14. "Anna much better Sat up some Came down stairs in the evening. Saw a good many visitors... David Rowe exhibited a Coal Oil Stove in his sitting room to Anna & I and the children."
January 15. "Anna not quite so well. Drs. Welliver & Plattfant had a council this PM slightly hopeful... David & I went to see Dr. Williver about putting in Electricity. He agreed to contribute $100. and the treatment free of chg if I would pay the rest and let him have the machinery estimated about $250.00 in all besides setting up... David & I visited Dr. Ireland [or Iceland] this Eve and examined and __ his electrical display."
Monday January 19. "Anna about the same. David & I visited Dr. Welliver in the evening regarding the use of electricity in her case and the doctor & I are going to Cincinnati in the morning to see about machinery."
Tuesday January 20. "Dr. Welliver & I visited Dr --- of Centi [Cincinnati] Also Electrical Appratus Store and decided to move his x ray machine up to treat Anna."
January 21. "Dr. Welliver got his x ray machine set up and gave Anna her first treatment which did no harm if no good but we hope for the best. Romelia coughs a good deal and could not go to church."
January 22. "Anna had a good night under the influence of morphine but rather a hard day. Had another x ray treatment this evening. I helped the Dr. turn the crank of the machine Got so warm turning the crank that I fered to go to the mission."
January 24. "Anna is clearly no better and if anything is failing. She managed to walk to the next room to take the x ray treatment but her husband carried her back. Romelia and I are broken up over this as can well be imagined... 8:40 PM Romelia is over at Anna's giving the children their bath. Her cough is better but she cannot spare time to have her eyes treated."
January 25. "Anna easier today does not suffer so much agony but is very uncomfortable and owing to pressure on lungs is short breathed. The doctor gave her another x ray treatment this PM."
Monday January 26. "Anna had a good night but from about 11 AM was very poorly. Consulted Dr. Welliver about a heavier electric machine which he did not advise. Also about the Alexander treatment which he is writing further about -- Anna is to have a nurse Wednesday."
Tuesday January 27. "Anna was quite poorly last night and this AM but is brighter today. She had an x ray treatment this eve... I do wish something could be found to help Anna. Dorothy quite poorly today but better towards evening."
January 28. "Anna had a good night last night. Her nurse began work this AM. Dr. Welliver called away before the x ray treatment was completed and I finished it all right."
January 29, 1903. Gertrude Kiefaber married. "Anna about the same, and we went to the wedding at her urgent request."
January 30. "Anna about the same. Still taking the X ray treatment... Anna had her first dose of the Alexander treatment."
Tuesday February 3. "Anna seems better and the Dr. hopes her disease is at a stand still. We gave her an x ray tonight Machine worked well not withstanding the damp and she seemed to enjoy it."
February 10. " Anna very low. Gave up the x ray this eve and nothing but a miracle can now help her."
February 11. "Anna very low but sees some of her friends if her mother will talk for her."
Thursday February 12. "Anna very low but easier today. Spent about 15 minutes with her this eve first time I saw her since Monday."
February 16. "Anna about the same. Dr. Welliver was on the train going to Cinti. He said Anna might live 2 to 4 weeks."
February 17. "Anna about the same not suffering much don't have to take much morphine but is weak and cannot swallow well."
February 19. "Anna about the same. Saw her a few minutes at noon she looks very very bad. Children are all well. David took Clement to see a NCR picture exhibition at the Opera House and Margaret staid with us."
February 21. "Anna had a bad night and a bad forenoon dropsical conditions... Dr. Henry Jenett returned from Europe this week and I called on him this eve hoping he could think of something that could help Anna but he could think of nothing."
Sunday February 22, 1903. "Anna much worse today so I did not go to the mission. And she died at 8:10 PM. Died very peacefully bidding her children good bye and telling them she was going to a beautiful home. She did not suffer greatly the last two days. Her good girl Bertha is also sick but hope it will not be serious. The children took it very hard and Mrs. Ira Crawford came and comforted them... I believe that when she opened her eyes so wide at the very last that she saw the angels coming for her and her end in this world was peace."
February 23, 1903. "Anna's first day in Heaven. God gave, God has taken. Blessed be the name of the dead. Thank God for Anna. Faithful to her parents, faithful to her children, and faithful to her God. Arthur and David attending to all arrngements except the grave which I arrange for in the SW Corner of Father's Lot with a marble slab near the coffin with Anna Stevens Rowe on it. The children much ____ for want of their mother. Want to club together and buy a few flowers to put in her hand. An autopsy showed all organs normal except a great many tumors on the mesentery... Walter and Arthur & Eugene Rowe, Ed Stockslager, Will Rogers & Will Rike all chosen by Anna to be her Pall Bearers."
February 24, 1903. "I went with David to look at Anna at noon. He told me Anna had told him on her return from the hospital that she would not go to theaters any more. And that her firmness on matters of conscience had been a great help all his life. And that he believed Anna would be near him while he tried to care for the dear little ones. Nina Rowe Rike said if there was no other way she & her husband would break up there home and go and make a home for David."
DIED -- ROWE -- Anna M., wife of David M. Rowe, and eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James H. Stevens, at her home 1810 East Third street, at 8:10 Sunday evening, February 22d, in the 35th year of her age. Three daughters and a son survive. Due notice of funeral will be given. (from 2/23/1903 Dayton Journal)
ANGEL OF DEATH CASTS A SHADOW; IN THE HOMES OF DAYTONIANS, DEEPLY TOUCHING HEARTS OF FRIENDS AND RELATIVES. Mrs. David M. Rowe Passes Away After a Protracted Illness -- Death of Mrs. Wm. Peters in Tampa, Fla. Funerals of a Day. The Angel of Death has cast a shadow over a large circle in closing the life of Mrs. Ann M. Rowe, wife of David M. Rowe of 1810 East Third street. Death came after months of suffering on Sunday evening at 8 o'clock and while not wholly unexpected it nevertheless proved a great shock to family and friends and touched deeply the hearts of loved ones. Some four months ago Mrs. Rowe was operated upon at the Deaconess hospital and indications pointed to a recovery but complications arose and she grew gradually worse until death came as a gentle relief of much suffering. Her death touches deeply the hearts of her husband and the four little ones who are by death bereft of the love and care of a most devoted wife and mother, and much sympathy is expressed for them by all who know them. Mrs. Rowe was the eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs.. James Stevens and a sister of Mrs. Edward Stockslager of Dayton View. She was a prominent member of the Harriet Stevens Literary society and was a grand daughter of Mrs. Harriet Stevens in whose honor the society was named. She was also a devout and earnest worker in the Linden Avenue Baptist church. Her death is deeply regretted by all who knew her as her many graces of mind and heart endeared her to a laarge circle of friends. (from 2/23/1903 Dayton Daily News)
FUNERAL NOTICE; ROWE -- The funeral services of Mrs. Anna M. Rowe, of 1806 East Third street, whose death was announced in our Monday's issue, will be held at the Linden Avenue Baptist church on Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. Burial private. (from 2/24/1903 Dayton Journal)
Recorded Feb. 24, 1903. Rowe, Anna S. White Female Married Date of Death: Feb 22, 1903 Date of Birth: Sep. 24, 1868 Age: 34 years, 4 months, 28 days Place of Birth: Dayton, Ohio Father's Place of Birth: Ohio Mother's Place of Birth: Ohio Cause of Death: Sarcoma of Mesentery Duration of Illness: 9 mon. Place of Death: 1806 E. 3d St., Ward 10 Late Residence: Dayton, Ohio Time of Residence in City: lifetime Undertaker: O. P. Boyers Sons Cemetery: Woodland Name of Physician: J. E. Welliver.
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