Randolph Stites
Nov. 10, 1806-March 30, 1880
Niles Republican, Thursday, April 1, 1880, page 3. Same appeared in Niles Democrat, Saturday, April 3, 1880, page 3, col. 5
Deacon Randolph Stites.
This most excellent citizen and venerable deacon of the Baptist Church, died at the residence of his son-in-law, Dr. A. J. Mead, at 7 o’clock Tuesday morning, March 30th, aged 73 years. He had suffered during the past year from partial paralysis, and gradually declined until he passed away. He was born in New Jersey, Nov. 10, 1806. In early life he resided in New York City, but subsequently removed to Albany, where he was married to the late Mrs. Stites, who died one year ago last January. In Albany he and his wife were members of the Pearl St. Baptist Church, of which Dr. B. T. Welch was then pastor. He removed to Buffalo and subsequently to Chautauqua Co., N. Y., where he resided some 15 years. He came to Niles 25 years ago and has since that time been one of our most upright and highly esteemed citizens. He has been a faithful, active, kind and generous Christian gentleman, seeking to promote both the temporal and spiritual welfare of those around him. He has been connected with the Baptist Church of this city for 25 years, serving as Deacon most of that time.
All who knew him will attest the uniform kindness and gentleness of his demeanor, and the purity and excellence of his character in all his relations of life, as husband and father, as citizen and Church member.
Niles Democrat, Saturday, April 3, 1880
The funeral of the late Randolph Stites was largely attended by the older portion of the community on Thursday, from the residence of his daughter, Mrs. Dr. Mead.
(Received from family member, March 14, 2016)