Stephen Colquitt Crosby, Commander of Fate Carter Post of American Legion, ex-service man who spent eighteen months in American camps and in France, was found dead in a field near the home of his sister, Mrs. J.E. Turner, on Saturday morning about eleven o'clock.
He went dove shooting with his sister's son and had seperated from him about three o'clock on Friday afternoon, telling him to go in a different direction from the way he (the deceased) was going and they would meet at a certain place and shoot squirrels before going home. The boy did as he was told but his uncle did not meet him, and after waiting about an hour, he returned home. It was not until the next day that his body was found after several hours search. There were no signs of a struggle before the end and it is believed that his death was instantaneous.
The coroner held am inquest and the verdict was that he died from heart failure.
His body was laid to rest in Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Rev. L.A. Brown, pastor of the Methodist Church officiating.
Mr. Crosby was the son of the late Judge Abraham M. Crosby whose death occured when he was serving as Ordinary of Appling County and had entered upon the third term of this office, a prominent citizen of this county. He was the grandson of Stephen Crosby for whom he was named. His mother was a Miss Hutto. His parents both died suddenly.
He was Vice-Chancellor of Baxley Lodge of the Knights of Pythias, and was chosen commander of the local Post Legion, which organization he assisted in perfecting and in which he was interested.
He was with the 61st Coast Artillery and spent six months in France. Immediately after returning home, he became associated with Padgett and Watson remaining with them until his death. During that time he was admitted to the bar.
He was a member of the Methodist Church and was prominent in the young people's organizations of the church before entering the Army, but since his return he has not been active in religious affairs.
He carried a war risk policy for several thousand dollars. His death was a shock to the entire community. He was a modest young man and his friends believed that a splended furture awaited him. He had many warm friends and a large family connection who are grieving in his passing. He is survived by a brother, Clinton R. Crosby, and a sister, Mrs. J.E. Turner, both of Baxley. He had just passed his twenty-ninth year he was born, December 2, 1891.

Source : Front Page - Baxley News Banner - Dec. 23, 1920

Submitted by Kay Music