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Submitted: 10/25/17 • Approved: 10/25/17 • Last Updated: 3/26/18 • R136813-G0-S3
Walter 1879 - 10 Sept 1905
Son of Otto Walter Steffens, Sr
and Selena Ann Bowman Steffens.
Abilene Semi-Weekly Farm Reporter; Sept 13, 1905
Funeral of Otto Walter Steffens Jr.
Few processions upon such an occasion have been seen equal to that of Tuesday when the body of Otto Walter Steffens Jr. was laid to its final rest in the city cemetery. The floral offerings were unusually elaborate, the grave being banked high with flowers of all kinds. Mrs. W. L. Gatlin of Fort Worth and Mrs. M. J. Ward of El Paso, who attended the funeral, contributed many lovely bouquets , those offered by the latter being principally California flowers.
Every evidence of the grief of the community was to be seen, and it must have lightened the burden upon the hearts of the mourners. Among the many who came from other towns to pay the last tribute of respect were Taylor Berry of Cisco, A. A. Allen of Big Springs, Mrs. W. L. Gatlin of Fort Worth, and Mrs. M. J. Ward of El Paso. Telegrams of condolence came all day from friends of the young man, and letters are arriving expressing deep sorrow over the sad event.
We reproduce the following from the Fort Worth Record, which shows the standing of the deceased where he had lived since May:
“Personally he was a charming young man. He had the knack of making friends easily, and was quite a social favorite. His former employers – the heads of the various departments in which he worked – at Armour’s, speak in the highest terms of the dead man. A Record Reporter was talking to him less than five minutes before his death and he appeared to be well satisfied with his prospects, and there was certainly nothing in his conversation to indicate that he had even the remotest idea of committing such a rash act. He was temperate in his habits, was always a gentleman, and had often successfully handled large transactions in a manner that was satisfactory to his clients. He was well known along the entire Texas & Pacific west of here, having visited practically all the large towns and shared in the social festivities of the various places. His tragic end will be a great shock to his many friends.”
Fort Worth Star Telegram; Sept 11, 1905
Walter Steffens, son of Otto Steffens, a prominent banker and cattleman of West Texas, was found dead in a room in the Worth Hotel shortly after 4 pm Sunday. (His death was ruled suicide by shooting.)
Young Steffens was about 25 and came to Fort Worth from Abilene, where his parents live, some time ago. He secured employment with the Armour Packing Company plant and up to a week ago last Saturday filled the position of assistant cashier.
Sunday he took luncheon with Dr. J. D. Mitchell, who wife and Steffens are cousins. He ate heartily and his demeanor failed to indicate to his relatives that he contemplated taking his own life. After leaving the Mitchell home he joined several of his business associates at the Worth. They insisted on his taking dinner with them, but he excused himself politely, saying that he had eaten a hearty lunch and cared for nothing more to eat. His friends left him and went to a restaurant. Young Steffens went directly to one of his friend’s room in the Worth hotel, where he ended his life. He was found by the laundry woman. The only word left by Steffens was a brief note, which read: “Notify Dr. Mitchell, No. 112.”
C. L. Steffens, a brother, who lives in Dallas, was notified and came to Fort Worth a couple of hours later, and perfect arrangements for preparing the body for shipment to Abilene, which was done this morning over the Texas and Pacific.
Young Steffens was born and reared at Abilene and is said to have been among the more prominent young men of West Texas. He was congenial and made friends wherever he went. Those who knew him in Fort Worth say that he was a prince of good fellows and his many friends here will regret his untimely and tragic ending.
The father of Steffens was at one time one of the leading bankers and cattlemen of the state and until recently was associated with J. G. Lowden in the conduct of the American National Bank of Abilene. He was notified of his son’s death, but was unable to come to Fort Worth.
Young Steffens, it is said, had just concluded arrangements to accept a lucrative position in Mexico with a relative and intended to soon leave for the republic.
Abilene Semi-Weekly Farm Reporter; Sept 13, 1905
Card Of Thanks
Mr. And Mrs. O W Steffens And Family Wish To Express Their Deep Thanks And Appreciation Of The Kindness And Sympathy So Freely Bestowed Upon Them By The People OF Abilene In Their Deep Sorrow
Their Command Of Language Does Not Permit Them To Fittingly Express The Depth Of Their Appreciation, And They Wish To assure Our
Our People That But For This Help From Them
They Feel They Could Not Bear The Burden Of Sorrow So Unexpectedly Place Upon Their Hearts, And That All Will Ever Be Held In The Most Grateful Remembrance.
All Information Courtesy of Sarah Stead
Plot: Masonic Block 27 Lot 4 Space 1
Photo Courtesy of David M Habben
Contributed on 10/25/17
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Record #: 136813