Dr. Elam Stafford was the brother of my husband’s 3rd great-grandfather, Eli Stafford. They were both sons of Thomas Stafford and Elizabeth Boswell. 
Dr. Elam Stafford died at the residence of his niece, Mrs. Dan Bradbury 815 Second avenue, February 26, 1899, aged 73 years; death resulted from a stroke of paralysis. The funeral was held from the residence February 27th with interment in Forest Cemetery. Surviving him are his wife, Mrs. Sarah Stafford, and a daughter Dr. Emma Richardson.
Dr. Stafford was an old time resident in Oskaloosa and for a long number of years followed his profession, having a very lucrative practice. He was also at one time auditor of the county. Failing health compelled him to go west, where after remaining a short time he again came to Oskaloosa. Of late months he has been living with his daughter, Mrs. Dr. Richardson, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He came to Oskaloosa on a visit last Friday evening and when he arrived here was not feeling well. He went to the home of his niece, Mrs. Bradbury, and during the night the family, hearing a noise, went to his room and found him unconscious. He died Sunday morning about 4 o’clock, not having regained consciousness. His wife and daughter were telegraphed of his serious condition, but did not reach Oskaloosa until about three hours after his death. They were compelled to return to Cedar Rapids Monday evening owing to the serious illness of Mr. Lafe Richardson. Many friends deeply symphathize with them.
I found it interesting that Elam’s daughter, Emma, was a doctor also.
