SHAFER, John

SHAFER, FREER, HARDING, KRETCHMER

Posted By: Karyn - volunteer
Date: 6/22/2022 at 17:02:39

"The Red Oak Sun",
Red Oak, Iowa, May 2, 1902

DEATH OF JOHN SHAFER

John Shafer for 45 years a respected resident of Red Oak, died at his home here last Saturday, in his 75th year.

He was born in Richland county, Ohio, October 31, 1827. Mrs. Shafer and one son and three daughters survive him. The son, Wm. Shafer, resides in California and could not get here to attend the funeral. The daughters are Mrs. J. I. Freer of Lead, S. Dakota, Mrs. W. S. Harding of Deadwood, S. Dakota, and Mrs. J. C. Kretchmer of Red Oak. Mrs. Freer and Mrs. Harding came a few days before their father's death.

Mr. Shafer was a soldier in the Mexican war and was severely wounded. He came to this county in 1859, when Frankfort was the county seat. He was justice of the peace a number of years and served as sheriff and deputy sheriff for eight years.

He was a carpenter and built the first school house in Frankfort. For a number of years he carried on the house moving business in Red Oak. He was conscientious in all his dealings and was held in high esteem. He had been a member of the M. E. church more than 50 years.

The funeral services were held at the home on Monday afternoon, and were conducted by Rev. W. G. Hohanshelt, Mr. Shafer's pastor, and Rev. W. W. Merritt, a friend of many years. There was a large attendance of friends and many beautiful floral tributes were received.