SHORTLEY, Robert 1868-1901

SHORTLEY, SUMMERS

Posted By: Bruce Kuennen (email)
Date: 12/1/2018 at 10:19:58

OBITUARY.

DIED - At the home of his brother, 3 miles east of this city, Tuesday, Aug. 6, 1901, Robert Shortley, aged 32 years, of consumption.

Deceased was born in the home in which be died, Nov. 23, 1869. When seven years old his mother died and left him to the care of two step sisters; at the age of thirteen his father died and soon after his death he went to Ft. Atkinson to live with his grandfather. From here he was sent to school at Shenandoah, Ia. His educational advantages were confined to the public schools. He early expressed at desire to become a railroad man and entered the employ of the Milwaukee road and learned telegraphy, and at the age of 21 was given a station and has since been in their employ and enjoyed their confidence and esteem.

Ho was united in marriage with Miss Jennie Summers at Ft. Atkinson, Oct. 18, 1891 and the young couple came to this city to live. Here in September, 1895 their little sou was born and their home and happiness was complete. Mr. Shortley had been in failing health for years but it was not until last March that he would leave his post of duty and consider his condition. April 30, in company with his wife he went to Colorado Springs hoping that the change in climate might upbuild his failing strength but the Divine ruler had willed it otherwise and those fond hopes wERE blasted and they returned to the home of Mrs. Shortley's parents at Ft. Atkinson on July 18. But "Rob" loved New Hampton and his old associates and wished to return, and a week later they came here and after a few days' rest at the home of Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Forbes they went to the old home, his birthplace and scene of his childhood and here he sank peace-fully to sleep on Tuesday morning at 3:30 o'clock, surrounded by his wife who had been his devoted attendant and who never for a moment left his side since his illness, and his brothers Stan and Ben and two step-sisters. His brother
John, who lives at Perry, Iowa, was sent for but was unable to arrive until the day of the funeral.

In the death of Robert Shortley not only his personal friends bow their heads In sorrow, but the community in general mourns for the young life just cut down in its noontide and taken from the loving wife and little son is a sorrow that time for them will never lessen. His every day associates at the depot and In business will miss him, as the acquaintance who failed to become a friend to him was rare. He was of a jovial and companionable disposition, sympathetic in the extreme and his warmhearted nature and patient suffering will remain as an example to encourage and inspire the dear ones he loved so well.

The last sad duty of laying away the remains to their final resting place in Graceland cemetery took place Wednesday afternoon. The Masons and Eastern Star attended the funeral in a body. Rev. W. A. Pottle officiated at the service and preached the funeral sermon using for his text "He was a good man" and paid a fitting and appropriate tribute. The church was filled with friends and neighbors of the deceased, many being present from out of town: During the service the choir rendered some choice hymns. Many beautiful floral offerings were sent.

The remains were laid to rest In the family lot in Graceland. Tho Masons carried out the ritualistic ceremonies at the grave. To the widow and little son thus bereft we cannot find words of consolation,but hope the heavenly Father will sustain them in their sorrow and when life's journey is over be prepared to meet their loved one at the Golden portals of eternity where sorrow is unknown.

Those from out of town in attendance at the funeral were Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Summers, Mr. and Mrs. 0. A. Bieber George Summers, Claude Summers and Curt Summers all of Ft. Atkinson; Mrs. Charles Edmonds and Miss Myrtle Moody of Ionia; Robert and William Tramley of Waucoma and John Shortley of Perry, Iowa.

Source: New Hampton Tribune, August 13, 1901, accessed via The New Hampton Public Digital Archives

New Hampton Public Library Digital Archives
 

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