John H. Shaff 1851-1916

SHAFF, DRIPPS, ADAMS

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 5/23/2021 at 17:43:29

20 May 1916 - The Clinton Advertiser page 1

JOHN H. SHAFF, OLD RESIDENT OF COUNTY DIES
PROMINENT FARMER PASSED AWAY IN CHICAGO HOSPITAL
BODY TO ARRIVE TODAY
Deceased Resided His Whole Life on Farm Home at Shaffton--Brief Biography.

John Shaff of Shaffton, Iowa, one of the old and influential residents of Clinton county, prominent as a farmer and raiser of fine live stock, passed away Friday night in the Wesley Hospital, Chicago, death resulting from anaemia from which he had suffered about a year.

Mr. Shaff was taken to Chicago just two weeks ago, for treatment in the hospital there. A message reaching Clinton late last night announcing his death, and stating that the remains will reach Clinton at 3 o'clock this afternoon, on the Northwestern. They will be taken to Shaffton on the interurban. The funeral will be held from the family home at 2 o'clock Monday afternoon, Rev. W. C. Cleworth of Tama, Iowa, officiating.

Mr. Shaff was one of the most widely known men in Clinton county, and had a large acquaintance in northern Scott, and other counties.

He was born on September 4, 1851, on the farm which he occupied all his life, near Shaffton, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Hemen B. Shaff. He spent his boyhood and youth on the old homestead, attending district schools and completing his education at the State Normal school at Whitewater, Wisconsin. In his youth he aided his father in the operation of the farm, and ever since had followed the vocation.

Mr. Shaff was married on June 11, 1873 to Miss Jennie Dripps of Low Moor. They were the parents of five children, three of whom, with Mrs. Shaff, survive. These are Mrs. Robert H. Adams of this city and John and Hemen Shaff.

Mr. Shaff was a member of DeMolay Consistory A.A.S.R., of this city and of the Camanche Masonic lodge. He also was identified with Kaaba Shrine, of Davenport. He was president of the Low Moore bank, and a director in the City National bank of Clinton. He formerly was president of the Princeton bank, having assisted in the organization of that institution.

Intelligence of the death of Mr. Shaff was received by his Clinton friends today with sincere regret. Few men in the county were more generally esteemed and respected than J. H. Shaff, who enjoyed the confidence of all whom he met. Surviving members of the family have the sympathy of hundreds of friends throughout Clinton county.

22 May 1916 - The Clinton Advertiser page 6

The funeral of the late John Shaff was held this afternoon from the family home in Shaffton. Rev. Cleworth of Tama, Iowa, officiated at the service and Donald Leslie of this city sang two numbers.

At the grave the Masonic lodge of Camanche had charge of the service, Frank Iten of this city delivering the funeral address.

Hundreds of friends followed the remains to their last resting place this afternoon, including many from this city. Mr. Shaff was a member of DeMolay consistory, A.A.S.R., and scores of members of the fraternity from this city attended the funeral services.

The pall bearers were all neighbors of the deceased. These were Mr. Tobey, Mr. Kisiner, Mr. Hardy, Mr. Schnack, Alder Van Epps, Louis Van Epps, Asel Tyler and Mr. Miller.

25 May 1916 - The Clinton Advertiser page 10

Folletts, Ia., May 25--Business of all kinds was suspended Monday afternoon when neighbors and friends from far and near met to pay tribute to the late John H. Shaff. He was a friend to all and the sympathy of the entire community is extended to the bereaved family.