Dan Dorland (1829-1905)

DORLAND, SHAFFER, HANSON, BARR, COLE, TURNER

Posted By: Dorothy Gosse (email)
Date: 3/4/2005 at 10:30:16

Death of Fayette County Pioneer

After many weary weeks of suffering, relief came to our old friend Dan Dorland, at his home in Union township, Monday night and on Wednesday his mortal remains were laid to rest in the West Union Cemetery.

Mr. Dorland was one of the early settlers of Fayette county. Born in Ashland county, Ohio, August 6, 1929, in moved to Iowa and Clermont township in 1852. For 53 years he has been an active factor in the upbuilding of the community, with special fondess for educational affairs, but ever active to what he considered the better interests of the State and Nation. For sixteen years he was school director of Clermont township, being repeatedly elected president and secretary. He was a successful farmer. He was a good citizen. He was a faithful friend. Mr. Dorland was married October 2, 1851, to Miss Rachel Shaffer, who survives him, with nine children ---- George W., of Yuma, Arizona; Mrs. Anna Hanson, of Spencer, Iowa.; William A. of this city; Mrs. Clara Barr, of Oelwein; James S., of Anaconda, Mont.; Edward A. and Miss Elizabeth, of West Union; Mrs. Eva Cole and Mrs. Della Turner, of Spencer, Iowa. Their son Lincoln died at Spencer six years ago. We feel personal loss in the death of this sturdy old pioneer. For nearly forty years our relations have been intimate, and he rarely missed calling on this office when in from the farm. We had many ideas and notions in common, and were especially sympathetic on the question of politics. He was an intense Republican ever zealous in the cause of the party principles and candidates. He was an earnest student of national politics; frank, outspoken and original in an expression of his views. His hearty presence was like a ray of gladsome sunshine, and it is difficult to believe that the places that knew him so well can know him no more forever. His funeral was held at the Methodist Church in this city, Wednesday, conducted by Rev. Shreve of Oelwein, assisted by Rev. Crowder. --- C. H. Talmadge in West Union Gazette.