SCHAFER, C. A. 1857-1928

SCHAFER, RUSCHEN

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 4/27/2015 at 12:26:18

C. A. Schafer Dies Wednesday Morning After Long Illness

Was One Of Early Grundy Residents, Coming Here 58 Years Ago

He Was Widely Known Throughout County

He Took An Active Part in Politics and Was a Pioneer Auctioneer

C. A. Schafer died at his home in Grundy Center at eleven o'clock Wednesday morning following an illness of several months. In late years he had been troubled with diabetes, but he appeared to be getting partly over this when gangrene set in. It was this latter ailment that brought on his death. Funeral services will be held at the Presbyterian church here next Saturday afternoon.

Mr. Schafer was seventy-one years old. He was born in Germany. He came to this county with his parents fifty-eight years ago and with the exception of a few years when the family resided at Hampton and at New Hartford he made his home in this county continually. The Schafer family when they came here from Freeport, Ill., made their home for several years on a farm in Colfax township. They moved from the farm in Colfax township when Mr. Schafer was appointed steward of the county farm, a place that he filled acceptably for several years. After leaving the county farm the family moved to Grundy Center.

Mr. Schafer gained his widest acquaintance over the county as an auctioneer and during the most active part of his lifetime he ranked at the top of the auctioneer's profession. He also took an active part in county politics and was at one time a candidate for the office of sheriff. He carried on an extensive insurance business in connection with his work as auctioneer and he continued in this until during his later years when his health began to fail.

Mr. Schafer was a big and powerful man physically and enjoyed the best of health until during later years. His normal weight during the mature part of his lifetime was around 350. His two brothers, Henry and John, each weighed over 300 pounds.

Surviving relatives of Mr. Schafer are his wife and three sons, Arend, Henry and Harry, and one brother, John, of Wellsburg.

--The Grundy Register (Grundy Center, Iowa), 18 October 1928, pg 1

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Schafer Funeral Held Saturday P.M.

Early Grundy Resident Rests in Grundy Center Cemetery

Funeral services for the late C. A. Schafer were held at the Presbyterian church in Grundy Center last Saturday afternoon and they were attended by many of the old friends of the deceased from all parts of the county. Rev. F. O. Winslow, pastor of the Methodist church of Grundy Center, officiated at the service.

In the death of Christian A. Schafer a pioneer has passed from the state and community which has long been his home. Mr. Schafer was born in Ostfriesland, Germany, Dec. 12, 1857. When he was six years of age he came to America with his parents and for a few years settled in Illinois. The family then came to Iowa and settled on a farm in this county. Feb. 12, 1880, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Ruschen. To this union three sons were born and still survive, Arend, Harman (Harry) and Henry, the latter now living at Ames, Iowa.

Mr. Schafer spent part of his life on the farm and some years in the insurance and real estate business. He also engaged in the work of auctioneer for many years.

Up to about a year ago he seemed to be in the best of health, but as the new year came on evidences of disease appeared, which rapidly developed into a most serious form. With a powerful physique and unlimited courage and patience, the battle was on. From about June 1st Mr. Schafer was confined to his bed and endured unspeakable suffering up to the time of his death. His beloved life companion stood faithfully to her task, and buoyed up by a faith invincible, ministered to the suffering husband until he was called to his eternal rest. On Wednesday, Oct. 17, 1928, he passed away, at the age of 70 years, 10 months and 25 days.

A brother, John Schafer, residing in Wellsburg, three sons and the wife still survive. The many friends and old time neighbors join in deepest sympathy for the afflicted family.

--The Grundy Register (Grundy Center, Iowa), 25 October 1928, pg 9