SHAFSTAL, Jonathan 1839-1914

SHAFSTAL

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 5/16/2015 at 13:24:12

Death of Jonathan Shafstal

Jonathan Shafstal was born in Ogle Co., Illinois, October 31, 1839 and died at his home in Morrison, Iowa, July 3, 1914. He leaves to survive him a wife and two sisters, Mrs. Abner Finney of Mt. Morris, Ill., and Mrs. W. Finney of Polo, Ill., and his four children who live here. He came to this community in 1888.

Mr. Shafstal was a very interesting man. He was a natural athlete and even late in life took great pleasure in wrestling with his friends. He was well informed on many subjects and was a bright conversationalist being kindly and witty and looking on the happy side of things.

When he was in Illinois, he belonged to the Evangelical church and later united with the Presbyterian church of Morrison, Iowa.

Some days before his death he selected the text and scripture reading for his funeral sermon. The scripture reading is the third Chapter of John, and the text is Rev. 14:13. Though he is dead he sends this as a message to his friends. "And I heard a voice from heaven saying, Write, Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from henceforth. Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors for their works follow with them."

The funeral services were held on the lawn at his home. A large number of friends were present, and twenty-five automobiles took place in Procession to the Grundy Center cemetery. The sermon was preached by Rev. F. A. Heizer of Morrison, and the exercises at the grave were conducted by the Odd Fellows.

--The Grundy Democrat (Grundy Center, Iowa), 9 July 1914, pg 1