SHAFSTAL, Sarah 1839-1899

SHAFSTAL, FINNEY

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 2/24/2019 at 17:38:16

Obituary

The death of Mrs. Sarah Shafstal occurred at her home in Washington township, Grundy county, Iowa, at 5 o'clock p.m., July 20, 1899, from complicated heart disease.

The subject of this sketch was born at Harrisburg, Pa., January 27th, 1839. Her maiden name was Finney. In 1844 with her parents she located in Whiteside county, Ill. She subsequently became a resident of Ogle county of the same state, where on June 20th, 1861, she united in marriage with J. M. Shafstal. Five children, one son and four daughters, blessed their union. The husband, son and three of the daughters survive her. During the fall of 1888 the family located at the present home in Washington township.

At the age of sixteen years deceased became a member of the United Brethren church. She subsequently transferred her church membership to the Evangelical church of which she was a devoted and exemplary member when called from earth to her home in heaven.

At an early age deceased became responsible for the care of her father's household. Thus, having always lived on a farm and being at the head of home duties, her entire life was fraught with the most exacting responsibilities. During all this long period, patience, devotion and cheerful kindness were shining characteristics of her life. Religion was to her a reality. The doctrine of a blessed immortality and the eternal felicity of those who die in the Lord were themes in which she took special delight. The passing of such a life not only leaves a vacancy in the family circle but in the entire community as well.

The funeral was conducted from the family residence at 1 o'clock p.m. July 22nd. Rev. W. H. Jordan, assisted by Rev. H. B. Dye, officiated. The services were brief, eloquent and impressive. The remains were interred at the Grundy Center cemetery.

Three brothers, Abner and William Finney of Ogle county, Ill., and Ira Finney of Morrison, Ia., together with her husband and all of the four surviving children and a large concourse of sympathizing friends were present at the funeral.

--The Grundy Republican (Grundy Center, Iowa), 3 August 1899, pg 1