SHIMER, Benjamin H. 1865-1956

SHIMER, TOWNSEND

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 2/12/2022 at 16:44:56

Benjamin Shimer Died in Morrison

Benjamin Shimer, 91, longtime resident of the Morrison community and its oldest citizen, passed away at his home Sunday evening from complications of old age. In failing health for several years, he had been bedfast for several months and had passed into a coma during the last few days. During his long illness he had been tenderly cared for by his daughters, Mrs. Oma Cooper and Mrs. Theone Melbourne.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday at 2:00 at the Morrison Presbyterian church in charge of Rev. Christian Haupt, who has served as supply pastor in the Morrison community during the past several years.

Because of his advanced age and the various activities of his life, Mr. Shimer was widely known throughout the Morrison and Reinbeck communities, and highly respected by all who knew him.

Mr. Shimer was born at Mt. Carroll, Ill., on March 11, 1865. He came to Grundy county with his parents nearly 91 years ago and has resided here ever since. There are perhaps very few people living who were here when Mr. Shimer came to this county.

On January 30, 1890, Mr. Shimer was married to Asenath Townsend at the home of her sister, Mrs. James Black, in Morrison by Rev. William Gay. The couple celebrated both their 50th and 60th wedding anniversary, the latter on January 30, 1950.

Mrs. Shimer was born at Mackdale, Ontario, Canada, Nov. 11, 1868. She came to Grundy county three years before her marriage.

The Shimers have lived in Morrison and vicinity ever since their marriage. During their early years they resided in Reinbeck where he owned and operated a hardware store. He also followed the carpenter trade for a few years. The couple then moved to a farm near Morrison where they resided for many years. Mrs. Shimer passed away on Dec. 4, 1952. He is survived by his three children: Mrs. Russell Melbourne, Mrs. Oma Cooper of Morrison, and Fern Shimer of Glendale, Calif. Also by two sisters, Mrs. Clara Brown of Antigo, Wis., and Mrs. Ida Morrison of Grundy Center. There are also six grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

Burial was in the Washington township cemetery.

--The Grundy Register (Grundy Center, Iowa), 19 April 1956, pg 6