Shaeffer, Tilghman H (1840-1920)

SHAEFFER, FERLEN

Posted By: Debbie Greenfield (email)
Date: 12/12/2020 at 10:51:58

Stratford Courier
May 6, 1920

T.H. SHAEFFER, PROMINENT IN EARLY DAYS OF STRATFORD, DEAD

After an illness of a little more than a week, T.H. Shaeffer passed away at the home of his son, Swan, at 2:20 Monday morning. Mr. Shaeffer had been troubled with asthma during this last illness and at times his condition was very serious while at other times he seemed to be improving. Saturday night he was very ill but on Sunday was considerably better until late in the afternoon when he became worse and sank until his death.

T.H. Shaeffer was a pioneer merchant in Stratford and operated one of the first general merchandise stores here. Since the town's infancy he has been more or less identified with the business interests of Stratford and it has only been in recent years that he had retired from active interest in business which still bears his name.

It was the writer's good fortune to have known him long and well, and we only knew him to esteem him more highly as the years passed by. Today we miss his kindly smile and friendly greeting; we long in vain to hear the ring of his jovial laughter and to feel again his genial presence. Only yesterday we sat before his bier in the church near the scene of his youthful happy days. We stood by his open grave as the last sad rites were performed, and as the clay of earth closed above his silent resting place, we said with the poet:

"Cold in the dust the perished heart may die,
But that which warmed it once can never die."

Perhaps no man was better known in the early days of Stratford than was "Til" Shaeffer. And as the owner of a business that name stood for everything that was honest and square in business and in every deal of every kind. He was a kind and indulgent father, a tender brother, and to his friends the soul of fellowship. But the greatest of all was he was a man. And as a man it is that those who knew him best most love to contemplate him. He believed in the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man. He believed that the man who scatters flowers in the pathway of his fellow men, who lets into the dark places of life the sunshine of human sympathy and human happiness, is following in the footsteps of his Master.

For many years now his home had been broken up by the death of his wife and youngest son and he had lived at the homes of his sons here and in the west. His visits here were always pleasant to him and to his acquaintances here. For his cheerful, helpful life; his devotion to his children and grandchildren and kindness to everyone will long linger as a fragrant memory. And though he is gone his record has been made and will remain with us as a lasting treasure. His life was gentle, but like the still waters it was deep. In his heart of hearts he carried those he loved, and his hand was never weary, his step never failed in caring for and ministering to those who needed help, that he is not dead, he is only as - resting after a long and well spent life here; he cannot, and would not if he could return to us; we can, if we will, go to him. Behind the storm clouds always lurks the rainbow. Darkness precedes the dawning and out of the blackness of night comes the sunshine and joy of the day. And so from the beauty of his life take an inspiration and go forth to live as he lived, so that when the summons comes you may say as he did, "All is well."

T.H. Shaeffer was born near Delphi, Indiana, September 15, 1840, and died Monday, May 3, 1920, at the age of 79 years, 7 months and 18 days. He came to this locality about 1862 and was united in marriage to Miss Anna Ferlen, March 17, 1864 at Boonesboro, Iowa. Shortly afterward they moved to a farm near Stratford and later to old Hook's Point. Seven children were born to them of whom four survive. They are: C.F. Shaeffer of Denver, Colorado, F.O. Shaeffer of Somerset, Colorado, John L. and Swan E. Shaeffer of Stratford. The wife and mother died September 2, 1907; Will, the oldest son, died in 1887; Miss Alice, only daughter, passed away in 1892 and Sammie, the youngest son, died in 1909. Besides these are left to mourn his passing, two brothers, A.M. Shaeffer of Boone and George Shaeffer of Frazer, several grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Many acquaintances and friends in this locality mourn the passing of a true and staunch man.

Deceased retired from active participation in the business which he established, about fifteen years ago and has since been living with his sons here and in Colorado. But he was nevertheless active and continually busy at some kind of work.

Many years ago he united with the local Methodist church and he has since been active in all kinds of work for the upbuilding of the church and for the uplift of the community. He had lived a worthy life and has set a worthy example for the younger generation to follow.

Short funeral services were held from the home of Mr. and Mrs. S.E. Shaeffer at one o'clock yesterday afternoon and from the M.E. church at 1:30, Rev. H.I. Pharo officiating and paying beautiful tributes to the memory of the deceased. The casket was covered with many beautiful floral decorations given by relatives and fond friends. A large floral piece was given by former business associates and the present business houses here. At the close of the service an unusual long procession followed the remains to the last resting place in the South Marion cemetery where the remains were gently lowered to rest beside those of his beloved wife, daughter and sons. At the open grave we said "farewell," may God's purest angels guard his slumbers.