Levi Jacob (L.J.) Shedenhelm, Feb. 2, 1848 - Sept. 9, 1912

SHEDENHELM, MYERS, CULVER, NEVELS

Posted By: Ava Simmons (email)
Date: 2/26/2005 at 08:28:48

Obituary in Marengo Republican of Marengo, Iowa, dated September 18, 1912:

"Mr. L.J. Shedenhelm, one of our most highly respected citizens, passed from this life to his home eternal on Monday, Sept. 9th 1912, at 2:40 o'clock P.M. He had been ill for many months, yet the people of the city hoped that the exceptional vitality of the man would eventually result in his recovery. But is was not to be so. The sufferer finally had to yield to the grim Destroyer, and pass over the dark river of death. He was an enterprising citizen, an obliging neighbor, and one in whom everyone placed implicit confidence. He held the office of city councilman at the time of his death, and gave to the municipality his best efforts as a business man.

L.J. Shedenhelm was born in Seneca county, Ohio, on Feb. 2nd, 1843, and was at the time of hes death 64 years 7 months and 7 days old. He was the youngest of eight children born to Mr. and Mrs. Grafton Shedenhelm. He grew up in his native state, and it was there that he received a good education in the public schools and good training in the principles underlying an honorable life.

He left Ohio when 20 years of age and came as far as Marengo, Iowa, where the prospects looked inviting, staying for a time with his brother, the late R.W. Shedenhelm. He was married in this city on June 9, 1870 and to this union there was born two children, Mr. O.F. Shedenhelm, the eldest, was born in 1873 in Chicago, whither Mrs. and Mrs. Shedenhelm had moved in 1871; and Mr. G.W. Shedenhelm, born on the farm southwest of town in 1876, both of whom survive, with the wife and a step-son, C.A. Myers, who made his home with the family. Seven grandchildren are also left to mourn. There also survive four brothers, G.U., H.D., J.W. and Thos. M. Shedenhelm, all of Green Springs, Ohio; three half-brothers, John G, of Wyandotte County, Ohio; Francis M., of Charlotte, Mich., and J.M. of Marengo, two sisters, Mrs. Margaret Nevels, of Charlotte, Mich., Mrs. Mary L. Culver of Wyandotte county, Ohio, and a number of cousins and other relatives in Ohio.

The family removed from Chicago later and settled on a farm southwest of town. By industry and economy he amassed a comfortable income, and after twenty-three years labor, moved to Marengo in 1900 with his faithful wife to spend their remaining days in ease and comfort.

Mr. Shedenhelm was a member of no church, but practiced the Christian virtues, and frequently attended the M.E. church. He was a member of the Knights of Pythias, and was highly regarded by his brethren of the order.

L.J. Shedenhelm was a man of unimpeachable honesty and unassailable integrity. He was broad-minded, tolerant and sympathetic. He was popular with all, and his death will be widely mourned. He was a hind husband and an indulgent father, and the family will griever over their loss.

The funeral services were held at the M.E. church on Wednesday afternoon, Sept. 11th 1912, at 2 o'clock. Rev. C.R. Zimmerman conducted the services, assisted by the choir, and preached a sermon eulogizing the character of the deceased. The floral offerings were very numerous and silently showed the respect to the dead and sympathy for the living. At the close of the services the remains were taken to the I.O.O.F. cemetery for interment, the Knights of Pythias assisting at the last sad rites. The sincere sympathy of the community is offered the bereaved widow and children."