Austin F. Shaw(1850-1890)

SHAW

Posted By: Anne Hermann (email)
Date: 6/18/2008 at 07:24:52

Maquoketa Excelsior
April 5, 1890

A Noble Life Ended.

Every true man and woman in Maquoketa and vicinity, who knew him, mourns the loss of a friend and brother in the death of Austin F. Shaw. They know that a place, which it will be difficult to fill, is vacant in their midst. They know that, wherever placed, Mr. Shaw always had the courage of his convictions. They know that whatever was given him to do was done, and well done. They know that it was never necessary to make use of diplomacy to find out where he stood on any question affecting the welfare of the community, but that, instead, they always knew where to find him. They know that no man in the community was more generous, more forgetful of self, when public interests were at stake. They know that this community never produced a man who possessed more of those elements of character which go to make up a perfect man, and that no man, with the same natural traits and tendencies, ever worked more diligently and conscientiously to develop himself into perfect manhood. They know that he was considered too radical by some, but they also know that every man who has opinions of his own, and the courage and honesty to express them, to live by them and for them, is similarly criticized by those who belong to the other and larger party; and they also know that the times have demanded, and still demand, radical men of the right kind, his kind, to counteract the influence of those who are too liberal in their views. They know that he was ever true to his friends and charitable and forgiving toward his enemies. They know that no man among them, in the years gone by, has been more ready with his purse, his talents, his time and his energy to further the interests of every good cause, and that his hand is seen in the warp and woof of every good work accomplished in our midst since he reached man’s estate, if he had opportunity to aid it by his counsel, his work or his means. They know that he was ever inch a man.

Since the enactment of the prohibitory law in this state Mr. Shaw has been the most energetic and zealous of our citizens in trying to secure its enforcement, but always by fair, honorable means. So courageous was he that the saloon-keepers of the place long ago learned to fear him, but they learned to respect and admire him at the same time. Upon hearing of his death Monday morning, one of them, who had been caused no little trouble and annoyance by Mr. Shaw’s persistent efforts in behalf of law and order, remarked: “Well, Maquoketa has lost the best man that ever lived in the town.”

He did not escape the tongue of the slanderer, to his honor be it said. Even the birds pick at the choicest, ripest fruit. It may well be doubted, however, whether they who said evil things of him believed them, themselves. If they did, they must have measured him by themselves, for many men are prone to see evil in others just in proportion as it exists in themselves.

So much confidence had our people in his integrity that it has often been said, since his recent business failure, that had he been disposed to be dishonest, he might have failed with all the loose money in this city in his possession. One of our prominent capitalists, a few weeks ago, remarked: “Austin Shaw could have borrowed $10,000 of me on his own note.” For his memory’s sake, for humanity’s sake, we are glad that no act of his life, rightly construed, gives cause for diminishing that confidence.

He was of too sensitive nature for his own peace of mind, but this was his misfortune, not his fault. He was too generous with his money for his means, and too energetic for his strength of body. Had he attempted less, he might have been alive to-day.

He was born in this city May 2, 1850. When only three years of age, he was left fatherless. The parting injunction of his dying father was, “Be a good boy and always say your prayers.” A firm, faithful, loving, Christian mother guided him through the years of boyhood and youth.

After finishing the course of study in the city schools, he entered the employ of Spencer & Knittle, where he remained for six years, and where he was found faithful to every trust.

In 1871 he entered Cornell University, at Ithaca, N. Y., and four years later graduated from the Scientific Department. Having always been a constant attendant at church and Sabbath School, upon going to Ithaca, he sought a church home and very soon made a public profession of faith in Christ. He remained an earnest, active Christian until his death. He was a member of the Congregational Church, for years its clerk and superintendent of its Sabbath School, and no member has done more than he for the up building of that society in all its branches.

In 1876, in company with E. L. Mathews, he purchased the Excelsior, and Mr. Shaw became its editor. He was a clean, fearless, able writer and gained the Excelsior many friends.

In 1880 they sold the Excelsior and Mr. Shaw engaged in the hardware business with Austin Munger. In 1884, H. S. Crane entered the partnership and the next year Mr. Munger retired. The business of Shaw & Crane until their unfortunate and universally deplored failure in January of this year. It is generally believed that the firm would not have failed, had it not been for Mr. Shaw’s frail health. On the other-hand, it is quite certain that his death was hastened, to say the least, by his troubles.

In December, 1880, he was united in marriage to Miss. I. C. Ray, of Vinton, Iowa, who had been a popular and efficient teacher in the schools of this city for several years. There home life was pure, sweet, happy.

Although Mr. Shaw was known to be seriously ill, no one dreamed that the end was so near, and the community was greatly shocked to hear of his death. He died at 8:30 o’clock, Sunday evening, March 30, of quick consumption, super induced by a severe attack of la grippe, and by mental worry. He had been confined to his home for eight weeks and one day.

The funeral occurred from the Congregational Church Thursday, at 2 o’clock p.m. Although it was a rainy, disagreeable afternoon, many were unable to gain admission to the church, so anxious were his friends and neighbors to pay that tribute to his memory. The services were conducted by the pastor, Rev. T. S. Oadams, assisted by Rev. J. G. Van Ness, of the M. E. Church, and Rev. S. F. Millikan, of Wichita, Kans. The sermon was preached by Rev. Millikan, as was fitting, for he had been the pastor, co-worker and intimate friend of Mr. Shaw for thirteen years. If anybody, outside of his own family, knew Mr. Shaw, Mr. Millikan did, and he spoke in highest praise of his usefulness to the church and to society.

The stores were closed during the services, and the business men, recognizing the fact that one of the foremost among their number had departed, attended the funeral in a body.

As Mr. Shaw was a member of the School Board for a number of years and a life-long friend of the schools and the cause of education, the Board of Directors wisely ordered that the schools be closed Thursday afternoon.

The following relatives were present at the funeral: J. C. Broeksmit, wife and children, Miss Mary Shaw and Wm. Broeksmit, all of Cedar Rapids; Judge Kelso, wife and two children, of Bellevue; Mrs. Shaw’s sister, Mrs. Frazelle, of Winnebago, Ill.; her brother, Mr. Ray and wife, of Vinton, and Mr. Shaw’s cousin, Mr. Fiske Eastman, of Moline, Ill.

Besides his faithful, loving wife and devoted sisters, two sons, John A. and Guy R., survive Mr. Shaw. The only inheritance he leaves these two sons is the shining example of his blameless, upright Christian life; but who shall say that it will not prove of more value to them than any inheritance of houses, lands, or money? Since a good name, when deserved, is rather to be prized than great wealth, Mr. Shaw died a rich man, and since men are known by their deeds, his life was a success. – Maquoketa Excelsior