Robert McELHINNY 1805-1878

MCELHINNY, SHAFFER

Posted By: Richard K Thompson (email)
Date: 8/16/2009 at 09:54:03

Fairfield Ledger
April 24, 1878
Page 2 Col 6

{Transcribed as originally written, with spelling, grammar, and puctuation preserved. Original entry was in one newspaper column, three paragraphs. Surnames are capitalized for this posting per guidelines for submission}

OBITUARY

Robert McELHINNY was born in Pittsburg, Pa., February 6th, 1805. At the proper age he was apprenticed to a master to learn the trade of saddle and harness making. He was not only industrious and faithful to every trust, but was studious and observant of matters not especialy connected with his trade. June 24th, 1831, (St. John's day) he was married to Mary SHAFFER, at Washington, Pa., by a Methodist minister. These people, husband and wife, with no capital except industry, pluck and determination, began an humble life at Hickory, Pa, he working at his trade, and she conserving and preserving what was brought in as the result of their united effort. To his shop was duly added a small stock of notions, dry goods, &c, which were demanded by the wants of his customers, and the stock so increased that he abandoned his trade and gave his whole attention to his purchase and sale of goods. In a few years he returned to Washington, and was a long time one of the leading merchants of the place. In 1841 he sent a stock of goods to this city, and kept the establishment in operation with unvarying success. Soon thereafter he removed here and made it his permanent residence - he amassed a considerable fortune. He adorned and enriched the home he adopted by many substantial improvements. He was first in every enterprise which promised advancement of the material interest of the city or state. He was no politician, and asked no favor from party or clique. Possessing elements that gave him no higher ambition than home, family and friends, he cultivated all these with the utmost enthusiasm, and found his duty and pleasure in doing what lay in his power for the children God had brought to his home. He mainatined, educated, cared for and preserved those children, and left them, a heritage to the state, which will bring forth its fruit of goodness, and honor, and blessedness.

In his religion views he was extremely tolerant. Reared and educated a Baptist, he united with the Presbyterian Church in Washington, Pa, and has been a worthy, consistent and regular attendant of that church in this city from the time of becoming a resident. While in no sense demonstrative in the matter of religion, yet he was one of the most regular attendants upon the public and social service - never being absent unless sick or away from home, which seldom occurred. His life was proof that he was a sincere and earnest christian. He was not especially endowed with social qualities, being perhaps reticent when other men would be talkative; but his heart was as large as the world. None ever turned away from him empty or hungry. In his home he was lavish in procuring all things, whether necessary or ornamental, to compass the comfort and enjoyment of those about him. His family will miss him more than all others. The echo of his footstep will soon fade from the hearing and memory of those who lived on his bounty, or who found employment with him; but it will be long years before his voice and presence shall fade from wife and children, to whom he devoted his years with unvarying fidelity and unswerving trust.

He quietly fell asleep Monday evening last. The tornado that swept near us on Easter Sunday, and alarmed all others, made no impression upon him. The hail, the storm, the fierce conflict of the elements were as nothing to him; having lived the life of a righteous man, to die was easy and calm and peaceful. The tears of friends were his cup of absolution - a recognition of the will of the All-soul was his will also - and as his life went out not one but who would say: "Servant of God! well done."

*Transcribed for genealogy purposes; I have no relation to the person(s) mentioned.

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Transcriber note: The children of Robert and Mary SHAFFER McElhinny were: John Shaffer, David Phillips, William S., Robert Jr., Ellen S., Bernard S., Mary Elizabeth, Charlotte S., (girl, not named, b&d 1853), and Christian Shaffer.

In 1931 daughter Mary Elizabeth MCELHINNY died and bequested $10,000 that was ultimately used to purchase the McElhinny family home (Est.1851) in Fairfield, Iowa. That home is still standing, recently restored, and used by the Fairfield Women's Club and other civic organizations as of 2009!