David W. Shellabarger 1838-1917

SHELLABARGER, DUNHAM, ESTEP, TRACEY, EPERLY

Posted By: Beverly Gerdts (email)
Date: 5/31/2023 at 07:34:32

Columbus Gazette, Columbus Junction, IA
Thursday, September 20, 1917
Page 1

David W. Shellabarger, for more than twenty years a prominent resident of Letts, died at his home in that city, at 6:30 o'clock Tuesday morning following an illness of several years. Mr. Shellabarger had not enjoyed good health for several years but during the past few months his health seemed to improve and his death was entirely unexpected. David Shellabarger was born near Dayton, Ohio, April 30, 1838 and at the time of his death was 79 years, 4 months and 19 days of age. He came with his parents to Iowa in 1846 and located with them on a farm in Muscatine county. Following the death of his father he continued to farm the home farm and later purchased the farm of his own where he resided until twenty years ago when he retired and moved to Letts. He was married to Miss Martha Dunham in 1863 and for fifty-four years they have walked together the pathway of life.

His aged wife with three children survive to mourn his death. The surviving children are E. P. Shellabarger, of this city, Clarence Shellabarger, of Letts; and Mrs. Lola Estep, of Muscatine. He is also survived by one brother, Frank of Hanford, California and two sisters, Mrs. Hester Tracey, of Berkley California and Mrs. Ruth Eperly, of Muscatine. Early in life Mr.

Shellabarger became a member of the United Brethern church and was active until the time of his death. Early in the Civil War he enlisted for the defense of his country and served for three and one half years in Company F of the 35th Iowa. The funeral service will be held this Thursday afternoon at the family home in Letts conducted by Rev. Boyd. Interment in the Letts cemetery.