Shriner, Jennie, Mrs. 1879-1972

SHRINER, SMITH

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke-Volunteer (email)
Date: 6/9/2010 at 23:20:55

Source:Hawarden Independent(11-2-1972)

Mrs. Jennie (Smith) Shriner was born Feb. 1, 1879. She passed away at the Hawarden Hospital on Oct 26, having attained the age of 93 years, 8 months and 25 days.

Mrs. Shriner spent her childhood years in the vicinity of the three towns of Traer, Gladbrook and Conrad, Iowa. In 1892, at the age of 13, she came with her family to Hawarden, Iowa. The family lived on a farm three miles southeast of Hawarden for 8 years, and moved into the town of Hawarden in 1900. In 1919, she married R.A. Shriner. Mr.Shriner passed away in 1952.

Mrs. Shriner was a twin, and her life was closely knit to that of her sister Anna. These twin sisters lived in the same houses and homes, and under the same roofs for all but a few years of their lives. They attended Hawarden high school together. They both became teachers. Anna continued longer in the teaching profession than did her sister Jennie.

Jennie attended the Library School at the University of Iowa, Iowa City, and became the first Librarian of the local Library, a position which she held for 17 years. Then she continued to serve on the local library Board for 45 years, making a total of more than 60 years of service to the Hawarden Public Library.

Mrs. Shriner was always interested in the better things. Many in this area, and beyond this area, testify to her influence and efforts to make of this community that would reflect the highest ideals. She gave herself unstintingly to the work of organizations that would help build and move toward those objectives. Her Church, the Presbyterian (latter to become the Associated Church) was always first and foremost in her heart and mind. She served in many capacities. Her membership dated back to 1892, and was a continuous record of membership and service for nearly 80 years. She was active in worship and choir. She was the Church pianist for many years. There was also a long record of Sunday School teaching. She was faithful and devoted to the Church Women's Organization. But Mrs.Shriner also had time and energy and leadership to give to other organizations as well. She was a member of the Federated Women's Club of Hawarden and gave time and talent. She was a member of P.E.O. for more than 50 years and was devoted to its ideals and objectives.

Mrs. Shriner made it her life rule to serve and to give of herself to serve others. Many of these good deeds are well known, but many more have gone unnoticed and unrecorded.

She leaves to mourn her going, one niece, Mrs. Mary Janet Wilkens of Hawarden; two nephews. John Smith of Montrose, S.D., and Donald Smith of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; ten grand nieces and nephews, five great grand nieces, some cousins and many friends.