Silas I. SHEARER 1838 - 1915

SHEARER

Posted By: Jerry Hale (email)
Date: 3/30/2002 at 21:19:00

Collins Gazette March 11, 1915

OBITUARY

S. I. SHEARER
Another Pioneer Departed

Silas I. Shearer was born in Marion county, Ind, January 11, 1838, and died in collins, Iowa, March 5, 1915 having lived 77 years, 1 month and 25 days.

Mr. Sharer came with his parents to Wapello county, Iowa September 30, 1847. He remained in Wapello county until he was a young man, then he went to Des Moines in 1856 when that town was a small place. In November 1856 he came to Nevada and lodged in the old log hotel, "Old Terrific" snd next day he walked to the lower part of the county, now known as Collins township. He spent three Excepting three years spent in Missouri Mr. Shearer has lived in Iowa the time being about 65 years. Mr. Shearer served his township several times as justice of the peace and also as a member of the board of supervisors and was acting as such when he present court house was built.

In August 1862 Mr. Shearer enlisted in Co. K 23 Iowa Infantry. He was promoted to sergeant June 1, 1865. He was mustered out at the close of the war. His regiment numbered 1070 in the beginning and had 316 when mustered out, having engaged in many battles.

Mr. Shearer was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Shenkle Nov. 30, 1859. To this happy union were born 11 children, two of whom have preceded father and mother to the other world. Mrs. Shearer left her husband just one year and two weeks before his death. Mr. Shearer was heard to say that he would not live more than a year alone. There are 9 children, 46 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, three brothers, one sister and a great number of friends who mourn the loss of a loving father, a single friend, a noble citizen.

Mr. Shearer united with the Evangelical Church at old West Point school house in 1871. After moving to Bondurant, he with his wife, united with the Congregational church, in which his membership was enjoyed till death translated name to book of eternal life. His old comrades, his loving and large family of children, his many kind and sweet memories to cherish of this dear old gentleman in the future.

The funeral was held in the M.P. church Sunday afternoon. The church was filled, relatives and friends, being present to show their respect for the deceased and give mutual sympathy. The music was furnished by an efficient choir of voices, who sang appropriate selections. The floral tributes were very beautiful.

Rev. C.S. Hanson conducted the service and preached the sermon, which was replete with tender, comforting thoughts, appreciative of the noble earthy life that had just closed and giving christian assurance for the life eternal. Rev. A. V. Hart read the scripture lesson and Rev. Lyle offered prayer.

The Children with their families who mourn the loss of an earthly father are, Lewis D. Shearer of Collins, Eliza E. Bence of State Center, Sanford A. Shearer of Gilbert, Minnie M. Kimberly of Collins, Ora B. Heintz of State Center, Catherine L. Diggins of Collins, Elias W. Shearer of Colo, Iowa; Hattie S. Girton of Ardmore, S. Dak., James G. Shearer of Armour, S. Dak. These sorrowing children have the sympathy of all their many friends. All were present except James G. who was snowbound.

The pall bearers were six grandsons: Frank Kinberley, Oliver Shearer, Lewis Bence, Isiah Kimberley, Sanford Shearer Jr., and Fred Bence. The interment was in Collins Cemetery. They were the same pallbearers as served at the funeral of Grandmother Shearer.

The following relatives and friends were in attendance from out of town: Mr. And Mrs. Sanford Shearer and son Igo of Gilbert and sons Roy of Perry and Marshall of Des Moines, Mr. And Mrs. Lewis Bence of State Center, Mr. And Mrs. W. C. Heintz of State Center, Mr. And Mrs. A. L. Girton of Ardmore, S. Dak., Mr. And Mrs. M. M. Shearer of Colo, Iowa, George Shearer of Tama, Mrs. J. L. Shearer of Rhodes, Mrs. Melissa Reicks and daughter Letta of Bondurant Mr. and Mrs. E. W. Shearer of Colo.