Decatur County Journal

April 20, l905

LEO SHEWMAKER died at his mother's home southeast of Grand River on

Monday, April l7th, about l0 o'clock a.m. He was the son of the late

GEO. W. SHEWMAKER who died thirteen years ago. The father was well

known in the county, having served one term as member of the board of

supervisors. His death was caused by that scourge of mankind,

consumption. When he died, LEO was his oldest son and his father knew

that the son was developing the disease which soon must end his own

life. So he directed that after his death, the son should go to the

mountains and seek a climate in which he might recover his health or

prolong his days. As soon as his father's remains were laid at rest,

young SHEWMAKER turned his back upon his mother's sorrowing home and

commenced the battle for life. He spent his winters mostly in some city

on the Pacific coast engaged in any kind of work that would provide a

livelihood. In the summer time he sought the mountain tops and in the

pure atmosphere lived alone with no human companion.

No doubt this course prolonged his life. But at the close of winter he

gave up the long struggle and wrote to his sorrowing friends at home

that he had given up all hope and wanted to return to die. A brother

went to his assistance and brought him home a week ago. For thirteen

years, LEO had bravely fought the battle of life and then like a tired

child, laid down the burden. The last chapter in the sad story of his

young life has ended.

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Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert

September 7, 200l