LOUISA COUNTY, IOWA

Pg 48

CHARLEY SHELLABARGER

Transcribed by Beverly Gerdts, submitted June 13, 2017

        Jacob Shellabarger was a native of Pennsylvania, and his wife Jane (Beard) Shellabarger was born in New Jersey. To them eight children were born, of whom T. B. Shellabarger was the fifth, born in Ohio in 186.

        Mrs. Shellabarger died in Grandview township, in 1838. Mr. Shellabarger returned to Ohio,where he died in 1839, and was buried there. The boyhood of T.B., was spent on a farm in his native state, where he received such education as those early days afforded. He came to Iowa in December 1837, and commenced farming for himself.

        In 1838, Mr. Shellabarger was untied in marriage to Matilda Browning, a native of New Jersey, and a daughter of William and Grace (Fish) Browning, who was also born in New Jersey. Mr. and Mrs. Shellabarger first settled in Grandview township, later moving to a home on section 19, in 1862.

        Seven children graced the union of this worthy couple; Matilda Jane, who died August 4, 1867, at the age of seventeen years, Jacob L, Charley B., William B., Kossuth, and H. M. Mr. Shellabarger was one of the most successful farmers of Grandview township. For over half a century, Mr Shellabarger was a resident of Louisa county, and witnessed it growth. On his arrival, the country was one wild unbroken prairie, where the wild deer roamed and bands of red men might frequently be seen. The one of this family most closely connected with Fredonia life, is Mr and Mrs. Charley Shellabarger. It was my good fortune to live close neighbors to them, and they were wonderful neighbors.

        Mrs. Shellabarger was Izula Ann Whisler, and after their marriage they spent most of their life on a farm. They moved to Fredonia in 1912, where Mr. Shellabarger passed away in May, 1943. His wife died in February, 1944.

        To Mr. and Mrs. Shellabarger, six children were born: Harry, who followed the barber trade and died at the age if 22 years, two sons passed away in infancy, Leila, became Mrs. Whicher, and reside on a farm near Danville, Iowa, an have a wonderful family of four children, Leo, Pauline, Freda and Billy.

        Edna is Mrs. Dr. Warner, and reside in Muscatine. Stella became the wife of Roy Masonholder, and for a time made their home on a farm; then moved to Muscatine. They are the parents of two daughters, Elaine and Millicent.

        Edgebert Shellabarger was united in marriage to Lena Blankenhorn, and made their home on a farm in Concord township for many years, then moved to Fredonia in February, 1942, where they now reside. Mrs. Shellabarger has been a correspondent for the Gazette for many years, and is a member of the Methodist W.S. C. S. and takes part in our community activities. They are among our highly respected citizens. Mr. Shellabarger has acted as town council. They are the parents of four children: Charles, Viola, Violet, Evelyn and Harold.