REGISTER OF
OLD SETTLERS
BOOK ONE
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MUSCATINE COUNTY IOWA REGISTER OF | |
Source: REGISTER OF OLD SETTLERS , BOOK One, page 167
submitted by Kevan Chown, Aug. 17, 2007
DEATH OF JACOB HERSHE At his home in this city, Febuary 15th 1885, at 4:35 p. m. of general debility and incidental paralysis JACOB HERSHE, in his 80th year. The funeral is appointed for tomorrow (Tuesday) at 10 a. m., from the residents of Mrs. Dr. C. Hershe, Third street, near Mulberry.
The first premonition of the illness resulting thus fatally, occurred about a month ago in a slight paralytic stroke, followed by similar shocks of a severer nature. There was afterward a hope, ful rallying of vital energy, and it is probable that the weight and weakness of four score years rather then so slight a paralysis were the main cause of death.
Deceased was born in Lancaster Co., Penn., January 18, 1806, subsequently removing to Cumberland county. In April 1850 the family came to Muscatine, which they made their permanent home.
Mr. Hershe entered immediately upon manufacturing enterprises on his arrival in Muscatine, erecting in 1850 the first saw mill to occupy the site of the present large mill of the Hershey Co. The old shed standing near the chimney of the present structure, is the only remaining portion of the first building. In 1854 Mr. Hershe sold the mill property to his cousin, Mr. Benj. Hershey, and interested himself in farming, buying and greatly beautifying the place on the Wilton road, now owned by Mr. Gus Bagnard. After converting this into one of the most ornamental homes in the county, he grew weary of farm labor and routine, and sold to Mr. J. W. Jayne, when he moved back to the city, and built the three story brick on east Fifth street for a residence.
Deceased was one of the most highly esteemed citizens of Muscatine. Few among us carried themselves with the grand simplicity of character of Mr. Hershe, or wore so bright a patent of nature’s nobility. He united the graces of religion to the breeding of a true gentleman. Dignified in his intercourse with men, none could unbend with gentler graciousness and sympathy in the presence of children. One can appreciate what must be the loss of such a husband and father. His wife survives, aged 76 years, There are seven children living and all attended his last hours.
****** FUNERAL OF JACOB HERSHE. This morning at 10 o’clock a large number of friends gathered at the residence of Mrs. Dr. Hershe to pay the last tribute of respect to one of the oldest settlers in the city and county. The casket was in the front room, and in it lay all that was mortal of our late friend and citizen. His face was natural and looked as if he had but laid down to rest. Upon the casket was the letter “H” in evergreen and just below it the word “Father” engraved upon a plate. A sheaf of ripe wheat, with a sickle made of flowers was also among the ornaments.
Rev. W. I. Beatty, pastor of the U. B. church and pastor of the deceased conducted the services assisted by the Rev. J. H. Snoke. The discourse was from Cor. 15, 57, “Thanks be to God who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” After the service, the doors of the room containing the casket and family were closed, and they were permitted to take unobserved, the last long look of their aged parent and grand parent. This leaving the family alone until the last with their dear dead, seemed befitting such an occasion.
The casket was then sealed and borne to the hearse by M. Neidig, Jacob Erb. P. Stein, W. D. Ament, J. A. Bishop, J. R. Nisley. Some of the friends and relatives in the country were prevented by the heavy drafts in the roads from attending.
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