Representative Lafayette Shaeffer View All Years

HONORABLE REV. LAFAYETTE SHAEFFER

MR. SPEAKER: Your committee, appointed to prepare resolutions commemorating the life and public service of the Honorable Lafayette Shaeffer, State Representative, reports as follows:

Reverend Schaeffer was born near Centerville, Iowa, May 6, 1849, and died January 5, 1932, at his home near Mystic, Iowa.

He was born of American parentage, of German descent. His father, David Schaeffer, and mother, Lydia Hiestand, were born, reared and united in marriage in Fairfield county, Ohio. In 1846 they removed to Appanoose county, Iowa. He received his education in the common schools, with the exception of one term spent in Western College.

On September 26, 1875, he united in marriage with Miss Theresa A. Robinson of Monroe county, who was born in Ripley county, Indiana. She died December 21, 1910. On December 7, 1922, he married Mary J. Robinson who survives his passing.

A farmer most of his life, he also entered the ministry of the United Brethren church in 1883 and held this post for fifty-three years until his death, leaving an enviable record. Four hundred thirty-three marriages, and the number of his funerals exceeded his marriages. He was willing and ready at all times to go anywhere to perform his services. His political career began as committeeman of his township, led to frequent nominations as a delegate to county and state conventions, the office of justice of the peace and township assessor, and finally to the post of State Representative to the Thirty-sixth General Assembly. For thirty years he was associated with his local school board, serving as sub-director, president, and for twenty-three years of the thirty as secretary. He held a notary public commission.

Reverend Shaeffer was a man of strong public spirit. A model of industry, integrity, and charity, he spent his life in an endeavor to promote the general welfare according to his creed.

Therefore, Be It Resolved by the House of Representatives of the Forty-fifth General Assembly, That in the passing of the Honorable Lafayette Shaeffer, the state has lost a loyal citizen, a man of strong character and sterling worth, and this House, by these resolutions of respect and appreciation extends its sincere sympathy to his surviving relatives.

Be It Further Resolved, That these resolutions be spread on the records of this House, and an enrolled copy thereof be sent to the wife of the deceased.

FOREST DAVIS,

J. E. CRAVEN,

S. B. DURANT,

Committee.

Unanimously adopted April 11, 1933.