Obituary for Reverend Dr. John P. Shaffer, Randolph, Alabama http://files.usgwarchives.net/al/randolph/obits/revjpshaffer.txt ============================================= USGENWEB PROJECT NOTICE: In keeping with the USGenWeb policy of providing free information on the Internet, this data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages cannot be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Project Archives to store the file permanently for free access. This file is copyrighted and contributed by: William Fischer, Jr. ============================================= January 2002 DEATH CLAIMS DR J P SHAFFER ---------------------------- The death of Rev John P SHAFFER, D D, at the home of his daughter, Mrs Guy H HANDLEY, in this place, at 10:40 Monday evening, was a shock to his hosts of friends in Roanoke and throughout the state. He was not considered dangerously ill till a day or so before his death. The distinguished patient had come for an operation upon the eye, which was successfully performed. A few days ago, however, an acute stomach trouble developed, and the heroic spirit of the old soldier was soon borne beyond the reach of earthly arms to the haven of rest, toward which he had pointed so many of life’s weary mariners. Few ministers have been better known and more loved, especially in East Alabama, than the man who rests upon his bier today. His long life was given to the upbuilding of this section. He served the Roanoke Baptist church as pastor for 18 years, beginning in 1871. During several years of that time he taught the school at this place. At the time of his death he was pastor of the Baptist church at Lineville [Clay Co., AL], where he was greatly loved. But Roanoke seemed more like home to him, and it was as if by a kindly providence that he was permitted to pass from this point to the eternal home. Tender hands and loving hearts made his last hours peaceful. Dr SHAFFER was born in Talladega county March 13, 1841, and was therefore 68 years of age. He entered the Civil War as a Confederate soldier and served about three years, only retiring after losing one foot in battle. He played a noble part in the rehabilitation of his devastated country. He lived and labored in the days that tried men’s souls. Dr SHAFFER was a man of no ordinary ability. He made himself felt wherever he espoused a cause. He was a natural leader of men, and bound legions of friends to him as if by hooks of steel. Many whom he has helped will rise up to call him blessed. The funeral services of the deceased soldier of the cross will be conducted from the Baptist church at 11 o’clock today and the interment will be in the city cemetery. Several ministers will be present and participate in the services. [From The Roanoke Leader (Randolph County, Alabama), 12 May 1909, p.1] ---------------------------- SAD FUNERAL OF DR J P SHAFFER ---------------------------- Last Wednesday was a day of universal sorrow in Roanoke. An honored minster of the Gospel, and a former citizen and pastor of Roanoke, lay in the embrace of death. A sense of loss seemed to fill every heart as it became more fully realized that Rev John P SHAFFER was no more. At 11 o’clock, the hour set for the funeral rites, business was suspended, and all classes united in paying homage to the man who, through so many years, in sunshine and in storm, had been a staunch friend to the people of Roanoke, and a benefactor to thousands in East Alabama. About sixty men and women came from Lineville -- the scene of Dr SHAFFER’s first and last pastorate -- bringing wreaths of flowers and tributes of love. In addition to members of his own church, his fellow-laborer, Rev J H VANN, pastor of the Methodist church of Lineville, came to pay the last mark of respect to the memory of the beloved pastor, now entered into rest. Delegations came also from LaFayette, Dadeville and other points. Indeed, it was a representative outpouring of friends from far and near that filled the large auditorium of the First Baptist church to overflowing. White and black streamers were hung around the choir railing, while a profusion of flowers, in lovely designs, rested upon the front of the rostrum. The choir sang effectively “Nearer, my God, to thee.” Rev J W HAMNER then read a Scripture lesson from First Corinthians, and Rev W T DAVIS offered a fervent prayer. The sweet old hymn, “Home of the soul,” was sung by Madam Frosolono. Rev George E BREWER, of Notasulga [Macon Co., AL], was chosen to deliver the principal funeral address. His text was the 36th verse of the 13th chapter of Acts. Mr BREWER was the most intimate friend of the deceased. They had known each other over half a century. The former was the latter’s instructor when both were young men. They attended together the Southern Baptist Convention in Louisville, Ky, forty years ago to the week. They had planned to meet in the great convention in the same city last week, believing it would be their last opportunity, but by a sad and singular coincidence, just on the eve of the convention Mr SHAFFER was called to join the hosts beyond, and his long-time comrade was summoned to attend the funeral, as his brethren began the busy activities of the session in Louisville. The speaker, after giving a brief exposition of his text, spoke deliberately of the life and character of his departed friend, and paid sincere tribute to his memory. He referred to his recognized natural gifts, to his arduous labors, to his devotion to duty -- as a citizen, soldier and minister -- and commended his courage in adhering to his convictions of right. The following ministers also paid loving tribute to the memory of their trusted friend and counsellor [sic]: Revs W T DAVIS, of Lineville; C J BURDEN, of LaFayette [Chambers Co., AL]; J W HAMNER, of Ashland [Clay Co., AL]; A S SMITH, of Alexander City [Tallapoosa Co., AL]; J W DEAN, of Mellow Valley [Clay Co., AL]; A S BRANNAN and T J PORTER, of Roanoke. When the eulogies were concluded the choir sang, “I would not live alway,” and the long procession was formed which marched to the city cemetery, where the body of the brave but gentle man was lowered with brief and simple ceremony, to its last, long sleep. [From The Roanoke Leader (Randolph County, Alabama), 19 May 1909, p.1] ------- Rev. Dr. John P. SHAFFER, 13 Mar 1841--10 May 1909, Margaret SHAFFER, 25 Sep 1838-- 10 Jun 1909, his wife, Rosa SHAFFER HANDLEY, 28 Oct 1868--19 May 1958, his daughter, Rev. Jabez Curry SHAFFER, 3 May 1877--3 May 1903, his son, All interred in Cedarwood Cemetery, Roanoke, Randolph Co., Alabama. G. R. SHAFFER, his son, Mrs W. L. HILL, his daughter,