Reuben Shank

SHANK, HUNTER

Posted By: Diane Shough (email)
Date: 8/14/2023 at 09:22:04

"Mr. Reuben Shank whose death we mentioned last week, was said to be the oldest man in Bagley. He had lived in this place 29 years and during that time was one of our best citizens, establishing himself by his life in the affections of many people. For him death had no sting, for he was prepared to go. In order to accommodate the many friends who wished to attend the funeral, it was held at the Christian church and occurred last Sunday afternoon. The church was filled to its capacity. Impressive services were conducted by Elder Emery Fiscel of the Brethren church, assisted by Elder Moses Deardorff. Sweet and appropriate music was furnished by Brethren singers. The remains were laid to rest in the Brethren cemetery near Panora, beside those of the departed wife of the deceased. Reuben Shank was born in Sommerset [sic] county, Pa., May 10, 1832, died at his home in Bagley, Iowa, Sept. 28, 1918, aged 86 years, 4 months and 18 days. He was married Nov. 8, 1854, to Nancy Hunter, who was also born in Sommerset Co., Pa., Feb. 15, 1834, and died at the home in Bagley, Jan 20, 1906, aged 71 years, 11 months and 5 days. To this union 12 children were born, of these 5 sons and three daughters survive. In October, 1864, in company with his family, he emigrated to Lee Co., Ill., and in Sept., 1875, moved to Guthrie Co., Iowa, residing on a farm until May 1889, after which time he moved to Bagley where he lived the remaining days of his life. He united with the Brethren church, as did also his wife, more than a half century ago, and has lived ever faithful and devoted to the principles of the true religion of doing right in all things towards his fellow man and God." (Bagley Gazette, Bagley, Iowa, Thursday, October 8, 1918, pg. 1)