The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1880-05-06
Ano,ner pioneer Gone.

William Sh0well was born in Waynesburg,
Green County. Pa, February 5. 1889 Died IN
Rootstown, o.. April IS. 1850. Els father. Rev.
Henry Shewell, moved into Ohio. then North
Western Territory in 1871. He has thus been
Identified with Rootstown and its immediate
vicinity for period of nearly 50 years. His
father was an active local preacher in the ranks
OF the NJ. e. Church. at the age OF 16 young
William gave his heart to the Lord and united
with the NJ. e Church, then small class or
ganized at the log cabin Of his father. in 1919
Few can realize at this time how destitute were
the early settlers of the means of giving their
children an education. Only fev9months at
most could be spared from the active duties of
life to acquire education. To read and
write, and understand the simpler rules of
Arithmetic. was about all that could be hoped
for. and this was often secured under great diff
flculties. Even "dip" candles could not always
be afforded, and rude lam ps and blazing hickory
bark and the fire from old fashioned fireplaces
was all the light by which after the days work
was done the children learned to read. Very
few books could be had and the few papers
that could be procured were read and re-read
and carefully preserved lor future reference.
But mind mocks at obstacles. and from many a
log cabin have gone forth men that have left
their mark upon the shores of time, trained in
Natures sternest school, strong of arm and
courageous of heart. they were able TO do battle
with the mighty forests-the growth of CEN
turies that must be cut away and burned ere
the cultivated farms and the waving grain could
appear.
To q IS h;ect of this sketch save
she energies OF youthfui years. In this line
he had equal Famous choppers would N.
for miles to try their skill with him. to be al
ways easily defeated; and for fifty years no
f,rp lar ripr ,,srt to, n
chopping contest. This incident (but one out
OF the many which might be given) will show
his power of endurance and skill with the AK
A stranger came with contract for furnishing
large bill Of hewn timber, and secured the
services of young Shewell, then in his prime,
to assist him in selecting the timber to be cut
and gave him authority to procure other help,
saying that at least three of the best choppers
would not be too many to score what he (the
strangely could hew. shewell replied that he
would have "Bill" and "shewell'' to help him
and with no other help he gave that man all he
could do to hew what he scored until the con-
tract was finished. Another-at that time near
ly every one thought that whisky wvs needed
to give strength and to keep of the chills. Shew-
ell did not think. In connection with the
Beech Brothers he took contract for r large
amount of cord wood. They told him that he
could never put up that wood without whisky.
He said I'VE will try" And they went to work,
and at the close it was found that without
whisky he had cut mole cords OF wood than
they both with their whisky.
His religious experience was of the plain,
practical, commonsense type; not given to
much profession but rather exemplifyine by a
long life of devotion to principle and the prac-
tice OF every virtue. the power of grace to
change and mold into the image of Christ those
who give themselves in youth to the service OF
God. Yet his testimony was always clear and
distinct.
AS an incident illustrative OF character (and
his life nboundcd in such) the writer has heard
him relate the following: He had felled a tree
a1a ..~r,.s-s rs-fnso foSs- WHICH, u squfr ret
some rods away attracted his attention by its
strange actions. Ne left his in the tree and
on a nearer approach found that the squirrel
was being charmed by huge snake. The Sill
my monster slid away allowing his victim to
escape. On going back to his AK he found q
large limb had fallen where but instant be-
fore he had stood. shivering his ak handle to
atoms. He could but weep his thanks to his
Heavenly Father for his wonderful deliverence
His family consisted OF four sons and four
daughters. His eldest son and youngest daugh-
ter passed away some years ago. His first wife
and the mother of his children was a helpless
invalid for many years, yet during all his trials
and troubles he was mover known to murmur
or complain. His second and third wives died
within IS months of his own decease.
lone by one the band is broken,
One by one the veterans fall'
Life's labOrs are as sinks the clay
Light from its load the spirit flies,
While Heaven and Earth combine to say
How blost the righteous when he dlesi
Ii.